Guns, pyros and conventions

Well dear reader if this week's title doesn't grab you attention I'm not sure what I have to put to get it!

This week (for those of you who read last week’s entry, will already know) was the first week back of college (that doesn't half seem a long time ago). Monday was spent faffing around as we only had a meet and greet, but George and I spent the rest of the day baking (not quite to my usual standard I must admit), making flapjacks and a banana loaf (both of which went pretty quickly). Tuesday's highlight was a 'Guns and Pyros' class, which you guessed it was all about guns and pyros, which also included us setting of pyros ourselves and shooting guns which was rather exciting (what a lecture to start the year with!).

The rest of the week lecture wise was interesting as its now mainly stage management, and the setting of projects (lucky me), although I am finding it rather interesting. One project is a presentation about something within the entertainment industry for which I am focussing on the BBC's move north. If you happen to know anyone involved in the move dear reader or people who once worked at TVC do let me know as I have to interview people as part of the project. As I write this (on Saturday's train home, as I'm being really prepared) it has been a long but enjoyable week and feels like I've been back for ages already.

Now the sentence I'm sure you've all been waiting for dear reader. Come Saturday I wandered off to Barking for a signing. Now with the Severn Tunnel closure it took a little longer than usual so it was a very early start, but I chose to go so I can't really complain. This week's guests included Judith Paris (one of my favourite Who villains), Peter Thomas and Roland Oliver. All of whom were delightful and charming, in particular Peter had such a sharp wit. I was especially pleased to meet Roland as we had emailed each other a few times in the last year or so and again recently regarding a charity print (long story), so it was with great delight that I was able to go up to him and say "Hello Roland, I'm Alex". I'm sure we shall continue to keep in touch as we both have bits and pieces coming up. Following on from the signing I went in search of another actor, for whom the plot thickens (if I get anywhere with that one I'll let you know, if I remember that is). After a (rather long) day, I headed back to Cardiff.

Davros and Nyder back together again!

Sunday however, was another (thankfully, not quite so) early start, for Comic Con Cymru to meet two actors. However, this is where things started to go wrong. Firstly I got there an hour early and there was no queue (as I'd expected there to be one), secondly I discovered that my early entry was in fact for 10am not 9am (typo on the tickets), but thankfully I was allowed to pop in early. However one of the guests had cancelled (not the end of the world but still). It did mean however I had a lovely and fascinating chat with Ross O'Hennessy not really about 'Torchwood' but about the industry and Wales which was great. From there I dash to the train station to go to Swansea, but the train was delayed by over an hour (bother) but I did finally get there (just a little late). When I actually made it to the event I sat with Peter for most of the time and had a catch up with him which was great, whilst also chatting to a few of the other guests. It was slightly odd being in the greenroom and seeing it all from the other side. Whilst mot actually listening to the talks and getting any autographs I had a great time, as did Peter (and a rather good lunch). A few hours after the event finished, I found myself heading back to Cardiff (desperately trying to learn Welsh!). I think it’s safe to say dear reader that it’s been a rather busy (and knackering) week.