TROTTER AIR GOT THEM THERE”
2017 saw the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society host their 20th Annual Convention. Over the weekend of 28/29 October, nearly 600 lucky ticket holders attended the John Fretwell Centre in Mansfield where the Convention was hosted.
Set up begun on Friday morning with the team of staff laying out the venue ready for those doors to open bright and early on Saturday.
Saturday came, and the queues begun to form. The venue was set, the actors had arrived and were being shown around and briefed for the day. The staff were in place ready for the clock to strike 9am.
VIP Ticket Holders were let in and you could feel the excitement in the room. Trotter Air Planes were presented to the VIP’s and they were shown to their tables. The VIP ticket holders then made their way to the Trotter Flat where they had their photo taken with the Actors who were in attendance. The smiles were flowing and the camera’s were clicking away ensuring everyone had a memory captured to remember.
The time flew and it was soon time to welcome the General Ticket holders into the Convention. Fans were greeted by the staff and shown to their tables, where the day was soon ready to get underway for those just arriving. For many, this was their first convention, and the team worked hard to ensure it was a Convention they wouldn’t forget and would be left wanting to know when the next Convention is..
Table by table, fans were called up with their precious items of memorabilia to meet the stars of the show and get them signed and have their ‘selfie’ taken.
On display were many rare and original props, signed scripts and a big selection of photographs for sale that could be signed by the actors to add to the collection.
Whilst the fans were being called up to meet their hero’s, others were heading to the Trotter Flat to have their photo taken with ‘Del Boy’ and ‘Uncle Albert’ – they knew it made sense!
Lunch arrived and it was time to ‘Chapel a Dente’ – whilst the fans were enjoying their lunch, the actors headed to the Green Room for their lunch and a quick break before heading back to meet the fans – some who had travelled miles and miles (without carpet tiles!) – and ensure they left with memories they wouldn’t forget.
As the day drew to a close, many autographs had been signed, many photo’s had been taken, reverse auctions held, and lots of games played with the fans with prizes being handed out, the fans took their prized possessions home and revelled in the moment.
A quick restock, reset and costume change and the venue was all set for the arrival of more buzzing fans on Sunday.
As 9 & 10am struck, some fans returned from the day before, whilst more ‘1st timers’ attended the Convention, ready to meet their idols. The same format was followed on Sunday, and nearly 300 fans were in the hall with their treasured items to meet the new set of actors at the event.
As the day closed, hands were shook, smiles were shared and thoughts of thanks were passed from the fans attending to the actors and organisers.
Thank you to all the fans, staff and actors who came and shared the Convention, and we hope to see you at a future Convention!
Bonjour
Perry
Here is the link for all the OFAH Convention 2017. All photos that can be viewed and purchased from http://paulfox.
Please let me know where I can purchase tickets for the March2018 convention.
I have been a fan all my life and even have my very own trotters three wheeler van but have never been to any convention.
On our online shop here on the website Mark, have you found the link?
Please send detail
Where is the next convention going to be please
Hi,
Just wondering if you will be doing a convention in 2018?
Thanks,
Gillian