Jan. 22nd, 2014

wossname: Clacks rendering of SPEAK HIS NAME to keep Pratchett on the Overhead (Default)
WOSSNAME

Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion


January 2014 (Volume 17, Issue 1, Post 1)

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WOSSNAME is a free publication for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups. Are you a member? Yes, if you sent in your name, country and e-mail address. Are there any dues? No! As a member of the Klatchian Foreign Legion, you'd only forget them...

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Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Fiona (not Bruce) Bruce
Newshounds: Vera, Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow
Staff Writers: Asti, Alison Not Weatherwax, Steven D'Aprano, L.C. Wynn-Jones
Convention Reporters: Mithtrethth Hania Ogg et al
Staff Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
Book Reviews: Drusilla D'Afanguin
Puzzle Editor: Tiff
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
DW Horoscope: Lady Anaemia Asterisk, Fernando Magnifico, Kevin
Emergency Staff: Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)


Copyright 2014 by Klatchian Foreign Legion

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INDEX:

01) LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
02) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
03) THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY
04) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS
05) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
06) CLOSE


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01) A LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR

So, has everyone recovered from the holidays? Good! That makes all of you and none of me (insert weak smile here). But January is traditionally a quiet month in Roundworld, so this issue is very small (but perfectly formed, I hope). I did promise some reviews – specifically of The Carpet People USA hardcover, the new hardcover Mort, and Dodger's Guide to London. These shall follow either in a week or so, or early in February. But in the meantime, there are some bits and pieces of information that won't wait!

First, for you readers living in or intending to visit the dreaming spires of Oxford next month, there's still time to get tickets for OrangAid! This is a fundraiser for our Librarians (note uppercase) with some very special non-orange-ape guests:

"Join the Sumatran Orangutan Society for an evening of comedy in aid of conservation on Monday 3 February 2014. The show will be headlined by Bill Bailey, and also features Rob Newman, Tony Law, Sara Pascoe and Paul Foot. All proceeds will support the charity's work to protect orangutans and their rainforest homes."

The show will take place at New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG. Tickets are £27.90 to £38.90 plus a £2.85 transaction fee.

Here be the link for ticket purchase and other information:

http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/orangaid-with-bill-bailey/new-theatre-oxford/

To find out more about the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS), you can follow them on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/orangutanssos – and Twitter – http://twitter.com/orangutanssos

It says "Adult content, may contain swearing. Parental discretion advised" on the tin, by the way. Swearing? From Bill Bailey? Surely not...

*

Speaking of visiting southern Britain, reader Rebecca is seeking advice for Discworld tourism in London. She has written to WOSSNAME:

"Hi, Would it be possible to ask your fine readers if there is anything Pratchetty to see while visiting London? I am going to be there in 2015 and would LOVE to see anything that might be along those lines. :) Thanks!"

Responses via your Editor, please! It's worth noting that Rebecca is vegan, so don't suggest any visits to fish and chip shops...

*

I came across an amusing moment in the life of one Erica SadunJan:

"Last week, I picked up a copy of The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter at the library. The book was sitting there on the shelf. I had heard some reasonably good buzz about it. So when it caught my eye, I did something I haven't done in a while. I checked out a dead-tree version. I also did something I had never done before. As I was reading the book, I stumbled across an unfamiliar word and, rather hilariously, ended up tapping the printed page until it finally occurred to me that the book wasn't going to offer me built-in dictionary and Wikipedia access..."

http://tinyurl.com/lktep2t

And onwards...

– Annie Mac, Editor

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02) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS

2.1 GUARDS! GUARDS! IN KNEBWORTH


When the Knebworth Amateur Theatrical Society's production of Guards! Guards! had to be cancelled at short notice last November due to a medical emergency, KATS secretary Jo Simpson assured us that the production would go ahead early in the new year. And that's just what's happening next week! Jo Simpson says:

"The Dragon is back! KATS planned to bring you this spectacular show, featuring light and sound effects and a flying dragon, in November. However, we hit a major stumbling block when a key team member, our technician Graham Dormer, had a heart attack the Saturday before curtain up. We are delighted to report that Graham is now in much finer fettle, and we are able to offer you a flying start to the New Year. As well as Graham’s heart attack, one of the actors fell ill but it will all be worth it as it is a very funny play. A stellar cast who take on a multitude of roles, make this one of the best plays KATS have ever put on stage. Featuring the voice of Graham Dormer as the Dragon.

"To put on the play, Terry Pratchett asks that amateur groups give a donation to an Orang-Utan charity. If you've enjoyed the play, we would encourage you to do so too."

When: Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 January 7.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Village Hall, Park Lane, near the train station (08457 484950 for arrival and departure times)
Time: 7.45pm (doors open at 7.15pm)
Tickets: £7 or £6 concessions from (01438) 814166 or 07952 199183 or Village News, Station Road, Knebworth.


There will be tea and coffee at the interval and a licensed bar before and at the interval

Getting there: http://www.knebworth.org/Pages/Information/travel.html

http://www.katsdrama.info/

2.2 MORT IN CARDIFF

Monstrous Productions, already old hands at producing Pratchett plays, will be presenting their new production of Mort at the end of this month. "Monstrous Productions is a Cardiff-based Theatre Company that specialises in the performance of adaptations of novels by Sir Terry Pratchett, the proceeds of which are donated to Alzheimer's Research UK. We are entirely funded through sponsorships, fundraisers and investors; we are currently sponsored by Barclays bank, Cardiff University and are backed by Alzheimer's Research UK."

When: 29th January – 1st February 2014
Venue: the Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch St, Cardiff CF24 3JW
Time: 7pm
Tickets: £8.00 (Concession £6.00). To buy online via PayPal or to reserve to pay on the door, go to http://7889269b08cd.fikket.com/


"Tickets can also be reserved by emailing us at monstrousproductions2012@gmail.com, or bought directly from the Gate Theatre, although we do encourage buying directly from us... 2 weeks to go and tickets are selling much faster than last time and seeing as we sold out on the Saturday last year we would recommend pre-booking if you intend to come on the Friday or the Saturday.

"We are extremely proud to announce that Carpe Jugulum raised an impressive £3100 for Alzheimer's Research UK! Thank you to everyone who came to watch, we couldn't do it without your support."

http://www.monstrousptc.com/

2.3 MAKING MONEY IN SALISBURY

Studio Theatre of Salisbury, whose production of Going Postal last year was greatly enjoyed and praised by Sir Pterry himself, will present another Discworld spectacular – Making Money, this time – in March. Chris Hawley of the theatre group says, "Like last time, we expect this show to sell out so to avoid disappointment best to book early. This is what Sir Terry said about Going Postal ...' This was so well done that I wish I had written a better book! I loved the voices, because it has to be about the voices. It was done so people could see it and have a lot of fun. If they (Studio Theatre) wanted to do some more Discworld, I would be here in the front row.'"

When: 20th February-1st March 2014 (no performances on Sunday 23rd or Monday 24th)
Venue: Studio Theatre, Ashley Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TN
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: from Salisbury Information Centre, phone 01722 342860


http://www.studiotheatre.org.uk/

2.4 WYRD SISTERS IN BRIGHTON

Brighton Little Theatre will present their production of Wyrd Sisters in February.

When: Tuesday 28th January through Saturday 1st February 2014
Venue: Brighton Little Theatre Company, 9 Clarence Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2EG
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: £9.00 "Book through our website at www.brightonlittletheatre.com or our telephone booking service on 0844 888 0432."
Box Office: 0844 888 0432
Enquiries: 01273 777 748 or email info@brightonlittletheatre.com


Tickets must be collected 15 minutes before the show start time

http://brightonlittletheatre.ticketline.co.uk/wyrd-sisters

http://www.brightonlittletheatre.com/

2.5 WITCHES ABROAD IN PORTSMOUTH

Collingwood RSC Theatre Group will be presenting their production – a world premiere, no less – of Witches Abroad in March.

When: Wednesday 26th through Saturday 29th March 2014
Venue: HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Portsmouth, PO14 1AS
Tickets: £6, available via the box office (07502 037922)


https://www.facebook.com/hmscollingwoodrsc

2.6 MEN AT ARMS IN KEW

The Q2 Players, "Kew's Leading Amateur Theatre Group", will present their production of Men at Arms in April.

When: Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th April 2014
Venue: Kew Community Centre, St. Luke's in The Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2AL
Time: Thurs-Sat shows at 8pm; Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £8 (concessions £6) Box office TBA; email q2players@gmail.com


http://www.q2players.org.uk/Q2_Players/Upcoming_Show.html

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03) THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY

A fan letter on Facebook, from Andrew Spittal:

"I read Mort at the age of 14. From there, I discovered a world deeper than the Lord of the Rings, more detailed than Narnia, and more enjoyable than any other fantasy series I had then read in my young adult life. Then it all went black... The pressures of adulthood took hold, and I was lost amid a sea of expectations. The same feeling can be achieved from repeatedly dipping one's head in ice-cold cider, and, between dunkings, being hit around the face with a velvet glove filled with empty promises. It was worse than horror. My girlfriend salvaged me from this. She bought me a new copy of the Discworld roleplaying game this Hogswatch (Christmas).

"Now, I must admit, I'm back with a vengeance. Not the little vengeance, that creeps upon you like a burglar in the night, but rather like the vengeance that kicks in your door, punches your elderly grandmother round the chops, then helps itself to pork pie and wine before singing "Auld Lang Sine", and then exiting just as mysteriously as it had arrived. And all this magic I have to thank you for. My hero, my author, my man. Terry Pratchett, esq."

Amanda Vornauf says...

"I have read almost all of your books. Yesterday I introduced my 10 year old to your wee free men book series. She loves to read but most books don't interest her enough to finish them. However she is gladly reading the first book without my prompting her. Also we just discussed spending some of her chriatmas money on buying the rest of the book series for her. Thank you Sir Terry Pratchett! For writing books I love, and also writing books my daughter loves as well! 2 Generations of Discworld Readers!"

Ds Span says...

"Dear Sir Prattchett, Just joined in so I could thank you for the Turtle...She really moves!!!"

Steam buff Derek King and his eerily-named (he says) family say...

"Dear Mr Pratchett – I have just finished your latest tome 'Raising Steam' and being a steam railway buff, it was right up my street, so to speak. However I must take you to task on certain character names you used, Harry King indeed! and his wife 'Effie' who had a nickname 'Spike' – I have to tell you my name is Derek King, my wife is Yvonne, affectionately known as 'Effie' and we have a Cockatiel named Spike – are you Psychic or something, taking our family names and subjecting them to such ignominies! Still a damn good read though, have a happy Christmas and a Happy New Year Derek and Yvonne 'Effie' King"

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04) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS

The Pratchett Partisans are a new fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett". For more info about their next meetup, go to http://www.meetup.com/Pratchett-Partisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au

*

The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia: "We have regular monthly dinner and games nights, longer games days, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join our mailing list, visit:

http://cityofsmallgods.org.au

*

The Broken Vectis Drummers meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight.

Next meeting: Thursday 6th February 2014, probably, but do email to check.

All new members and curious passersby are very welcome! For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk

*

The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets on the first Friday of every month at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"

Next meeting: Friday 7th February 2014 (probably).

*

The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group", meets on the first Monday of every month at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ.

Next meeting: Monday 3rd February 2014,from 7pm onwards.

The Broken Drummers January 2014 meet report:

"Last night there was just a small gathering. We had colds so stayed at home and several of the regulars contacted me to say that they couldn't make it. However, there were three new people, Sam, Ben and Muhayman. James B. informs me that it 'was nice to have some fresh blood! Tasty, tasty blood!' Jacqui brought along the quiz that didn't happen at the Christmas dinner but decided to save it for next time (just to build the anticipation). She says that 'we had some lively chatting, Eunice was on the receiving end of an apparently very enjoyable neck massage, we talked of proper knives and having matching cookware!' Apparently Gary, the landlord, also came to thank everyone for coming to the Puzzle so often. I think we can pass on those thanks to the rest."

For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk

*

The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles.

Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:

http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/

*

Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet on the first Monday of every month in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney,2000.

Next meeting: Monday 3rd February 2014 at 6.30pm (probably). For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk

*

Perth Drummers meet on the first Monday of the month, subject to holidays.

Next meeting: Monday 3rd February 2014 (probably).

"Please note we have moved to Carpe Cafe from 5.30pm Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, WA. Meeting at a cafe means we are under-18 friendly!"

For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – otherwise message Krystel directly at khewett@live.com

*

Western Drummers (that's two groups for the Sydney Pratchett fans now) intend to meet on the third Monday of every month at The Rowers, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith at 6.30-7.30pm for food, 7.30pm for games, quizzes and chat. For more information, contact Nanny Ogg – lewis_oz@bigpond.com – or visit their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/westerndrummers

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05) IMAGES OF THE MONTH

Sir Pterry, enjoying the best seat in the house – sitting on stage during a Steeleye Span "Wintersmith" concert:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bb4cociIEAAV5DS.jpg

...and riding on Iron Girder (as it were):
http://tinyurl.com/jvldznn

It's a World of Poo!
http://cheezburger.com/146181

Rozalind Mansfield and her daughter Ilyana created this excellent Hogswatch card:
http://tinyurl.com/ljyunwm

For all you pareidoliacs out there, Koos de Korte offers a sky full of hat:
http://tinyurl.com/l7lyn56

Mel Thomsett knew just what to leave out for the Hogfather:
http://tinyurl.com/kd2x278

And finally, here be an iconograph that brings together two of the best things in the Discverse: a hedgehog in a library!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bc7MqBRIIAEnTir.jpg

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06) CLOSE

Now then, I shall send this out immediately before the KATS footlights go on! Back soon, and to all of you WOSSNAME wishes an... erm... interesting Year of the Reciprocating Llama!

– Annie Mac

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———————————————————————————————————
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
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Copyright (c) 2014 by Klatchian Foreign Legion

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