JAMES BOND
NEWS

2008 being Ian Fleming’s centenary year you could well be forgiven for expecting a plethora of events and exhibitions covering his life and works – well, you won’t be disappointed. For fans the world over the importance of 1908 is, quite simply, immeasurable. Ian Lancaster Fleming, son of Valentine and Evelyn Beatrice Ste Croix (Rose) Fleming, was born on May 28th that year and is now revered as the creator of the most successful spy ever to grace the earth – James Bond 007.

13 APRIL 2008 - PINEWOOD STUDIOS

With the issue of First Day covers, books and other Bond memorabilia, what better way to celebrate the genre than for fans to meet at Pinewood Studios. On a cold and wet Sunday morning we gathered for a cracking event organised by Gareth Owen, Andy Boyle and the BondStars team. ‘Goldfinger – the reunion’. In attendance were Guy Hamilton, Honor Blackman, Martin Benson, Tania Mallet, Shirley Eaton, Margaret Nolan, Caron Gardner, Burt Kwouk, Sir Ken Adam, Reg Berkshire, Peter Lamont, Norman Wanstall and Leslie Bricusse. Just as we were about to start our tour of the grounds the heavens opened but, not surprisingly, it did not deter anyone from following our guide, Dave Worrall. James Bond Nederland arranged for one of the two publicity DB5’s from The Louwman Collection in The Netherlands to be specially loaned for the event.

We were indeed privileged to see the restored and remastered version of Goldfinger; kindly loaned by EON Productions and Park Circus. After which Lee Pfeiffer chaired a question and answer session with Guy Hamilton, Honor Blackman, Tania Mallet, Shirley Eaton, Margaret Nolan, Burt Kwouk, and Leslie Bricusse, who all shared some of their Goldfinger experiences. Before leaving the stage Guy was presented with the ‘Cinema Retro Outstanding Achievement Award’ by Honor Blackman. As the day drew to a close guests returned for afternoon tea and took a final opportunity to chat with the Bond celebrities.

15 April 2008 - Adrian Harrington Bookshop, Kensington
Tuesday saw Raymond Benson return to England after a nine-year absence signing copies of his books and chatting with fans at Adrian Harrington’s bookstore in Kensington. His tenure as Bond author began in early 1996 and ended at the beginning of 2003, after writing six original novels, three film novelizations and three short stories.

AUTOGRAPHICA 11, NEC BIRMINGHAM
Over the weekend of April the 19th and 20th, ‘Autographica 11’ took place at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC Birmingham. With Star attraction to Bond fans Luciana Paluzzi making her first appearance in the UK the queues to meet her were enormous. The very lovely Margaret Nolan, ageless Bettina Le Beau and effervescent Leila Guiraut, joined first timer Paul Stassino and selfless Lucy Fleming for rare signings. Welcome regulars Mollie Peters, Caroline Munro, Martine Beswicke and Paul Darrow added to the superb Bond line up.

Sadly, some of the guests expected to attend ‘Autographica 11’ failed to arrive. I do understand the organiser’s disclaimer that guests attend subject to work commitments – but surely, if the organisers can quickly advertise the good news of a guest attending they can advertise the news that they are not – just as quickly! To be fair, contract or no contract, they are in the laps of the gods and if celebrities just fail to attend at the last minute it must be very frustrating for organisers not to be in control of the very assets that make their events so special. Fans will travel across international boundaries and spend lots of their hard earned cash at these gatherings – a weekend in a lovely hotel such as the Hilton Metropole is not cheap – even with the excellent discounted rates negotiated by the organisers. I wonder if a discussion forum could be started with a view to addressing this emotive subject. Despite this problem, I have to say the Autographica team excelled themselves this time…well done! And roll on ‘Autographica 12’.

FACT FILES