EmpathicCon

Convention
Name:	EmpathicCon (sometimes referred to as "Empathy Con")
Dates:	1983-1984
Frequency:
Location:	Liverpool, England
Type:	fan run with media guests
Focus:	Star Trek and other media
Organization:
Founder:	co-chairs: Dot Owens, Keith Jackson
Founding Date:	1983
URL:
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EmpathicCon was a Star Trek and other media con held in Liverpool, England. There were two of them.

About

From How Dorothy Owens Brought Star Trek to the UK by Rachel Perkins (2001):

While TerraCon never returned, and other “official” British conventions took its place, [ Dorothy Owens] did return to event organizing with another committee member, Keith Jackson, for a final two conventions dubbed EmpathicCon.

The first event was held in Liverpool in April 1983 and was originally planned to be a smaller and more intimate convention from the start. While the event had Star Trek at its heart, it also celebrated science fiction as a whole and featured guests Thom Christopher (from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century) and, once again, Anne McCaffrey. With her health declining, it was also to be Dot’s last event, although she would go on to make arrangements for a gathering the following year.

Dorothy Owens passed away from cancer in the late hours of February 1st 1984. Despite difficulties with her illness, she continued to work to arrange her final convention, EmpathicCon II. Upon her request, her collection of Star Trek magazines were donated to a convention auction further down the line, with the amount raised going to a nearby children’s hospital. The event continued in her memory, organized by the Empathy committee, stewards, and her family.

On the convention program’s first page, which was usually reserved for community creations reads simply a paraphrase of Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, “There are no strangers here - only friends you have yet to meet.” With these words dedicated to her memory, Dot’s spirit was ensured to live on.

1983

cover of the 1983 con program

inside page of the 1983 program

EmpathicCon I was held in Liverpool on March 5-6, 1983. Guest of honor was Thom Christopher. The con com included Keith Jackson and Dot Owens.

1983: Con Reports

The weekend of March 5th/6th EmpathicCon was held in Liverpool, at the Centre Hotel. It was organised by Dot Owens, and her Committee members, Keith Jackson and Dee Smith.

The guest was Thom Christopher, and he brought his wife, Wendy, along too. They were so well liked that they are to come again, by popular demand, next year. They must have enjoyed the weekend as well because they did not hesitate to accept when invited, and seemed delighted to return and be with us again. Thom who plays Hawk in "Buck Rogers", is one of those friendly, outgoing people. is not only willing to be photographed, and sign autographs for every fan in sight, but he wants to talk with every individual. This tends to create a long wait in queue, but it pays off when your own turn comes.

And once seen, you are not forgotten. The next time you meet Thom, be it in hotel lounge or crowded lift, he will greet you by name. He has an astonishing memory, a warm smile, and a gift for putting people at ease right away.

We were not able to get to EmpathicCon until the Sunday afternoon, which was disappointing. But once there, we enjoyed the few hours we had. With friends, and Star Trek, you can't really go wrong, can you?

It was not a good journey from Leek to Liverpool, and we were glad to arrive safely. One car caught fire while passing us on the motorway, and had to cut sharply in front to reach the "hard shoulder", and there were also two other near accidents. Then we missed the turn for the Centre Hotel in Liverpool, and swallowed up in the one-way traffic system and went round twice. When we finally arrived, there were Dot and Joe Owens in the foyer, and they kindly took us for a soothing cup of tea. We also enjoyed a welcome meal in the hotel's restaurant, tasty and inexpensive.

Renewed in health and temper, we caught the tail end of the convention, the dealers room was just closing, so I was not able to have a browse round, but that was our fault for being so late. I heard a whisper that more money was spent in the bar than at the sales tables, but as we didn't visit either I can’t comment.

There were plenty of friends to meet and talk to but there was not time to see them all for the Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony were upon us. Later in the evening there was a film or was it video?), and a farewell Get-Together. Alas, we could not stay. It was the shortest con ever for us, and we look forward to attending again next year. With luck, we might make it on time, if we really try.

This year's EmpathicCon was a landmark in cons., as Dot finally persuaded her husband, Joe, to come along too. She has been trying to do that for years. It al1 goes to prove that perseverance pays.

WELL DOT OWENS DID IT AGAIN! ! ! ! !

She got together a Con like the old days with most of the veteran Con Attendees and a few new ones who are now completely hooked on Cons, at least those I spoke to were.

Of course this is not to say all other Cons are not delightful to attend, but a Dot Owen’s Con is something special as any veteran con-goer will tell you. All that Idic and "Startrek" is all about was witnessed by us such as a Steward saying to the old hands "Look folks that Attendee looks lost find out if it is their first Con and make sure it’s not their last!” A thought I heartily endorse as I know what it is like to be at a Con (1976).

I believe loving "Startrek" but not knowing anyone else who did, except for Barbie Bowerman, who took me around when she was not busy compering the Con. However, I need not have worried, there were very friendly folks there including Dot’s daughter (now Kathie Perkins) and a certain Carol Keogh, they all made me completely hooked on Cons and "startrek" Cons in particular. Anyway the said Carol Keogh slightly twisted my arm for this one. I said "I can’t afford to go as I am going to ’Sol 3', turning a deaf ear to my to my pleas, she said "Rubbish you can share a room with me, free, I need you for 'THE WaKE' my entry for the fashion and drama show, no-one can play T'PAU like you" (she added artfully) immediately appealing to my ego, besides I like playing T’PAU (gives the costume an airing.)

[...]

A certain Star called Thom Christopher was there as Guest of Honour, a really nice guy, and his wife was also very charming. He went around amongst us introducing himself saying "Hi, I’m Thom Christopher and this is my wife Judy", especially if one was wearing either "Starfleet" uniform or fancy costumes, he was very interested and asked lots of questions.

Carol won the prize for the best script (well done, Carol) although yours truly was a little upset as just as I stepped off the catwalk my high T’PAU wig fell off, a thing that has never happened before, although I don't think the judges noticed it, thank goodness.

Anyway, Carol was quite harpy as she won a prize.

It was quite difficult to keep a firm stem Vulcan face during the performance as "A" the script was so funny and "B" Martin Smith in kilt was going round "selling black hankerchiefs" to the audience, then at the end when a girl rushed on with the amended script to say he (Spock whom we were mourning) was to be searched for, the whole audience was in stitches, still I managed to think serious thoughts and keep a straight face (after all Mark Lenard at 'Aucon' didn't break me down when I played the Vulcan Priestess, even if he did been wiggling his ears) how could I break down now? I was lucky enough to win second prize then.

At the fancy dress, as usual the entries were first-class, and therefore gave the judges a hard time. Among them were two entrants dressed as "Steptoes’ Enterprises” they had an old barrow crammed with old Vulcan Harps Old Enterprise Models, etc., their bowler hats were crowned with laurel wreaths and they pulled the barrow attached to which was a hobby horse called (you've guessed it) "Hercules". The audience soon twigged the title was a play on the episode "Plato’s Stepchildren" alas, a banned episode Auntie Beeb will still not show!!

Some of us have seen it. I found it a bit of a Spock embarrasser myself - imagine being forced to kiss Nurse Chapel, she also seemed embarrassed.

I think the real subject was brainwashing so of course in the sixties it couldn’t possibly be shown.

There were many other good costumes - the aforementioned won of course, deservedly! Carole Abbs won as "Eternity" in a gorgeous black cloak and a leotard hand-embroidered and appliqued all done by hand, it apparently took her ages to make, flood on you Carole! Her mask was made by Robin Hill and was beautiful, also her headdress was fantastic, again with beads and sequins stuck on - My entry was a last minute one!

I was wearing a turquoise and gold sari with a black wig threaded with pearls and I was supposed to lure "Hawk" my lure was a broken row of pearls with a piece of nylon fur attached to it. I ran on stage crying "Allah, my Lord's Hawk is missing, if I do not find it, he will have me executed, I will try and lure the Hawk" and waving the lure around my head I approached the Judges' table where the gorgeous Thom "Hawk" Christopher was sitting, and producing some bells I cried "Oh, Hawk I have found you, please may I bell you?" He clutched my hand (steady you fool Miri, you are a mature not to say elderly fan!) and took both lure and bells from me - I salaamed him and ran off.

Afterwards at the autograph session (incidentally this took from 11 pm till 2 am, as he was really chatting to each one in the long queue) he gave me back my things and signed the picture of him as "Hawk" - To Miri who caught "Hawk"!'

What a guy, he made every woman from nine to ninety feel as if they were all somebody special. WOW! We presented him at the closing ceremony with a set of engraved glasses (on one side were his initials "T.C." TOPCAT?) and on the other side a swooning hawk. He was overwhelmed. His wife received a beautiful ship’s bell in engraved glass with a sailing ship on. She cried about it, and when she rang it it gave forth a really mellow sound just like the real thing.

On the same subject I must say that Dot's prizes at Cons are so lovely. They also are glass goblets engraved, so that the winners can really use them to drink to their success (A delightful idea!) We had the usual ’Slave’ auction for charity and gave the usual ransom money (we kidnanped Judy, Thom’s wife) to the Mount Olive Children’s hospital in America which is Thom’s favourite charity.

Then the moment of moments - we collected for the Hotel Staff and the Manageress gave that to Thom's charity. Shows what a sweet guy is doesn’t it? He was so overcome and so were most of the audience. He also loved the ’’Miss Galaxy” contest, one of the winners was a guy called ’’Chris’’ (No not CHIVERS unfortunately) who took off Kenny Everett’s CUPID (all in the very best of taste) especially when Chris pulled out a pipe and lit it when he received his runner-up crown from the former ’’Miss Galaxy” (Carole Abbs).

The exotic pets competition was won on three, yes, three counts by Roy Hamilton his pet was ’Spaghet’ ’ET' a very clever play on words. He had to walk the catwalk three times (Roy not Spaghet ET) Anne Page knew this and as it came to the third time there was a wicked grin on her face as she paused, and as he breathlessly started up the catwalk Thom jumped up and met him halfway with his awards. Much applause from us all, and "Well done!!” Roy.

Incidentally, his son and daughter appeared in the fancy dress as Alice and the White Rabbit from ’’Shoreleave" and deservedly won a prize for the best Trek category.

Carol Keogh and Marion Beet made the costumes and the kids looked charming in them.

All too soon yours truly had to leave on the Sunday after the closing ceremony. Shaking hands with Thom I said ”I’m sorry I have to give Hawk back but can I lure you again, when you next attend a Con? ”Of course you can” he said "See you there, and bring your bells”. Wow, what can you say to a guy like that? He also said "You looked so lovely I almost jumped over the table to you” (see what I mean about making every woman he speaks to feel good!)

If that's acting and not sincere love for his fellow humans, then all I can say is he's a terrific actor!

1984

cover of the 1984 con program

inside page of the 1984 program

EmpathicCon II held in Liverpool in 1984. Guests were Thom Christopher (returning after his triumphant appearance the previous year) and Anne McCaffrey.

At this con, there was a writing contest in which The Exhibit was the winner and Lady of the Dawn a near-winner.

Con Report: 1984

My first Con was everything I had expected and hoped for and more, from the opening ceremony I knew I'd arrived home at last. There was a welcoming aura about the hotel from the moment I arrived, as a Trek fan I had at first expected to be out of sorts but none of it from the crowds in the reception onwards.

The video room catered for everyone, at first I was disappointed that there was only a couple of Trek episodes to be shown but I was actually glad later there was too much to do and see to bother with videos.

The guests - Thom Christopher and Anne McCaffery - were marvellous. I particularly noticed how relaxed they appeared and would stop to talk to anyone who approached them.

In the evening there was the Fancy Dress which I loved, and the disco where I was introduced to the Trek records 'In the Starfleet' and 'I lost my Heart to a Starship Captain'. I can't help but feel elated whenever I hear these records. I'11 never be able to listen to the Village People or Sarah Brightman in the same way again. It's such a pity that both these records are now out of print.

Sunday's fashion show was an eye-opener, to say the least, and I enjoyed it immensely. I will admit to a few tears at the closing ceremony, I never knew or met Dot Owens but she leaves behind a legacy that I hope will continue to flourish.

Lastly I'd like to say a heartfelt thanks to my local PARSEC group, without whom I'd still be living in a closet, and to everyone at Empathy who made this con the sheer high that it was for me. I can't wait for UFP.

After changing into Star Fleet uniform, I went to the station with [Colin B] to meet friends Dianne, Rayne, Janet, and Julie off the 7.20pm train. The uniform got a few curious stares, particularly from various punks and weirdos wondering if this was a new fashion trend.

The evening passed pleasantly with the usual mix of reunions, chatting, drinking, etc., finishing up with a room party thrown by Butch and Kid, where I tried some Sake, the Japanese national drink. I think this is an acquired taste which I have yet to acquire! The savoury crackers were very nice though.

The next day contained the usual delights we associate with conventions beginning with the opening ceremony. This had the added bonus of a Memory Lane fashion show, which showed us that creative costume has been with us from the start and that lots of talented people are continually striving for greater excellence.

[...]

Also during the morning, I went to check out the opposition in the art room. Having got several entries in the art contest, I had a particular interest in the artwork on display. There was a very high standard and a great variety of styles and media, including edible entries. It’s most illuminating hanging around in the art room anonymously listening to people’s comments about your work, as one always has a very biased view of one's own work.

The main event of the afternoon was, of course, Mr. Wonderful, the one and only Thom Christopher. I am sure 100% of the female convention attendees adore him, so what more can I say about this super man?

Although we’ve heard Thom speak at 2 previous conventions he still had a fund of interesting new things to talk to us and with us about. Thom revealed a more thoughtful side of himself to us, with his hopes for the future both on Earth and in space. , Being a member of the Hawk Alliance I was treated to a second helping of Thom by attending the meeting arranged for us later in the afternoon. Thom tantalized us with lots of info on his new film "Wizard Wars" and also his impressions of Argentina were most illuminating, in view of our country’s relationship with that land. The Hawk Alliance meeting was, of course, very much a two-way occasion. Thom is very interested in what we are doing, achieving, and hoping for our futures.

Saturday evening was the big night of the con. Fancy dress abounded, both in the official competition and just people's "walking about" clothes. I myself was transformed into one of my alto-egos, with some gratefully received help from Carol. This was the debut of Thrilla de Vil, the Correlian zombie girl, risen from the grave to fight for the "Rebellion.

The Fancy Dress contest itself was of a very high standard, with superbly made costumes and lots of fun entries too. Everyone deserved to win. Costumes I particularly liked were the M/L's daring ensembles, Venus Blue Jeans, the Pink Panther, and the Dark Crystal Group. It's a shame everybody couldn't have got a prize 'cos of all the trouble that had been taken.

I usually enjoy Con discoes, but this time I'd pulled a 2 hour stewarding duty while the disco was on, so I didn't see as much of this one as I'd have liked to.

Next day came the auction. Here my friend Dianne Smith's superb portraits came to the block, but unfortunately people didn't seem to have a lot of money to spend and no phenomenal prices were paid.

After the auction, convention events started to get rather out of control for me; I was supposed to report to Carol's room to prepare for the Fashion Show,. However, as with all the best laid plans of mice and Starfleet junior personnel everything went awry.

Firstly, being determined to get one of my drawings signed by Thom I very cheekily asked his lovely wife, Judy, if she would ask him to sign it for me when he had finished the interview for New Voyager that he was doing.

Next, I was interviewed, for local hospital radio. I was asked about my interests and my Starfleet uniform and how it was made. It's a great pity I'll never hear this priceless piece of radio entertainment. But then again perhaps better not heard, because my voice records atrociously.

Consequently it was about 2 minuses before we were supposed to go on when I eventually flung myself into my fashion show costume; one of Carol’s Klingon spy outfits. This was a brown dress with a beautifully hand-painted asymmetric cape in ice-blue. How beautifully it draped! Fortunately, I’d had the foresight to put on a make-up suitable for both the Fashion Show and the Miss Galaxy Contest, because there was only time to draw on some Klingon eyebrows before it was time to assemble in the holding area.

The show, to my eyes, was an excellent one. Again the M/L stunned us all with their ’dramatic’, to say the least, display. Ieish looked as if she was straight from YSL with her charismatic modelling style. The standard was again very high and all the collections were well received by the audience. As this was my very first modelling assignment, I was, of course, in a blue funk.

Amazingly enough when I actually got onto the catwalk I felt really happy and confident. Literally like a million dollars. This happy feeling must have shown because all my friends said I looked as if I’d been modelling for years. Many thanks to all who helped me, particularly Dianne Smith, who gave me lots of useful advice and encouragement.

Following straight on from the Fashion Show was the Miss Galaxy Contest, which I had rashly also agreed to be in. For this event I assumed yet another ’persona’. This time I was Solaro Talbo of the planet Kryslh, wearing a costume of my own design. This I would describe as "Clint Eastwood as a raving poofter” sort of sequinned net poncho over a silver leotard. Having once trod the catwalk, I again felt relaxed and full of confidence when my turn came, and really enjoyed the experience. After this convention, I’m really dying to have another go at modelling, which quite amazes me, as I really am the shyest of shy people.

The next main event I attended was the closing/awards ceremony which I enjoyed 'cos three of my good friends received awards. Dianne for the Art show, Janet Carroll for Poetry, and Barbara Gill for fiction. In spite of my joy for them, I felt just a little bit jealous when they all went up to receive their prizes and a kiss from the gorgeous Mr. C. However, my moment came later in the most unexpected way.

This came about because I had done a cover illustration for Eric Letherman and Mike Davey's incredible Samurai Wookie Fanzine. These super guys had promised me an award ceremony for the presentation of my gift for illustrating. Guess who they got to present the award? Thom! This was the high spot of the Con. for me. Thom chatted to me for a few moments about my gift and my artwork and then I got my longed for kiss of congratulation. Sheer bliss!

Needless to say, the rest of the Con passed in a bit of a dazed state for me.

I sadly bade farewell to my friends, Dianne, Janet, Deborah, and Julie, as they had to leave about 8pm. I missed the cocktail party as I was on duty in the Video Room again.

Next morning I breakfasted early with Rusty and Bethanne and then was forced to sadly pack up and leave. Why can't conventions last forever? Nevertheless, I always leave cons with lots of happy memories which sustain me. Another bonus is that conventions always give me a creative boost. I'm already drawing writing, and planning make-up and costumes for the next one.

See you all at UPP!

EmpathicCon was a happy con, although being behind a sales table for much of the time one misses quite a lot. My personal extravagance was buying two of Anne McCaffrey’s books, "Moreta, Dragon Lady of Pern” and "The Ship Who Sang”, both of which Anne kindly autographed for me - she was also a guest at EmpathicCon 2. She spent some time in the sales room autographing her own books for sale on the various tables. My ’highlight' was being photographed with Thom Christopher. Last year the photo was disappointing and I was lucky to have a re-take. It's all an excuse to stand for a moment with Thom's arm around my ample form, of course, but anyone who has met Thom will understand.