Continuum (Scottish convention)

Star Trek Convention
Name:	Continuum
Dates:	1997, 1999
Frequency:
Location:	Glasgow, Scotland
Type:
Focus:	Star Trek
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
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Continuum was a Star Trek con held in Scotland.

1997

The guests of honor were Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink, Max Grodenchik, and Richard Arnold.

There were 700 participants.

1997: Con Reports

I had seen some opening ceremonies but this was a bit special. Scott introduced the first two guests from their world tour the Ferengi Brothers. Two Ferengi dressed as the Blues Brothers made their way from the back of the hall to the stage accompanied by appropriate music. On reaching the stage they introduced themselves and said they had a message from the Grand Nagus, for everybody to have a good time and raise as much money as possible for charity. Next came the main committee to take the stage for their party piece. More Blues Brother music. Everybody on stage and audience started clapping hands. After a minute of this, the music stopped and Scott was introduced, and welcomed everyone to the convention.

"Right," he said, "now it's your turn to sing." At this Scott started singing 'Oo Ah Just A Little Bit.' After two choruses of that it was time for the Mexican Wave.

By now, everybody was ready to meet the guests. First on was Richard Arnold followed by Kitty Swink. After Scott had worked the crowd a bit more. Max Grodenchik and Armin Shimerman were introduced.

[...]

Next on the agenda were guest talks. Being able to video these talks I will transcribe them for a fnture issue [of Chatterbox]. One of the highlights was when Max sang a song to Armin that goes like this.

ROM'S SONG TO QUARK

All I want is my brother's bar.

Can't we get rid of our Ferengi star.

Kill him of like Tasha Yar.

Oh wouldn't that be lovely.

Lots of profit for me to make.

None of Quark crap would I have to take.

For you guys Aberdeen Angus Steak.

Oh wouldn't that be lovely

Dabo girls sitting on my knee.

Holo suit programmes, (adult only)?

And Odo moves to Deep Space Three.

Oh wouldn't that be lovely.

This naturally went down like a storm with the crowd.

[...]

After the guest talks it was time for the autograph session. As there were 700 people attending the convention, the committee gave out in the registration packs a day and time for everybody to get their autographs. Now this would have worked in the time allowed except they invited Max, and Max likes to give people time to ask questions whilst signing.

[...]

When you are at a Scottish convention Saturday night is a little different, most cons have a disco, Scots have a Ceileidh. You might be thinking what's a Ceileidh? Well let's say Scottish traditional dancing ie: The Gay Gordons. The Dashing White Sergeant and The St. Bernard's Waltz. If you have never heard of any of those ask your mother. As the Beatles song goes 'Your Mother Should Know'.

By the time the guests had returned from their dinner everybody was in full swing and having a great time. Max could not wait to join in, and Pat was more than willing to oblige. Max was dancing with as many girls he could. Kitty was also being danced off her feet but Armin is not into dancing at any cost.

[...]

Sunday morning we met up with Armin and Kitty for breakfast. This for Pat and I was a special time as we had time to up date them about what we had been doing the last four years. I was able to thank Armin for the Photo and script that he sent for Modcon'97 auction. He was pleased by the amount of money we made from them. After breakfast Armin took us to his room to sign two more photos and say a short video message for the next Modcon. To say Sunday morning was the icing on the cake for me and Pat is the under statement of the year. Armin and Kitty are such wonderful and giving people. The fans could not ask for better ambassadors from Star Trek.

The rest of Sunday morning saw Richard Arnold on stage, followed by Max in a very fetching red kilt. Naturally he was

greeted with a very large cheer. Someone shouted. "Is he a true Scotsman?" A German girl sitting next to me told me what he should have on with his kilt, but I could not repeat because we have young members reading this. Just to say it had something to do with lipstick.

1999

The guests of honor were Rene Auborjonois, Robert Picardo, Richard Arnold, and Michael Sheard.

1999: Con Reports

We arrived in Glasgow early Friday evening and got our room and con package... The con atmosphere was building and I met members of the committee. Marcus got his con badge. The video room was running with the latest DS9 and Voyager episodes. We saw both season finales; it was well past midnight and full. The bar was busy and Roxann was there drinking away. Saturday morning came with plenty of activity... People were still arriving but the dealer's room was open. There was an artist doing sketches. The usual con flyers were all over the place, including one for next year's Continuum. At twelve noon the opening ceremony began with Scott and the committee on stage. The guests were introduced and there was a surprise; Chase Masterson replaced Max Grodenchik. Soon after the safety video, Roxann arrived for her guest spot. She described her audition for the role of Torres, and the quirks of many members of the cast. Her makeup takes two and a half hours to apply and forty five minutes to remove... Next came Lolita Fatjo. She talked about her role in DS9 and TNG, and how it all started twelve years ago during a writer's strike. She had been an actress but needed work. She said that now DS9 had finished all of the cast were looking for further work. Lolita then introduced Chase who came bounding on. She told her story about DS9 props and her garage story, and talked about her charity work. She said Max had enjoyed Scotland last time.... It was early evening and we went for Chinese Rice. We got back in time for a rest before the fancy dress competition. The participants included Star Wars characters, the robot from Bride of Chaotica, Teletubbies and Tin Man, but the winners were the Klingon Dance formation with Cardassian partners. The disco was next and ran well into the early hours. We chatted with friends and other attendees. As I was doing double stewarding, I went for a snack and a sleep. My job was to help clear the main hall for the overnight videos to run. I finally got to bed at 2am, but the die-hard video watchers were still there. Sunday sunlight came through the window and we got our bacon breakfast to provide the energy to survive the day's activities. I popped in and out but missed the Klingon cookery dub. I saved some places for the guest talks and saw the final bit of Insurrection. The guest talks began later with Lolita first. She had intended to give a slide presentation but that slipped by as she answered questions on Trek. Her talk was all over the place, but entertaining. Chase came on next, apologising for being late due to an overflowing bath She had been partying quite late on the 8th floor.

Another con report is here.