http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Dr_Who_visits_UlsterDr Who visits Ulster - Revision history2026-04-29T09:00:40ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.33.0http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php?title=Dr_Who_visits_Ulster&diff=31555&oldid=prevJohn Lavalie: Created page with "{{article | publication = Sunday Life | file = 1998-01-04 Sunday Life.jpg | px = 450 | height = | width = | date = 1998-01-04 | author = John Breslin | pages = 26 | languag..."2022-08-14T05:19:36Z<p>Created page with "{{article | publication = Sunday Life | file = 1998-01-04 Sunday Life.jpg | px = 450 | height = | width = | date = 1998-01-04 | author = John Breslin | pages = 26 | languag..."</p>
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| publication = Sunday Life<br />
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| date = 1998-01-04<br />
| author = John Breslin <br />
| pages = 26<br />
| language = English <br />
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| description = <br />
| categories = conventions<br />
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DOCTOR WHO fanatics are set to time-travel down to a seaside convention for a birthday bash in honour of the cult sci-fi TV series.<br />
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And they will be joined for the 35th anniversary bash at the Royal Hotel in Bangor by one of the most popular doctors of them all, Colin Baker.<br />
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The event, the first of its kind on the island, has been organised by the Northern Ireland Who Society.<br />
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Baker, the sixth doctor, will be accompanied by a couple of faithful companions, Deborah Watling, who played Victoria, and Sophie Aldred, aka Ace.<br />
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Organiser Colin Dowling, a serious Tardis follower for the last 10 years, said the convention was a way of bringing the stars of the show closer to their Irish fans.<br />
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Fanzine<br />
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Colin and his brother Graeme run the fan club and also edit the Irish fanzine Type 40, named after the Doctor's famous time travelling machine.<br />
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He explained his fascination for the longest running sci-fi show in history: "I grew up with it, but forgot all about it until about 10 years ago.<br />
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"I went into a shop, saw a video, and bought it. Ever since I have been hooked.<br />
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"The thing about it for me is that despite the hype over Star Trek or Star Wars, Dr Who is still the longest running sci-fi show.<br />
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'It's the best, and the characters can be easily identified with. It was a one off."<br />
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In his time, Colin has done a fair amount of travelling to conventions in Britain and has picked up plenty of Who regalia, including a K9 dog.<br />
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He has also built up friendships with the stars of the show. including Colin Baker.<br />
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"When I phoned to ask him to be the special guest, he said he was absolutely honoured because it was the first one in Ireland." said Bangor man Colin.<br />
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But he admits his favourite Doctor of all time is the wild and wacky Patrick Troughton.<br />
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Caption: THE DALEKS ARE COMING: Dr Who convention organisers (from left) Ian Campbell, Colin Dowling and his brother Graeme prepare to take off in their time machine<br />
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}}</div>John Lavalie