Thanks for all of those who came to see Brian, Patrick and I at Astrofest yesterday…it was great to see so many people cluching copies of Bang! and I’m sorry I couldn’t talk to more of you properly along the way.
Walking into Astrofest always makes me feel like I’m back at school. It used to be the annual astronomy club outing, with 20 or so of us crammed into the school minibus for the drive up to London. All the stalls are in the same places as they were back then; the only difference is that I miss the 5 hour Uno marathon on the way in.
The best moment was at the end of the presentation, when the entire hall jumped up in a standing ovation for Patrick (he insists it was for all three of us, but somehow I don’t think so…). It felt like the 50th anniversary of the Sky at Night had begun.
sally on February 11, 2007
Hi Chris.
Just wanted to say thanks for signing our copy of Bang! – because yesterday I don’t think I did, which was rather rude of me! The signing moment passed by in a flash and I remember struggling with bags, brollies and camera as we moved along , then we posed for a shot …….and were gone! Anyway, we had a good time – you Patrick and Brian make a fascinating team and clearly have a great relationship. Your presentation and Q&As were entertaining and informative.
Thanks once again, Sal and Mike
Sam on February 11, 2007
Hi Chris,
Astrofest was great and what really finished the day off was getting by BANG! book signed. The presentation was great and the film clip entrance was very entertaining. Well done on obtaining your PhD and i hope you continue to inspire others like myself.
Please pass my compliments over to Sir Patrick and i’ll email Brian via his website.
Thanks for everything,
Clear skies,
Sam (My name is short and easy to spell) – remember?
Judith-Anne MacKenzie on February 11, 2007
Dear Chris,
The Bang! team was (of course) the hit of the conference – and the standing ovation started for Sir Patrick but ended for all three of you. So you are both right.
Judith-Anne
James O'Neill on February 12, 2007
Chris,
I had a great time at Astrofest and am enjoying reading your book. Well done for being so nice and enthusiastic right through to the end of the signing sessions. My friend will be in touch soon about that building project at the Sheffield Astronomical Society we mentioned. Thanks for the great day out.
James.
BRUCE WOODS on February 12, 2007
Dear Chris,
I just want to say that I had a wonderful day attending Astrofest 2007 on Saturday and watching the special presentation given by Sir Patrick, Brian May and yourself to mark the 50th anniversary of the “Sky at Night” programme. In fact, for me it was much more than just a great day out as an amateur astronomer and space enthusiast. I remember watching the Sky at Night as a child and teenager back in the ’60s, and especially watching Patrick Moore, James Burke and co. present the BBC coverage of the historic Apollo 11 first lunar landing in July, 1969, at the age of 16 (I’ve now given my age away!) – a day I shall never forget. However, when the lunar landings ended in the early ’70s, I – in common with many of my generation – lost much of my interest and excitement about space exploration and turned my attention to other things . . . until recently. Just a few years ago at the turn of the millenium I revived my youthful interest in astronomy and space and have since then joined the SPA, attended the annual Astrofest and even created my own website of astrolinks for the amateur enthusiast!. Amazingly, I had never seen Patrick Moore in person until Saturday and I have the feeling that I may never again get the chance to see the Grand Old Man of British astronomy of our time live in my lifetime. That is why I was so moved to witness the event. Unfortunately, however, I failed to take any photos of you, Brian and Sir Patrick together on the stage of Kensington Town Hall. I would be so grateful if you could possibly either post a photo on your website or email one to me. If not, don’t worry – I know you are a extremely busy person and may not have the time!.
By the way, I think you are a great co-presenter with Sir Patrick of the Sky at Night and a worthy successor to him on that programme when the sad day comes and he eventually departs the scene. With regards and best wishes, Bruce Woods
Robin Flegg on February 13, 2007
Chris,
I nearly didn’t make it to Astrofest on Saturday, but I’m so glad that I did. That was a great presentation by all three of you.
Like Sal and Mike (in their comment), the signing moment passed by in a flash and I’m not sure that I thanked you either. Well… Thanks!
Your inscription made me smile when I read it the next morning. But Chris, rather than imagine a cake… just eat it!
Kind regards…
Robin
Adrian Jurd on February 13, 2007
Hi Chris
It was nice to meet you on Ninians stand where I was helping him on Saturday and thanks for signing my book for me.
I also was sad to see Patrick looking so unwell now since I last saw him a few years ago when he could stand etc and I do hope that after all that book signing he feels better and also that his signature stamp has recovered?
Maybe I might see you at the 50th bash that you were talking about but its up to Ninian to ask Patrick if I can go, still you never know he might ask but then again he might not, knowing Nin its the might not! LOL
Cheers for now.
Adrian (Ady)
chrislintott on February 14, 2007
Thank you all for your kind comments; I’m sorry it was so crazy and we didn’t manage to chat properly with many people. At least it stopped me spending any money for the first Astrofest in a long time! Photos will follow – a few web gliches at the moment and a lack of time to sort them out…
As for Patrick having recovered, as usual it was Brian and I that had to beg for a break. The man’s energy is incredible.
Peter Williams on February 14, 2007
Chris,
Like everyone else I wish to thank Brian and Patrick and yourself for signing my Bang!book on Saturday.
In fact you all signed 2 copies for me, and posed for a photo so double and treble thanks.
It must have been a very long day for you as the queue seemed to go on forever.
The Book is great, very easy to follow with fantastic photos/art work.
I really enjoyed the “Sky at Night with a Bang!” presentation on Saturdfay as well.
It contained some good laughs and many good reminders of what the three of you (especially Patrick) have done for Astronomy in the UK and around the world.
Looking forward to seeing the 50th Anniversary special of The Sky at Night.
Let’s hope it is around for another 50 years as the BBC schedules will be much the worse without it.
Thanks again,
Pete.
Adrian Jurd on February 14, 2007
Sadly I could not attend the talk as us exhibtors were not allowed in any of the talks this year which was very sad as there were some goods ones that I would have loved to see.
I have to say that Astrofest would not be there if there were no exhibitors present and I feel that they could have cut some slack for us and allowed us in to watch as has been done in previous years, especially as the trade stands pay a huge amount of money to be there in the first place!
Still thats life I suppose.
Glad Patrick is ok, I was a bit worried when I saw him, but as he seems to have more energy that Chris and Brian then that is good news for him but sadly does not bode well for Chris and Brian in the future! LOL
Regards
Ady
BRUCE WOODS on February 15, 2007
Dear Chris,
Thanks again for so swiftly emailing me those photos of the great Astrofest event last Saturday. I’m looking forward to seeing a few more soon, if possible, on your website when those glitches have been sorted out!.
By the way, unfortunately I couldn’t afford to buy your book “Bang! . . .” on the day and get it signed, but I’ve just bought it now and I think it is a brilliant, original and inspiring joint effort on the part of Sir Patrick, Brian and yourself. The design and the images look stunning, but I am sure it is a book of real substance and not a “coffee-table” book in any way – I shall certanly read it cover-to-cover!. Bye for now, regards, Bruce
Dean Taylor on February 21, 2007
Hay Chris
Again thank you very much for the signing of my book you guys have done a great job and lets all look forward to Bang vol ll
You may remember me I was the guy that told you that if I had this book when I was 15 I would have been in a different career right now to which you said “you still can”..well I’m working at it ..
Maybe you guys could do a lecture tour if it is’nt to much of a strain on Sir Patrick
by the way if you ever need a place to stay in cambridge just drop me a line theres always a bed and good food here for you
I look forward to meeting you again..because I’ve now meet Sir Patrick twice and I’ve also meet Dr Brian twice so your next on the list…in a good way of course..
So till then ..it was a pleasure
Thanx Buddy
Dean
Paola on February 26, 2007
Dear Chris,
thank you again for being so nice to me at the AstroFest – you made a special day truly great.
I was seriously considering not to have my copy of BANG! signed, just to spare the three of you (especially Sir Patrick) a tiny little bit of strain, but in the end I could not miss the chance to thank you all personally. I just hope you liked the chocolates
Much love from Rome!
–
Paola