The 99th Garrison Arrives at Dale-Con2...The Return of Something Epic!

The 99th was invited to attend the second mini convention at the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in Rochdale which took place over two days.  This was our first time at this event...we couldnt make it last year, but we made sure we could this year

photo courtesy of Rochdale Online

The guest line-up included Anthony Forrest, Chris Muncke, Ken Coombs, Alan Flyng, John Chapman and Pam Rose but the star of the show was Danny John-Joules (AKA The Cat) from Red Dwarf.  The 99th had quite a good chat with Danny.   He is a very affable guy and so easy to talk to. He also told us some interesting things about filming with Wesley Snipes on Blade! No secrets about a new series of Red Dwarf though.....although we did offer to appear in any new series if he could find a way of including the Empire in the Dwarf universe.

Danny being Danny!

The event for me started on Friday night because I had offered to help Martin Ballard, the Centre Manager, set up ready for the morning.  The event was a Sci Fi event so there was stuff from Dr Who, Star Trek, Transformers (Bumble-bee and its' SWAT team to guard it).  It is amazing how much work goes into this type of event when you are turning a shopping centre into a venue for a mini convention.  I left just after 8pm knowing I had to be up and out again for about 0730 the following morning and I had agreed to pick up Chris on the way.  Martin and his team were still working way into the night

photo courtesy of Manchester Evening News

Getting around the centre wasnt too difficult for the Empire's finest because the workers had created a special set of moving steps for us.  The public certainly seemed to enjoy us being there as did the retailers. We made a lot of people smile on the day, and not just the children,....well I hope it was a happy smile! Quite a number of people were really pleased to see so many Star Wars costumes on display and as usual we had compliments on the quality.  We had 10 costumes on Saturday and 7 on Sunday so it was quite a good turnout.

It was also good to meet a couple of our new costumed members for the first time.   Metal Trooper and Ordoskirata as Stormtroopers and I also got to see Dr Feeleygood in his Snowtrooper at last.  Some very nice costumes there!  The Stig made an appearance as well and at one point I thought he was actually going to say something...but no, it was just his lunch repeating!

The Stig comparing white with white

There was an unfortunate incident with the AT-AT driver when he lost his transport and commandeered a local vehicle.  The stormie didnt have a great problem catching him up.

Does anyone have an Imperial Credit to make this move!

 Lord Vader on the other hand had a little bit of difficulty with one of the locals whilst he was trying to tell them he was in charge.  I didnt know the Boss told jokes.....Do you know the one about a planet called Alderaan.....?

photo courtesy of the Manchester Evening News

It was good to meet the Fem troopers again (they did the promo event with us) and it was good to meet up with troopers from a new group - Sentinel Squadron.  All a great bunch to troop with. Over the weekend it would appear that we have acquired at least one new member and a very excited couple want us to attend their wedding next year.  Not sure which of them was the most excited.  Alas the two days were over quite quickly however the numbers of people attending were well up on last year's first event so it is likely that there will be another next year...hopefully!

The costumers we provided with lunch as well which was a nice touch.  We were collecting for Dreamflight over the weekend and we managed to raise £121.16. Thanks to everyone who helped out either in costume or as Crew...you know we need you!!
So from Saturday, Paul B, Jim, Jason, Joanne, Damon, Dave L, Emma, Darran, Darrell, Scotty, Pat, John, Alan, Chris and Dave P (trooping independently as the Apetrooper but wouldnt stay away from us...Lol)
From Sunday Dave L, Paul E, Susan E, (plus daughter as Jawa), Joanne, Jason, (plus children), Steve, Vicki, Wayne, Emma, Darran, Chris and Jim, that'll be me then!

Post troop photo from Sunday