The Leonard Nimoy Convention

Convention
Name:	The Leonard Nimoy Convention
Dates:
Frequency:
Location:
Type:	fan con
Focus:	Star Trek: TOS/Leonard Nimoy
Organization:
Founder:	Carol Davies
Founding Date:
URL:
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The Leonard Nimoy Convention was a convention focused on Leonard Nimoy and his screen rolls.

There were no panels; programming was mainly viewing his many films and television appearances. Some (all?) had a writing contest, and some of those stories appeared in zines.

Nimoy himself appeared at the 1991 one, and he gave a talk that was about an hour, perhaps an hour-and-an-half.

1981

The First Leonard Nimoy Convention was held May 30-31, 1981 at the St. Mary's Church Hall, Brentmead Gardens in London.

convention booklet for the 1981, the first one

interior booklet for the 1981, the first one

The Leonard Nimoy Convention was held in London on the 30-31st May. Although everybody could not be there for both days, overall 105 people attended. In addition to the programme we were fortunate enough to see 'Kid Monk Baroni', which was a rare treat. Congratulations to [name redacted] on winning the raffle prize (large framed photograph of Leonard:) Carol says she has sent on an IMO for $300, which was raised over the weekend, to the Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund.

1982

The 2nd Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 5–7, 1982 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham. Organiser: Wendy Downes.

"The First Leonard Nimoy Convention came into being as an opportunity to share the fims, poetry and music of this unique man. The Second Convention is because you asked for more."

Supported charities:

• The Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund supports Ward 37 in the Boston Children's Hospital, which specialises in Cystic Fibrosis cases. The children in the ward come from all over the world, including Britain. The Fund helps to pay for telephone calls and buys 'little extras' including games and pizza parties and larger items such as stereo equipment. The Fund is administered by Leonard's brother and sister-in-law. An autographed photoposter of Leonard Nimoy will be raffled during this convention, with the proceeds going to the Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust is working to find a cure for this hereditary disorder and offers help and advice to the famlies of sufferers. Various items will be raffled during this convention, with the proceeds going to the Trust.
• Cystic Fibrosis attacks the digestion and lungs of children. A film about this disorder, its cuses and treatment, will be shown at approximately 12.45pm on Sunday.

Full programme of films and t.v. shows available during the three days.

No further information regarding stewards or Committee is contained in the convention booklet.

The winner of the fiction competition was Unaware by Susan Warville.

1983

cover of the 1983 program book

1983 flyer

The 3rd Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 11-13, 1983 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

Con Report: 1983

I had never been to a Leonard Nimoy Convention before but persuaded by the good reports I'd heard, I and a group of friends, went up to Nottingham ('up' you'll notice - Southerners all!) for this year's celebration.

L.N. is different from the usual kind of convention. There is a sales room (with some gorgeous, and to me, new pictures available) but the main interest centred on the video room, where, from 3pm on Friday until 2.30am on Monday, videos & films wore shown in an impressive flow, pausing only for meals and sleep.

Here for the first time I witnessed the true dedication of L.N, fans as we watched everything from 'Marco Polo' (yet to be shown here) in glorious tech. to 'Zombies of the Stratosphere' in crackling, flickering b&w. The seven who sat up until 3am to complete this saga, received prizes for dedication] The early 60's TV programmes were full of interest - how unsophisticated they look now! Only 'Perry Mason' seems to have stood the test of time, thanks mainly to the presence of Raymond Burr. As far as Mr. Nimoy's performances are concerned, these shows are valuable in tracing his development as an actor but few could have given much satisfaction beyond bread and butter. In fact, the early roles give little indication of his talent. However, 'Vincent', (shown in Northern Ireland and again yet to be seen here) more than justifies the fans' respect. Created, written, directed and performed by Mr. Nimoy, the solo performances shows Theo Van Gogh, brother of brother of the painter, Vincent, addressing an audience of his brother's friends, admirers and anyone who will come, in a hall that he has hired one week after Vincent's death. Unable as he was to speak at all at the funeral, he now wishes to explain and perhaps justify his brother's life and work (which was totally unappreciated in his lifetime).

Mr. Nimoy gives a performance of strength and subtlety. His fluid use of stage areas, yet economy of style combine with a range of mood from humour to tragedy to sustain the dramatic tension so essential for a one-man performance, Add to this, the double back slide projection, lighting and music and you have a presentation of unity and depth. (One-man shows are something of a special interest for me - including performances by the late Max Adrian and Roy Dotrice).

As a total contrast, we were treated to Mr. Nimoy in his own persona introducing 'Leonard Nimoy's Star Trek Special', an entertaining look at the series and films from the actor's viewpoint. Another delight were the video clips, lovingly put together to give us everything from L.N. in an amazing, variety of hats to L.N. in an amazing number of scenes without shirts, all to suitable music. In fact, the smoothness of cine and video added enormously to the pleasure, as did all the unobtrusive organisation so vital to any convention. Congratulations to Carol, Nicky and Wendy. (Did they ever sleep?)

Some superb artwork delighted the eye from Caz, Caryl Sibbett and Sue Toher. Also a caption competition - I have no talent for this at all and I thought the results exceedingly funny - wish I could think of some.

On a more serious note, the convention was in aid of two charities, the Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust - nice to enjoy oneself for good causes.

On the last night, the revels were not allowed to tail off, a supper preceded a showing of a condensed version of 'Marco Polo' (10 hours in full) which featured a ferociously aristocratic & dangerous Achment, Lord of the Armies who had the audience wilting in their seats. Those who had to leave early, missed this, so perhaps next year (and there is to be a next year) it could be in the main programme. (Also a personal plea -perhaps 'Death Watch; too?)

A word about the hotel; the Victoria is comfortable, the service good and the buffet breakfast a splendid start to the day. (The hotel deserved a medal for courage in letting us loose on it, being some of the most solid breakfasters on the con circuit - still, no one seemed to mind!)

We left on Monday morning, short of sleep, with sore bottoms and square eyes but relaxed and happy with pleasant memories to last the long, cold, conless winter.

What a pleasure it was to attend the Third Leonard Nimoy Convention this year.

Now that the "Spotlight" Fan Club is well established, one feels that it is just one big, happy family gathering, meeting friends one has met at previous cons, and corresponded with during the year, as well as, making new friends who have joined since the Second Con last year.

Owing to train times and a six-hour journey, I had to miss the first two items on the programme - "Wagon Train: The Maggie Hamilton Story" and "The Twilight Zone: A Quality of Mercy". Fortunately I had seen both these shows at last year's con. The first show I saw was "Daniel Boone: Seminole Territory". The Daniel Boone series was, to the best of my knowledge, never screened in Britain, but Fess Parker, who played Boone, is still remembered for his "Davy Crockett" role. Leonard played Oontah, the Indian Chief's son. However, the sight of Leonard in Injun pigtails was not conducive to taking the performance too seriously!

Even greater hilarity was evoked by "The Interior Motive", when a very American Sherlock Holmes (played by LN) solves a geometric problem. However, the American scriptwriter had a very strange idea about how Englishmen speak! Whoever wrote the script had comedy in mind when he made Holmes address Watson as "Old pup!"

After the tears of laughter had died, it was necessary for a hungry Scotswoman to find sustenance, so I had to forego the pleasure of "Perry Mason: The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe" in order to be back in time for "Kid Monk Baroni".

I had seen "Kid Monk Baroni" at last year's Con, but found I was enjoying it even more the second time around. I was deeply impressed at how the 21-year- old Leonard Nimoy handled a complex character, whose attitude towards himself alters drastically, as first he wins fame and money, then squanders it away on a grasping older woman, despite having the love of a nice, wholesome American girl, then having his disfigured face repaired to reveal a very handsome young man who no longer wanted his face bashed to a pulp in a boxing ring. I am surprised that the Hollywood producers of that time did not see the talent shining out through this memorable performance and offer the young Mr. Nimoy stardom then and there!

After a short break we had another chance to see a Dr. Kildare episode "An Island Like a Peacock" in which a young, blind woman has an opportunity to regain her sight but is reluctant to take the chance. LN plays her indulgent boyfriend, who is always there to lead her around when she needs him. Not a very big role, but he managed to project a bookish character, like a student or librarian, to good effect.

Next came "Get Smart" starring Don Adams as Maxwell Smart the special agent. The episode, entitled "The Dead Spy Scrawls", was amusing and had been shown on British TV this April. LN is the hired killer who gets shot in the shoulder at the end. He wore dark glasses throughout the episode, so we didn't get a chance to see his eyes!

Following this came the opening remarks and welcome from the Convention Committee, followed by a series of short interview appearances and a few minutes of LN's "Lights! Camera! Action!" educational programme which has not, and will not be, shown on British TV.

[much snipped about many more comments on Nimoy in movies and shows...]

... to the beauty of LN's poetry soundtrack of "You and I". Many of the audience were very moved by the wonder and soaring joy of LN's beautiful poetry.

During the breaks many of the Conventionees made their way to the rear of the viewing room to take part in the "comic one- liner" competition. Nine stills from LN's stage shows/TV/films were put up on a notice board, and funny lines had to be invented which were appropriate to the pictures. Great hilarity was heard as the competition entries were written and read. Another very welcome special feature was the six-foot black and white hardboard picture of Orville Miller, who appeared either in the viewing room or in the corridor outside, where may people were seen taking pictures of their friends giving Miller a hug!

Having recovered one's emotional equilibrium after"You and I", the audience enjoyed [many more Nimoy appearances on the screen].

After a break for food, there was a somewhat disappointing auction. Many of the items were given a high reserve price which was not met, therefore the items were withdrawn. However, there were a number of charity items,the donations for which went to the Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund.

[much more description about watching Nimoy on the screen]

As a brief reprieve for these now tiring and definitely square eyes (not to mention another part of one's anatomy), the Committee ran "Roll the Credits", during which the prizes for the story and poetry competitions were awarded. The winning entries were as follows:

Story Competition

First Prize - Sandra Trenton

Second Prize - Kate Lach

Poetry Competition

First Prize - Sandra Trenton for "Spock Thoughts"

Second Prize - Linda Wood for "The Ghost on the Highway"

Next came the awards for the one-liners to the pictures on the notice boards at the back of the viewing room. There was much laughter as the winning lines were read and their authors received their prizes of the pictures themselves and a Spock lollipop! The prizewinners were as follows: Julia Harmer, Theo Skeat, Kate Lach, Tony Smith, Ann Neilson, Fran Ball,Janis Bowers and Elaine Oldham. A raffle was held in aid of the Alan Nimoy Memorial Fund and lucky winners received colour or black-and-white pics of LN in various guises.

[more viewing]

A supper and informal get-together was arranged, and when Conventionees had partaken of an enjoyable meal of chicken and apple tart, it was announced that a special surprise screening was about to begin - "Marco Polo"! The initial enthusiasm was somewhat dulled as we waited - and waited - for Lord Achmet to make his entrance, after which we waited - and waited - for him to come back on when Marco Polo returned to Khanbalic from the provinces. It was then that we once again enjoyed Leonard's light touches of brilliance that infused life and, despite his inherent evil, humanity to Lord Achmet, as he shrugged his shoulders before going to choose which concubine he would have that night, then gently trying to relax a deeply distressed Mai-Li by softly rubbing her hand against his beard! I think every lady in the audience felt the shockwave^s going through them at that single, simple gesture. I feel that the director would not have had the insight to suggest that this tiny piece of business be introduced - we were witnessing a natural reaction of a sensitive actor to an emotionally fraught situation. I am afraid I must fault the director however, on the handling of Achmet's death scene. From the true story of Marco Polo's travels we learn that Achmet was beheaded by two assassins and his body thrown to the dogs. It is therefore incomprehensible why the writers decided to have him stabbed to death instead - far less dramatic but perhaps easier to stage. I would also fault the director in shooting the act of assassination at long distance. This was a strange choice of camera angle, since the preassassination scene was a close-up, as was the shot of Achmet lying dead afterwards. This took away the sense of drama - via Miller's death scene in "Catlow".

"Marco Polo" ended at 2am on Monday 14 November, bringing us to the end of a full and thoroughly enjoyable programme, ranging from Leonard Nimoy's earliest starring roles to his latest films. The Third Leonard Nimoy Convention in Nottingham paid tribute to a very special, multi-talented and unique man. Here's to next year!

1984

The 4th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 16-18, 1984 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1984 program book

Con Report: 1984

Discreetly veiled lust mingled with the scent of freshly-applied varnish in the Consort Suite of Nottingham's Victoria Hotel during the weekend of November 16th to 18th, the occasion of the fourth Leonard Nimoy Convention. It may have been cold and wet outside, but none of us cared a Jot, enveloped as we were in the cosy camaraderie of shared enthusiasm. I cannot give an accurate number of attendees but as I was number one hundred and four and I booked very late, some idea of the size of the gathering can be estimated. In fact, there was exactly the right number of us to fill the allotted space comfortably, perhaps one reason why the Convention was so enjoyable and the atmosphere one of friendliness and fun.

More stamina than I possess would have been required to take full advantage of the video programme offered, which started on Saturday and Sunday at 8.50am while the machines were still arm from late sessions the night before. As it was I overcame the discomforts of smarting eyes and incipient pressure sores so as not to miss a single, rib-aching episode of "Zombies of the Stratosphere". If you've seen this epic, you'll know what I mean; if you haven't seen it, do. There were also vintage TV shows such as "Wagon Train". "Man From UNCLE" and "Colombo" guest-starring avery young Leonard Nimoy, as well as "T.J. Hooker". Yes, of course we watched "Catlow". Very closely, during one scene. And "Baffled", hoping against hope that this time the jumper would come off. (It didn't.)

I hadn't realised what an extremely accomplished dramatic actor Leonard Nimoy is until I attended this Convention. In "Seizure" Mr. Nimoy's role is that of a neurosurgeon caught between duty - in this case the care of a young singer with a brain tumour - and his marriage, which is breaking up because of the demands of his job. Apparently Mr. Nimoy watched real surgery in order to give his performance as much authenticity as possible, so perhaps that's why he seemed entirely credible.

"Deathwatch" I found to be agonising viewing. The film depicts three convicted criminals in a French prison cell; Leonard Nimoy's role is that of a man taunted by the other cellmate, who competes with him for the favours of charismatic 'Greeneyes', the third cell-mate. It's very, very well acted by all three actors. "Vincent" is Leonard Nimoy's one-man presentation of the story of Van Gogh as seen though the eyes of his brother, Theo. I forgot who was acting and saw only a broken-hearted man speaking of his dead brother and I wanted to weep with him. In "Golda", Mr. Nimoy portrays Maurice, Golda Meir's husband, and this time I wanted to weep for the character.

Fortunately there was the bar and a constant supply of delicious food to give us strength to overcome our wracked emotions and refresh those parts of us rendered numb by hard plastic seats. As well as the video programme there were competitions both of the caption/photograph variety (I couldn't put a word to any of them) and a logic puzzle which I'm not going to tackle until I've spent several years at the Vulcan Science Academy. Lots of people won prizes, some of which were quite surprising! Prizes were certainly deserved by the organisers of the Convention who quietly organised everything with smooth efficiency as well as presenting their own film compilations for our enjoyment. Thanks, Wendy, Carol and assistants, so very much.

1985

The 5th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 15-17, 1985 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1985 program book

Some fiction from the writing contest appears in Infinite Diversity.

1986

The 6th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 14-16, 1986 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1986 program book

• some fiction from the writing contest appears in Infinite Diversity
• the convention charity was The Alan Nimoy Memorial Trust
• the majority of the programming appears to have been movies and TV shows featuring Leonard Nimoy, including the Star Trek TV series and movies
• an auction was held on Saturday afternoon
• there was a dealer's room

1987

The 7th Leonard Nimoy Convention

1988

The 8th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 18-20, 1988 at the Hotel Saint James, Leicester.

cover of the 1988 program book

1989

The 9th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 10-12, 1989 at The Penguin Hotel, Leicester.

cover of the 1989 program book

1990

The 10th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 16-18, 1990 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1990 program book

1991

The 11th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 22–24, 1991. It was the first (only?) one in which Nimoy himself attended. Several con reports are below.

cover of the 1991 program book

He appeared just before lunch on Sunday.

Con Reports: 1991

The highlight of 1991 occurred Sunday 24th November, when Leonard Nimoy strode onto the stage in a small hotel in Nottingham, making his first UK convention appearance. Leonard, completely at ease in these new surroundings, dutifully stood and smiled while two hundred flash bulbs went off as people took their first photograph of him. He started his talk by commenting on the fact that, during one weekend each year for the last ten years he had known that The Leonard Nimoy Convention was taking place without him and, curious as always, had wondered what we got up to in his absence. This year he was greatly pleased to be able to join us and we were delighted to have him. Leonard talked about his involvement with Star Trek from the early days up to the present and, although I have seen him at a convention before (in New York) and knew the story well, I was intrigued by hearing it all over again. The room was small and packed to the brim by the lucky 200 people (from the UK, France, Germany, Holland, Austria and Italy) who had managed to get a ticket; Leonard was not very far away from anyone. He also brought some slides and film to show us, including some behind-the-scenes clips from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home... Leonard ended his talk by taking questions from the audience... All too soon it was over. Leonard left the stage to a standing ovation. He had spoken for two and a half hours, an hour longer than scheduled, but we would have happily sat and listened for ever more... The whole weekend was filled with videos of Leonard... The Leonard Nimoy Convention is always my favourite because of the friendly atmosphere. This time, with Leonard taking part it was a wonderful experience and, as a number of people mentioned, more like the conventions of the old days.

Having dust returned from the time of my life at the 11th Leonard Nimoy Convention, I dust had to write and share it with fellow Trekkers. The Leonard Nimoy Con is not exclusively Trek oriented of course but, neither am I, being an enthusiastic Leonard Nimoy fan. Nevertheless, I had seen relatively little of his work aside from Star Trek until I attended my first LN Con. Having now viewed a selection of roles going back to the early days of his career right through to his recent, brilliant portrayal of Mel Mermelstein in Never Forget, I am an even bigger fan of his than ever before. I must congratulate the organisers on presenting a wonderfully varied programme of LN's TV and film appearances, interviews, blooper compilations, ads, etc. etc... All this and a personal appearance by Leonard Nimoy himself! Scheduled to talk for an hour and a half, Mr. Nimoy allowed question time to extend it beyond two and a half hours and seemed in no hurry to wind up the proceedings. His delighted audience would have been listening still if it were humanly possible! Thank you Mr. Nimoy and thank you to the convention committee and all their helpers, for making it such a memorable weekend. On the Trek scene, I am pleased to say that Unification parts I&II were included in the programme, and I thought it an excellent story showing what Spock might be doing in the second century of his life. By the way, Spock hardly appears at all in part I, except for a few seconds at the very end, but he does make his presence felt in part II. There are some humorous scenes and some emotional ones, and Denise Crosby / Sela is foiled yet again, in case you hadn't guessed. Oh yes, Data and Spock work well together. I won't give away any more details! This episode has been dedicated to the memory of Gene Roddenberry. Leonard Nimoy showed us some clips and some stills of STVI and it looks great. I'm really looking forward to this one. He didn't give away any new plot details, though he did say that it was intended the story should be the closing one for the original crew.' Personally, I still hope for a rethink on that. Money talks folks; go out and buy those tickets when the time comes! The story-line of the Klingons appealing to the Federation for help is meant to parallel the current crisis in the Soviet (ex)Union. I for one would fully concur with the implication that it is in all our interests to extend a helping hand, either to Klingons or Soviets, and I'm pleased that there is a strong moral theme running through this latest movie. I feel sure it will be equally strong on entertainment too. May Star Trek, in all its forms, go from strength to strength and be a fitting memorial to its creator, Gene Roddenberry.

1992

The 12th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 20-22, 19992 at the Victoria Hotel in Nottingham.

cover of the 1992 program book

1993

The 13th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 19–21, 1993 at the Stakis Victoria Hotel in Birmingham (?).

1994

The 14th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 18–20, 1994 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1994 program book

1995

The 15th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 17–19, 1995 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1995 program book

1996

The 16th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 8–10, 1996 at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham.

cover of the 1996 program book

1997

The 17th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 14–16, 1997 at the the Carlton Hotel, Blackpool.

cover of the 1997 program book

1998

The 18th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 14–16, 1998 at the Carlton Hotel in Blackpool.

• 

  flyer for the 1998 con

1999

The 19th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 12–14, 1999 at the Manor House Hotel, Lemington Spa (?).

2000

The 20th Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 17–19, 2000 at the Manor House Hotel, Lemington Spa (?).

The contents of the STAG Lending Library were sold at this convention.

2001

The 21st Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 16–18, 2001 at the Manor House Hotel, Lemington Spa (?).

2002

The 22nd Leonard Nimoy Convention was held November 15–17, 2002 at the Manor House Hotel, Lemington Spa (?).