Hi Everyone

We were looking forward to our trip to Legoland in Günzberg, Germany, it was just a shame we couldn't take our 10 grandchildren to enjoy the fun!

It was a two day event co-organised by Lego and the 501st German Garrison. It was an international gathering with troops coming from many different countries as far away as Brazil and the United States. The hotel was buzzing when we arrived as around 150 or so members had taken over the hotel.

On Saturday morning the weather was pretty dire with steady rain, but it couldn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm. The day started off with troops lining up at the entrance to Legoland to greet the rather soggy visitors. (Compare to the following day when the sun shone!)

I was lucky in that I was set up under cover well out of the rain - whereas the 501st bravely played their part getting soaked outside.

When the rain finally stopped some storm troopers couldn't resist a final soaking.

Legoland appeals to all ages and it is sometimes difficult to realise you are looking at Lego and not real life.

On both days there was a parade through the whole park and I was honoured to be asked to lead the march which ended with all 501st members being on stage. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this photo opportunity.

During the weekend there was plenty of fun for everyone and as usual the costumes were amazing.

On Saturday there was a magnificent dinner for all the members. Markus and Jörg amongst others had worked extremely hard to bring this event together and the evening was the perfect way to thank everybody. I was given a canvas picture to commemorate the weekend as well as a beautiful new garrison coin.

After dinner and one or two beers I was persuaded to try my hand at ten pin bowling.......

On Sunday we had time to go up in the revolving tower which gives a perfect view of the park - even the humans look like lego people!

What a busy and fun weekend we had, and many thanks to all involved.

Over the May bank holiday I was invited by Nick from 3 Darths to appear at a signing at the Harvey Centre in Harlow, Essex. We attended on Saturday and Monday. It was very busy and many shoppers were surprised to see some of the UK garrison in full costume. One young lad we met called Bruce had painted a lovely picture of Boba, and came back with a signed copy for me.

James Burns had a stand there and was celebrating the second birthday of Jedi News.

Thanks to Nick and the staff of the Harvey Shopping Centre for an enjoyable weekend.

Have just been working on a dramatised documentary which has taken up quite a bit of time, so will be looking forward to going to Disneyworld for the Star Wars weekends in June.

Speak to you all soon and take care.

Jeremy

New appearance dates:

5th/6th/7th June 2009
Star Wars Weekends
Disneyworld
Orlando
Florida

27th June 2009
Toy, Model & Collectors Convention
Fleming Park Leisure Centre
Passfield Avenue
Eastleigh
Hampshire
10.00 - 5.00pm
Check out the flyer!

Hope you all had a good Easter - the weather was pretty foul here in London, but we were cheered by the spectacular Star Wars concert (more later).

At the end of March we were off to France for an event to support the charity Kiwanis. It was being held in a town called Neuville-en-Ferrain just outside of Lille. We travelled by Eurostar and were amazed the journey took just 1hour 20 minutes from London to Lille. The convention was organised by Star Force Events in conjunction with the charity Kiwanis, and sponsored by many businesses from the area.

On our arrival at the Altia hotel we were given a very warm welcome. In the evening we were invited to a press conference at the Town Hall where we were introduced to the Mayor and representatives from the Kiwanis Foundation.

The actors were honoured to be presented with a very special medallion from the Kiwanis service club.

After the ceremonies we were served with a magnificent French buffet which was very welcome after a long day.

Saturday and the show was to begin. The start of the event was a little slow, but there were plenty of costumed characters and members of the 59th legion to get everyone in the mood.

My brother Robert Watts caused a big stir first of all by speaking perfect French and secondly by bringing along several props from both Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

Things picked up in the afternoon which was good news for the charity.

A VIP Charity Dinner had been planned for Saturday night at the Salles Malraux, and by the time we arrived the beautifully decorated hall was packed with 200 attendees. It goes without saying that the meal was superb. Earlier in the year I had been asked by Mark Dermul from Star Force Events to learn the rather catchy song 'Star Wars Cantina' which he wanted me and Robert to sing along with him on stage. After three months I was word perfect or almost.......... In between courses at the dinner Robert & I were asked to come up on stage to sing the song. Anyway I am not blaming my brother for being completely out of tune, and not knowing a single word - but he gave a good impression miming and waving his arms about. The audience loved it - I hope.

There was plenty of entertainment during the evening including an incredible magic trick with light sabers and a light saber fight.

It was pretty late when the festivities ended, but what a terrific evening. The show on Sunday surprised us all by a dramatic upsurge in attendance after lunch. Everyone was very happy and in the end around 10.000 Euros was raised for the charity. We had been so well looked after by the Kiwanis group, and the Atilia Hotel. We were also given a splendid lunch on both days at the show where food kept coming and wine kept flowing.

Many thanks to all who participated in this event - well done.

On our return home we were delighted to be invited to the opening night of 'Star Wars - a Musical Journey'. A concert to be performed at the O2 arena by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For a change we decided to travel by river boat taking in some of the sights along the route; one being a replica of Sir Francis Drakes's 16th century galleon 'The Golden Hinde' and another the famous rebuilt Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

We arrived at the arena in plenty of time to go around the Star Wars exhibition where we bumped into the curator David Iskra. There were many people interested in the exihibits which included most of the characters from Star Wars including of course Mr Fett himself. We were also introduced to Laela French who works in the archives at Lucasfilm.

Having never been in the arena before it was amazing to see how many people were there.

We had very good seats sitting next to Warwick Davis and his family and although we weren't supposed to take photos could not resist this one of the laser show.

The concert was stupendous and the orchestra played to a backdrop of scenes from all six movies. Definitely an event not to miss if it comes to your area.

The evening was rounded off by dashing for the last river boat which we just made and seeing London by night.

All for now, off to Legoland in Germany soon -

All the best

Jeremy
 

Hi Everyone

Is it really March? - the last few months seemed to have whizzed by. April is on the doorstep but I don't mind the glorious March weather we are having.

Our trip to Roanoke to attend Shevacon turned out to be very special despite the chaotic start to our journey. On checking in at Heathrow at the unearthly hour of 05:00am it was announced that our 07:40am flight to Washington D.C. had been cancelled and we were being booked onto a later flight that departed at 12 noon. (What can one possibly do for 7 hours at London Heathrow?) We eventually arrived in Roanoke and were met by the welcoming committee of Blair, Lynn and her daughter Stacy. After a quick tidy up we were whisked off to a Japanese restaurant for a delicious meal. That set the tone for the weekend which was 'a blast' as my American friends would put it.

By arriving a day early we had time to get over the trip from London and to visit the Collectors World comic shop owned by Corey Bell.

Shevacon opened on Friday and I was well guarded by the Mandalorian Mercs for the whole weekend.

We were invited to Salem's best restaurant 'Mac and Bob's' by their kitchen manager Don who is a great Boba Fett fan. We went along with a group of the Mandalorian Mercs and had a great meal - I can heartily recommend the Pittsburgh steak! Thanks to all at Mac and Bob's for a wonderful evening.

Over the weekend I was made an honoury member of the 501st Garrison Tyranus and given an impressive plaque and T-shirt.

Another interesting affiliation to the 501st is the Kilted Trooper Brigade and I was delighted to be made an honoury Imperial Highlander and will shortly be receiving my very own kilt - must get my legs in trim! To mark this occasion I was presented with a picture of Boba in his kilt and another special plaque. The picture was painted by talented artist Gina Adler. To give the event a Scottish flavour we were treated to some moving music by Joe on the bagpipes and Mike on the drums.

Shevacon was a very friendly show and I was well looked after by Lynn and her family. I would also like to thank Troy and Gina for inviting me. When we arrived in Roanoke the weather was very bright and quite warm. By Sunday night snow hit the area, and the airport was closed. Luckily by Monday the weather improved enough for us to get our flight.

I had hardly got through the door on my arrival home when the telephone rang with the news that I had a cameo part in the English version of Law & Order to be filmed the following week - a nice welcome home. At the weekend we went to Southampton to celebrate the marriage of Jonathan Brown and Fiona. Jonathan was the producer of Star Hyke which has finally been bought by Virgin Media (more news on televised dates coming soon).

The following week I was invited by armourer Terry English, who is one of the finest in the movie business, to attend a special evening at the Movieum of London. It is an exhibition of the exciting world of movie making taking people behind the scenes of some of the most popular films. Needless to say Star Wars featured heavily and I was thrilled to see Boba in all his glory, and the infamous Stormtrooper. It was good to see Dave Prowse and Warwick Davis there to support the evening.

There was a special exhibition from the gettyimages gallery of early photos of the 'Beatles' along with a Beatles drum kit.

We finally met up with Terry English and were shown some of his work from over the past 45 years.

An exhibition well worth seeing for anyone visiting London.

One beautiful sight as we left London was the London Eye.

Our next trip was a visit to the 'Wow Factor' in Darlington. This shop, owned by Joe and Andrea, has only been open for around 6 months but has generated lots and lots of interest. One's first comments on arriving at the shop was 'WOW' - hence the name. Joe had organised a surprise guided tour of the Civic theatre where I had last performed in 1990 in a production called 'Dangerous Obession'. It brought back fond memories as this is one of the finest theatres in the UK.

On Saturday the shop was buzzing, and it was great to see so many Boba Fett fans turn up. The crowds were amused by Stormtroopers, Princess Leia and a slender Wookie.

It was a great day and I wish Joe and Andrea good luck with the shop for the future - I'll be back............:-)

That's' all for now until next month.

Thanks for reading and speak soon.

Jeremy