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WOSSNAME - Main issue - May 2014
WOSSNAME
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
May 2014 (Volume 17, Issue 4, post 1)
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INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) "MY INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP" GOES LIVE
05) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
07) PTERRY AND ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
09) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
10) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
11) BREATHTAKING NEW MARC SIMONETTI ART BOOK
12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
13) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"Independent bookshops supported this jobbing genre author long before the geeks were let out of their wardrobes. Being able to support these talented retail wizards through My Independent Bookshop is a very, very good thing."
– Sir Pterry, talking about My Independent Bookshop
"I wrote the [Wintersmith] album with Terry Pratchett, based on his books.
Well, on some of his books, not all of them – that would be a long album. "
– Maddy Prior, who knows an impossible task when she reads one!
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
It's another packed issue this month, so we're coming to you early!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This one, from the new "Dementia Friends" campaign (see item 7 below), is absolutely priceless:
http://tinyurl.com/lnb4rmm
*
In the Portsmouth News online, there's a shout-out for the Hayling Island Bookshop, featured in an earlier issue of WOSSNAME. They will be the suppliers for Sit Pterry's virtual bookshop (see item 4 below):
ONE of the smallest independent bookshops in the country has been given a huge boost by fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett. Sir Terry, author of the popular Discworld series, has nominated the Hayling Island Bookshop to be the supplier of his chosen favourite books on a new social media site... Sir Terry's site links to the tiny Mengham bookshop if people want to buy them. He was a guest at the shop in 2008 and it made a big impression on him... Sir Terry has named his own fantasy and science fiction-themed bookshop Narrativia after the goddess of inspiration he invented... Marie Telford, owner of The Hayling Island Bookshop which is just 3m sq, said: 'We were absolutely astonished, delighted and honoured to hear that Sir Terry had chosen our tiny bookshop to be linked to his personal bookshop containing his favourite books. We hosted Terry on Hayling in 2008 for the launch of his book Nation and we are so pleased that he is helping independent bookshops to extend their reach in this way. We hope many of the readers will come and visit us in person too.'"
http://tinyurl.com/kmehqgf
*
From pop-up shops and restaurants to pop-up book benches – Paul Kidby is among the illustrators who will be making London a more magical place to read:
"Bloomsbury is set to play host to a range of literary classics, from Peter Pan to The Wind in the Willows, as a series of painted 'BookBenches' will soon pop up all over town. The benches will feature images from novels dating back to the 19th century, including Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, right through to modern favourites such as How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. Renowned artists and illustrators will be picking up a paintbrush and bringing some classic characters to life, including Ralph Steadman who famously worked with Hunter S Thompson, will be replicating characters from his 1973 children's classic take on Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Paul Kidby who designed the images in Terry Pratchett's Discworld..."
http://tinyurl.com/lpzukgx
*
In addition to their Irish "Wintersmith" tour dates (see item 3.4 below), Maddy Prior and Steeleye Span will be gigging in Bolton this month with new fiddler Jessie May Smart, who has replaced departing long-serving member Peter Knight.
When: 22nd May 2014
Venue: the Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £19.50. To book, phone the Box Office on 01204 334400 (Mon-Fri 9-5 & Sat 10-4). There is a Booking Fee of £0.50 per Ticket charged on credit card transactions, or a charge of £1.00 per ticket for online purchases. To book online, go to:
http://alberthallsbolton.ticketsolve.com/shows/873513221/events/127044692
http://www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/
*
The Wincanton Spring Fling was a success as usual, with a total of £1357.15 being raised for the RICE Centre. Well done Team Artificer and all the supporters of Ankh-Morpork's one and only twin town! As for the "Dementia Friends" campaign, go read the item, visit the page and watch the video. It may break your heart, but with love. Then go do what you can to spread the word about dementia.
*
A quick note: the Broken Drummers, london's oldest Discworld neeting group. will be having their mothly meeting tonight (13th May) – see item 10.
And now it's on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 RAISING STEAM: IN PAPERBACK!
Lynsey from Transworld says: "Raising Steam in paperback has a whole new cover look! Coming your way in the UK on 9th October 2014!"
http://bit.ly/raisingsteam
And the new cover image: http://tinyurl.com/nv8zvjw
3.2 KNIGHTS (AND WIZZARDS) OF B.A.D.A.S.M.
There's a new-ish Facebook group, known as the Benevolent Antipodean Discworld Appreciation Society (Melbourne CBD Chapter), that is looking for some action:
"B.A.D.A.S. (Melbourne CBD Chapter) is a group for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett and his series the Discworld. We are hoping to get a regular (monthly or if we are all having fun more regular) meet-up happening. Activities will range from book discussion, board games, eating and pretty much anything that enough people will think is fun. We are hoping to foster a fun community that everybody can enjoy."
The group is open, so anyone can join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/badasm/
3.3 TORQUAY'S THE PLACE FOR DRAGONS
"A magnificent painting of a dragon for a calendar of Terry Pratchett's best-selling Discworld novels is featured in a new exhibition at Torquay Museum. The exhibition, entitled Tell Me a Dragon, runs until June 25 featuring original watercolour paintings by award-winning children's author and illustrator, Jackie Morris. The Discworld calendar dragon painted by Jackie gave her the idea for her own Tell Me a Dragon book, in which she dispels the fearsome reputation of these magical creatures. This is the first time Jackie's dragon paintings have been exhibited together. The exhibition of paintings is supplemented by dragon-decorated objects from Torquay Museum's own collections, ranging from magnificent Samurai swords to Torquay's first ever gas lamp in the shape of a dragon (dated to 1834), and beautiful ceramics..."
http://tinyurl.com/n4st2cw
3.4 REMINDER: THE WINTERSMITH TOUR IN IRELAND
Come to Ireland and dance the Dark Morris...
Monday 19th May
Town Hall Theatre Galway
00353 (0) 91-569777
Tickets are €25. To purchase online go to
http://tinyurl.com/lexdxb7
http://tht.ie/1868/Steeleye-Span
Tuesday 20th May
The Hawk's Well Theatre Sligo
00353 (0) 71-9161518
Tickets are €25.00; online booking:
http://www.hawkswell.com/events/event/steeleye-span and go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase for that date; concession prices are available in person at the box office or by phone 071-9161518
Wednesday 21st May
Vicar Street Dublin
00353 (0)1 77 55 800
Tickets are €31.50 (including booking). For details go to http://tinyurl.com/mod7dlu
3.5 REMINDER: NEW PAUL KIDBY EXHIBITION
"Discworld and Beyond"
When: current, through 28th June 2014
Venue: Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD (phone 0845 603 5635)
Time: Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Admission is free
3.6 RAISING STEAM FOR REAL
Want to raise some steam? Here be a chance for some of you to experience the kind of steam-driven thrills that moved Sir Pterry to write his latest novel!
"Join the dedicated team of volunteers at Kempton Steam Museum and help restore and maintain the world's largest working triple-expansion steam engine and the Grade II* listed building and its heritage contents. You don't need experience but any skills, from painting and decorating to electrical or mechanical engineering will be useful. Training is available including learning to drive the engine, conduct tours of the static engine display and meeting the public."
When: Thursdays, 15th, 22nd and 29th May 2014; Sat 24th May, Sun 25th May
Venue: Kempton Steam Museum, Kempton Park Water Works, Snakey Lane, Hanworth, TW13 7ND
Time: 10:00–16:00 all days
"Volunteers will be asked to become a member of Kempton Great Engines Society for £11.00, which will entitle them to a year's membership, free admission at all times and a quarterly newsletter... Volunteers are asked to provide their own overalls and working boots. Hard hats and most tools are provided. Bring your own lunch; tea and coffee is provided."
Kempton Steam Museum is the "Home of the world's largest working triple-expansion steam engine, one of a pair commissioned in 1928 and housed in a magnificent Grade II National Monument where visitors can explore the engines and see one in steam. Regular guided tours, children's activity packs, rides available on Darent, a 1903 narrow-gauge steam locomotive and engine driver training days available."
http://www.kemptonsteam.org
Telephone 020 3565 3586
Email kemptonsteam@gmail.com
3.7 DISCWORLD READING ORDER CHART: GOING VIRAL?
As featured in Images of the Month in the April main issue, an updated and very attractive Discworld Reading Order Chart is being recommended all over the place3. Here's the Geeks of Doom page, including the image:
"Maybe you are a newcomer to the wondrous writings of Terry Pratchett. Or maybe you've been reading Discworld novels since the 1980s, like yours truly. Either way, at some point you have probably wondered which book is next in the great timeline of all things Terry, or maybe you're curious how they all tie in together. Well, friends, have I got a treat for you! The Discworld Reading Order Guide 2.21 is newly updated and features virtually every book in an easy to understand chart. Krzysztof Kietzman is credited with creating the chart, though it seems that others have contributed to it as well..."
http://tinyurl.com/mzau6a2
3.8 DISCWORLD LEGO: CLOSER TO POSSIBLE!
Remember GlenBricker's proposed Discworld Lego set, that would become a reality if 10,000 supporters prove their interest? Well, there are now 4,803 supporters – nearly half-way there! – and there is still almost a full year to go. If you'd love you some Discworld Lego, go here and make your wishes known:
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/36302
3.9 REMINDER: DISCWORLD DAY AT THE STORY MUSEUM
On the 25th of May, the Story Museum in Oxford will host a Discworld Day! Stephen Briggs will read extracts from Going Postal at 11.30am and 2pm, and there will be various other Discworld-y goings-on from 11am to 5pm. Don't forget to wear your lilac!
"We're Going Postal here in Oxford's old post office with Discworld Day activities inspired by Ankh Morpork's Post Office."
In addition to the exhibition entrance fee of £7.50 (£5 for under-18′s, full-time students, job-seekers, over-60s; no charge for children under one year and companions of disabled visitors), there will be a £2 charge for the event. £4 event-only tickets will be offered on the day, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended.
The Story Museum
Rochester House, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
+44 (0)1865 790050
onceuponatime@storymuseum.org.uk
http://www.storymuseum.org.uk/the-story-museum/events
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04) THE VIRTUAL BOOKSHOPS ARE OPEN!
"My Independent Bookshop" is now live! From booktrade.info:
"Hundreds of new 'bookshops' were opening in the UK today as part of a campaign to champion the personal recommendation of books. Authors including Terry Pratchett, Irvine Welsh and Lisa Jewell were among the first to join the 'My Independent Bookshop' network by opening their own virtual bookshops and giving people an inside-the-covers look at their favourite reads. The initiative, launched by Penguin Random House UK – the country's biggest book publisher – allows book lovers to set up a virtual bookshop, share and review their favourite reads, and discover books online. Readers can set up their own shop with twelve books at a time on their shelves – changing the display as often as they choose by season, genre or mood – the possibilities are endless... All books in the virtual shops are available to buy online through hive.co.uk, the ecommerce arm of Gardners wholesalers, which is connected with hundreds of independent bookshops across the UK. As part of the registration process, 'My Independent Bookshop' users can choose their favourite real-world independent bookshop to connect with. Hive will then pass a commission from any purchase made through the website to their chosen shop... Author Terry Pratchett, who has connected his online 'bookshop', NARRATIVIA, to the tiny Hayling Island Bookshop in Hampshire, said: "Independent bookshops supported this jobbing genre author long before the geeks were let out of their wardrobes, being able to support these talented retail wizards through 'My Independent Bookshop' is a very, very good thing...'... Commenting on the launch, Hannah Telfer, Group Director, Consumer & Digital Development at Penguin Random House UK, said: 'People are becoming ever more sophisticated in the way they move between their social, digital and physical worlds. We want to harness the opportunities this creates to celebrate the power of personal recommendation. By giving people the magical experience of curating their own bookshop and sharing this with their communities we are putting the discovery of great books and authors – no matter who they are published by – directly into the hands of book lovers...'"
http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/53793/
In Management Today:
"According to the Booksellers Association, there are now less than 1,000 independent bookshops gracing UK high streets – a third fewer than nine years ago. Penguin Random House, the world's largest publisher, has today swooped in to support this dwindling band of high-street traders with the launch of My Independent Bookshop. The website encourages book lovers to set up their own virtual stores, where they can showcase and review their favourite books and check out what other people are reading. Crucially, you can buy books from the site, with a small proportion of takings (5% of the revenues from every physical book and 8% from each ebook) going to support scores of local independent book stores. Around 70 independent retailers are connected to the site so far, and authors including Irvine Welsh, Tony Parsons, Alastair Campbell and Terry Pratchett have already set up their own 'bookshop profiles' (Pratchett recommends Neil Gaiman's American Gods and The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams, in case you're interested.) For now, this isn't a money-making scheme for Penguin Random House. According to Dan Franklin, the company's digital publisher, it's all about collecting valuable data: ‘We can see what's trending, what books are popular and how people are interacting...'"
http://tinyurl.com/n35aor6
The My Independent Bookshop site itself:
"There's nothing more magical than a bookshop. A bookshop is more than just a shop – it's a gateway to brand new worlds. It lets you visit places you'd never normally go, live lives you'd never normally live and feel things you'd never normally feel. And now you can create your own virtual bookshop, discover new books and be inspired... There's no end to our rewards. With My Independent Bookshop, you'll get the first word on the latest giveaways, competitions and exclusives from some of the best authors around... We love bookshops, and we know you do too. That's why we've teamed up with hive, to ensure that for every book you buy, a percentage of the sale is shared with a local, independent bookshop."
How to make your own virtual bookshop:
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/register
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/TerryPratchett
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05) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
Here's the latest from mah homey, I mean the inimitable David Brashaw, co-creator of the "Guards! Guards!" boardgame:
"After selling out again in 2013 Backspindle Games are delighted to confirm that the Pre-order of Guards! Guards! A Discworld boardgame for 2014 is available right now at:
http://backspindlegames.com/our_work/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon
"Games should be shipped to customers before the end of June 2014 and for a limited time they have a special Spring Fling price of £29.99 and in addition FREE shipping to UK customers.
"Euan from www.childsplaycharity.org recently commented 'Thanks for making the Guards! Guards! game. I bought it for my wife at Christmas and we've enjoyed it immensely. We especially like the tone of the game. It felt like being in a Pratchett novel. :)'
"Game Salute in the US have ordered 500 copies.
"The Backspindle Boys are booked for DWCon 2014 in Manchester. They will of course have copies of Guards! Guards! to demo and sell, and will have their new board game, Clacks for demoing.
"My sources have told me there is a new cooperative version of the game in development and play-tests have gone very well.
The boys will also be running their LIVE run-around the Convention version of Guards! Guards! with prizes for the winners of course and possibly more chocolate Ankh-Morpork dollars to boot!
"As for a release date for Clacks, not confirmed as yet, as Backspindle have been very busy with their latest sell-out game Luchador! Mexican Wrestling Dice (not a Discworld game, but great fun, banging tables and high-fives etc.) As soon as we know we'll let you all know."
Sounds great! And I'm looking forward to being able to grab a copy of Clacks for myself – Ed.
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06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
6.1 NEW: THIEF OF TIME IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS
Unseen Theatre, Australia's marvellous Pratchett-and-Discworld-themed theatre group, is back this month with a new production of Thief of Time!
When: Preview Show on Friday, 23 May 2014; opening night on Saturday, 24th May; then performances on 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st May, and 4th through 7th June
Venue: Main Theatre, the Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Time: 8:00pm all shows (the play runs for 2 hours plus a 10 minute interval)
Tickets: Adults $20, Conc $18, Fringe Benefits $16, Groups (10+) $16; Preview $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night (subject to availability), or to book ahead online, go to http://www.trybooking.com/82617
By agreement with Sir Terry Pratchett, all proceeds from the Opening Night performance will be donated to the South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society (_www.saves.asn.au/_)
http://www.unseen.com.au/
6.2 NEW: AMAZING MAURICE THE MUSICAL IN CARLISLE AND PENRITH
ACT Youth Theatre will present their production of Matthew Holmes' superb musical adaptation of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents next month in Carlisle and Penrith.
Carlisle:
When: Saturday 14th June,
Venue: The Green Room, West Walls Theatre, West Walls, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8UB
Tel: 01228 533233
Time: 2pm Matinee and 7:30pm Evening Performances
Tickets: £8 adults and £6 concessions, available from Carlisle Tourist Information (01228 598 596)
http://www.carlislegreenroom.co.uk
Penrith:
When: Saturday 28th June
Venue: Penrith Playhouse, Auction Mart Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7JG view map
Telephone 01768 865557
Time: 2pm Matinee and 7:30pm Evening Performances.
Tickets: £8 adults and £6 concessions, available from Penrith Tourist Information (01768 867 466)
www.penrithplayers.co.uk
Tickets for both venues can also be purchased online at: www.acttheatre.ticketsource.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/acttheatrecumbria
6.3 UPDATED: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN CHICAGO
"Lifeline Theatre is thrilled to offer a special discount on MONSTROUS REGIMENT tickets to Discworld fans near and far. $10 off regular single tickets, June 12-July 20, with code 'OZZER.' Must order by May 31st. Call 773-761-4477 or purchase online at www.lifelinetheatre.com."
This production is looking very promising! – Ed.
When: 30th May – 20th July 2014
Venue: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60626
Telephone 773-761-4477
Time: evenings at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at 8pm on Saturdays; matinees at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Tickets: $20 for previews (30th May-8th June), $40 for Regular Run: June 12-July 20 (Thu & Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm & 8pm, Sun at 4pm). To book online in advance, go to http://tinyurl.com/kzehtaw and click on the desired dates at the bottom of the page (or scroll through from there to the June or July calendars for tickets on those dates)
http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/13-14/mr/index.shtml
6.4 REMINDER: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN SUDBURY
Sudbury Dramatic Society presents Monstrous Regiment this week, starting tonight!
When: Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th May 2014
Venue: The Quay, Quay Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AN Tel. 01787 374745
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: £9.00 (Friends £8.00). Tuesday 13th only – all tickets £7.00. Groups of 10 or more students £7.00 To buy tickets, phone 01787 374745 or online at https://quaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873507408/events
Pre-theatre suppers are available to book on the Friday and Saturday
evenings only.
http://www.quaytheatre.org.uk/whatsOn.htm
6.5 REMINDER: MORT IN CHESHAM
Chesham Bois Catholic Players (Amateur) present Mort at the Little Theatre this month.
When: 16th-18th May 2014
Venue: Little Theatre By The Park, Church Street, Chesham Bucks HP5 1HU
Time: Fri. 16th at 8pm, Sat. 17th at 7.30pm, Sun. 18th at 4pm
Tickets: all tickets £10. "Unsold tickets may be available at the door."
To book online, go to http://cbcp.ticketsource.co.uk/
http://www.littletheatrechesham.co.uk/
facebook.com/pages/Chesham-Bois-Catholic-Players/692088180825325
6.6 REMINDER: WITCHES ABROAD IN MARYBOROUGH, QUEENSLAND
The Maryborough Players present their exclusive production of Witches Abroad, as adapted and directed by Renoir (presumably not the dead Impressionist master). Profits from the production will go to Alzheimers Australia and the Australasian Order of Old Bastards, they claim!
When: 4th–7th June 2014
Venue: Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, 5 Walker Street,Maryborough, QLD
Time: all evening performances 7.30pm; additional Saturday matinee 2pm
Tickets: Adults $30.00, Concession and Friends $25.00, Students $20.00 To book online, go to http://www.brolgatheatre.org/default.asp?PageID=95
http://www.brolgatheatre.org/
6.7 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS AROUND THE MIDLANDS
...although the new travelling production by the Jadis Shadows company is also a sort of "witches abroad"! Jadis Shadows, "Resident Company for STMO Media's Magic Alley in Stratford Upon Avon", present their production in May and June 2014, in a number of places.
When: 16th & 17th May 2014
Venue: Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £12.50, £10.50 concessions. Box Office – 0116 253 2569
When: 29th & 30th May 2014
Venue: Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £13.50 (No concession prices). Box Office – 01905 611427. Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. Tickets can be booked or held on reservation for up to 4 working days but must be paid for, in full, 4 days prior to the performance. To book online: http://tinyurl.com/lomgby3
When: 11th, 12th & 30th June 2014
Venue: Castle Theatre Wellingborough, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough, Warwickshire NN8 1XA
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: £10 for everyone. Box Office – 01933 270007
http://www.jadisshadows.com/index.php/current-programme
6.8 REMINDER: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN ELTHAM (LONDON, NOT FOURECKS)
The Bob Hope Theatre's in-house amateur drama company will present their production of Guards! Guards! this week.
When: 14th-17th May 2014 at 19:45
Venue: Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham SE9 5TG
Time: 7.45pm (bar opens at 7pm)
Tickets: £9 (concessions £8, not available Friday or Saturday). Group discounts are on offer. Box Office: 020 8850 3702 or book online at www.intelligent-tickets.com/index.php?th=bh
www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
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07) PTERRY AND ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
BECOME A DEMENTIA FRIEND
In Little Black Book:
"Sir Paul McCartney is today announced as an ambassador for Dementia Friends as celebrities and Alzheimer's Society ambassadors perform one of The Beatles' most memorable tracks 'With a Little Help From My Friends' including Lily Allen, Chris Martin, Ray Winstone; Pixie Lott; Paul O'Grady; Leighton Baines; Fiona Phillips; Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes; Simon Pegg; Hugh Dennis; Amanda Holden; Alesha Dixon and Ruth Jones and Sir Terry Pratchett, alongside Gina Shaw, a 61 year old singer and former nurse from Liverpool who has dementia. And the project seems to have moved the celebrities involved to find out more about the condition themselves. 'I think everyone should watch the Dementia Friends video to see the amazing and brave lady who lives with dementia in it. Gina is very open about a condition that there's so much stigma about, but she's got great support is using her position to spread the word,' said comedian and writer Meera Syal... The film will encourage viewers to become a Dementia Friend – which means gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by people with dementia and learning a few useful tips to help make life better for those living with the condition. To become a friend, individuals watch a short online film, which explains what dementia is, how it affects individuals and what people can do to help those living with the disease. Once they've watched the film, they then enter their details in order to receive a Dementia Friends badge (to show their support), and ‘Little Book Of Friendship', which includes further ideas and tips on how to help people with dementia. Alternatively, people can attend a face-to-face awareness session run by Alzheimer's Society in their area... Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Given that one in three people over 65 will develop dementia, it is fantastic to be working together with Public Health England to launch a star studded campaign to raise awareness of dementia and encourage people to become Dementia Friends. Everyone has a role to play. Through Dementia Friends, we can all understand a bit more about what it is like to live with dementia and the small things that help those with the condition. It is easy and free to become a Dementia Friend, so I urge you all to sign up and make a difference.'..."
http://tinyurl.com/mtsqrbj
On the Alzheimer's Society website:
"By 2015, we want there to be a million people with the know-how to help people with dementia feel understood and included in their community. The initiative was fully launch in mid-February 2013 after the initial announcement in November 2012. Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who talk to people about being a Dementia Friend in their communities after attending a training course and receiving ongoing support. A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. The drive forms part of the six-month progress report on the Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia..."
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2070
...and the NHS:
"Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia for NHS England, said: 'NHS England welcomes this incredibly valuable campaign which will raise the awareness of dementia across the country. I would strongly encourage people to sign up to become a dementia friend and encourage their friends and family to sign up too. Most of us know, or know of someone with dementia and becoming a dementia friend is a positive sign of support.'..."
http://www.england.nhs.uk/2014/05/07/dementia-friends/
In The Mirror:
"Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society have joined forces for the Dementia Friends campaign to recruit over a million "Dementia Friends" – ordinary people who are willing to learn about dementia and how to support people with it.
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, says: 'Until there's a cure, friendship is the best treatment we have for dementia.' ... A Dementia Friend is simply someone who has an understanding of what dementia is and the little things they can do to support those living with the condition. Visit Dementia Friends online at dementiafriends.org.uk Search for your local face-to-face information session – these free interactive classes can provide practical advice on how you can help others live well with dementia. If there isn't a session nearby or you can't make the allocated dates, you can always watch the short Dementia Friends video instead. You'll receive a Dementia Friends badge and a 'Little Book of Friendship' which includes tips and ideas on how you can be a friend to someone living with Dementia."
mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/become-part-dementia-friends-campaign-3488020
In the Western Gazette:
"Sir Terry Pratchett is among a host of stars appearing in a new television campaign to raise awareness of a new Dementia Friends campaign from Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society. The campaign has been created to highlight that people with dementia can still live fulfilling and rewarding lives and sees stars present their messages to the backing of The Beatles' With a Little Help from my Friends... Dementia prevalence figures from the Dementia 2010 report – recently updated by Alzheimer's Research UK using current population estimates – show there are an estimated 2,600 people living with dementia in south Somerset, 1,100 in north Dorset and 6,500 people in Wiltshire..."
http://tinyurl.com/km9uhfh
In The Telegraph:
"The celebrities star in a new advert to encourage people to become 'dementia friends' to help boost volunteering, education and support for the growing number of people with the condition. Volunteers who take part in the scheme will be able to attend free sessions to learn how to spot the signs of dementia and offer support for sufferers, the Alzheimer's Society said... celebrities involved in the ad include comedian Simon Pegg, actor Ray Winstone, footballer Leighton Baines and presenter Paul O'Grady. Author Sir Terry Pratchett – who suffers from Alzheimer's disease himself – is also involved... The news comes as a new report found that English businesses are losing out on hundreds of millions every year because of employees' caring obligations for people who have dementia. Almost one in 10 dementia carers have to withdraw from work altogether and 12 per cent have been forced to reduce the number of hours they spend at work. Experts have estimated that the total cost of those who leave employment or have to reduce their hours totals more than £1.6 billion. The report compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business research on behalf of Dementia Friends - the Alzheimer's Society's campaign – estimated that throughout this year 50,000 carers will have to quit their job due to caring responsibilities. And a further 66,000 will have to make adjustments to the number of hours they work... 'The fact that thousands of workers in this country are juggling caring responsibilities without support and understanding from their employers is frightening,' said Alzheimer's Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes. 'We're all beginning to talk about dementia, however, society is not yet fully supportive of people with dementia, either in the workplace or in everyday life. I'd love to see everyone become Dementia Friends, and make life that little bit easier for people with dementia.'...
http://tinyurl.com/kj8bgtr
For more information:
https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/DementiaFriends
https://www.facebook.com/DementiaFriends
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
8.1 D.I.Y "RAISING STEAM" CHARACTERS! FOLDABLE! DOWNLOADABLE! AND FREE!!!
A to-die-for set of almost painfully adorable Raising Steam characters to print out at home! Free of charge! What's not to like?
Dick Simnel:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Dick_Dieline.pdf
Moist von Lipwig:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Moist_Dieline.pdf
Harry King:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/HarryKing_Dieline.pdf
Iron Girder herself:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/IronGirder_Dieline.pdf
Vetinari:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/LordVetenari_Dieline.pdf
Of the Twilight the darkness:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/OfTheTwilightTheDarkness_Dieline.pdf
Adora Belle:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/AdoraBelle_Dieline.pdf
Mr Thunderbolt:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Thunderbolt_Dieline.pdf
Dick Simnel's workshop:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/DicksWorkshop_Dieline.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/mdmsdam
8.2 DISCWORLD EMPORIUM UPDATES
"Greetings Disc lovers,
"Of course an Emporium celebration wouldn't be complete without special releases from Discworld Stamps, and we'll be debuting fantastic new issues from Lancre and Genua. Available as single stamps or beautiful collectible sheets, the Lancre 3p and Genua 2 Cent issues feature artwork of Lancre Castle and Ella Saturday respectively. Available at the Spring Fling, and online from Tuesday May 6th - click the images below to see more!
http://tinyurl.com/mxbofxq
"The May Day! May Day! LBE is a limited edition Little Brown Envelope, containing a 'lucky dip' assortment of Discworld Stamps with a chance to find sports, rarities and prizes. Every LBE will contain the brand new Genua 2 Cent, and Lancre 3 Pence Discworld Stamps, and 50 lucky envelopes will contain prize tickets for a 'Letter to Lancre' – a rare postal artefact exclusive to this LBE. Keep an eye out for A-M.P.O Dead Letter labels, little scribbles from a certain artificer, rare $5 Blue Triangles and the most coveted Discworld Stamp of them all - the Blue Triangle Sport!
This edition comprises 1000 LBEs, of which 500 will be available at the event itself on Saturday 3rd May. The remainder will go on sale online on Tuesday 6th May in two batches at 10:00am and 6:00pm BST
http://tinyurl.com/lbvnmj3
"Limited Edition LBEs have a habit of selling out jolly quickly, usually within the first hour of release. To avoid disappointment we recommend the purchase of an LBE season ticket, valid for 6 or 11 LBE editions – find out more here:
http://tinyurl.com/lrfwqx9
[Editor's note: if already sold out, the link may be dead.]
"For all our latest wares and releases have a browse through our New Products page – it's mostly harmless!"
http://tinyurl.com/l8ztg9n
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
9.1 NADWCON 2015: NEWS AND EXPLANATIONS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There are two things you need to know before we announce the location of the 2015 North American Discworld Gathering:
#1 Sir Terry Pratchett is not able to be with us in person this time, as much as he might like to. Terry and Rob's international travel schedule has changed substantially, and he is focused on his writing, and on forthcoming projects.
Your best chance of seeing Sir Terry in person is to attend the International Discworld Convention in 2014 in Manchester, England, August 8-11, 2014. (Their registration is currently filled but there is a waiting list.). Honored Guests at DWCon 2014 "will appear subject to availability and professional commitments."
#2 There is no seed money available to help fund another NADWCon. As some of you know, NADWCon 2011 did not make a profit, and it appears that NADWCon 2013 did not, either. A number of people worked very hard on those last two NADWCons. Those of you who have served in the convention trenches will know how hard it is to put on a good, 1,000 person event, let alone one that makes any money.
Many of the fans who've been volunteering at NADWCon from the very beginning had imagined that each NADWCon would help construct a solid foundation which would, in turn, support future cons, but things don't always work out as well as we could wish. Given this news I've just shared, the 2014/2015 team knew that producing another NADWCon in 2015 was going to be a challenge. So, here is where things stand today:
Drum Roll Please .....
Many of you guessed right: Seattle was the chosen venue. (Note the past tense).
and...
We've been discussing dates for this event that ranged from late summer to early fall because we did not wish to compete with our friends at Norwescon; a fantasy and science fiction convention that takes place in Seattle every Spring.
Then this happened ....
An experienced, fun-loving, and collaborative core group of volunteers was deeply engaged in planning when WorldCon, Inc. announced that Spokane, WA had won the 2015 bid for the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. This meant that most of the talent and volunteers on the west coast would now focus their time, resources and attention on that event. Add to this the fact that many of our NADWCon attendees also go to Worldcon; we cannot ask them to fly out to the same location twice in one year.
In light of these circumstances we have decided to hold a Discworld Gathering at WorldCon 2015. This WorldCon's official name is Sasquan. Sasquan will take place in Spokane, WA on August 19th - 23rd in 2015.
They know we're coming: The Planning Committee is in touch with the organizers of Sasquan. Our job now is to support this large, international convention, and make sure that our Discworld friends have fun while they're there. Our first question to Sasquan was, "How can we help?".
The North American Discworld Guilds are on board, including the Seamstress Guild (extroverted, costume loving party givers) led by their talented Director Missy Hayes. Also with us are the the Dark Clerks (highly organized folks who like to run things backstage), the Printers and Engravers (writers and editors), the Cunning Artificers (arts and crafts), along with musicians, various family groups, and other North American guilds to be named later. We're planning the Seamstress Guild parties (oh, those parties!), and – pending Sasquan's approval, where needed – various Discworld meets, panels, classes, arts and crafts, pub crawls, kids events, and lots of fun across this great con for all our Discworld friends. In a way, this will be like leaving little Lancre to visit Ankh Morpork. You might want to bring The Luggage.
You can buy your membership to Sasquan, at their 2015 WorldCon website:
http://sasquan.org/
http://www.worldcon.org/
PLEASE NOTE:
* Sasquan attendees can't book hotel rooms for this con until late summer or early fall of 2014. (See the Sasquan website for details)
* More information about our Discworld events at Sasquan will be forthcoming at our website (nadwcon.org), through social media, and via a newsletter.
That's all, folks. You now have over fifteen months to make your arrangements. (3) We're going to have a great time. We hope you can join us.
http://it-bodes.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/announcing-dates-and-location-for-north.html
9.2 WADFEST 2014
"This year's theme is heroes and villains. This means you get the chance to dress up as the hero or villain that you have always wanted to be. You can take your inspiration from comics, films and cartoons, or invent a new character for yourself. There will be trophies for the best dressed villain and best dressed hero, so get your sewing machine out and give it a go! If you're no good at sewing and you don't have anyone to help out, you can always hire a costume for the weekend. As well as special themed hero and villain games there will be all your usual Wadfest favourites, including smack the penguin. If it's your first time at Wadfest, why not take a look through the photos of Wadfests past to get an idea of what to expect?
"The X-Men's blackbird? Batman's batmobile? Green Goblin's glider? If you're feeling really adventurous why not turn your vehicle into the kind of transport a hero or villain would have? Perhaps you're more interested in a permanent base like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or He-Man's Castle Greyskull? If so, why not dress your tent up as your lair? There will be a prize for the best one. There are no limits to what you can do with your costumes. Be as inventive as you like or faithfully recreate your favourite character's costume."
When: 15th to 17th August 2014
Venue: Wood Green, The Animal Charity, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH
Tickets: £25.00 per adult for the weekend including Camping and Events. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.wadfest.co.uk/page2.html
http://www.wadfest.co.uk
9.3 AUSDWCON 2015
Nullus Anxietus V is coming! Some early details:
When: 10th to 12th April 2015
Venue: Novotel, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Tickets: current ticket prices are $80-$140 per Attending Member, $400 per Family, $30 per Supporting Membership. To purchase at these rates, go to http://ausdwcon.org/shop/
"Previous Conventions have had Guilds. For Nullus Anxietas V the Guilds are replaced by the Studios of Holy Wood and Convention members (who choose to join a "guild") will be randomly assigned to one of the five studios for activities. Can't sing? Can't dance? Can handle a sword a little? Then Holy Wood beckons, and the clickies want YOU." – Daniel Hatton, Guildmeister
"The date of the convention is still too far distant for us to start negotiating room rates but we will have the upper hand if we can go into the discussion with an estimate of how many we would likely need. We'd like to convince them to be the cheapest rate in all of Parramatta and make their money by booking every room rather than them charging a lot for a few rooms. If at all possible, please give us an indication if you will be booking accommodation at the venue and what sort of room you would like. You do not need to be registered to fill in the survey, we would just like an idea of how many rooms we will need for the weekend. Rest assured we will not hold you to this – it's just an estimate. Your name will only be used to ensure you're not on the spreadsheet twice. You will still need to book your own accommodation." – the organisers
http://ausdwcon.org/
9.4 CABBAGECON 2015
Cabbagecon 3, the third Dutch Discworld Convention, will take place in June of next year. Among the special guests will be Venugopalan Ittekot, Dutch translator of the Discworld novels.
When: 27th and 28th June 2015
Venue: Tulip Inn Hotel Val Monte in Berg en Dal (near Nijmegen)
Tickets: Membership of Cabbagecon 3 for the whole weekend is priced at €40,00, with a €5 discount for children, seniors and students. For the Saturday only or the Sunday only, the price is €25,00, with the same discounts as above applying. To book online in advance, go to http://www.dutchdwcon.nl
Apparently Cabbagecon 2 was a great success on the fun front. The organisers say of next year's event, "It will be a happy occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet each other again and have fun. We hope to see you too!"
9.5 IDWCON 2015
""Hear ye, hear ye, lads and lasses. We're pleased as punch, and so very proud, to announce that the 4th Irish Discworld Convention will be held from the 2nd to the 5th of October, 2015... We hope to see you all at the Cork International Airport Hotel..."
Confirmed guests so far include Bernard Pearson (the Cunning Artificer himself), Isobel Pearson, TSoD co-author Jack Cohen, folklorist (and Discworld myth-checker) Jacqueline Simpson, and the ever-excellent Colin Smythe.
The new IDWcon webpage is truly gorgeous! Go have a look and a wander, in the meantime, here's an internal memo from Captain Shivers of the A-M City Watch, Irish Precinct:
To: Potential New Recruits
Re: The Theme!
People of Roundworld, we're very pleased to announce that the theme of the Irish Discworld Convention 2015 will be the Watch Open Weekend. Watch this space for further details! If you would like to know more about the Convention, please see our FAQ page. And if you would like to know more about what happened last time, please see the Previous Conventions section. If you have ideas for events you'd like to run, or see us run at the convention, please email: programme@idwcon.org. If you have any other questions, feel free to email us on: info@idwcon.org.
http://idwcon.org/
https://twitter.com/IDWCon
https://www.facebook.com/groups/idwcon/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
10) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
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: "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz. The prize is superb. The chance to set the quiz the following month."
Next meeting: Tonight, actually! Monday 12th May 2014, from 7pm onwards. The regular "first Monday of the month" date was moved back to avoid clashing with the Wincanton Spring Fling, which took place last week.
The Drummers' most recent meet report:
"Last night we had a fantastic turnout. We had to add table after table to our zone just to accommodate everyone. We had a visitor from the Netherlands, Sandra, who is on holiday in London. She said that she was pleased to meet up with other nerds and hopes to come again. I was also pleased to see Bill returning to us like the ghost of Drummers past.
The numbers meant that I didn't get to speak to everyone. I ended up having a very serious conversation about the similarities between fandom and religion and the distinction between the epistemological and sociological aspects with Tim and Ruth (who are back together, that's your hot gossip for the day). Larry and Judy brought their wedding photos from over 30 years ago (Larry looked very sweet and innocent, Judy has remarkably aged very little in that time so looked pretty much the same). Alex also flirted with Andrew, asking me if he was "hetero-flexible". Tim E. brought a jeopardy style quiz, ideal for arguing about possible answers and wording, which caused much amusement. The winner, with full marks, was Tim. W. which caused an immediate sound of fear and foreboding when everyone realized that this meant he would be doing the next quiz."
For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
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 5th June 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 6th June 2014 (probably, though isn't that Queenie's official birthday celebrations day?).
*
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 2nd June 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 2nd June 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) meet at The Rowers, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith at 6.30-7.30pm for food, 7.30pm for games, quizzes and chat.
Next meeting: Tuesday 20th May 2014 (confirmed!)
For more information, contact Nanny Ogg – lewis_oz@bigpond.com –
or visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/westerndrummers
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11) A BEAUTIFUL, CROWDFUNDED MARC SIMONETTI ART BOOK
You may recall French illustrator Marc Simonetti's stunning art for the cover of Turtle Recall. Now he is offering the world his first collection in book form, titled "Coverama". With 63 days left on his crowdfunding page, "Coverama" has already surpassed its goal total of $10,000, but that's no reason to stop supporting it. Discworld fans dug deep for Snowgum's "Troll Bridge" crowdfund appeal, and we all know how successful that drive was!
Crowdfunding for "Coverama" ends on 15th July 2014...
"IT'S ART and Marc Simonetti are proud to present Marc's first ART BOOK: Coverama. Marc Simonetti is a French illustrator who has illustrated many great Fantasy and Sci-Fi books, such as George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire and Terry Pratchett's Discworld Novels. He's has also worked for video game companies like (EA, Ubisoft, Activision, Sony...) and worked as a concept artist and color key artist on advertisements and long feature films... The hardcover Art Book will have around 240 pages printed on high quality paper, and will be full of illustrations. The text will be in both English and French. Their subjects will cover the Game of Thrones books, The Disc World , Lovecraft's worlds, Fantasy and Scifi books, video games and advertisements, personal works, and several "Making Of" made especially for the book... You will enjoy a unique sneak peek on the art process as well and some never seen sketches... Some illustrations will have a link to their online video making of. I will do at least 4 original images, including the book cover art and their full Making Of, explained in text and in online videos..."
There are several pledge levels (we all know how these things go now)n – Civilian for $15.00, Scout for $30.00, Mercenary – France for $40.00, Mercenary – Worldwide for $50.00, Bounty Hunter for $100.00, Colonel for $250.00, Rear Admiral for $500.00, High Admiral for $750.00, and Commander for $1,000.00. To discover what each level offers, visit the page:
http://www.itsartmag.com/features/projects/coverama-by-marc-simonetti/
[Editor's note: for more of Simonetti's quirky Discworld covers art, go to www.marcsimonetti.com - my personal favourites are his covers for Reaper Man, Small Gods, and definitely Soul Music. He also does really scary Feegles.]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Susan would approve! As dispensed by the very enlightened Barrett Pharmacy of Watford City, North Dakota:
http://tinyurl.com/n899tlp
...and Nanny Ogg would definitely approve of this ever so louche Interesting Vegetable, as posted by The Poke:
http://tinyurl.com/lymbzm3
Here be an iconograph of the assembled 3-D foldable "Raising Steam" characters (see item 8.1 above):
http://tinyurl.com/lk8re7y
GlenBricker, who created the Discworld Lego proposal, now brings us a Tiffany Aching with frying pan, diary, ship beasties and Feegles. Lego-Tiffany is a truly scary sight; I doubt even the Quin would want to mess with her:
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/57284
...and finally, a marvellously motley collection of Wincanton Spring Fling-ers rockin' the Pink Pussycat Club:
http://tinyurl.com/lcgxwrm
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13) CLOSE
You may remember, from Men at Arms, that the Fools' Guild has a secret museum of clown faces painted on eggs, with an egg for each clown's unique and "protected" make-up. Here be the real Roundworld version:
"A clown's face is his livelihood; it's an unwritten rule among clowns that one must not copy the face of another. Accordingly, in 1946 London clown Stan Bult began painting the faces of his colleagues onto eggshells, effectively trademarking their identities. Bult's collection was largely destroyed in an accident in 1965, but London's Circus Clowns Club resurrected the practice in 1984 and added samples of its members' costumes and wig hair, making each into a peculiar sort of portrait. In 1979, Leon 'Buttons' McBryde, a clown with the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus, heard about the British practice and established his own egg registry, which now includes hundreds of portraits of clowns hand-painted by his wife, Linda. The U.S. registry has been used in at least one court case in which one clown charged another with infringing his design..."
http://www.futilitycloset.com/2014/05/09/the-clown-egg-register/
And here is a wonderful collection of clown-face egg photographs by Luke Stephenson:
http://lukestephenson.com/the-clown-egg-register/
And finally, a message, in poster form, for orangutan-loving choccy-bar consumers in Fourecks. It's a graphic list of which popular snack bars contain palm oil and which do not. Buy smart, tuckshop-raiders!
http://tinyurl.com/mppt6da
And that's the lot for now. Enjoy this merrie month of May, don't forget to wear the lilac on the 25th, and we'll see you again soon!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
———————————————————————————————————
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
———————————————————————————————————
Copyright (c) 2014 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
May 2014 (Volume 17, Issue 4, post 1)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) "MY INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP" GOES LIVE
05) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
07) PTERRY AND ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
09) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
10) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
11) BREATHTAKING NEW MARC SIMONETTI ART BOOK
12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
13) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"Independent bookshops supported this jobbing genre author long before the geeks were let out of their wardrobes. Being able to support these talented retail wizards through My Independent Bookshop is a very, very good thing."
– Sir Pterry, talking about My Independent Bookshop
"I wrote the [Wintersmith] album with Terry Pratchett, based on his books.
Well, on some of his books, not all of them – that would be a long album. "
– Maddy Prior, who knows an impossible task when she reads one!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
It's another packed issue this month, so we're coming to you early!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This one, from the new "Dementia Friends" campaign (see item 7 below), is absolutely priceless:
http://tinyurl.com/lnb4rmm
*
In the Portsmouth News online, there's a shout-out for the Hayling Island Bookshop, featured in an earlier issue of WOSSNAME. They will be the suppliers for Sit Pterry's virtual bookshop (see item 4 below):
ONE of the smallest independent bookshops in the country has been given a huge boost by fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett. Sir Terry, author of the popular Discworld series, has nominated the Hayling Island Bookshop to be the supplier of his chosen favourite books on a new social media site... Sir Terry's site links to the tiny Mengham bookshop if people want to buy them. He was a guest at the shop in 2008 and it made a big impression on him... Sir Terry has named his own fantasy and science fiction-themed bookshop Narrativia after the goddess of inspiration he invented... Marie Telford, owner of The Hayling Island Bookshop which is just 3m sq, said: 'We were absolutely astonished, delighted and honoured to hear that Sir Terry had chosen our tiny bookshop to be linked to his personal bookshop containing his favourite books. We hosted Terry on Hayling in 2008 for the launch of his book Nation and we are so pleased that he is helping independent bookshops to extend their reach in this way. We hope many of the readers will come and visit us in person too.'"
http://tinyurl.com/kmehqgf
*
From pop-up shops and restaurants to pop-up book benches – Paul Kidby is among the illustrators who will be making London a more magical place to read:
"Bloomsbury is set to play host to a range of literary classics, from Peter Pan to The Wind in the Willows, as a series of painted 'BookBenches' will soon pop up all over town. The benches will feature images from novels dating back to the 19th century, including Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, right through to modern favourites such as How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. Renowned artists and illustrators will be picking up a paintbrush and bringing some classic characters to life, including Ralph Steadman who famously worked with Hunter S Thompson, will be replicating characters from his 1973 children's classic take on Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Paul Kidby who designed the images in Terry Pratchett's Discworld..."
http://tinyurl.com/lpzukgx
*
In addition to their Irish "Wintersmith" tour dates (see item 3.4 below), Maddy Prior and Steeleye Span will be gigging in Bolton this month with new fiddler Jessie May Smart, who has replaced departing long-serving member Peter Knight.
When: 22nd May 2014
Venue: the Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £19.50. To book, phone the Box Office on 01204 334400 (Mon-Fri 9-5 & Sat 10-4). There is a Booking Fee of £0.50 per Ticket charged on credit card transactions, or a charge of £1.00 per ticket for online purchases. To book online, go to:
http://alberthallsbolton.ticketsolve.com/shows/873513221/events/127044692
http://www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/
*
The Wincanton Spring Fling was a success as usual, with a total of £1357.15 being raised for the RICE Centre. Well done Team Artificer and all the supporters of Ankh-Morpork's one and only twin town! As for the "Dementia Friends" campaign, go read the item, visit the page and watch the video. It may break your heart, but with love. Then go do what you can to spread the word about dementia.
*
A quick note: the Broken Drummers, london's oldest Discworld neeting group. will be having their mothly meeting tonight (13th May) – see item 10.
And now it's on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 RAISING STEAM: IN PAPERBACK!
Lynsey from Transworld says: "Raising Steam in paperback has a whole new cover look! Coming your way in the UK on 9th October 2014!"
http://bit.ly/raisingsteam
And the new cover image: http://tinyurl.com/nv8zvjw
3.2 KNIGHTS (AND WIZZARDS) OF B.A.D.A.S.M.
There's a new-ish Facebook group, known as the Benevolent Antipodean Discworld Appreciation Society (Melbourne CBD Chapter), that is looking for some action:
"B.A.D.A.S. (Melbourne CBD Chapter) is a group for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett and his series the Discworld. We are hoping to get a regular (monthly or if we are all having fun more regular) meet-up happening. Activities will range from book discussion, board games, eating and pretty much anything that enough people will think is fun. We are hoping to foster a fun community that everybody can enjoy."
The group is open, so anyone can join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/badasm/
3.3 TORQUAY'S THE PLACE FOR DRAGONS
"A magnificent painting of a dragon for a calendar of Terry Pratchett's best-selling Discworld novels is featured in a new exhibition at Torquay Museum. The exhibition, entitled Tell Me a Dragon, runs until June 25 featuring original watercolour paintings by award-winning children's author and illustrator, Jackie Morris. The Discworld calendar dragon painted by Jackie gave her the idea for her own Tell Me a Dragon book, in which she dispels the fearsome reputation of these magical creatures. This is the first time Jackie's dragon paintings have been exhibited together. The exhibition of paintings is supplemented by dragon-decorated objects from Torquay Museum's own collections, ranging from magnificent Samurai swords to Torquay's first ever gas lamp in the shape of a dragon (dated to 1834), and beautiful ceramics..."
http://tinyurl.com/n4st2cw
3.4 REMINDER: THE WINTERSMITH TOUR IN IRELAND
Come to Ireland and dance the Dark Morris...
Monday 19th May
Town Hall Theatre Galway
00353 (0) 91-569777
Tickets are €25. To purchase online go to
http://tinyurl.com/lexdxb7
http://tht.ie/1868/Steeleye-Span
Tuesday 20th May
The Hawk's Well Theatre Sligo
00353 (0) 71-9161518
Tickets are €25.00; online booking:
http://www.hawkswell.com/events/event/steeleye-span and go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase for that date; concession prices are available in person at the box office or by phone 071-9161518
Wednesday 21st May
Vicar Street Dublin
00353 (0)1 77 55 800
Tickets are €31.50 (including booking). For details go to http://tinyurl.com/mod7dlu
3.5 REMINDER: NEW PAUL KIDBY EXHIBITION
"Discworld and Beyond"
When: current, through 28th June 2014
Venue: Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD (phone 0845 603 5635)
Time: Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Admission is free
3.6 RAISING STEAM FOR REAL
Want to raise some steam? Here be a chance for some of you to experience the kind of steam-driven thrills that moved Sir Pterry to write his latest novel!
"Join the dedicated team of volunteers at Kempton Steam Museum and help restore and maintain the world's largest working triple-expansion steam engine and the Grade II* listed building and its heritage contents. You don't need experience but any skills, from painting and decorating to electrical or mechanical engineering will be useful. Training is available including learning to drive the engine, conduct tours of the static engine display and meeting the public."
When: Thursdays, 15th, 22nd and 29th May 2014; Sat 24th May, Sun 25th May
Venue: Kempton Steam Museum, Kempton Park Water Works, Snakey Lane, Hanworth, TW13 7ND
Time: 10:00–16:00 all days
"Volunteers will be asked to become a member of Kempton Great Engines Society for £11.00, which will entitle them to a year's membership, free admission at all times and a quarterly newsletter... Volunteers are asked to provide their own overalls and working boots. Hard hats and most tools are provided. Bring your own lunch; tea and coffee is provided."
Kempton Steam Museum is the "Home of the world's largest working triple-expansion steam engine, one of a pair commissioned in 1928 and housed in a magnificent Grade II National Monument where visitors can explore the engines and see one in steam. Regular guided tours, children's activity packs, rides available on Darent, a 1903 narrow-gauge steam locomotive and engine driver training days available."
http://www.kemptonsteam.org
Telephone 020 3565 3586
Email kemptonsteam@gmail.com
3.7 DISCWORLD READING ORDER CHART: GOING VIRAL?
As featured in Images of the Month in the April main issue, an updated and very attractive Discworld Reading Order Chart is being recommended all over the place3. Here's the Geeks of Doom page, including the image:
"Maybe you are a newcomer to the wondrous writings of Terry Pratchett. Or maybe you've been reading Discworld novels since the 1980s, like yours truly. Either way, at some point you have probably wondered which book is next in the great timeline of all things Terry, or maybe you're curious how they all tie in together. Well, friends, have I got a treat for you! The Discworld Reading Order Guide 2.21 is newly updated and features virtually every book in an easy to understand chart. Krzysztof Kietzman is credited with creating the chart, though it seems that others have contributed to it as well..."
http://tinyurl.com/mzau6a2
3.8 DISCWORLD LEGO: CLOSER TO POSSIBLE!
Remember GlenBricker's proposed Discworld Lego set, that would become a reality if 10,000 supporters prove their interest? Well, there are now 4,803 supporters – nearly half-way there! – and there is still almost a full year to go. If you'd love you some Discworld Lego, go here and make your wishes known:
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/36302
3.9 REMINDER: DISCWORLD DAY AT THE STORY MUSEUM
On the 25th of May, the Story Museum in Oxford will host a Discworld Day! Stephen Briggs will read extracts from Going Postal at 11.30am and 2pm, and there will be various other Discworld-y goings-on from 11am to 5pm. Don't forget to wear your lilac!
"We're Going Postal here in Oxford's old post office with Discworld Day activities inspired by Ankh Morpork's Post Office."
In addition to the exhibition entrance fee of £7.50 (£5 for under-18′s, full-time students, job-seekers, over-60s; no charge for children under one year and companions of disabled visitors), there will be a £2 charge for the event. £4 event-only tickets will be offered on the day, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended.
The Story Museum
Rochester House, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
+44 (0)1865 790050
onceuponatime@storymuseum.org.uk
http://www.storymuseum.org.uk/the-story-museum/events
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04) THE VIRTUAL BOOKSHOPS ARE OPEN!
"My Independent Bookshop" is now live! From booktrade.info:
"Hundreds of new 'bookshops' were opening in the UK today as part of a campaign to champion the personal recommendation of books. Authors including Terry Pratchett, Irvine Welsh and Lisa Jewell were among the first to join the 'My Independent Bookshop' network by opening their own virtual bookshops and giving people an inside-the-covers look at their favourite reads. The initiative, launched by Penguin Random House UK – the country's biggest book publisher – allows book lovers to set up a virtual bookshop, share and review their favourite reads, and discover books online. Readers can set up their own shop with twelve books at a time on their shelves – changing the display as often as they choose by season, genre or mood – the possibilities are endless... All books in the virtual shops are available to buy online through hive.co.uk, the ecommerce arm of Gardners wholesalers, which is connected with hundreds of independent bookshops across the UK. As part of the registration process, 'My Independent Bookshop' users can choose their favourite real-world independent bookshop to connect with. Hive will then pass a commission from any purchase made through the website to their chosen shop... Author Terry Pratchett, who has connected his online 'bookshop', NARRATIVIA, to the tiny Hayling Island Bookshop in Hampshire, said: "Independent bookshops supported this jobbing genre author long before the geeks were let out of their wardrobes, being able to support these talented retail wizards through 'My Independent Bookshop' is a very, very good thing...'... Commenting on the launch, Hannah Telfer, Group Director, Consumer & Digital Development at Penguin Random House UK, said: 'People are becoming ever more sophisticated in the way they move between their social, digital and physical worlds. We want to harness the opportunities this creates to celebrate the power of personal recommendation. By giving people the magical experience of curating their own bookshop and sharing this with their communities we are putting the discovery of great books and authors – no matter who they are published by – directly into the hands of book lovers...'"
http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/53793/
In Management Today:
"According to the Booksellers Association, there are now less than 1,000 independent bookshops gracing UK high streets – a third fewer than nine years ago. Penguin Random House, the world's largest publisher, has today swooped in to support this dwindling band of high-street traders with the launch of My Independent Bookshop. The website encourages book lovers to set up their own virtual stores, where they can showcase and review their favourite books and check out what other people are reading. Crucially, you can buy books from the site, with a small proportion of takings (5% of the revenues from every physical book and 8% from each ebook) going to support scores of local independent book stores. Around 70 independent retailers are connected to the site so far, and authors including Irvine Welsh, Tony Parsons, Alastair Campbell and Terry Pratchett have already set up their own 'bookshop profiles' (Pratchett recommends Neil Gaiman's American Gods and The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams, in case you're interested.) For now, this isn't a money-making scheme for Penguin Random House. According to Dan Franklin, the company's digital publisher, it's all about collecting valuable data: ‘We can see what's trending, what books are popular and how people are interacting...'"
http://tinyurl.com/n35aor6
The My Independent Bookshop site itself:
"There's nothing more magical than a bookshop. A bookshop is more than just a shop – it's a gateway to brand new worlds. It lets you visit places you'd never normally go, live lives you'd never normally live and feel things you'd never normally feel. And now you can create your own virtual bookshop, discover new books and be inspired... There's no end to our rewards. With My Independent Bookshop, you'll get the first word on the latest giveaways, competitions and exclusives from some of the best authors around... We love bookshops, and we know you do too. That's why we've teamed up with hive, to ensure that for every book you buy, a percentage of the sale is shared with a local, independent bookshop."
How to make your own virtual bookshop:
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/register
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/
http://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/TerryPratchett
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05) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
Here's the latest from mah homey, I mean the inimitable David Brashaw, co-creator of the "Guards! Guards!" boardgame:
"After selling out again in 2013 Backspindle Games are delighted to confirm that the Pre-order of Guards! Guards! A Discworld boardgame for 2014 is available right now at:
http://backspindlegames.com/our_work/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon
"Games should be shipped to customers before the end of June 2014 and for a limited time they have a special Spring Fling price of £29.99 and in addition FREE shipping to UK customers.
"Euan from www.childsplaycharity.org recently commented 'Thanks for making the Guards! Guards! game. I bought it for my wife at Christmas and we've enjoyed it immensely. We especially like the tone of the game. It felt like being in a Pratchett novel. :)'
"Game Salute in the US have ordered 500 copies.
"The Backspindle Boys are booked for DWCon 2014 in Manchester. They will of course have copies of Guards! Guards! to demo and sell, and will have their new board game, Clacks for demoing.
"My sources have told me there is a new cooperative version of the game in development and play-tests have gone very well.
The boys will also be running their LIVE run-around the Convention version of Guards! Guards! with prizes for the winners of course and possibly more chocolate Ankh-Morpork dollars to boot!
"As for a release date for Clacks, not confirmed as yet, as Backspindle have been very busy with their latest sell-out game Luchador! Mexican Wrestling Dice (not a Discworld game, but great fun, banging tables and high-fives etc.) As soon as we know we'll let you all know."
Sounds great! And I'm looking forward to being able to grab a copy of Clacks for myself – Ed.
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06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
6.1 NEW: THIEF OF TIME IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS
Unseen Theatre, Australia's marvellous Pratchett-and-Discworld-themed theatre group, is back this month with a new production of Thief of Time!
When: Preview Show on Friday, 23 May 2014; opening night on Saturday, 24th May; then performances on 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st May, and 4th through 7th June
Venue: Main Theatre, the Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Time: 8:00pm all shows (the play runs for 2 hours plus a 10 minute interval)
Tickets: Adults $20, Conc $18, Fringe Benefits $16, Groups (10+) $16; Preview $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night (subject to availability), or to book ahead online, go to http://www.trybooking.com/82617
By agreement with Sir Terry Pratchett, all proceeds from the Opening Night performance will be donated to the South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society (_www.saves.asn.au/_)
http://www.unseen.com.au/
6.2 NEW: AMAZING MAURICE THE MUSICAL IN CARLISLE AND PENRITH
ACT Youth Theatre will present their production of Matthew Holmes' superb musical adaptation of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents next month in Carlisle and Penrith.
Carlisle:
When: Saturday 14th June,
Venue: The Green Room, West Walls Theatre, West Walls, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8UB
Tel: 01228 533233
Time: 2pm Matinee and 7:30pm Evening Performances
Tickets: £8 adults and £6 concessions, available from Carlisle Tourist Information (01228 598 596)
http://www.carlislegreenroom.co.uk
Penrith:
When: Saturday 28th June
Venue: Penrith Playhouse, Auction Mart Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7JG view map
Telephone 01768 865557
Time: 2pm Matinee and 7:30pm Evening Performances.
Tickets: £8 adults and £6 concessions, available from Penrith Tourist Information (01768 867 466)
www.penrithplayers.co.uk
Tickets for both venues can also be purchased online at: www.acttheatre.ticketsource.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/acttheatrecumbria
6.3 UPDATED: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN CHICAGO
"Lifeline Theatre is thrilled to offer a special discount on MONSTROUS REGIMENT tickets to Discworld fans near and far. $10 off regular single tickets, June 12-July 20, with code 'OZZER.' Must order by May 31st. Call 773-761-4477 or purchase online at www.lifelinetheatre.com."
This production is looking very promising! – Ed.
When: 30th May – 20th July 2014
Venue: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60626
Telephone 773-761-4477
Time: evenings at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at 8pm on Saturdays; matinees at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Tickets: $20 for previews (30th May-8th June), $40 for Regular Run: June 12-July 20 (Thu & Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm & 8pm, Sun at 4pm). To book online in advance, go to http://tinyurl.com/kzehtaw and click on the desired dates at the bottom of the page (or scroll through from there to the June or July calendars for tickets on those dates)
http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/13-14/mr/index.shtml
6.4 REMINDER: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN SUDBURY
Sudbury Dramatic Society presents Monstrous Regiment this week, starting tonight!
When: Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th May 2014
Venue: The Quay, Quay Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AN Tel. 01787 374745
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: £9.00 (Friends £8.00). Tuesday 13th only – all tickets £7.00. Groups of 10 or more students £7.00 To buy tickets, phone 01787 374745 or online at https://quaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873507408/events
Pre-theatre suppers are available to book on the Friday and Saturday
evenings only.
http://www.quaytheatre.org.uk/whatsOn.htm
6.5 REMINDER: MORT IN CHESHAM
Chesham Bois Catholic Players (Amateur) present Mort at the Little Theatre this month.
When: 16th-18th May 2014
Venue: Little Theatre By The Park, Church Street, Chesham Bucks HP5 1HU
Time: Fri. 16th at 8pm, Sat. 17th at 7.30pm, Sun. 18th at 4pm
Tickets: all tickets £10. "Unsold tickets may be available at the door."
To book online, go to http://cbcp.ticketsource.co.uk/
http://www.littletheatrechesham.co.uk/
facebook.com/pages/Chesham-Bois-Catholic-Players/692088180825325
6.6 REMINDER: WITCHES ABROAD IN MARYBOROUGH, QUEENSLAND
The Maryborough Players present their exclusive production of Witches Abroad, as adapted and directed by Renoir (presumably not the dead Impressionist master). Profits from the production will go to Alzheimers Australia and the Australasian Order of Old Bastards, they claim!
When: 4th–7th June 2014
Venue: Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, 5 Walker Street,Maryborough, QLD
Time: all evening performances 7.30pm; additional Saturday matinee 2pm
Tickets: Adults $30.00, Concession and Friends $25.00, Students $20.00 To book online, go to http://www.brolgatheatre.org/default.asp?PageID=95
http://www.brolgatheatre.org/
6.7 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS AROUND THE MIDLANDS
...although the new travelling production by the Jadis Shadows company is also a sort of "witches abroad"! Jadis Shadows, "Resident Company for STMO Media's Magic Alley in Stratford Upon Avon", present their production in May and June 2014, in a number of places.
When: 16th & 17th May 2014
Venue: Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £12.50, £10.50 concessions. Box Office – 0116 253 2569
When: 29th & 30th May 2014
Venue: Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £13.50 (No concession prices). Box Office – 01905 611427. Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. Tickets can be booked or held on reservation for up to 4 working days but must be paid for, in full, 4 days prior to the performance. To book online: http://tinyurl.com/lomgby3
When: 11th, 12th & 30th June 2014
Venue: Castle Theatre Wellingborough, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough, Warwickshire NN8 1XA
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: £10 for everyone. Box Office – 01933 270007
http://www.jadisshadows.com/index.php/current-programme
6.8 REMINDER: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN ELTHAM (LONDON, NOT FOURECKS)
The Bob Hope Theatre's in-house amateur drama company will present their production of Guards! Guards! this week.
When: 14th-17th May 2014 at 19:45
Venue: Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham SE9 5TG
Time: 7.45pm (bar opens at 7pm)
Tickets: £9 (concessions £8, not available Friday or Saturday). Group discounts are on offer. Box Office: 020 8850 3702 or book online at www.intelligent-tickets.com/index.php?th=bh
www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
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07) PTERRY AND ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
BECOME A DEMENTIA FRIEND
In Little Black Book:
"Sir Paul McCartney is today announced as an ambassador for Dementia Friends as celebrities and Alzheimer's Society ambassadors perform one of The Beatles' most memorable tracks 'With a Little Help From My Friends' including Lily Allen, Chris Martin, Ray Winstone; Pixie Lott; Paul O'Grady; Leighton Baines; Fiona Phillips; Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes; Simon Pegg; Hugh Dennis; Amanda Holden; Alesha Dixon and Ruth Jones and Sir Terry Pratchett, alongside Gina Shaw, a 61 year old singer and former nurse from Liverpool who has dementia. And the project seems to have moved the celebrities involved to find out more about the condition themselves. 'I think everyone should watch the Dementia Friends video to see the amazing and brave lady who lives with dementia in it. Gina is very open about a condition that there's so much stigma about, but she's got great support is using her position to spread the word,' said comedian and writer Meera Syal... The film will encourage viewers to become a Dementia Friend – which means gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by people with dementia and learning a few useful tips to help make life better for those living with the condition. To become a friend, individuals watch a short online film, which explains what dementia is, how it affects individuals and what people can do to help those living with the disease. Once they've watched the film, they then enter their details in order to receive a Dementia Friends badge (to show their support), and ‘Little Book Of Friendship', which includes further ideas and tips on how to help people with dementia. Alternatively, people can attend a face-to-face awareness session run by Alzheimer's Society in their area... Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Given that one in three people over 65 will develop dementia, it is fantastic to be working together with Public Health England to launch a star studded campaign to raise awareness of dementia and encourage people to become Dementia Friends. Everyone has a role to play. Through Dementia Friends, we can all understand a bit more about what it is like to live with dementia and the small things that help those with the condition. It is easy and free to become a Dementia Friend, so I urge you all to sign up and make a difference.'..."
http://tinyurl.com/mtsqrbj
On the Alzheimer's Society website:
"By 2015, we want there to be a million people with the know-how to help people with dementia feel understood and included in their community. The initiative was fully launch in mid-February 2013 after the initial announcement in November 2012. Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who talk to people about being a Dementia Friend in their communities after attending a training course and receiving ongoing support. A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. The drive forms part of the six-month progress report on the Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia..."
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2070
...and the NHS:
"Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia for NHS England, said: 'NHS England welcomes this incredibly valuable campaign which will raise the awareness of dementia across the country. I would strongly encourage people to sign up to become a dementia friend and encourage their friends and family to sign up too. Most of us know, or know of someone with dementia and becoming a dementia friend is a positive sign of support.'..."
http://www.england.nhs.uk/2014/05/07/dementia-friends/
In The Mirror:
"Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society have joined forces for the Dementia Friends campaign to recruit over a million "Dementia Friends" – ordinary people who are willing to learn about dementia and how to support people with it.
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, says: 'Until there's a cure, friendship is the best treatment we have for dementia.' ... A Dementia Friend is simply someone who has an understanding of what dementia is and the little things they can do to support those living with the condition. Visit Dementia Friends online at dementiafriends.org.uk Search for your local face-to-face information session – these free interactive classes can provide practical advice on how you can help others live well with dementia. If there isn't a session nearby or you can't make the allocated dates, you can always watch the short Dementia Friends video instead. You'll receive a Dementia Friends badge and a 'Little Book of Friendship' which includes tips and ideas on how you can be a friend to someone living with Dementia."
mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/become-part-dementia-friends-campaign-3488020
In the Western Gazette:
"Sir Terry Pratchett is among a host of stars appearing in a new television campaign to raise awareness of a new Dementia Friends campaign from Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society. The campaign has been created to highlight that people with dementia can still live fulfilling and rewarding lives and sees stars present their messages to the backing of The Beatles' With a Little Help from my Friends... Dementia prevalence figures from the Dementia 2010 report – recently updated by Alzheimer's Research UK using current population estimates – show there are an estimated 2,600 people living with dementia in south Somerset, 1,100 in north Dorset and 6,500 people in Wiltshire..."
http://tinyurl.com/km9uhfh
In The Telegraph:
"The celebrities star in a new advert to encourage people to become 'dementia friends' to help boost volunteering, education and support for the growing number of people with the condition. Volunteers who take part in the scheme will be able to attend free sessions to learn how to spot the signs of dementia and offer support for sufferers, the Alzheimer's Society said... celebrities involved in the ad include comedian Simon Pegg, actor Ray Winstone, footballer Leighton Baines and presenter Paul O'Grady. Author Sir Terry Pratchett – who suffers from Alzheimer's disease himself – is also involved... The news comes as a new report found that English businesses are losing out on hundreds of millions every year because of employees' caring obligations for people who have dementia. Almost one in 10 dementia carers have to withdraw from work altogether and 12 per cent have been forced to reduce the number of hours they spend at work. Experts have estimated that the total cost of those who leave employment or have to reduce their hours totals more than £1.6 billion. The report compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business research on behalf of Dementia Friends - the Alzheimer's Society's campaign – estimated that throughout this year 50,000 carers will have to quit their job due to caring responsibilities. And a further 66,000 will have to make adjustments to the number of hours they work... 'The fact that thousands of workers in this country are juggling caring responsibilities without support and understanding from their employers is frightening,' said Alzheimer's Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes. 'We're all beginning to talk about dementia, however, society is not yet fully supportive of people with dementia, either in the workplace or in everyday life. I'd love to see everyone become Dementia Friends, and make life that little bit easier for people with dementia.'...
http://tinyurl.com/kj8bgtr
For more information:
https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/DementiaFriends
https://www.facebook.com/DementiaFriends
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08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
8.1 D.I.Y "RAISING STEAM" CHARACTERS! FOLDABLE! DOWNLOADABLE! AND FREE!!!
A to-die-for set of almost painfully adorable Raising Steam characters to print out at home! Free of charge! What's not to like?
Dick Simnel:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Dick_Dieline.pdf
Moist von Lipwig:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Moist_Dieline.pdf
Harry King:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/HarryKing_Dieline.pdf
Iron Girder herself:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/IronGirder_Dieline.pdf
Vetinari:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/LordVetenari_Dieline.pdf
Of the Twilight the darkness:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/OfTheTwilightTheDarkness_Dieline.pdf
Adora Belle:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/AdoraBelle_Dieline.pdf
Mr Thunderbolt:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/Thunderbolt_Dieline.pdf
Dick Simnel's workshop:
http://www.raisingsteam3d.com/pdfs/DicksWorkshop_Dieline.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/mdmsdam
8.2 DISCWORLD EMPORIUM UPDATES
"Greetings Disc lovers,
"Of course an Emporium celebration wouldn't be complete without special releases from Discworld Stamps, and we'll be debuting fantastic new issues from Lancre and Genua. Available as single stamps or beautiful collectible sheets, the Lancre 3p and Genua 2 Cent issues feature artwork of Lancre Castle and Ella Saturday respectively. Available at the Spring Fling, and online from Tuesday May 6th - click the images below to see more!
http://tinyurl.com/mxbofxq
"The May Day! May Day! LBE is a limited edition Little Brown Envelope, containing a 'lucky dip' assortment of Discworld Stamps with a chance to find sports, rarities and prizes. Every LBE will contain the brand new Genua 2 Cent, and Lancre 3 Pence Discworld Stamps, and 50 lucky envelopes will contain prize tickets for a 'Letter to Lancre' – a rare postal artefact exclusive to this LBE. Keep an eye out for A-M.P.O Dead Letter labels, little scribbles from a certain artificer, rare $5 Blue Triangles and the most coveted Discworld Stamp of them all - the Blue Triangle Sport!
This edition comprises 1000 LBEs, of which 500 will be available at the event itself on Saturday 3rd May. The remainder will go on sale online on Tuesday 6th May in two batches at 10:00am and 6:00pm BST
http://tinyurl.com/lbvnmj3
"Limited Edition LBEs have a habit of selling out jolly quickly, usually within the first hour of release. To avoid disappointment we recommend the purchase of an LBE season ticket, valid for 6 or 11 LBE editions – find out more here:
http://tinyurl.com/lrfwqx9
[Editor's note: if already sold out, the link may be dead.]
"For all our latest wares and releases have a browse through our New Products page – it's mostly harmless!"
http://tinyurl.com/l8ztg9n
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09) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
9.1 NADWCON 2015: NEWS AND EXPLANATIONS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There are two things you need to know before we announce the location of the 2015 North American Discworld Gathering:
#1 Sir Terry Pratchett is not able to be with us in person this time, as much as he might like to. Terry and Rob's international travel schedule has changed substantially, and he is focused on his writing, and on forthcoming projects.
Your best chance of seeing Sir Terry in person is to attend the International Discworld Convention in 2014 in Manchester, England, August 8-11, 2014. (Their registration is currently filled but there is a waiting list.). Honored Guests at DWCon 2014 "will appear subject to availability and professional commitments."
#2 There is no seed money available to help fund another NADWCon. As some of you know, NADWCon 2011 did not make a profit, and it appears that NADWCon 2013 did not, either. A number of people worked very hard on those last two NADWCons. Those of you who have served in the convention trenches will know how hard it is to put on a good, 1,000 person event, let alone one that makes any money.
Many of the fans who've been volunteering at NADWCon from the very beginning had imagined that each NADWCon would help construct a solid foundation which would, in turn, support future cons, but things don't always work out as well as we could wish. Given this news I've just shared, the 2014/2015 team knew that producing another NADWCon in 2015 was going to be a challenge. So, here is where things stand today:
Drum Roll Please .....
Many of you guessed right: Seattle was the chosen venue. (Note the past tense).
and...
We've been discussing dates for this event that ranged from late summer to early fall because we did not wish to compete with our friends at Norwescon; a fantasy and science fiction convention that takes place in Seattle every Spring.
Then this happened ....
An experienced, fun-loving, and collaborative core group of volunteers was deeply engaged in planning when WorldCon, Inc. announced that Spokane, WA had won the 2015 bid for the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. This meant that most of the talent and volunteers on the west coast would now focus their time, resources and attention on that event. Add to this the fact that many of our NADWCon attendees also go to Worldcon; we cannot ask them to fly out to the same location twice in one year.
In light of these circumstances we have decided to hold a Discworld Gathering at WorldCon 2015. This WorldCon's official name is Sasquan. Sasquan will take place in Spokane, WA on August 19th - 23rd in 2015.
They know we're coming: The Planning Committee is in touch with the organizers of Sasquan. Our job now is to support this large, international convention, and make sure that our Discworld friends have fun while they're there. Our first question to Sasquan was, "How can we help?".
The North American Discworld Guilds are on board, including the Seamstress Guild (extroverted, costume loving party givers) led by their talented Director Missy Hayes. Also with us are the the Dark Clerks (highly organized folks who like to run things backstage), the Printers and Engravers (writers and editors), the Cunning Artificers (arts and crafts), along with musicians, various family groups, and other North American guilds to be named later. We're planning the Seamstress Guild parties (oh, those parties!), and – pending Sasquan's approval, where needed – various Discworld meets, panels, classes, arts and crafts, pub crawls, kids events, and lots of fun across this great con for all our Discworld friends. In a way, this will be like leaving little Lancre to visit Ankh Morpork. You might want to bring The Luggage.
You can buy your membership to Sasquan, at their 2015 WorldCon website:
http://sasquan.org/
http://www.worldcon.org/
PLEASE NOTE:
* Sasquan attendees can't book hotel rooms for this con until late summer or early fall of 2014. (See the Sasquan website for details)
* More information about our Discworld events at Sasquan will be forthcoming at our website (nadwcon.org), through social media, and via a newsletter.
That's all, folks. You now have over fifteen months to make your arrangements. (3) We're going to have a great time. We hope you can join us.
http://it-bodes.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/announcing-dates-and-location-for-north.html
9.2 WADFEST 2014
"This year's theme is heroes and villains. This means you get the chance to dress up as the hero or villain that you have always wanted to be. You can take your inspiration from comics, films and cartoons, or invent a new character for yourself. There will be trophies for the best dressed villain and best dressed hero, so get your sewing machine out and give it a go! If you're no good at sewing and you don't have anyone to help out, you can always hire a costume for the weekend. As well as special themed hero and villain games there will be all your usual Wadfest favourites, including smack the penguin. If it's your first time at Wadfest, why not take a look through the photos of Wadfests past to get an idea of what to expect?
"The X-Men's blackbird? Batman's batmobile? Green Goblin's glider? If you're feeling really adventurous why not turn your vehicle into the kind of transport a hero or villain would have? Perhaps you're more interested in a permanent base like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or He-Man's Castle Greyskull? If so, why not dress your tent up as your lair? There will be a prize for the best one. There are no limits to what you can do with your costumes. Be as inventive as you like or faithfully recreate your favourite character's costume."
When: 15th to 17th August 2014
Venue: Wood Green, The Animal Charity, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH
Tickets: £25.00 per adult for the weekend including Camping and Events. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.wadfest.co.uk/page2.html
http://www.wadfest.co.uk
9.3 AUSDWCON 2015
Nullus Anxietus V is coming! Some early details:
When: 10th to 12th April 2015
Venue: Novotel, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Tickets: current ticket prices are $80-$140 per Attending Member, $400 per Family, $30 per Supporting Membership. To purchase at these rates, go to http://ausdwcon.org/shop/
"Previous Conventions have had Guilds. For Nullus Anxietas V the Guilds are replaced by the Studios of Holy Wood and Convention members (who choose to join a "guild") will be randomly assigned to one of the five studios for activities. Can't sing? Can't dance? Can handle a sword a little? Then Holy Wood beckons, and the clickies want YOU." – Daniel Hatton, Guildmeister
"The date of the convention is still too far distant for us to start negotiating room rates but we will have the upper hand if we can go into the discussion with an estimate of how many we would likely need. We'd like to convince them to be the cheapest rate in all of Parramatta and make their money by booking every room rather than them charging a lot for a few rooms. If at all possible, please give us an indication if you will be booking accommodation at the venue and what sort of room you would like. You do not need to be registered to fill in the survey, we would just like an idea of how many rooms we will need for the weekend. Rest assured we will not hold you to this – it's just an estimate. Your name will only be used to ensure you're not on the spreadsheet twice. You will still need to book your own accommodation." – the organisers
http://ausdwcon.org/
9.4 CABBAGECON 2015
Cabbagecon 3, the third Dutch Discworld Convention, will take place in June of next year. Among the special guests will be Venugopalan Ittekot, Dutch translator of the Discworld novels.
When: 27th and 28th June 2015
Venue: Tulip Inn Hotel Val Monte in Berg en Dal (near Nijmegen)
Tickets: Membership of Cabbagecon 3 for the whole weekend is priced at €40,00, with a €5 discount for children, seniors and students. For the Saturday only or the Sunday only, the price is €25,00, with the same discounts as above applying. To book online in advance, go to http://www.dutchdwcon.nl
Apparently Cabbagecon 2 was a great success on the fun front. The organisers say of next year's event, "It will be a happy occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet each other again and have fun. We hope to see you too!"
9.5 IDWCON 2015
""Hear ye, hear ye, lads and lasses. We're pleased as punch, and so very proud, to announce that the 4th Irish Discworld Convention will be held from the 2nd to the 5th of October, 2015... We hope to see you all at the Cork International Airport Hotel..."
Confirmed guests so far include Bernard Pearson (the Cunning Artificer himself), Isobel Pearson, TSoD co-author Jack Cohen, folklorist (and Discworld myth-checker) Jacqueline Simpson, and the ever-excellent Colin Smythe.
The new IDWcon webpage is truly gorgeous! Go have a look and a wander, in the meantime, here's an internal memo from Captain Shivers of the A-M City Watch, Irish Precinct:
To: Potential New Recruits
Re: The Theme!
People of Roundworld, we're very pleased to announce that the theme of the Irish Discworld Convention 2015 will be the Watch Open Weekend. Watch this space for further details! If you would like to know more about the Convention, please see our FAQ page. And if you would like to know more about what happened last time, please see the Previous Conventions section. If you have ideas for events you'd like to run, or see us run at the convention, please email: programme@idwcon.org. If you have any other questions, feel free to email us on: info@idwcon.org.
http://idwcon.org/
https://twitter.com/IDWCon
https://www.facebook.com/groups/idwcon/
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10) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
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: "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz. The prize is superb. The chance to set the quiz the following month."
Next meeting: Tonight, actually! Monday 12th May 2014, from 7pm onwards. The regular "first Monday of the month" date was moved back to avoid clashing with the Wincanton Spring Fling, which took place last week.
The Drummers' most recent meet report:
"Last night we had a fantastic turnout. We had to add table after table to our zone just to accommodate everyone. We had a visitor from the Netherlands, Sandra, who is on holiday in London. She said that she was pleased to meet up with other nerds and hopes to come again. I was also pleased to see Bill returning to us like the ghost of Drummers past.
The numbers meant that I didn't get to speak to everyone. I ended up having a very serious conversation about the similarities between fandom and religion and the distinction between the epistemological and sociological aspects with Tim and Ruth (who are back together, that's your hot gossip for the day). Larry and Judy brought their wedding photos from over 30 years ago (Larry looked very sweet and innocent, Judy has remarkably aged very little in that time so looked pretty much the same). Alex also flirted with Andrew, asking me if he was "hetero-flexible". Tim E. brought a jeopardy style quiz, ideal for arguing about possible answers and wording, which caused much amusement. The winner, with full marks, was Tim. W. which caused an immediate sound of fear and foreboding when everyone realized that this meant he would be doing the next quiz."
For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
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 5th June 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 6th June 2014 (probably, though isn't that Queenie's official birthday celebrations day?).
*
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 2nd June 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 2nd June 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) meet at The Rowers, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith at 6.30-7.30pm for food, 7.30pm for games, quizzes and chat.
Next meeting: Tuesday 20th May 2014 (confirmed!)
For more information, contact Nanny Ogg – lewis_oz@bigpond.com –
or visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/westerndrummers
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11) A BEAUTIFUL, CROWDFUNDED MARC SIMONETTI ART BOOK
You may recall French illustrator Marc Simonetti's stunning art for the cover of Turtle Recall. Now he is offering the world his first collection in book form, titled "Coverama". With 63 days left on his crowdfunding page, "Coverama" has already surpassed its goal total of $10,000, but that's no reason to stop supporting it. Discworld fans dug deep for Snowgum's "Troll Bridge" crowdfund appeal, and we all know how successful that drive was!
Crowdfunding for "Coverama" ends on 15th July 2014...
"IT'S ART and Marc Simonetti are proud to present Marc's first ART BOOK: Coverama. Marc Simonetti is a French illustrator who has illustrated many great Fantasy and Sci-Fi books, such as George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire and Terry Pratchett's Discworld Novels. He's has also worked for video game companies like (EA, Ubisoft, Activision, Sony...) and worked as a concept artist and color key artist on advertisements and long feature films... The hardcover Art Book will have around 240 pages printed on high quality paper, and will be full of illustrations. The text will be in both English and French. Their subjects will cover the Game of Thrones books, The Disc World , Lovecraft's worlds, Fantasy and Scifi books, video games and advertisements, personal works, and several "Making Of" made especially for the book... You will enjoy a unique sneak peek on the art process as well and some never seen sketches... Some illustrations will have a link to their online video making of. I will do at least 4 original images, including the book cover art and their full Making Of, explained in text and in online videos..."
There are several pledge levels (we all know how these things go now)n – Civilian for $15.00, Scout for $30.00, Mercenary – France for $40.00, Mercenary – Worldwide for $50.00, Bounty Hunter for $100.00, Colonel for $250.00, Rear Admiral for $500.00, High Admiral for $750.00, and Commander for $1,000.00. To discover what each level offers, visit the page:
http://www.itsartmag.com/features/projects/coverama-by-marc-simonetti/
[Editor's note: for more of Simonetti's quirky Discworld covers art, go to www.marcsimonetti.com - my personal favourites are his covers for Reaper Man, Small Gods, and definitely Soul Music. He also does really scary Feegles.]
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12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Susan would approve! As dispensed by the very enlightened Barrett Pharmacy of Watford City, North Dakota:
http://tinyurl.com/n899tlp
...and Nanny Ogg would definitely approve of this ever so louche Interesting Vegetable, as posted by The Poke:
http://tinyurl.com/lymbzm3
Here be an iconograph of the assembled 3-D foldable "Raising Steam" characters (see item 8.1 above):
http://tinyurl.com/lk8re7y
GlenBricker, who created the Discworld Lego proposal, now brings us a Tiffany Aching with frying pan, diary, ship beasties and Feegles. Lego-Tiffany is a truly scary sight; I doubt even the Quin would want to mess with her:
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/57284
...and finally, a marvellously motley collection of Wincanton Spring Fling-ers rockin' the Pink Pussycat Club:
http://tinyurl.com/lcgxwrm
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13) CLOSE
You may remember, from Men at Arms, that the Fools' Guild has a secret museum of clown faces painted on eggs, with an egg for each clown's unique and "protected" make-up. Here be the real Roundworld version:
"A clown's face is his livelihood; it's an unwritten rule among clowns that one must not copy the face of another. Accordingly, in 1946 London clown Stan Bult began painting the faces of his colleagues onto eggshells, effectively trademarking their identities. Bult's collection was largely destroyed in an accident in 1965, but London's Circus Clowns Club resurrected the practice in 1984 and added samples of its members' costumes and wig hair, making each into a peculiar sort of portrait. In 1979, Leon 'Buttons' McBryde, a clown with the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus, heard about the British practice and established his own egg registry, which now includes hundreds of portraits of clowns hand-painted by his wife, Linda. The U.S. registry has been used in at least one court case in which one clown charged another with infringing his design..."
http://www.futilitycloset.com/2014/05/09/the-clown-egg-register/
And here is a wonderful collection of clown-face egg photographs by Luke Stephenson:
http://lukestephenson.com/the-clown-egg-register/
And finally, a message, in poster form, for orangutan-loving choccy-bar consumers in Fourecks. It's a graphic list of which popular snack bars contain palm oil and which do not. Buy smart, tuckshop-raiders!
http://tinyurl.com/mppt6da
And that's the lot for now. Enjoy this merrie month of May, don't forget to wear the lilac on the 25th, and we'll see you again soon!
– 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