[29] TK-46116 Troop Log

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[21, 22] MCM Birmingham ComiCon, UK
13th and 14th November 2021

The second of this year's MCM ComiCons, and again it didn't disappoint.

Both days were sold out and although numbers were limited due to the pandemic it felt extremely busy, and we had our hands full constantly at the UK Garrison stand.

A slight panic immediately before the event (the storage company had dropped and destroyed a large part of our death star wall) meant some last minute changes, but the empire is resourceful and we found a solution that worked (albeit a slightly shorter wall).

I spent a significant time manning our speeder bike on Sunday, which provided some really great interaction with guests, a great many of which had come in amazing costumes of their own.

Glad I've got a day or two to recover though. I'm shattered!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1995734640576168&id=92936378545

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

It's been super weird seeing peoples photos from MCM this year having not been there.  Looks like you all had a good time and hopefully I'll be back with you next year.

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

Hope so mate. Looking forward to our first troop together.

And yeah, was a blast, even with reduced numbers

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[23, 24] East Anglian Winter Fair, Chelmsford, UK
20th and 21st November 2021

A couple of very cold days for this event likely contributed to the event having a small turnout by the public, but we had some great interactions with many of those that did venture out. As usual the kids stole the show, especially the little girl (maybe 3 years old) that blew us kisses as she walked away, and the young lad who was so excited he gave my legs a heartfelt hug. These are the moments that make the shivering worthwhile.

Also, had a chance encounter with the actress that did some of the motion capture work for Dobby in the Harry Potter movies, Diane Gibbins. Turns out she's a Star Wars nerd and loves the original stormtroopers (great taste!). Didn't get a pic unfortunately.

Also, I really needed the troop today. My mental health has been taking a bit of a nosedive recently, and I was feeling particularly low on the drive there this morning. Spending time with guys from my garrison really made a difference and lifted me, and I can't thank them enough, even though they had no idea. They really are a great bunch.





Finally, congratulations to Ben on his induction. He's an absolute natural with his interactions, and his armour is outstanding.

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[25] Dark Santa, Colchester, Essex
18th December 2021

Who needs Santa's Grotto, when you can visit Emperor Palpatine and Lord Vader!

A really great day helping senior imperial management at our seasonal grotto in Colchester today, raising funds for a local hospice. Kids (of all ages) booked slots to speak to Santa... I mean the Emperor, and occasionly turn over rebel spies disguised as their parents .

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[26] The music and John Williams and Hans Zimmer, The Barbican, London, UK
27th Dec 2021

The Raymond Gubbay events are a regular fixture for UKG. A traditional orchestra performs pieces from well known movies (including SW of course). They take place all over the UK through the year, and they are always very popular with costumers and public alike.

The London show was at the Barbican, an iconic music venue (the interior is extremely reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange; well, I think so anyway).

Although we arrived before the public started to arrive, a change of plans meant that we weren't to appear until the first encore (SW:ANH main theme), so were twiddling our thumbs for 3.5 hours! Not wasted time though, as we were given pizza, had chance to catch up, and I had a great long chat about 501st with the Barbican house manager (arrest photo below).

When we finally went out we (Lord Vader, 5 TKs and a Sandie) were greeted with a roar of appreciation, which sent a shiver down my spine. We ended the night with photos with the public after the event. A really great night.

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[27] Funeral for UKG member, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
30th December 2021

(This event isn't listed as an official UKG event, but I attended as a UKG/501st trooper, with consent from staff)

Pedge was very well known for his apperances as C3PO in the UK SW costuming community, not only with UKG, but also with various other garrisons. I never had chance to meet him, but I've heard many stories about his fantastic costume and characterisations (praised by Anthony Daniels himself) and his willingness to help others.

Sadly he developed motor neurone disease which progressed very quickly and he lost his battle shortly before Christmas at the far too young age of 55.

Pedge knew the end was coming, and tasked a friend Jim Davies to organise a SW parade at his funeral, inviting members from the various clubs he was involved with. There were nearly 30 SW costumes there yesterday, plus others not in costume for various reasons. UKG had 4 people attending. Although I didn't know Pedge I felt it was important to represent UKG and also those who knew him but weren't able to attend, and I'm very glad I did. It was first time trooping alongside other groups from the UK, and where sometimes politics can get in the way it was clear that we were all there for the same reason and there was a real feeling of camaraderie and community.

It was a somber day, but I hope we did Pedge proud

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[28] The music of Zimmer vs Williams, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK
30th Dec 2021

Another Raymond Gubbay concert, with the same set list, orchestra and conductor as the Barbican event earlier in the week, only this time there was no waiting around. We (2 TKs, a sandie and a biker scout) greeted the public as they arrived, during the interval and after the show, as well appearing above the stage during the SW:ANH main theme at the first encore.

As you can imagine, given that the crowd were there for music from the movies, they were very keen to get photos and chat to us (we had to dissappear early at the start as we were holding up the queue).

Another great night.

[CallMeMrTibbles[501st]]

[29] Family Concert: Villains, Thieves and Gangsters. Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, UK
29th Jan 2022

A really great start to the year.
The Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra performed a really wide variety of music based on the title theme: from Don Giovanni to Wicked (the musical), with of course the Imperial March (wait, are they calling us villains!!!).

We had a large turnout for an event of this type, with a tie pilot as a substitute Vader (according to at least one conversation I overheard). Really good to see each other after the Xmas break.

The night was made extra special for me as it was the first time my parents have been to a 501st attended event, and to say my mom was excited is an understatement

Smiles all round.