Avon (Blake's 7 club newsletter)

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Zine
Title: Avon Club Newsletter
Publisher: The Avon Club
Editor(s): Stephanie Monteath, Jackie Edmans, and Zannah Hubert (#1), Stephanie Monteath, Jackie Edmans, and Diane Collins (#2-#11), Ann Bown (#12-#77)
Type:
Date(s): 1980 to Winter 2001
Frequency:
Medium: print
Fandom: Blake's 7
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Avon Club Newsletter is a Blake's 7 club zine with a focus of the actor Paul Darrow who portrayed the character Kerr Avon.

There were 77 issues published.

It is a sister zine to Avon, a fiction zine.

Contents

Issues contain "birthday wishes," ads for merchandise, ads for fan clubs, fiction, photos, theatre reviews, letters of comment, poems, photos, letters and essays from Paul Darrow and Janet Lees Price, fan letters, pen pal hookups, con reports, and puzzles.

Involved in "The Blake's 7 Wars"

Issues #35 and #36 include commentary and letters from Paul Darrow, Janet Lees Price, and various fans that address The Blake's 7 Wars.

Issue 1

Avon Club Newsletter 1 was published in 1980 and contains 6 pages. The editors were Stephanie Monteath, Jackie Edmans, and Zannah Hubert.

  • Introduction: by Jackie and Stephanie
  • My View on Blake's Seven by J. Beston
  • Birthday Wishes
  • Search-- Locate--Recover (wordsearch puzzle)
  • Regret Is Part of Being Alive, poem by Margaret Martin (S3, post-Rumours; A-C)

Issue 2

Avon Club Newsletter 2 was published in 1980 and contains 5 pages. The editors were Stephanie Monteath, Jackie Edmans, and Zannah Hubert.

  • The Beginning of the End, fiction by Carole Fairman (S3, alt-post-Terminal)
  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Look-In (news of actors)
  • The Steven Pacey Experience (interview)
  • Avon, poem by Ann Petty (acrostic)

Issue 3

Avon Club Newsletter 3 was published in 1981 and contains 13 pages. The editors were Stephanie Monteath, Jackie Edmans, and Diane Collins. The cover is by Stephanie Monteath.

  • A Final Hope, fiction by Stephanie Monteath (S3, alt-Terminal; A-C)
  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Look-In (news of actors)
  • crossword puzzle by Chris Arnott
  • Drake's Venture: Review (TV show, with PD)
  • The British Heart Foundation, by J.E. (charity event with PD)
  • Competition Time" (quiz)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Seek-- Locate--Discovery by Rosalind Barnes (wordsearch puzzle)
  • Star One 1980 Views
  • Anna, poem by Adana Vallence (S3, post-Rumours; A)

Issue 4

Avon Club Newsletter 4 was published in April 1981 and contains 5 pages. The art is by Kathy Holt.

This issue contains no fiction.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Letters of Comment
  • Competition Answers
  • Word Grid by Jennifer Youlden (puzzle)
  • Help, poem by Kathy Holt (fan/A)

Issue 5

Avon Club Newsletter 5 was published in 1981 and contains 17 pages. It has art by Adana Vallance.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Time, fiction by Jennnie Leigh (part 1 of 2; S3, post-Terminal)
  • Nothing Lasts Forever, fiction by Adana Vallence and Laura Capellaro (S0; A/Anna)
  • Seek-- Locate--Eliminate by S.M. (wordsearch puzzle)
  • Word Grid 7 by Jennifer Youlden (puzzle)
  • Goodbye Darling: A Review (TV show, with SP)
  • Look-In (news of actors)
  • Anagrams by Di Collins (puzzles)
  • puzzles by Rosalind Barnes
  • Anna, poem by Moira Dahlberg (S3, Rumours; Anna)
  • Illusion, Fantasy, of Fact?, poem by Adana Vallance (S3, Terminal; C)

Issue 6

Avon Club Newsletter 6 was published in 1981 and contains 8 pages.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Time, fiction by Jennnie Leigh (part 2 of 2; S3, post-Terminal)
  • Thoughts of Cally, fiction by Avon (S4; A-C)
  • Look-In (news of actors)
  • Letters of Comment
  • The Key to a Dream, essay by Kathy Holt (A)
  • Fantasia, poem by Adana Vallance (A-B)
  • Avon We Love You, poem by Veronica Mitchell (f)

Issue 7

Avon Club Newsletter 7 was published in 1982 and contains 8 pages. Stephanie Monteath is the cover artist, subject is Avon. It is the same cover as #3.

front cover of issue #7
  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • It Mattered, Yesterday, fiction by Stephanie Monteath (S5; A)
  • Crossword (puzzle)
  • Letters of Comment
  • It's a Great Institution by Janet Lees Price (autobiography)
  • Thoughts by Kathy Holt (essay)
  • untitled poem by Kathy Holt
  • Fire in the Snow, poem by Adana Vallance (S4; A-C)
  • untitled poem by Patti Brimer (Ta-Deeta)

Issue 8

Avon Club Newsletter 8 was published in May 1982 and contains 13 pages.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • The First Malady, fiction by Valerie Leibson (S5; real world crossover; humor)
  • Escape from Death, fiction by Katy Dean (S5; A-Se)
  • Love's Labours Lost, fiction by C.A.E. (S4)
  • Information (news of PD in "Mr. Fothergill's Murder")
  • Letters of Comment
  • Pensee, poem by Kathy Holt
  • Reasons Why, poem by Judith Seaman (A)

Issue 9

Avon Club Newsletter 9 was published in 1982 and contains 10 pages.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Reverie Revere, fiction by Katy Dean (S4?; A)
  • Family Fortunes, fiction by L. Capellaro (S5; A-Se)
  • wordsearch puzzle by Stephen Harding
  • quiz by Adana Vallance (humor)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Long Live Avon!, poem by Mike Pearson
  • To You, poem by Adana Vallance

Issue 10/11

Avon Club Newsletter 10 was published in January 1983 and contains 8 pages.

  • Editorial by Stephanie
  • Death Dust, fiction by J. Wallace (S4)
  • Actor Wordsearch by S. Harding (puzzle)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Question without Answers, poem by S. Barratt
  • A Tale from the Traveller, poem by Adana Vallance
  • The Art of Memory, poem by Judith Seaman (A/Anna)
  • Zeeona's Thoughts, poem by Patti Brimer (S4, Warlord; Zeeona)

Issue 12

Avon Club Newsletter 12 was published in 1983 and contains 13 pages. The cover is of season 4 Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • I'll Do Anything for Freedom, fiction by Katy Dean (S5; A-ocf)
  • Information on PD in "Terra Nova"
  • Crossword
  • News of Blake's 7
  • Letters of Comment
  • Wordsearch puzzle
  • Dombey & Son, review/article by Ann Bown (TV show with PD)
  • Pen Pals"
  • Asphodels, poem by Kathy Holt (A)
  • Have You Betrayed Me, poem by Jenny Wallace (S4, Blake; A)
  • A Poem, by Christopher Wallace (A)

Issue 13

Avon Club Newsletter 13 was published in July 1983 and contains 14 pages. The cover is a photo of Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Revenge, fiction by Jenny Wallace (S3, Rumours - S4; Shrinker)
  • Mutual Survival, fiction by Susan Chadwick (S5; A-ocf)
  • wordsearch puzzle by Jan Harley
  • Terra Nova, theatre reviews by Laura Capellaro, Adana Vallance, Judith M. Seaman
  • Dombey and Son, TV reviews by Kathy Holt, Michael Jordan, Carol Sefton
  • Lights of the Earth, poem by Judith M. Seaman (S1, The Way Back; A-B)
  • Questions, poem Susan Todd (S4, Blake; A)
  • Timeslip, poem by Kathy Holt ("with apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien")

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

The latest issue of the Avon club's newsletter arrived in the mail today. If newsletters count as zines, then I think this is the B7 zine with the most issues ever (though the all-fiction zine with the most issues is Chronicles). All of you who have enjoyed Paul Darrow's performances in "Guards! Guards!" should have a look at this if you haven't already. The front cover has a very amusing color photo of Paul reading the book with the dragon Errol looking over his shoulder. On the back is Paul as Vimes with another, smaller dragon. Inside are various people's reviews of the play and the recent cons. And in the back [of Avon Newsletter]-- oh joy!-- is an ad for the forthcoming Avon #14, which will be a story by Judith Seaman! She is one of my very favorite B7 fan writers, so I'm thrilled to know that she is still writing.[1]

Issue 14

Avon Club Newsletter 14 was published in October 1983 and contains 15 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Mutual Survival (Part II), fiction by Susan Chadwick (S5; A-ocf)
  • Crossword, "Anagrams by Liz McCarthy (puzzles)
  • Don't Start Without Me, theatre info and reviews by Eve Gorton, Sharon Johnson, A Paul Darrow Devotee, Dawn Manvell, Jo Forrest
  • Pen Pals
  • The Torment, poem by Adana Vallance (S4, Blake; A-B)
  • untitled poem by F.M. Davies (Fliss Davies?) (S4, Blake; A-B)

Issue 15

Avon Club Newsletter 15 was published in January 1984 and contains 15 pages. The cover is a photo of Avon.

cover of issue #15

From the editorial:

’Don’t Start Without Me’ finished its very successful run in Coventry where unfortunately Paul collapsed during the interval on the Thursday evening. He was suffering from total exhaustion. Against doctor’s orders Paul went on to complete the final three performances in order not to disappoint his many fans, some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to see him. Those of you who managed to see the play will know the tremendous amount of energy needed for 'Eric', and can appreciate the way Paul put everything into the part, when at times he must have felt very tired. With rest and regular meals, Janet is confident Paul will be back to his old self before long, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Paul and Janet were so overwhelmed with your kindness to them during the tour, there's a special 'thank you' to you all from them on page three of this N/L.

We're pleased to be able to tell you that Paul and Janet have bought another dachshund puppy. Her name is 'Holly' - very appropriate as she was collected a week before Christmas. We hope Becky likes her new 'sister'. Holly's arrival must have caused a lot of fun for the Darrows over Christmas!

From the play review (this review propels another fan to write the essay: Avon, We Love You... Well Maybe We Do!):

Forget all that nonsense about people looking completely different in person than they do on the box. It simply isn’t true. TV cameras (as opposed to still photography) observe with deadly accuracy and they don’t flatter. The TV fantasy and solid reality are equally and stunningly attractive.

However, to return to the play. It is quite a tour de force; I'm now convinced that Paul could do a one man show and never lose his audience for a moment. The plot sounds so unimpressive on paper that it is hard to convey to those of you who, sadly, won't be able to see it for yourselves just how brilliant his interpretation of the self-satisfied and irreverent Eric really is. He had the Lyceum audience eating out of his hand (the men for one reason and the women for entirely another) and I suspect he enjoyed every minute. There is a strong and unexpected streak of wicked exhibitionism in the immaculate Hr. D.

He and David Janson were the perfect foil for each other, strikingly reminiscent of the P.D./Mike Keating partnership, even though the characters were totally different. Whenever "Blake” was on screen I had the feeling that Mike and Paul could have made a hit together without any supporting cast at all. I got the same feeling about Paul and David. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine them working on a sitcom together. (Beeb and others please note...) Wouldn't it be great to see Paul in something on the box where he wasn’t hated, threatened or killed?

Re supporting cast, Pia Henderson in particular impressed by her performance as well as turning me green with envy. (Her scenes with Paul being the kind of thing female fans dream about). She brought Ruth to life with exactly the right amounts of instinctive guile and ingenuous charm, the only mildly unconvincing note being her loyalty (of a sort) to the fatuous Norman with gorgeous Eric around... Not that she doesn't do her best to seduce Eric, with hilarious results. One of the play's funnier moments, with faint inverted echoes of Tanith Lee's ’’Sarcophagus" has Eric briefly losing patience with her and displaying an instant of ferocious Avonesque annoyance. Ruth, hands clasped adoringly, exclaims: "Oh, I do love you when you're angry!"

And of course there were the throwaway references to Ruth's socially upmarket parents as "Mummy and Daddy in Guildford", a little in-joke touch whose piquancy P.D. fans will appreciate. But there are really no echoes of Avon in Eric, nor for that matter of any of the dark characters Paul has portrayed on screen. Eric is distinctly different, and it would be interesting to see Paul create a similar role on the box.

Just what those fans would think in whose hearts Avon struck a deeper chord than fantasy, I can't say. My own feelings are fairly ambivalent. Having experienced the somewhat mind-bending effect of Eric, I now realise that the man I almost felt I was getting to know is an enigma still. That, I suppose, is an upside down tribute to Paul’s ability to assume new alter egos at will, but it leaves me feeling slightly foolish. Like the one person in the group who didn’t understand the pay-off of the joke. Of course I realise that no fictional character can give more than a glimpse into the mind of its animator, and I do appreciate that Eric reflects the psyche of the average male rather more accurately than Avon did. But Avon was something apart. He was detached and beautiful and unique and had all the qualities of a legend compulsive enough to be deified. Dick Taylor, Simon Andrews and the like were virtual nonentities; Eric is certainly not that. Just precisely what he is, is open to question...

Will the real Paul D. stand up, please?

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's 7 Workout, crossword puzzle by Rosemary Knapp
  • Typecast, fiction by Michael Jordan (real world crossover, RPF, meta, humor)
  • The Final Score, fiction by Marion Hockley ("to be continued") (S5; A-V)
  • Letter from PD
  • Thoughts by Kathy Holt (review of Darrow's play, "Don't Start Without Me")
  • Letters of Comment (2 very short ones)
  • Blake's 7 -- The Fourth Series: A Review by Liz McCarthy
  • The Nine of Swords, poem by Judith M. Seaman (A)


Issue 16

Avon Club Newsletter 16 was published in April 1984 and contains 13 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

cover of issue #16
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Final Score (Part II), fiction by Marion Hockley (S5; A-V)
  • Insight, fiction by Stephanie Monteath (S2, post-Pressure Point)
  • crossword by Jan Harley
  • Avon, We Love You... Well Maybe We Do! by Anne Kevill (an essay on the appeal/non-appeal of Avon's bad character; this essay was written in response to the play review in the previous issue)
  • Questioned Faith, poem by K. Dean
  • Champagne Swansong, poem K. Holt


Issue 17

Avon Club Newsletter 17 was published in July 1984 and contains 15 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

cover of issue #17

This issue has so many replies to Anne Kevill's essay in the previous issue that some were not printed due to space:

As you can imagine we've been swamped with replies to Anne Kevill’s article in the last n/l and it would have been impossible to have included them all in this n/l. Therefore apologies must go to Katy Dean, Jo Forrest, Charlotte Walton, Angela Kerr, Stella Hender, Fran Ward, Carolina Gibson, Jacqueline Rachel, Liz McCarthy and to everyone who sent in articles on the subject and we’ve been unable to include. Thanks to you all.

Replies that were printed were by Susan Chadwick, Rosie Peck, Judith M. Seaman, Jo Simmonds, Judith M. Rolls, Susan Allmark, Ros Williams, Peter Hall, and Alison Wilkinson. See Avon, We Love You... Well Maybe We Do! .

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Race, fiction by Jan Harley (S4)
  • wordsearch puzzle by Jan Harley
  • wordsearch puzzle by Stephen Harding
  • Deliverance, poem by Judith M. Seaman


Issue 18

Avon Club Newsletter 18 was published in October 1984 and contains 19 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

cover of issue #18
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Objective, Part I, fiction by Ros Williams (S3)
  • Freedom Flight, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Episode I; S5)
  • Crossword Puzzle by Natalie Grimmond
  • My Kind of Town, a Scorpio #2 con report by Paul Darrow, see that page
  • Scorpio #2 con report by Bonnie Andrews
  • Dombey & Son by Ros Williams (TV review)
  • The Lay of the Seven, poem by Kathy Holt


Issue 19

Avon Club Newsletter 19 was published in January 1985 and contains 15 pages. The cover is by Kathy Holt, and it portrays Avon and some wild animals.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Objective, Part II, fiction by Ros Williams (S3)
  • Bride Price, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Episode II; S5)
  • Loser Takes All, fiction by Carole Howell (S5; A-Se)
  • crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Don't Start..." Again!" by Judith Seaman (theatre review; PD and MK)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Bounty Hunter, poem by Katy Dean
  • No Comment, poem by Kathy Holt
  • Journeys End, poem by Jacqui Topp

Issue 20

Avon Club Newsletter 20 was published in April 1985 and contains 19 pages. The cover is the playbill for "I Have Been Here Before."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Nemesis, Part I, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (sequel to "The Final Score" by Marion Hockley in #s 15-16; S5; A- Se)
  • Friends, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Episode III; S5)
  • Anonymous, wordsearch puzzle by Anonymous
  • "I Have Been Here Before" by Carole Howell (theatre review)
  • Thoughts on 'I Have Been Here Before' by Kathy Holt (theatre review)
  • Newspaper review of "I Have Been Here Before"
  • Do I Want to Forget, poem by Kathy Holt

Issue 21

Avon Club Newsletter 21 was published in July 1985 and contains 23 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Nemesis, Part II, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (sequel to "The Final Score" by Marion Hockley in #s 15-16; S5; A/Se)
  • Dark of Night, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Episode IV; S5)
  • spiral crossword puzzle by Sarah-Jane Stephens
  • Common Denominator: An Analysis, essay by Pam Denman (various characters played by PD)
  • "Timelash" by Ros Williams (TV review; PD)
  • Afterlife -- A Few Comments by C. Howell (book review)
  • Space City 1985 (con reports by Jo Simmonds, Jacqueline Roe, Fran Ward)
  • Farewell, poem by Jacqui Topp (S4, Blake; A)

Issue 22

Avon Club Newsletter 22 was published in October 1985 and contains 21 pages. The cover is a playbill for "Run for Your Wife."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part I, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • Teddy Bear, fiction by C.F. Millerd (S0; A-Se as children)
  • Law of the Jungle, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Episode V; S5)
  • crossword puzzle by Sharon Johnson
  • Letter from PD
  • Run for Your Wife, theatre reviews by Judith Seaman, Jo Simmonds, Lorna Newton, Sarah Stephens, Margaret Greenwood
  • Blake's Seven Lives! by Carole Howell (B7-Dynasty comparison; humor)

Issue 23

Avon Club Newsletter 23 was published in January 1986 and contains 23 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part II, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • Water, Water Everywhere, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Part VI; S5)
  • crossword puzzle by Natalie Grimmond
  • Scorpio #3 Convention, con report by Joanne Stone
  • Tardis 22, con report by Bonnie Andrews
  • Afterlife -- Afterthoughts, book review by Kathy Holt
  • Letters of Comment
  • Masquerade, poem by KLD

Issue 24

Avon Club Newsletter 24 was published in April 1986 and contains 27 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part III, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • Ripples (Blake's Seven-- Part VII, fiction by Elaine Clark S5)
  • "Don't Start Without Me" by Mary Moulden (summary of play in story form)
  • crossword puzzle by Jane Porter
  • "A Country of Afternoons by Alison Brackenbury" by Kathy Holt (radio review; PD)
  • How to Write a Blake's Seven Story, humor, not credited
  • "Eden End" by Judith M. Seaman (theatre review; PD)
  • Letters of Comment

Issue 25

Avon Club Newsletter 25 was published in July 1986 and contains 21 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part IV, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • Solution, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S4; A-Ta)
  • Reunions, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Part VIII; S5)
  • wordsearch puzzle by Carole Howell
  • "Romantic Comedy" by Judith M. Seaman (theatre review; PD)
  • "Eden End" by Carole Howell (theatre review; PD)
  • Ormund -- A Modern Hamlet?" by Katy Dean (theatre review, "I Have Been Here Before," with PD)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Of Childhood's End, poem by Kathy Holt

Issue 26

Avon Club Newsletter 26 was published in October 1986 and contains 23 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow from a newspaper article.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Last Laugh on Record-- Part I, fiction by Antonia Thomas (S4)
  • Natural Selection, fiction by Mary Moulden (alt-S1; humor)
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part V, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • New Worlds, fiction by Elaine Clark (Blake's Seven-- Final Episode)
  • crossword puzzle by Jane Porter
  • Scorpio #4 convention report by Rebecca Reeves
  • A Hole In...? Bernard Cribbins Golf Classic, report by Judith M. Seaman (charity event with PD)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Other Eyes, poem by Elaine Clark

Issue 27

Avon Club Newsletter 27 was published in January 1987 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Space City 1986, or, 'Rumours of Death' Revisited, meta fiction by Ros Williams (con report for Space City from Anna's POV; humor)
  • Go Gently, Part I, fiction by Gillian Taylor (S4, Rescue; A-C death)
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part VI, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • The Last Laugh on Record, Part II, fiction by Antonia Thomas (S4; V-hc)
  • double crossword by Carole Howell
  • A Very Lively Corpse on report, Space City 1986, by Lynn Beth
  • The Seven Warning Signs of Paul Darrow Groupiedom, Merle Micklin (humor)
  • "Babes in the Woods," reviews by reviews by Susan Chadwick, Carole Howell, Judith M. Seaman of the pantomime with Paul Darrow
  • The Kerr Avon Society for Pen-friends Ltd. (club ad)
  • Letters of Comment
  • photos from Space City 86

Issue 28

Avon Club Newsletter 28 was published in April 1987 and contains 24 pages. The front cover is a collage of playbills, tickets, etc. The back cover is a play bill for "A Sting in the Tale."

front cover of issue #28

It includes a word search puzzle, news clippings (photocopied), reprinted photos, and lots of info, also a slip of paper saying your membership is now up for renewal. The cost was 7 pounds sterling, or US $15. Paul Darrow was appearing in a play, "A Sting in the Tale"—there is info on this in the newsletter and tips for seeing Paul backstage (not on Saturdays, please, at least if you are a "chatter.").

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Last Laugh on Record, Part III, fiction by Antonia Thomas (S4)
  • Go Gently, Part II, fiction by Gillian Taylor (S4, Rescue; A-C death)
  • Blake's Seven -- The True Story, Part VII, fiction by Ros Williams (humor) (reprinted in Blake's Seven: The True Story)
  • Catherine Brown, word search puzzle
  • Letters of Comment
  • "A Sting in the Tale" (theatre reviews by Judith M. Seaman, Carole Howell)
  • Newspaper review of "A Sting in the Tale"
  • Article by John Javna, a clipping from "Applause"
  • Dreamworld, poem by Kathy Holt
  • Silver Sky, poem by Kathy Holt
  • photo of Sk and MK at Space City con
  • inside issue #28

    inside issue #28

  • inside issue #28

    inside issue #28

  • inside issue #28

    inside issue #28

Issue 29

Avon Club Newsletter 29 was published in July 1987 and contains 24 pages.

cover of issue #29, Paul Darrow "doing his Elvis impersonation"
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Go Gently, Part III, fiction by Gillian Taylor (S4, Rescue; A-C death)
  • word square puzzle by Lorraine Hurcomb
  • Boston Memories by Janet Darrow (autobiography)
  • Mission to Destiny -- Creation Convention, Boston, Mass., 30th May, 1987" - con reports by Denise Donahue, Bonnie Hansen, and Ellen Weitz
  • Paul's Return to the Big Apple: 9-10th May 1987 Starlog Festival-- New York Penta" - con reports by Dana Waddell, revised by Kathy Allard; Barbara Leflar Jackson; and Toni Lay)
  • My Next Door Neighbor, essay by Ros Williams (topic is Avon)
  • Letters of Comment
  • Newspaper clippings with B7 names (humor)
  • Rerun for Your Wife by Judith M. Seaman (theatre review; Run for Your Wife with PD)
  • A Sting in the Tale by Ros Williams (theatre review)
  • Wordsearch puzzle
  • Yearly Surveys by Darren Funnel

Issue 30

Avon Club Newsletter 30 was published in October 1987 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Guardian, Part I, fiction by Susan Chadwick (S4)
  • A Case of Identity by Jane Porter (logic puzzle)
  • Golf? That's an Easy Game by Judith Seaman (review of golf event with PD)
  • Scorpio V by Denise Donahue (con report)
  • Self-intros by members (Mary Robertson, Margaret Martin, Sylvia Anderson)
  • interview by Louis Hirshhorn with Paul Darrow during BATS East Coast Tour, 1986 (reprinted from FINE TUNING, July-August 1987)
  • The Mystery Man of B7, or, The Thorny, Matter of Avon's Brother, essay by Ros Williams
  • Letters
  • My Knight in Studded Black Leather Armor, poem by Dana Waddell

Issue 31

Avon Club Newsletter 31 was published in January 1988 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of season 1 Avon.

cover of issue #31
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Guardian, Part II, fiction by Susan Chadwick (S4)
  • Safe with Me, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S4, post-Orbit; V-O)
  • jargon exercise puzzle by Denise Donahue
  • Essays on Anna by Denise Donahue ("One Woman's Opinion"), Sylvia Anderson, Ros WIlliams
  • Self-intros by members (Flo Freeman, Dana Waddell, Judith Seaman)
  • The Naming of Baru, article by Elaine Clark (fossil named for PD)
  • Letters
  • The Avon Survey-- Results"
  • Worldcon (Brighton, 1987) con report by Margaret Martin
  • Creation Convention -- Philadelphia (con reports by Barbara Fletcher, Ellen Weitz & Denise Donahue)
  • Little Bits of Trivia" (clippings, quotes, anecdotes)

Issue 32

Avon Club Newsletter 32 was published in April 1988 and contains 24 pages.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Guardian, Part III, fiction by Susan Chadwick (S4)
  • Newspaper clippings on "Are You Lonesome Tonight"
  • Self-intros by members (Daniel Nardini, Ruth Gutteridge, Toni Lay, Lisa Swaincott)
  • "DSVI or, The Fandom of the Space Opera" by Janet Darrow (autobiography)
  • DSVI con reports by Sue Christian, Toni Lay
  • "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (theatre reviews by Carole Howell, Margaret Greenwood, Judith M. Seaman)
  • double crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Letters
  • More About That Brother!, essay by Gena Davies (topic is Avon's brother)
  • Mercutio, Mercutio! Wherefore Art Thou...? by Judith M. Seaman (zine review for Blake Something)

Issue 33

Avon Club Newsletter 33 was published in July 1988 and contains 24 pages.

cover of issue #33
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Respite, fiction by Kathy Coy (S4, Rescue; A)
  • Newspaper clippings on "Are You Lonesome Tonight"
  • double crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Interview -- Paul Darrow by Barbara and Rebecca Reeves (May 8th, 1988-- Anglicon, Seattle, Washington)"
  • Anglicon, con reports by Barbara Reeves, Toni Lay
  • "Are You Lonesome Tonight?," theatre reviews by Judith M. Seaman, Susan Chadwick)
  • Letters

Issue 34

Avon Club Newsletter 34 was published in October 1988 and contains 28 pages.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Newspaper clippings on "Are You Lonesome Tonight"
  • chain-reaction puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Space City 1988 con report by Bill Lindsay
  • Letters
  • "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (theatre reviews by Ann Preece, Cindy Rumley)
  • Avon's Friends, essay by Ros Williams

Issue 35

Avon Club Newsletter 35 was published in January 1989 and contains 29 pages.

cover of issue #35, playbill for "Alibi for Murder"

From the editorial:

There has been a grossly inaccurate and very hurtful article circulated containing a serious attack on Paul. Some of you, I know, have already seen it and written to say how angered you are by it. Because there must be many of you who have no idea what has been going on, I have reproduced the particular article in full in this n/l - page 3/4 and 5 (with Paul’s permission) and it’s followed by an answer to the attack from Paul. This article was written by Ms Annie Wortham and backed by some so called 'Big Name Fans’ in America...(who incidentally plan to try to boycott Paul’s book) [2].

The reason for all this animosity? Paul, Michael and Terry Nation thought of putting on their own conventions in the States because they have become increasingly sickened by the power plays, bickering and gossip instigated by some 'Big Name Fans’. They wanted to provide the best possible conventions for the thousands of ordinary fans, many of whom have been very shabbily treated. It’s difficult to imagine (in this country) the vast distances covered by fans wanting to meet Paul and other B7 guests and very disappointing for them when they arrive to find they are not allowed to do just that.

Janet also has come under attack for daring to object to certain ’slash fiction’ stories in which Paul and Janet are personally named. Now it is being said that she is trying to ’control’ fan fiction! An absurd accusation.

I could go on and on, but it seems sensible to let you read it all for yourselves and make your own judgements. Paul and Janet have always put themselves out for their fans and it seems a very shameful way to be treated after all they have done for fandom.

All of this is, of course, extremely upsetting for Paul and Janet, and although I've mentioned it later on in this issue, I would also like to say here how very much they have appreciated all the wonderful letters sent to them by fans annoyed by the attack (they’ve received hundreds and it would be impossible to answer all of you personally) - But please accept their ’Thank Yous’ here - they have been overwhelmed by your kindness.

I make no apologies for taking up so much space in this n/l with these problems and hope everyone will understand why it has to be so. Because of this there will not be a puzzle in this issue, but I’ll make up for it next time. I’ll find a really hard one for you!

Also from the editor:

We would like to hear your views on what we consider to be the most cruel and unfair accusations aimed at two people who must be among the most considerate in the acting profession. I personally would like to add that it's six years now since I took on the running of 'Avon' and in that time I have known nothing but kindness and consideration from both Paul and Janet. They have helped me every step of the way. The club wouldn’t be as it is today without the interest they show and the affection they hold for their fans. The 'Space City’ conventions are just another example of their generosity. Not only did they attend themselves, but also were instrumental in other Blake's Seven guests coming. . . . and never have they asked for fees or expenses. Hardly the act of people who want to make a buck and do not care for their fans. Indeed the Wednesday before Christmas they gave up more of their time to present the ’Space City' charity cheque for £1,000 to the P.D.S.A.

Paul and Janet have been bitterly hurt by Annie Wortham's article but they have received hundreds of letters from fans, on both sides of the Atlantic, condemning the attack, and they wish to thank you all and to tell you they were deeply touched by the concern shown by true fans

Issue 36

Avon Club Newsletter 36 was published in April 1989 and contains 32 pages.

front cover of issue #36
back cover of issue #36
from issue #36, commentary on The Blake's 7 Wars, the preface to the letters of comment
  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Logic Puzzle by Carole Howell called "The Saturnalian Olympics" (2)
  • notice about the closure of The Gathering Club ("As most of you are aware, due to ill health, the Gathering Club has finally decided to close. They had some really nice photos of Paul, and it would have been a shame if they were lost to the fans. I asked if I could buy the rights to sell them through 'AVON'... Their answer? They gave them to us... Many thanks, Gathering... There will be a list of them included with this newsletter" - Jackie Willmott) (3)
  • a schedule of appearances of Darrow's play, as well as a synopsis by Lorna Newton, for "A is for Alibi" (4)
  • a review by Ros Williams of "A is for Alibi" (6)
  • a review by Sue Chadwick of "A is for Alibi" (7)
  • a review by Jean Graham of Avon: A Terrible Aspect (7)
  • a review by Marie Parsons of Avon: A Terrible Aspect (8)
  • a review (titled "Father of Man") by Judith M. Seaman of Avon: A Terrible Aspect (9)
  • excerpts from an interview with Janet Lees Price that was first published in Down and Unsafe #7 (10)
  • Paul Darrow - The Interview, essay by Jean Airey (all about interviewing Darrow at Scorpio for Starlog, focus on what a fabulous interviewee Darrow was, the editor thanks Airey for addition photos for the club to sell: "Enlargements - on request") (14)
  • Paul Darrow in San Diego - November 10-13, 1988, con report for DarrowCon by Jean Graham and Pearl Stickler (15)
  • Letters of comment (all of them about The Blake's 7 Wars, all of them VERY supportive of Paul Darrow, includes the moral fable by Marie Parsons called "Fans, Fans and Fans," ends with an in-joke pun: "'And for the last time, you stupid man. I'm NOT a china fairy... I'm a ceramic hob!' - with apologies for those who have not seen Paul's voice-over ad for Halogen") (17)
  • ads (28)
  • Logic Puzzle Answers (32)

Issue 37

Avon Club Newsletter 37 was published in July 1989 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

cover of issue #37
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • How It Was-- Or Was It?, fiction by Ros Williams (S0; humor)
  • Newspaper clippings on "Alibi for Murder"
  • quiz by Mary Ruiter
  • Unicon (con reports by Leigh Arnold, Lee Vibber)
  • "Alibi for Murder" (theatre reviews by Nicola Best, Sue Chadwick, Sue Christian, Helen Parkinson)
  • Episodic Retrospective -- Blake by Darren Funnel
  • Voyage into a Black Hole by Jan Rayner (newspaper clipping on sf shows)
  • Letters
  • Avon, A Terrible Aspect (book reviews by Sue Chadwick, Lesley Hatch, Ros Williams)

Issue 38

Avon Club Newsletter 38 was published in October 1989 and contains 20 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Yet Another Alternative to Blake's Seven, or, Have You Met the Wife?, fiction by Fiona Haggart and Helen Williams (alt-S1; A/Anna; humor)
  • Of an Actor, poem by Jackie Topp
  • crossword puzzle by Liz McCarthy
  • Letters
  • Midsummer Madness -- or Heat Hayes II by Jackie Willmott
  • Pages of the Past (old reviews of plays with PD and JLP, from 1967-8)
  • The Good News by Judith M. Seaman (TV review, "Making News")

Issue 39

Avon Club Newsletter 39 was published in January 1990 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Making News".

cover of issue #39
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Xenon Base, Monday, fiction by Helen Parkinson (S4; humor)
  • Brake's Even, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • The Committee and Space City, poem by Sue Chadwick (parody of "The Walrus and the Carpenter;" ad for Space City 1990 con)
  • word search puzzle by Mary Ruiter
  • Pages of the Past from Judith Seaman and Mary Moulden (old reviews of plays with PD, from 1964-5 and 1969)
  • What a Glamorous Life You Lead! by Janet Darrow (autobiography, also in Aspects #7)
  • Letters

Issue 40

Avon Club Newsletter 40 was published in April 1990 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Candida."

cover of issue #40
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even!, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • crossword puzzle by Liz McCarthy
  • Zine Review by Jean Graham for The Way to Rebellion, Part 1
  • Interview with Paul Darrow, from TV program "This Morning" (February 2, 1990)
  • Letters
  • Trap for a Lonely Man (theatre reviews by Sue Chadwick, Jackie Willmott, Judith M. Seaman)
  • Newspaper clippings on "Trap"
  • Excerpt from "Stage and TV Today"
  • Newspaper reviews of "Making News"
  • "Making News" (TV reviews by Judith M. Seaman, Sue Chadwick)
  • Program from "Solo" (Paul Darrow's first appearance on stage, 1962)
  • Newspaper clipping on Space City 1990 committee
  • photo of the Space City committee

Issue 41

Avon Club Newsletter 41 was published in July/October, 1990 and contains pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even!, fiction by Dan & Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • By the Pricking of My Thumbs, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S2; A)
  • Space City 1990 (con reviews by Judith M. Seaman, John Chadwick, Barbara Eidinger, Maureen Marrs [in verse!])
  • Newspaper articles
  • Zen crossword puzzle by Viv Gover
  • 'Looking Old Is Not Bad If You Keep Away from Mirrors' -- Emily Carr" by Janet Darrow (autobiography)
  • Letters
  • Orbit, con report by Jean Airey
  • "Cluedo" by Judith M. Seaman (TV review)
  • Newspaper clippings on "Trap for a Lonely Man"
  • Insert: "Janet Lees Price International Fan Club" (humor)
  • Space City 1990 con (art, page 18-19)

Issue 42

Avon Club Newsletter 42 was published in January 1991 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Trap for a Lonely Man."

cover of issue #42

From the editorial:

Jo Simmonds has now resigned as Story Editor. Jo's life has become very hectic of late.... as she says, "I'm up to my neck in School Governorship." We would like to say ahearty 'thankyou' to Jo for all the hard work she has put into the club and wish her well in the future. We'll keep In touch. We hope in time to find someone willing to take over as Story Editor, but in the meantime if you have any stories for publishing (either for the newsletter or for zines), please send them to me. We are always pleased to receive any stories you have, and the sale of zines really boosts the Club's funds, and helps to keep us afloat.

Our cover photograph of Paul is courtesy of William Boyde and is taken from the play 'Trap For A Lonely Man'. Paul has supplied us with a number of these publicity photographs, and we have permission to sell them. For full details of how to order etc., please turn to the Avon merchandise page in this newsletter.

As well as Paul's article on 'Dark Justice', in this newsletter we have accounts of the making of 'Haggard' from Judith Seaman and Helen Parkinson, Daniel Bowden's 'Brake's Even' cartoons, a short story from Sue Chadwick -in fact all the usual, for which we thank all who have contributed.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • crossword puzzle by Mary Ruiter (3)
  • Dark Justice by Paul Darrow (autobiography) (4)
  • BBC Blake's Seven Video Release, article by Jackie Willmott (7)
  • article about Barry Jones by Ralph Curzon (illustrator of video covers) (this is referred to an interview, but it is not) (7)
  • Brake's Even, fiction by Daniel Bowden (graphic story; humor) (9)
  • Mad Jack by Judith M. Seaman (visit to the set of "Haggard") (10)
  • Mad Jack by Helen Parkinson (visit to the set of "Haggard," includes photos) (10) (11)
  • The Hand of Fate, fiction by Sue Chadwick (S5) (15)
  • merchandise for sale (20)

Issue 43

Avon Club Newsletter 43 was published in April 1991 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow and Janet Lees Price (by Gena Davies).

cover of issue #43

From the editorial:

I’ve been asked to mention that although Paul and Janet are normally always pleased to see you after a show, would you please refrain from doing so until after August 6th. The reason for this: after the opening of ’Gaslight’ (the first play), dress rehearsals still have to go on for ’Relatively Speaking’ and ’Dial M For Murder’. These rehearsals start early the following morning and Paul and Janet will still continue working every day (as well as performing the play at night). As you will appreciate this can be very arduous for all those Involved, and obviously the Darrows will be exhausted. After August 6th all three plays will have opened and they will be pleased to see you then.

Comments from a male fan in one of the letters:

May I seize this opportunity to say how much I've enjoyed reading your newsletters. I've always found them a good solid read, not airy and inconsequential like some newsletters I’ve seen.

While I'm writing there’s a question I'd like to ask.... How is it that 'Blake's Seven' fans, who pride themselves on being a pretty down to earth bunch (well, Blake's Seven did deal with some pretty earthy issues in a very realistic manner) can go all agog over a small bit part character like Carnell?

Let's be brutally frank here for a moment, the guy appears on screen for about 5 minutes (okay, a slight inaccuracy, but you can see what I'm trying to emphasis here). In a very average episode, and fans, female fans everywhere are writing stories about him, creating backgrounds and slobbering about how wonderful he is.

Excuse me! Now, I may not be the best judge of women, but surely this is Mills and Boon at its worst, something any half decent Blake’s Sevener wouldn’t touch with a Liberator handgun - or would she? Someone - please explain it to me!

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Crossword Puzzle by Carole Howell (3)
  • The Man in the White Hat, essay by Sue Christian (topic: Roj Blake - was he the good guy?) (4)
  • "Dark Justice" TV review by Lee Vibber (6)
  • Competition, fiction challenge (stories should be based on a reporter interviewing Avon: "What has our hero been doing for the past ten years? What is he planning to do next? What are his hopes and aspirations? You have to tell us in an interview of approx. 500 -1000 words.") (6)
  • Brake's Even in Turtle Recall!, fiction by Dan and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor) (7)
  • Fiddler's Three (TV reviews by Sue Chadwick, Helen Parkinson) (8)
  • Pages from the Past (old reviews of plays with PD, from 1963 and 1973 - Dracula, Butley), from Judith Seaman (10)
  • Concern for Your Health, fiction by Lee W. Vibber (S1?; A-C, A-hc) (12)
  • The Thrill of it All by Sue Christian (essay on becoming a Blake's 7 fan, the last paragraph: "I think we have to accept that we're never going to get a fifth series or a film or sequel out of the B.B.C. But we've got tapes, stories, fandom, the actors (thanks to their generosity), our memories and like minded friends. Whatever happens In the future, we will always have Blake's 7, and the thrill of it all.") (14)
  • Death Only a Rumour by Julie Talbott (essay on fandom, a fan testimonial) (16)
  • Letters (17)
  • excerpt from the book, "The Way to Write Drama" by William Ash - "Mr. and Mrs. Avon" (18)
  • merchandise and want ads (20)

Issue 44

Avon Club Newsletter 44 was published in July 1991 and contains 36 pages. The covers are photos of Paul Darrow and Janet Lees Price.

cover of issue #44

From the editorial:

from issue #44, the desk

What a wonderful lot you are! Your response to buying a 26th Wedding Anniversary Present for the Darrows was incredible. We are delighted to be able to tell you that with the amount raised we were able to buy a hand crafted antique reproduction desk and matching Regency chair. For once in his life, Paul was speechless!! Later he said, "The desk and chair are quite wonderful, and most thoughtful gifts. Thank you so much. It is a delightful remembrance of all our friends/fans and of our Sliver Wedding".

The desk and chair were actually delivered to them on the 26th of June, so they were able to clear up the Study and get organised before leaving for Worthing the following week. Janet said, "We are thrilled to bits and keep going into the room to look at it." The desk itself is in a lovely warm mahogany, the top has an inset of pale green leather with gold tooling around the edges, and the drawers have brass handles. The chair is a Regency style with pretty beading work around the back and the seat is in green velvet to match the desk leather.

And that's not all, we had enough money left over to splash out on a selection of Chanel No. 5 perfumes and moisturizers for Janet. The Darrows received so many cards that we’ve been asked to print the following message in this newsletter:

We want to say an enormous thank you, to all those kind people who remembered our Sliver Wedding Anniversary. We've written to everyone who contributed to our beautiful desk and chair, but alas, because of rehearsals at Worthing, there isn’t time to do so to those of you who sent such lovely cards, Our happiness has been further compounded, by sharing this special day with you all. With our love, Janet and Paul.

On the last page of the zine:

Many of you will remember the little newsletter we brought out last year - THE JANET LEES PRICE INTERNATIONAL FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER.

Well, it was very popular and yes, people have sent in articles for the next one!' So as not to disappoint those people. Newsletter No. 2 is now available. Members that contributed will have one sent to them automatically. Anyone else who would like one, (must point out here that this newsletter is just a bit of fun, which started when my husband, Joe, declared himself President of Janet's fan club!). -- Ann Bown

from issue #44
  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Letter from Paul and Janet ("Of course, you always treat us with great affection and we both hope you know that affection is returned.... it is always a pleasure to meet with, or hear from you and it always will be.") (3)
  • crossword puzzle by Ben Mott (4)
  • Letters of Comment, much long commentary about the essay, "The Man in the White Hat" from the previous issue (5)
  • Of Mice and Men, fiction by Carol Wyke and Sue Christian (S4; humor) (14)
  • Summer Drama Season Launch -- Connaught Theatre, Worthing by Sue Chadwick (17)
  • Open Day at the Connaught by Judith M. Seaman (17)
  • Newspaper clippings on summer repertory at Connaught (18)
  • ad for Space City 1992 Convention (22)
  • Duel by Judith M. Seaman (review of that episode) (23)
  • Brake's Even, fiction by Daniel Bowden (graphic story; humor) (25)
  • Story competition, fiction (reporter interviews Avon)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (introduction to competition stories) (26)
  • Strangeways, fiction by Sue Christian (S5; humor) (26)
  • Avon: Face to Face, fiction by Carole Howell (S5; humor) (28)
  • Avon: The 'Person' Behind the Legend, fiction by Libby Rator (S5; humor) (29)
  • Ads and Merchandise (32)
  • blurb about The Janet Lees Price International Fan Club Newsletter (36)

Issue 45

Avon Club Newsletter 45 was published in October 1991 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a photo of PD & JLP in "Gaslight".

front cover of issue #45
back cover of issue #45

From Judith M. Rolls (who appears to allude to The Blake's 7 Wars in her essay, "The Return of the Prodigal Fan":

For the last 18 months or so, work has kept me exceedingly busy, and fandom has been taking aback seat In my life, only Just managing to make 'Space City', leaving newsletters unread for weeks, and other cardinal sins. A case of reality intruding too much on fandom. Idon't know about everyone else out there, but in this house, when the news arrives that Paul, Janet and Michael are going to be performing together in a summer season, it's inevitable that the AA atlas will be dragged out to plot the route, the tickets will be booked on credit card, the boss will be informed that I won't be going to work and the car will be whipped down miles of tarmac, no matter what state it's in. Ican see the scene being repeated countrywide -partners, families and employers being deserted for impromptu holidays in Worthing....

[...]

But I digress, sorry, I'd just like a little elbow room to mention something else. As I said, the last thing on my mind Just recently has been fandom, but when I walked into the Connaught Theatre, the thing that struck me was the number of familiar faces In the audience, the rows scattered with old friends. I don't know what percentage of the audience wore 'B7' fans, but there was a definite clique of people present that recognised each other, veterans of a fair few 'campaigns' to see shows countrywide. People, who were, without exception, pleased to see you, happy to chat and find out what you've been doing since they saw you last. It seems like heresy, but the show became something like an added bonus to a happy evening among friends.

I had the strangest feeling of 'coming home', like walking back into the arms of a tolerant family that is always ready to take you back. The cynic in me finds such a thought appallingly sentimental, but it made me stop and think about the tremendous amount of sheer entertainment that being part of that entity 'B7 fandom' has given me over the years, From the first typed and photocopied zines and newsletters, to the first B7 conventions (remember 'Star One', anyone?!) right the way through the years.

Somehow it all seems worthwhile in retrospect, all the time, energy and money seems to pay off when, like me, you've been incommunicado, and you walk into somewhere like the Connaught to be greeted by old friends you haven't seen for ages.

I'm not keen on the idea of B7 fandom eclipsing the programme itself, nor of fans getting an over-rated sense of their own importance, nor of taking the programme or its fans too seriously, but in this case, I don't think anyone will mind too much. Joe Public thinks that we're all mad, but I've just decided that I don't mind being called 'immature', 'crazy', and every other adjective that is heaped on our collective heads if I'm cohorts with some of the friendliest, most charming, intelligent and caring people I have ever met. Stand up and take a bow, people; despite everything, the good guys have prevailed, and fandom is a great place to be.

Thanks for your time. See you all at 'Space City'?

Comments by Ros Williams about the character, Carnell:

You could be forgiven for thinking that I am a one-woman Carnell fan-club and it's solely due to me that he’s popular, but- that's not so. Carnell was adored right from the start by a select few. In the days when I, like so many, had eyes only for Avon. Carnell appeared very occasionally in fiction before any of mine was written, and most of my early, fiction (everyone knows) stars Avon. It is true that I haul Carnell into view whenever I get the chance nowadays and he stars, or at least strongly features, in nearly all my recent stories. It’s also true that I'm still by no means his only fan, as I’ve discovered since I started promoting him - I'm Just by far the most vociferous! It’s interesting that you think there's a lot of Carnell fiction around. If there is, I wish someone would tell me about it as I can't find much at all, apart from my own, nearly all of which still waits on zine editors issuing it.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Worthing Plays: "Gaslight," "Relatively Speaking," "Dial M for Murder" (theatre reviews by Sue Chadwick, Helen Parkinson, Denise Baker, Sylvia Anderson, Judith M. Rolls, Lisa Taylor) (2)
  • The Return of the Prodigal Fan, essay by Judith M. Rolls (7)
  • more play reviews (8)
  • Letters of Comments, many more comments about the essay "The Man in the White Hat" from issue #43 (9)
  • Brake's Even! in Bloomers of Death!, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor) (14)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (16)
  • Competition, fiction contents -- Take One" (17)
  • What's the Attraction, essay by Sue Christian (topic: The Federation, how bad was it really, human beings and tolerances, dictators) (18)
  • Let We Forget!, essay by Judith M. Seaman (topic: states opinions that clearly states an alliance to Avon over Blake) (20)
  • The Paul and Michael Who Show -- Nebula 91, con report by Judith M. Seaman (21)
  • crossword puzzle by Ben Mott (23)
  • Ads and merchandise (24)
  • Insert: newspaper clippings, with photos; Worthing

Issue 46

Avon Club Newsletter 46 was published in January 1992 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

cover of issue #46
  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • double crossword puzzle by Carole Howell (2)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to competition stories) (3)
    • In the Shadow of the World Tree, fiction by Judith M. Rolls (S5; A-V; humor) (4)
    • A Farce in a Spacesuit, fiction by P. O'Duel (S5; A-V; humor) (9)
  • Visions '91 con reports by Shannon Rae Mowatt, Barbara Eidinger (12)
  • Emmerdale (TV review) by Judith M. Seaman (13)
  • Not in the Script (book reviews by Judith M. Seaman, Sue Chadwick) (14)
  • A Very Brake's Even Christmas, fiction by Dan Bowden(graphic story; humor) (15)
  • Letters of Comment (16)
  • ad for Travis: The Final Act (22)
  • ads for merchandise and fanzines (23)

Issue 47

Avon Club Newsletter 47 was published in April 1992 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a movie poster for "MacBeth."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even in 'Oesophagus!', fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Hamadryad, fiction by Julie Talbott (S3 or S4; A)
  • Gridwords puzzle by Sue Chadwick
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to "Take Two" competition)
  • Letters
  • Macbeth: Dates and Theatres
  • Answers to Questions Most Asked in Ten Years of Fan Mail" by Paul and Janet Darrow (reprinted in Aspects v.4 no.3, as "A List of Their Favorite Things")
  • article by Ros Williams?

Issue 48

Avon Club Newsletter 48 was published in July 1992 and contains pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even in A Grand Day Out, fiction by Dan & Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Saurian Major, the Alternative Story, fiction by Eileen Carr (S1, alt-Time Squad)
  • B7 crossword puzzle from Tyne Tees Television Programme "Crosswits"
  • Macbeth (theatre reviews by Jackie Willmott, Lorna Newton)
  • Letters
  • Space City 1992 con report by Lorna Newton
  • The Blake's Seven Video Mix '92 (fannish music video, reviewed by Ann O'Neill)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • The Blake's Seven Video by Dan Bowden

Issue 49

Avon Club Newsletter 49 was published in October 1992 and contains 36 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

Many of the letters from fans have a focus of comments on Avon: A Terrible Aspect.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Halloweven, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Letter from Janet and Paul
  • Letter from Janet
  • Extracts from Bristol BBC Radio Interview, 29/07/92 (sent by Donna Rocus)
  • King Hereafter -- How It Began? by Dorothy Dunnett
  • Wanting, Isn't Enough (autobiography) by Janet Lees Price
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to "The Final Take" competition)
  • Letters
  • The Blake's Seven Video Mix '92 (cartoon ad)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 49

It was great to read Janet's article and I can understand her wanting to call it a day on the fan mail. She's a great lady and a real friend to fans. [3]

Although I must admit to a certain amount of disappointment that Paul and Janet will no longer be replying to the mail they receive, I think they both, and Janet in particular, should be applauded for continuing to do so dedicatedly and consistently perform such a difficult and time consuming task for so long. [4]

It's great that the Club has its own zine now, as I always enjoy the fiction in the newsletters. "Nemesis," although heart-rending in places, was excellent, and the ending was good, suitable lightning the mood. I hate stories which portray doom and gloom exclusively. The last newsletter was brilliant as always. You certainly maintain very high standards, and you also manage to get it out in time!! A big thank you to everyone involved is due. [5]

Issue 50

Avon Club Newsletter 50 was published in January 1993 and contains 44 pages. The front cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "MacBeth."

covers of issue #50

Excerpt from the interview with Paul Darrow:

I am not surprised at the growing number of new fans, because of the release of the videos. What is nice about Blakes'7 fans in general, not just those who are members of the club, they are interested in your other work as well. People who are enthusiastic about your performance as Avon, actually come to see you play Macbeth or Elvis, that is good. And also, generally speaking, they are very nice people. Having said that, I think there are those who expect me to be running around in black leather with a gun all the time. And there are those who are so heavily involved in the Avon character, or Blake's 7 in general, to the exclusion of everything else, which is a pity for them.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Brake's Even in Bedtime for Brake, fiction by Dan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Vengeance, fiction by Carrie Hewlett (winner, Take Three competition; real world; not a B7 story)
  • Letter from Janet and Paul (They thank fans for the Christmas cards and gifts, and would like to know who sent them a food basket that had an ad which stated it was "Providers of Good Things for the Larder.") (2)
  • cryptic questions, trivia puzzle by Ann Bown (3)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (an appeal for money for a new copier machine, submission request for Avon, a raffle contest for a miniature set from "Trap for a Lonely Man" donated by Paul Darrow, some Space City swag for sale) (4)
  • A Week in the Life of an Actor on Tour: Paul's Touring Timetable by Janet Lees Price (6)
  • Macbeth theatre reviews by Jackie Willmott, Christine Anne Dixon, Sue Chadwick (9)
  • 'Worthy Macbeth, We Stay Upon Your Leisure:' In Conversation with Paul Darrow, Winchester, December 1992 (interview by Sue Chadwick, Ann Bown, and Joe Bown) (11)
  • Brake's Even in Bedtime for Blake (19)
  • From Brown Paper Parcels to 'Is He a Draw?' by Janet Lees Price (meta about actors on tour, personal experiences, conflict with the modern invention of television) (15)
  • A Week Away by Sue Chadwick (Paul Darrow answers questions) (26)
  • Clipping on B7 from Stage and TV Today called "Galactic tale is all spaced out" (January 19, 1993) (27)
  • Letters of Comment (28)

Issue 51

Avon Club Newsletter 51 was published in April 1993 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is a screenshot of Avon in "Warlord."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • A Brief Interlude, fiction by Brenda Sadler (S3, Rumours)
  • Soap's Seven, fiction by Ben Mott (S2; humor)
  • Killer, poem by Tor (A-V)
  • Avon's Adverbs, poem by Belinda Sadler (humor)
  • crossword puzzle by Maureen Marrs
  • 'An Actor's Life for Me' by Paul Darrow (autobiography)
  • Resting? You Must Be Joking! by Janet Lees Price (autobiography)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • Gauda Prime: A Cause Enough for Killing by Judith M. Seaman (essay)
  • Letters

Issue 52

Avon Club Newsletter 52 was published in July 1993 and contains 32 pages.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Sneers, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; Cheers parody; humor)
  • untitled letter from Roj Blake, fiction (S5; humor)
  • The Friendship Factor, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S5; A-V)
  • Note from Janet and Paul
  • puzzle by Ben Mott
  • Extracts from Paul Darrow's One-Man Show... Orbit... August 3, 1990" (transcribed by Barbara Teichert)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to "What If" competition)
  • Thirteen Hours in Hell's Kitchen, article by Sue Christian
  • Letters
  • Avon #2: Nemesis by Carol Wyke (zine review by Jean Graham, reprinted from The Revel Times)
  • The Blake's Seven Video Mix '92 (cartoon ad)

Issue 53

Avon Club Newsletter 53 was published in October 1993 and contains 32 pages. The cover is a playbill for "Rough Crossing."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Should Winter End, fiction by Barbara Sherren (alt-S3, alt-post- Aftermath)
  • Commercial Break, fiction by Nina Lynch (S2; humor)
  • Letter from Paul and Janet
  • double crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • The Search for Blake, essay by Ros Williams
  • Rough Crossing, theatre review by Sue Chadwick
  • I Just Called to Say... by Janet Lees Price (autobiography)
  • Letters
  • I Used to Be Sweet and Innocent, essay by Helen Parkinson
  • cartoon by Linda Bingham

Issue 54

Avon Club Newsletter 54 was published in January 1994 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is Paul Darrow in "Rough Crossing."

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • The Nightmare, fiction by Julz Monckton (S4; A)
  • Daniel and Susan Bowden, from an original idea by Lukas
  • Brake's Even in 'Oh No It Isn't!', fiction by Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Martha's Son, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S3, Sarcophagus)
  • What If... You Knew Who I Am? by Richard Gere
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (winners of What If competition)
  • The Silver Sky by Kathy Holt (radio play review, with writeup of plot as story)
  • A Ledge Between the Streams by Judith M. Seaman, and Blake's Seven: The True Story by Ros Williams" (zine reviews by Jean Graham, reprinted from The Revel Times)
  • Decline of the Drivel Drones by Libby Rator

Issue 55

Avon Club Newsletter 55 was published in April 1994 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is a photo of Avon in season 4.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Ghost Writers, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S5; humor)
  • Despair, fiction by Ros Williams (S5)
  • 3 in 1 Word Search puzzle by Carol Handy
  • Darrow's Double Act by Janet Darrow (autobiography)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to "Blake's Seven -- The Movie" competition)
  • Letters
  • All Your Life We Will Be with You by Judith M. Seaman (review of radio program on "The Fly," with PD doing some readings)
  • Sample of Questions and/or Discrepancies from B7 Episodes, As Well As a Few Small, But Interesting, Facts by Jani Fleet
  • For What It's Worth, essay by Judith M. Seaman
  • cartoon by Linda Bingham
  • Insert: contents of Newsletters 27-54

Issue 56

Avon Club Newsletter 56 was published in July 1994 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is a photo of Paul Darrow as Demon Greedy (pantomime, 1963).

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even in 'No Flies on Me!', fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Spring's Bleak Dawn, fiction by Barbara Sherren (sequel to "Should Winter End" in #53; alt-S3)
  • crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • Letters
  • Within These Walls Helen Parkinson (review of 1975 TV series with JLP and PD)
  • Testing Times (essay)
  • Collision at Jupiter by Judith M. Seaman (review of BBC science show with PD doing voiceovers)
  • Liberator cartoon by Linda Bingham

Issue 57

Avon Club Newsletter 57 was published in October 1994 and contains 24 pages. The front cover is a photo of Paul Darrow and his costar in "Deadfall"

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Christmas wishes from Paul and Janet
  • photo montage of PD's roles by Maureen Marrs
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • From 'The Sublime to the Ridiculous' or, Film Star to Working Actor by Janet Darrow (autobiography)
  • Deadfall theater reviews by Judith Rolls, Judith M. Seaman, Helen Parkinson, Peter Tatlow [from The Stage, 6/10/94]
  • Letters
  • Faith, Hope and Charity by Judith M. Seaman (zine review by Jean Graham, reprinted from The Revel Times, October 1994)

Issue 58

Avon Club Newsletter 58 was published in January 1995 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Deja Vu, fiction by Nicolene van den Berg (S5; A)
  • Brake's Even, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • One Summer's Day, fiction by Judith Proctor (S2 or later; A-ocm)
  • Alone and Silent -- For Eternity, poem by Jacqui Topp (Sarcophagus alien)
  • crossword puzzle by Carole Howell
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • The Poisoning of Charles Bravo by Helen Parkinson (TV review of 1974-75 show with PD)
  • zine review by Jean Graham of Avon #4 (reprinted from The Revel Times, April 1994)
  • Letters
  • Within Those Walls by Viv Callaway (account of visit to B.B.C. studio; reprinted from Standard by Seven #4)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 58

Brake's Even ... was funnier than ever and I also enjoyed the review of "The Poisoning of Charles Bravo." The chances of the BBC releasing it on video are probably very slim, so it was nice to be given an idea of what the programme was like, and have an outline of the plot. It was also interesting to discover that it was a true story. [6]

Another great newsletter. Loved both stories and "Brake's Even" [was] very funny. I really look forward to them coming through the letter box.[7]

Issue 59

Avon Club Newsletter 59 was published in May 1995 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "The Legend of Robin Hood."

cover of issue #59

Judith Proctor had a letter that commented on a pro book called "Blake's 7 - The Programme Guide," that despite fan input, had too many errors:

This book contains a good episode guide (far better than that in Adrian Rigglesford's book), an index to planets, people etc from the series, a brief biography of the cast and interviews with some of the people concerned with the series.

This is the second edition of the programme guide and a lot of errors from the first edition have been removed. However, it still isn't perfect in spite of all the hard work put in by Jackie Ophir and others. I found references to cloaking devices instead of detector shields, and when I wanted to look up "phibians" in the index, they weren't there.

Avon is quoted as having stolen 500 million credits without any references to Vila's original mention of 5 million credits. Personally, I believe Vila. Firstly because Avon later on says that if he becomes free, he'll steal a hundred million credits. He says it in a tone of voice that suggests this is more than he stole originally. Secondly, Ultaworld is a computer - what's to say it didn't just slip a decimal point somewhere in its data banks?

The entry for "Auronar" says they were outlaws known as the Lost. I thought all inhabitants of Auron were Auronar...

I dare say there are more. These are just mistakes I've found by looking up references that I needed for stories - a detailed trawl would probably find more.

Overall though, it's a useful book, and the interviews make interesting reading. As a zine editor, I find it wonderful to finally know the definitive spelling of planets like Morphenniel - I think Jackie and co went back to the original scripts on a lot of occasions.

If you want something that is accurate and comprehensive, with regard to the characters, aliens, gadgets, etc. from the series, then I would recommend the Sevencyclopaedia by Neil Faulkner, even though I do publish it myself. On the other hand, the programme guide is smaller and hence cheaper. [8]

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • crossword puzzle by Viv Gover (2)
  • 'Whatever Happened to...?' or 'Where Is He Now?' or 'BT or not BT' by Paul Darrow (autobiography) (3)
  • Letter from Paul and Janet (thanks fans for the gifts and cards for their birthdays) (4)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (with clippings on success of charity appeal) (5)(14)
  • Dancing for Themselves, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (7)
  • Brake's Even in 'Remember Last Issue? Well, This Is Part 2, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor, fusion/crossover with The Simpsons) (unnumbered page)
  • B7 movie cast lists by Maureen Marrs and Helen Parkinson (humor, "We tried to cast Blake's Seven -- The Musical" but decided Howard Keel's Blake would have given Freddie Mercury's Avon ship room.") (unnumbered page)
  • Letters of Comment (14)
  • You Know You Are an Avon/Blake's Seven Fan When by Helen Parkinson (humor) (18)
  • things for sale (18)
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Issue 60

Avon Club Newsletter 60 was published in August 1995 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a photo of season 4 Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Brake's Even in Brake Watch!, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor)
  • Escape from Series 4, fiction by Susan Barrett (S4; humor)
  • Slave anagram puzzle by Karen Gover
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to "Avon's Christmas Bumper Book of Fun")
  • Alternative cast lists
  • Avon -- A Deliciously Dangerous Addiction, essay by Helene Prendiville
  • Letters

Issue 61

Avon Club Newsletter 61 was published in November 1995 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Gruesome Grannies."

cover of issue #61

From the newspaper clipping:

But Oxford is the City of Dreaming Spires. Within a term of arriving, I had met actor Paul Darrow, who played Avon in the cult series Blake's Seven. My first childhood crush was on him and I had devoted pages of my diary to him. I'd been 12 when the series ended and I'd locked myself into the bathroom and cried for two hours.

It seemed my childhood passion had withstood the test of time, for when - now a cynical, world-weary 18 year old -- I saw him at Oxford, he still drove me with longing.

From the letter of comment by Ros Williams:

Why are the Beeb so obsessed with deleting the B7 videos? Is it a ploy to make people buy, or their usual irritation with B7? It seems to bear out the remark of an American correspondent of mine that the Beeb seem to have a death wish - that (she says) they don’t really promote their products properly in the States and sometimes seem ashamed to even mention some of them (like B7).

JUST WHAT IS IT about B7 that upsets the Beeb? Can it be that success in anything actually exciting rather than entirely cynical or blase embarrasses them? We could all write to the Beeb suggesting that since our money helped to create a successful programme, the least they could do is stop knocking it. Deleting a successful video series seems to be the height of idiocy but "this is what we have come to expect from our national broadcasting corporation" and it isn’t good enough. Actually the real reason is more likely trying to stampede a few more people into buying before they finally repeat the series? And perhaps the long delay in repeating is to guarantee the actors are all too old to return for another series.

Don't forget to write to the Beeb to demand a radio serial - which would solve the problem of the ageing of actors for a start. The Beeb's response to me was that they'd think about it. Whether that means they will or not I cant exactly tell but at least they didnt say "No chance". Re the repeat poll, perhaps BBC2's controller is human?

I'm very sorry, Sue, but I can't stand puzzle books and I can't think off hand of anyone I would give one to for Christmas (my sons wouldn't be interested either, fans though they are) so I apologize here and now that I shall not contribute to it nor buy it, but I hope the enterprise is a big success.

[...] The recent Marvel magazines weren't, in my opinion, even worth their fairly modest price in spite of the attractive layout. I only bought one. Even being a fan won't force me to pay for something inferior. As usual they were aimed at teenage boys and most B7 fans want something more challenging. You'd think Marvel would have remembered how they had to upgrade the original series due to the persistent complaints of fans. I think they should have gone for a thicker, more adult publication again. It never ceases to amaze me that both the Beeb and Marvel seem to see B7 as a male teen shootout - which rather suggests the powers that be in both organisations had perhaps never watched the series?

From a letter of comment by Judith Proctor:

Avon in fact is not particularly good looking. (Do I hear shouts of "heresy" from the balcony?) I can say this with complete confidence because two of my favourite Avon photos are pinned above my desk and he isn’t handsome in either of them. What Avon does have is personality. Take that same face and remove the expression and you would be left with a rather ordinary looking man with dark brown hair and a long straight nose. We fall in love with personalities, not faces.

I don’t lust after Paul Darrow (I doubt he'd want me to), but I admire him greatly as an actor. Look at the difference between Tallboy in "Murder Must Advertise" and Avon. Same actor, but different character. Tallboy completely lacks Avon's wit and sense of humour, hence, I don’t find him attractive. (The point being that Tallboy was acted as another character).

Avon is very different Watching the Blake's 7 episodes in order, I realised that I was in lust with Avon after seeing "Aftermath". That clinch with Servalan still gets me every time I see it "Rumours of Death" turned lust to love.

Only when we are in love do we suddenly realise that somebody who we thought to be totally ordinary looking is in fact amazingly beautiful - my husband is gorgeous

I will agree with Helene that Avon does have a lovely voice though - note that the rest of the world agrees, because Paul gets a fair bit of work doing voice overs.

Helene says Avon is honourable, resolute and valiant Interesting. Is this the same man who abandoned Cally on the Thaam's world, tried to push Vila out of a shuttle, set up Vila and Dayna with the Space Rats, cheerily abandoned everyone except Soolin in "Games" while he changed orbit, and risked frying Vila in "Gambit" just to make money at speed chess?

I love Avon, but I wouldn't like to be in a hot air balloon with him as the hot air supply started to run out over an ocean!

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Letter from Paul and Janet (very brief words thanking fans for sending them anniversary cards) (2)
  • BT- Two: NB This is not the name of a Star Wars android by Paul Darrow (Darrow's description of things he's been doing, some mentions of Gareth Thomas) (3)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings! (Christmas greetings, announcement of Avon's Christmas Bumper Book of Fun) (4)
  • The Missing Hero and the Rewards of Treachery, fiction by Judith M. Seaman (S0-1-2-3-4-5; Tr) (5)
  • "The Gruesome Grannies of Gobshott Hall" by Helen Parkinson (TV review) (6)
  • Letters of Comment (7)
  • Blake's Seven -- The Musical, Act I by Maureen Marrs and Helen Parkinson (song titles; humor) (10)
  • Brake's Even in The Soma Man Cometh!, Part 1, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (graphic story; humor) (12)
  • Avon, This is...Playhouse Video, Stevenage (signing with GT and PD; accounts by Judith M. Seaman ["Avon, This Is...], reports by Helen Parkinson, and Helene Prendiville) (18)
  • Avon's Song, fiction by D.C. Morris (S5; A-Se) (21)
  • Extract from newspaper article, "My Gold Letter Days in the City of Dreams," by Tess Stimson (Daily Mail, August 19, 1995)
  • Avon Merchandise (24)
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Issue 62

Avon Club Newsletter 62 was published in February 1996 and contains 32 pages. The cover is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Stick with Me, Kid."

covers of issue #62

From the clipping/article by Mark Berman:

Sex. It's a commodity. It's a leisure pursuit. And most important of all, it's a word that instantly attracts the attention of readers idly flicking through the pages of a magazine. But when it comes to science fiction television, sex is also the subject of vast and never-ending controversy. Some fans would rather it never reared it's ugly head. Others cant get enough of it. Programme makers, in the traditional spirit of abject cowardice, usually leave it out altogether. In thirty years of time-travelling, for instance, the Doctor never once got his end away, or even looked like doing so. Single male, loads of charm, great wardrobe, brand new body every three or four years - and never even a snog. The rest of us, if we landed on a new world in a new era, would instantly go in search of the local talent. Righting wrongs? Running away from extras in alien suits? No - the local talent would win every time. The irony is that, more often than not, the Doctor did unwittingly track down the local talent. Often they were wearing rather fetching miniskirts, in the manner of alien races everywhere (cf. STARTREK). But did he do anything about it? Not on your life. There were always too many villians [sic] to be defeated and quips to be quipped. The luscious young lovelies never got a look in.

Look at BLAKE'S 7. All right, one of the 7 was a computer, but two of the remaining six were female, and yet no fraternisation appears to have taken place. We must obviously discount Avon on the grounds of campness, and Vila too would have been too cowardly to present a credible figure as a red hot interstellar lover. But does that rule out all notions of rumpy? At the time I remember feeling well disposed towards both Josette Simon and Glynis Barber - so why did no male crew members of the Liberator feel the same way? It wasn't that big a spaceship. Even when Servalan was slinking about like a moggy on heat, she invariably chose Avon to slink around, which was rather a waste of time as I think we all realised. A dash of sexual jealousy would have spiced things up no end.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown (mentions Darrow doing a voice over for Brian May for a CD Rom called "Queen -- The Eye") (1)
  • Note from Paul and Janet (very brief statement from the Darrows thanking fans for the many cards and gifts that were sent to them for Christmas) (2)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings (3)
  • You Know You Are Safe With Me: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Visions '95 (con reports by Barbara Teichert, Judith Proctor, Gail Gawlik) (4)
  • Blake's Seven -- The Musical, Act II by Maureen Mars and Helen Parkinson (song titles; humor) (10)
  • Noel's Telly Years: We Woz Robbed..., TV review by Helen Parkinson (12)
  • Death of a Soma Man!, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (sequel; Brake's Even; graphic story; humor) (15)
  • Together Again -- Blake's Back! (reviews of audio tapes, by Judith Proctor, Helene Prendiville) (19)
  • Letters of Comment (One is a long one by Ros Williams that includes "Blake's Seven - The Musical" and Bicycle Race Weapon) (21)
  • Blake's 7 on the Internet by Judith Proctor (short descriptions of Space City, Lysator, Genie, and SFMEDIA on Compuserve) (25)
  • Blake-- Faithful Collie, or Just Plain Stupid? by Sue Christian (essay based on newspaper article about two dogs finding their way home) (26)
  • Avon Merchandise (27)
  • Extract from article by Mark Berman in Dreamwatch 18, February 1996 ("X Marks the G-Spot" -- the newsletter's editor wrote: "... certainly not likely to make friends and influence people in Blake's 7 circles!" ) (32)
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Issue 63

Avon Club Newsletter 63 was published in May 1996 and contains 36 pages. The front cover is a photo of Avon and Soolin. The back cover is Paul Darrow and Janet Lees Price's wedding announcement.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Braketicon '96 (2096!), fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; humor)
  • Avon's Kiss of Death, fiction by Helene Prendiville (S3)
  • Note from Paul and Janet
  • Avon Wordsearch by Helene Prendiville
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings
  • Visons '95 Press Conference with Paul Darrow, November 24, 1995, transcribed by Barbara Teichert
  • Man of Iron by Gail Gawlik (review of script by PD)
  • Letters
  • Stick with Me, Kid" (TV review by Helen Parkinson)
  • Thanks for the Memories, essay by Sue Christian

Issue 64

Avon Club Newsletter 64 was published in August 1996 and contains 28 pages. The front cover is a season 1 cover of Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Braketicon, Part II: It's a Misery to Me!, fiction by Daniel and Susan Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; humor)
  • The Warning, fiction by Dawn-Cherrie Morris (S1-S4; A-V)
  • 30 Years and Onwards by Janet and Paul
  • 'The King' and 'Queen' by Gary Glitter (=Paul Darrow) (autobiography)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings ("Blake's Seven Eleven" competition)
  • Going for Gold, essay by Sue Christian
  • "Women in Blake's 7, essay by Judith Proctor
  • Ghoul-Lashed, TV review by Helen Parkinson
  • Letters
  • Insert: Blake's Seven Eleven competition

Issue 65

Avon Club Newsletter 65 was published in November 1996 and contains 24 pages. The front photo is a photo of Paul Darrow in "Hess." The back cover is a doctored photo of Paul Darrow as Santa Claus.

covers of issue #65
  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Jackie, and Sue (club news, Paul Darrow has donated the boots he wore in Blake's 7 second and third season for the club raffle in order to raise money to buy a photocopier, the editor solicits fans' memories in written form for a "slim volume" called "Thanks for the Memories": "I'm sure Janet and Paul could add few memories of their own!!") (1)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to Re-Take 2 competition) (2)
  • Letter from Paul and Janet (3)
  • description of Together Again - Liberatored which was a set of audio tapes produced and sold by Sheelagh Wells (previously married to Gareth Thomas, then married to fan Joe Nazzaro; this blurb also includes mention of Blake's 7: The Inside Story, also by Wells and Nazzaro) (4)
  • Pie in the Sky TV review by Helen Parkinson (5)
  • Who's 7 '96 (con reports by Helen Parkinson, Judith Proctor) (6)
  • My First Impressions of Avon and Blake's 7, essay by Sara Baldwin (10)
  • Avon #10, zine review by Jean Graham, reprinted from Cephlon (11)
  • Brakelander, fiction by Susan and Daniel Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; Highlander parody; humor) (12)
  • These Boots Were Made for Avon (auction) (unnumbered insert)
  • Disaster at Gauda Prime, fiction Gail Gawlik by (S5; A-V) (23)
  • Avon Merchandise (27)
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Reactions and Reviews: Issue 65

Thanks, Ann, for another wonderful newsletter. How do you keep turning them out? Of course, the best thing about writing this LOC is having a good reason to go over the newsletter again!

My very favourite part was Sara Baldwin’s first impression of Avon. What a marvellously perceptive person she was at 16; I only wish that I could have been exposed to Avon at such a tender age. Think of all those wasted years, of all the stupid stuff I was watching on TV, when I could have been watching B7!!

I also want to thank Helen Parkinson and Judith Proctor for their reports on the Who's 7 Convention. Not only did they give me a good laugh but also gave me a great feel for what the convention must have been like....

Finally, I loved the cartoon. I love Highlander anyway, and seeing B7 and Highlander combined really cracked me up! Where do Susan and Daniel get their ideas? And I was glad to read about Susan Barrett's novella. Now I know what I need to order next![9]

Thank you for sending me newsletter 65. I particularly enjoyed the story 'Disaster at Gauda Prime', Janet's letter and the convention reviews.... and I just loved the Highlander skit 'Brakelander'. I'm looking forward to Part 2. [10]

Thanks for another great newsletter. I enjoyed Helen Parkinson’s and Judith Proctor's reviews on the Who's 7 convention. As I was unable to go, they at least told me what I'd missed! I also enjoyed 'Disaster at Gauda Prime’ by Gail Gawlik. I especially liked the ending, which was very moving. I look forward to more great editions of 'Avon' and would like to wish everyone connected with the club a very happy 1997! [11]

Issue 66

Avon Club Newsletter 66 was published in February 1997 and contains 32 pages. The cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow in "Sherlock Holmes."

cover of issue #66
  • Editorial by Ann Bown (1)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings (intro to "Re-Take 2" competition, discouragement that not many people are participating in the competitions) (2)
  • short blurb about "Queen the Eye" 30-minute documentary about the making of the video game, interviews, behind-the-scenes, music, creation of the art) (3)
  • These Boots Were Made for Avon (auction update, the latest high bid on Avon's boots is £280, see auction in the previous issue) (4)
  • Queen -- The Eye (review of CD-ROM game by Ros Williams) (4)
  • three short essays from fans, written in 1988 for a proposed zine that was supposed to be published in conjunction with the Space City Convention that year) (5)
  • Something Like Star Trek?, essay by Judith M. Seaman (7)
  • Subversion by Avon, essay by Ginny Syn (topic: about Syn's journey to becoming a Blake's 7 fan) (9)
  • The Flaxton Boys, review by Helen Parkinson of 1969-71 TV series with PD in some episodes (10)
  • Letters of Comment (11)
  • Brakelander II (The Sickening!), fiction by Susan and Daniel Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; Highlander parody; humor) (13)
  • Why Anyone Should Care, fiction by Susan Barrett Riaz (S2, alt- Countdown - S3; A-B) (21)
  • Avon Merchandise (27)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 66

Many thanks for newsletter 66 - cheered up a long and tedious day no end when I arrived home and found it carelessly flung on the sofa waiting for me! Even better the news of anticipated 'DELIVERANCE '98'!! I had a stack of schoolwork to mark this evening - it's still sitting there looking at me, fortunate it's not urgent... have just finished devouring the newsletter, cover to cover! Amazing how some things have so much greater demands on the attention than others .... or is it?!!

I really enjoyed the story 'Why Anyone Should Care' - the 'dusted off articles were fun too, many thanks. Apologies for not entering the football competition, I did consider it, but since I cant name more than 4 current footballers (and three of those are foreign...?) it didn't seem possible - all the ones I knew in the 'heady' days of Spurs' success (and my youth!!) are either managers or somewhere else, or lost in the mists of time...!

Many thanks for supplying my Christmas present - 6 parts of 'Way To Rebellion' - all devoured and thoroughly enjoyed before New Year arrived! Herewith follows Xmas anecdote I thought you might like - re. the aforesaid Christmas present.

With relish I retrieved my book (Way To Rebellion - Part 1) from beneath a chair - safely out of harm's way - having completed my turn of duty washing up after Christmas lunch, and snuggled into the seat in eager anticipation. Mother (in her 70's) followed me into the room. Seating herself, she put on her glasses and surveyed the assembled family.

With a disapproving tone she enquired, "Where did you get that?"

Me: (muttering, anxious to return to the plot...) "Jannie (sister) gave it to me - it's my Christmas present...." Mother: (even more disapproving) What do you want to read THAT for....!?"

Catching the inference I looked up and saw the decidedly condemnatory glance and realised....

Me: "It's Blake's 7, mother - it's very good...."

Mother: (greatly relieved) "Oh, that's all right then - I though it was something by Karl Marx!!

Was I ever that much of a rebel???

Thank you for the latest newsletter - it's normal high standard! I was thrilled to win the Re-Take Competition and my prize has pride of place!

I very much enjoyed reading the memories of Ros Williams, Judith M. Seaman, Pat Anderson and Ginny Syn. I was trying to think back to my memories. I do remember watching each episode live and saying "Sshh" in very loud tones to anyone who attempted to interrupt, as well as giving them the evil eye! I remember a feeling of anticipation and excitement as soon as the series' music began, and would settle down comfortably in an armchair for an hour (was it about an hour? Maybe just under) of absolute pleasure! I can also remember hating it when the episode ended, as I'd have to wait a whole week for another fix! I must admit I don't think I fell for Avon straightaway, but I can't remember when he drew me to him. My favourite ship was always the Liberator and I hated it when she was destroyed. I used to lose myself into each plotline; I wasn't interested in the intricacies of how and why.

I've always loved sci-fi and fantasy and I think if a series can help someone forget about the daily grind of the real world (in my case, at the time, homework and troublesome teachers!!), and invite them into their own special world, a world totally alien and unknown to us, where we can step into the fantasy, then it's a very special series. That's what Blake's 7 was. Other people may knock it - but hey, what do they know? I've friends who I've reintroduced Blake's 7 to and they remember enjoying it as much as I did! Trouble is they wont buy their own videos, they keep borrowing mine!

Avon was my favourite character - probably because he was strong. There was a sense of power, strength; and also the sense of humour! Avon did have one, he was quick witted, always had an answer - OK, sardonic and sarcastic, but that mixture no one else had. I was never keen on Blake, and wasn't fussed about him leaving. I do wonder if the series would have been so popular if Avon had left. I think not - part of Blake's 7's charm WAS AVON! My memories are happy ones; and anyone who knocks the series better look out![12]

I was saddened that Terry Nation died (March 9, 1997), and there was not one mention of it in the Southern California papers here. I'm not on the net, but I guess it was mentioned there. I only found out when my friend, Robert Windle, called me from England.

There are days when I honestly think B7's fandom in America is on its last legs. Except for Orac's Oddities there is no B7 n/l in America now. And I'll have to say OO is not exactly a n/l as such, since it's only having three issues. [13] Three years ago there were, at least, three: Tarriel Cell (ORAC FAN CLUB), Notes from the Underground (Blake's Several), and Cephlon (then called Revel Times) which was put out by Jean Graham (publisher of the fanzine Gambit. Both clubs still exist but are m/m now, and sometimes their n/l's have nothing B7 in them — except for ads in TC's case.

BS is now called SEVERAL UNLIMITED. ORAC is still ORAC, but the letters mean something else. It used to mean "Organized Response to Avon's Call" and now it means "Organized Rebel Adventurers Club". Cephlon ceased December 1996, and Gambit 14, the last issue, was published late 1996. Jean Graham didn't lose interest; she just couldn't afford the money and time drain anymore. She wanted someone to continue the n/l, but nobody would. I only decided to do Orac's Oddities just so there was a little something happening....

In 1995 at VISIONS when Paul Darrow and Gareth Thomas attended their first con together in America (at that time, it was only their second con appearance together ever), the only con reports surfaced in Cephlon. WHO'S 7 1996 was Darrow and Thomas's third appearance together. Again, Cephlon (then the only US B7 n/l) was the only newsletter to carry reports. I considered both these cons very important events and was saddened to find so little about them in American n/ls.

For us, the only ways to get news (if you're not on the net) are HORIZON fan club (n/ls about twice yearly), and you, AVON fan club. I dearly love HORIZON having been a member for almost four years. I'm a new member to AVON (issue 66 is my 3rd issue). It's just that even with HORIZON'S news flashes, it's so hard to wait to get the news. For instance, I only found out about DELIVERANCE '98 from your February issue #66. None of my friends thought to tell me. And there's been nothing from HORIZON, even though it's March 20th as I write this, about six weeks after your issue #66. Are there other B7 n/l's ANYWHERE that I'm missing out on? I'd be glad to hear of them. I'd even like to hear about m/m n/ls (other than NFTU & TC) that devote some attention to B7. I'm certainly looking forward to AVON #67 as I hope it has con reviews of Neutral Zone as well as more news about Deliverance '98. For us non-con goers, con reports are vital. It makes B7 come to life for us. And am I envious of everyone of you who has gotten to meet the cast!

I'm rather frustrated by the lack of B7 over here. To paraphrase Kermit... "It's so lonely being a B7 fan in America."

After reading Judith Seaman's letter in #66, I realized yet again why I try to never read her stories or buy her zines... Judith's view of Blake as a "singularly unpleasant terrorist" with a campaign of "random destruction" that "escalated towards genocide" is not mine. "Once Blake departed, the moral tone improved, though only because the remaining characters were personally (if not socially) honest..." According to Judith, Avon and company were better rebels third and fourth seasons than Blake was the first two with his "senseless rampage of violence".

It's interesting how different people interpret the same show and characters. So, what's a nice Blake fan like me doing belonging to AVON? Well, I like Avon too. I just like Blake better. And so far, I am finding that AVON has a lot to offer. [14]

Issue 67

Avon Club Newsletter 67 was published in May 1997 and contains 24 pages. The cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow in "Legend of Robin Hood."

cover of issue #67
  • Editorial by Ann Bown (the boots auction raised £450; that amount plus donations and zine sales has allowed the club to purchase a photocopier machine; the winner of the auction was Andy Hopkinson who also has Avon's clothes from several episodes and there is hope these things will be displayed at Deliverance '98) (1)
  • Terry Nation, a eulogy by Paul Darrow (2)
  • Terry Nation, eulogy by Helen Parkinson (3)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings" (4)
  • Queen -- The Eye, book review by Dawn Smith (5)
  • The Neutral Zone (con reports by Helen Parkinson, Judith Proctor) (6)
  • Shall I Compare Thee to a Renegade Computer Expert?, essay by Pat Nussman (similarities between Avon and the character Curt Holland in Barbara Paul's mystery novels) (9)
  • Together Again - Liberatored!, review by by Judith Proctor of audio tape (11)
  • Revenge, fiction by Dawn-Cherrie Morris (S3, pre-Rumours) (12)
  • Letters of Comment (15)
  • The Blake's 7's 20th Anniversary Letter Writing Campaign (17)
  • Avon Merchandise (18)
  • Insert -- info on Deliverance '98

Issue 68

Avon Club Newsletter 68 was published in August 1997 and contains 28 pages. The cover is a season 4 color photo of Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • To Accept Defeat, fiction by Susan Riaz(winner, Re-Take 2 Competition; S5)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes... Greetings (intro to "The Millenium Ball" costume design competition)
  • response by Helen Parkinson to Pat Nussman's article "Full Frontal Murder" (info from Barbara Paul's web page)
  • Blake's Back (article from TV Zone on B7 radio program)
  • Dreamwatch survey results
  • Letters
  • SF Scene Interview (PD on TV show, July 14, 1997; transcribed by Helen Parkinson)
  • Inserts: ad for calendar, form for Millenium Ball competition
  • Deliverance '98 (con info)

Issue 69

Avon Club Newsletter 69 was published in November 1997 and contains 40 pages. The front cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Sue and Jackie
  • The Feel Good Factor, fiction by Gillian Puddle(S2; A-V)
  • untitled story by Gail Gawlick (Re-Take 3 Competition story; S3; time travel)
  • Brakelander 3, fiction by Susan and Daniel Bowden (Brake's Even; graphic story; Highlander parody; humor)
  • On Dia Najones: 1, Raiders of the Lost Park; 2, The Temple of Spoon; 3, The Last Crushade, fiction by Sue Christian (Re-Take 3 Competition story; S2; A-V; humor)
  • Sticking Together, fiction by Gillian Puddle (Re-Take 3 Competition story; S?; A-V)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • Christmas letter from Paul and Janet
  • Queen, The Eye, reviews of book and CD-ROM by John S. Stuart [from Record Collector, November 1997], Helen Parkinson, Maureen Mars)
  • The Origin of Kerr or Ker?, essay by Ros Williams
  • Starfleet Experience and Cult TV '97 (con reports by Judith Proctor)
  • Together Again -- Kingmaker, review by Judith Proctor of audio tape

Issue 70

Avon Club Newsletter 70 was published in May 1998 and contains 48 pages. The front cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow in "Guards! Guards!"

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Blake's 7: The Sevenfold Crown, Part II, fiction by Helen Parkinson (S4, following radio play "The Sevenfold Crown")
  • Sue Chadwick Writes
  • Guards! Guards! (theatre reviews by Sue Chadwick, Helen Parkinson, Alix Mosley, Judith M. Seaman, Gillian Puddle, Sue Crane, Miriam Collard, Dawn Smith ["Close Encounter of the Theatrical Kind"])
  • Internet interview with PD, by Brian Lighthill, January 16, 1998
  • Sixteen Secrets by Paul Darrow (reprinted from The Lancashire Evening Post)
  • Maine Moments (from the Manchester City Football Club Official Match Magazine; mentions PD)
  • Tilly's Tale: The First Week by (about their dog, autobiography)
  • The Sevenfold Crown" (reviews of radio play, by Dawn Smith, Helen Knott)
  • Insert: ad for calendar, T-shirt
  • Blake's Seven -- Early Memories (memoirs by Dawn Smith, Helen Knotts, Gail Farrow)
  • Deliverance '98 (con report by Helen Parkinson)
  • The Neutral Zone and Deliverance '98 (con report by Judith Proctor)
  • Elements (review of audio tape, by Judith Proctor)
  • Letters
  • Anastasia (review of promotional CD, by Helen Parkinson)

Issue 71

Avon Club Newsletter 71 was published in November 1998 and contains 48 pages.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, and Jackie, Sue, Maureen, and Helen
  • Rebel On!, fiction by Chris Blenkarn (humor)
  • Star of Wonder, fiction by Gillian Puddle (S2, Hostage; Christmas story)
  • Secrets, fiction by Gillian Puddle (S2)
  • The Visitor, fiction by Patricia Vernon (S2; Christmas; humor)
  • Christmas greetings from Paul and Janet
  • Vere Lorrimer, eulogy by Paul Darrow
  • From the Stage, eulogy by Jill Hyem
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (intro to fiction section)
  • Tilly's Tale, Part 2 by Janet Darrwow (essay on dog)
  • Staged Reading of 'The Jews' at the Globe Education Centre by Pauline Tucker (report on event with PD)
  • Letters
  • Ad for calendar
  • The Discworld Convention, con report by Helen Parkinson
  • Ad for auction of autographed script
  • Shark Week by Helen Parkinson (TV review; PD's ads for Discovery channel)
  • Competition Time: Friend or Foe?" (writing competition; introduce a new character)
  • Avon, poem by Julie Horner (humor)

Issue 72

Avon Club Newsletter 72 was published in May 1999 and contains 44 pages. The front cover is color photos of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • Friend or Foe, fiction by Georgina Woodcock (competition winner; S1; B5 crossover, G'Kar on Liberator; humor),
  • Hologrammatic Nightmare, fiction by Gillian Puddle (competition runner up; Rd crossover, Rimmer on Liberator; humor)
  • Light Comes in the Morning, fiction by Gillian Puddle (S3, Sarcophagus; A-C)
  • News from the Front by Paul Darrow
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on fiction publications)
  • Tilly's Tale, Part 3 by Janet Darrow (essay on dog)
  • Guards! Guards! (theatre reviews by Helen Parkinson, Dawn Smith, and Helen Knott
  • Extracts from the Blake's 7 Chat Room: The BBC
  • Chatline with Brian Lighthill (interview, regarding TV movie)
  • The Syndeton Experiment (radio play reviews by Dawn Smith, Maureen Mars, Helen Parkinson)
  • Updated Lovecraft (article from SFX, June 1999)
  • Blake's 7: RADA in Space (article from TV Zone)
  • The Redemption Convention, con report by Judith Proctor
  • Letters
  • Together Again: 'Solstice' (audio tape review by Pauline Tucker)
  • Text of fake movie poster from SFX
  • Insert: "The Latest Auction News (raffle of TSE script)
  • Betrayal, poem by Sarah Vernon

Issue 73

Avon Club Newsletter 73 was published in November 1999 and contains 48 pages.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Jackie, Sue, Maureen, and Helen
  • A Time for Goodwill, fiction by Marian de Haan (S1, alt-Cygnus Alpha; A-J; Christmas story)
  • Only a Mutoid, fiction by Viv Gover (S1, post-SLD;
  • Complaints of the Season, fiction by Georgina Woodcock (S2, post-Hostage; New Year story)
  • Friend or Foe, fiction by Ros Williams (competition entry; S3; ST crossover, Kirk on Liberator; humor)
  • Rebel Quartet, fiction by Judith Proctor (competition entry; S2; How Green Was My Valley/Knights of God/Merlin: The Magic Begins crossover, characters played by GT on Liberator; humor)
  • Twikki Visits the Liberator, fiction by Natalie Smith (age 10) and Paul Smith (age 9) (competition entry; S2; humor)
  • Friend or Foe, fiction by The Aitchison Family (competition entry; S2; SW crossover, Han Solo on Liberator)
  • Friend or Foe, fiction by Carrie Hewlett (competition entry; S3; B5 crossover, Lennier on Liberator)
  • Have We Met Before, fiction by Sarah Vernon (competition entry; S3; DW crossover; DW6 on Liberator)
  • Latest Information by Paul Darrow
  • Concerning -- Blake's Seven -- The Future by Paul Darrow
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on fiction publications and quiz)
  • Letters
  • Tilly's Tale, Part 4 by Janet Darrow (essay on dog)
  • Cult TV-- A Celebration by Paul Darrow
  • Paul Darrow at Weston-Super-Mare by Alix Mosley (Cult TV con report)
  • Cult TV Weekend by Gillian Puddle (con report)
  • Cult TV 1999 by Helen Parkinson (con report)
  • Ad for 2000 Calendar
  • Ad for "Together Again" tapes
  • The Dark Ages (essay on black clothing, from Colin McDowell's book The Man of Fashion: Peacock Males and Perfect Gentlemen)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 73

Note the assortment of fiction; Blake fans in particular should check out Judith's entry in the "Friend or Foe?" competition (in which the contestants were to introduce a character from some other fandom onto the Liberator). [15]

Issue 74

Avon Club Newsletter 74 was published in May 2000 and contains 44 pages. The cover is color photos of Avon.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Jackie, Sue, Maureen, and Helen
  • Prediction, fiction by Gillian Puddle (S2, post-Orac; A)
  • A Suitable Pet, fiction by Marian de Haan (S1)
  • The Price of Silence, fiction by Josie McCall (S4; A-ocf)
  • From: Paul by Paul Darrow
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on fiction publications and quiz)
  • The Strangerers by Helen Parkinson (TV review)
  • Paul Darrow Live on beeb.com (transcript of interview)
  • Book Review by Helen Parkinson ('A History and Critical Analysis of "Blake's 7", the 1978-1981 British Television Space Adventure' by John Kenneth Muir)
  • Blake's 7 Trivia -- First Season by Judith Procto
  • Code Breaker 2 Quiz
  • Avon: A Terrible Addiction, essay by Sarah Egginton
  • Standing on the Flight Deck by Judith Proctor (article on flight deck set; see longer article in Zenith)
  • 'Together Again' Tapes Available from the Club
  • Zine Review by Sarah Thompson of Avon Millenium Special
  • Letters of Comment
  • Raffle
  • SRN, obituary of fan by Ann O'Neill

Issue 75

Avon Club Newsletter 75 was published in Winter 2000 and contains 44 pages. The front cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow with a clip gun.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Jackie, Sue, Maureen, and Helen
  • Frozen, fiction by Gillian Puddle (S1, post-Project Avalon)
  • Deadlock, fiction by Sarah McEvoy (S1; A-Se)
  • X Marks the Spot by Paul Darrow (on visit to X-Men premiere)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on Action 2001 competition)
  • An Audience with Paul Darrow at the Fab Cafe, Manchester, by Gillian Puddle
  • Kaldor City by Helen Parkinson
  • Raffle! (for photo)
  • Mary Ridge: In Remembrance by Paul Darrow
  • Nexus 2000: Tale of the Unexpected, con report by Sarah H. Egginton
  • A Blissful Break in Bristol, con report by Gillian Puddle for Nexus
  • Nexus Convention-- Bristol 2000, con report by Helen Parkinson
  • Letters
  • Battle Lines, essay by Sarah McEvoy (on writing about Avon)
  • Darrow's Law by Gillian F. Taylor" (book review by Maureen Marrs)
  • Rough Magik" (TV review by Judith Proctor)
  • puzzle by Maureen

Issue 76

Avon Club Newsletter 76 was published in Summer 2001 and contains 44 pages. The front cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow with hoops.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown
  • A Quiet Evening, fiction by Marian de Haan (S2, post-Pressure Point; A-J)
  • A Matter of Trust, fiction by Roberta J. Dewa (S3; A/ocf)
  • thank-you note by Janet and Paul
  • From Paul by Paul Darrow (article on B7 movie plans)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on Action 2001 competition)
  • Tilly's Tale by Janet Darrow (humorous essay on dog)
  • Cinderella, You Shall Go to the Ball, or A Night in the Seraglio... (Starfleet Ball con report by Gillian Puddle and Pauline Tucker)
  • Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising (game review by Tim Wapshott, reprinted from The Sunday Times)
  • Everything's Up to Date in Kaldor City" (article by Fiona Moore on audio recording session)
  • The Seven Ages of Science Fiction, essay by Gillian Puddle
  • How to Cheat at SF Writing, essay by Sarah McEvoy
  • Letters of Comment

Issue 77

Avon Club Newsletter 77 was published in Winter 2001 and contains 48 pages. The cover is a color photo of Paul Darrow.

  • Editorial by Ann Bown, Jackie, Sue, Maureen, and Helen
  • Treasure, fiction by Maggie Crowe (S2)
  • Peace in Space, fiction by Sarah McEvoy (S2; Christmas)
  • thank-you letter to Ann Bown by Paul Darrow
  • Ann by Janet Darrow (memoir)
  • Sue Chadwick Writes (on "Hail Avon" competition)
  • Question Is? (interview with Paul Darrow and Brian Croucher, at Kaldor City event in Sheffield, by Alan Stevens)
  • Ghostwatch Live by Sue Chadwick (TV review)
  • Occam's Razor" by Eddie Robson (review of Kaldor City audio tape)
  • account of signings by Gillian Puddle and Pauline Tucker
  • Resurrection, con report by Gillian Puddle
  • Letters
  • A Verse for Ann, poem by Sarah McEvoy

References

  1. ^ Lysator, June 1998
  2. ^ There was no call to boycott that book
  3. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #50
  4. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #50
  5. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #50
  6. ^ from a letter of comment in Avon Club Newsletter #59
  7. ^ from a letter of comment in Avon Club Newsletter #59
  8. ^ posted later (with many typos) at Blake's 7 - The Programme Guide, Archived version
  9. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #65
  10. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #65
  11. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #65
  12. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #67
  13. ^ Joyce Bowen produced Orac's Oddities and is the writer of this letter of comment.
  14. ^ from a letter of comment in "Avon Club Newsletter" #67
  15. ^ by Sarah Thompson at [1]
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