Hi Everyone

Since my last update three events came in quick succession - each one unique in its own way. Over the Easter weekend we went to Dusseldorf to attend Jedi-Con. The event took place in the recently opened Maritim Hotel which is actually in the airport. The hotel was very spacious and luxurious and an ideal venue for a convention.

We arrived the day before the show started and already the hotel foyer was crowded with fans from around the world.

It was nice to see Vicente and his wife from Valencia who presented me with an amazing book of photos from our trip to his shop last year. It had been a team effort so thanks to all of you in Valencia who contributed.

We were lucky enough to have a room on the concierge floor which meant a quiet place for breakfast and an early evening cocktail.

The atmosphere on the first day was very exciting, many people in their costumes were waiting for the doors to open.

The show was very well organised with plenty of panels and Q & A's on the magnificent stage.

It was nice to see so many little ones dressed up.

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It was also nice to see some bigger ones dressed up.

The weekend was fabulous and the appalling weather outside did not deter anyone.

Many thanks to Robert Eiba and all the committee members and crew who did a terrific job.

Next stop was Dallas to receive my very own Boba Fett costume lovingly made by The Dented Helmet. On our arrival we were whisked off by Zachery, Scott and Bobby to have a bite to eat and a look at Zachery's personal Star Wars Collection. Scott gave me a beautifully framed picture of his Yak's Pub and Bobby had already given me his sketch of Boba Fegg on my last visit to Dallas.

This was to be a very special weekend for me culminating in 6th months of hard work. The presentation took place on Saturday afternoon and everyone was very excited to see Boba Fett unveiled - including me. The Dented Helmet committee explained every aspect of the project and mentioned an astonishing 23 people who had been involved in its creation.

As well as the incredible costume there were two extra surprises that had been kept a secret. One was a beautiful plaque commemorating the occasion, and a very detailed lifelike painting of me painted by Obi-Dan with help from Gonza. I was also given a special book by Ben Stevens of some previously unseen photos of Boba Fett from the Lucasfilm archives. A special t-shirt and coin were also produced to mark the occasion.

After all the excitement it was hard to concentrate for the rest of the afternoon, and I was looking forward to the evening at Philip's New Wookiee Workshop where I would finally get to wear the suit.

Philip and Anne had arranged a buffet meal of tasty Mexican food along with the compulsory large Margheritas....This was not a good idea for me as I had to get into my suit! All the guys and girls were pretty nervous giving the outfit the last minute tweaks - I have never seen so many guys rushing around with sewing machines, drills and hammers etc. It reminded me of my dentists surgery (I have a strange dentist). I too was nervous wondering if I had given them all the correct measurements.

It took a little while but eventually it all came together beautifully and these shots prove it - the costume looks even better than the original........

The evening was quite emotional, but everyone felt a great sense of relief that the Fett Project had been a resounding success.

I felt quite humble when I gave the Dented Helmet guys each a small token of my appreciation for all their hard work.

Wow what a wonderful weekend and I felt extremely honoured to be the first Star Wars actor to be presented with his own costume. I want to thank wholeheartedly the following people from The Dented Helmet who made this whole project possible:

Spideyfett * Darthmiller * Batninja * Fettpride
Man of War Studios * Braks Buddy * Galactic Bounty Hunter
Bobamaker * Skygunbro * TXFETT * Slave 1 pilot
Superjedi * mrgr8ness * Ripcode * Julie * Trooper TK409
Shackman * Ruffintoys * Gonzo Fett * Obi-Dan
Mark Miller * Evan4218 * Philip Wise

Our next trip was to unknown territory - St. Johns, Newfoundland - we have flown over it maybe several hundred times, and it is the closest point of the Americas to the UK - only four hours time difference. But actually getting there is quite a different matter. For some extraordinary reason known only to the 'powers that be' there are no direct flights from the UK to St John's so the journey involved flying to New York (6 hours) twiddling our thumbs at the airport for a further six hours then getting a three hour flight back to St. Johns arriving around midnight. I won't mention the dramas we had getting back. Anyhow it was all very worthwhile as the reception we got in St.John's was very heartwarming and the view when we woke up the following morning was breathtaking.

After our long journey the next day was quite relaxing with an informal lunch with some of the committee members and a trip to two famous landmarks. First we visited the Cabot Tower on Signal Hill - the tower was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi received the very first trans-Atlantic wireless message sent from Cornwall, England.

Next stop was Cape Spear which has the oldest surviving Lighthouse in Newfoundland. It has been restored to its 1839 appearance. We were promised whales, seals and icebergs, and Cape Spear was the place to see them, but unfortunately Darren & Chris forgot to organise their appearance.......................

The people of Newfoundland are extremely friendly. It was only the second time that Darren had put the 'Sc-Fi on the Rock' show on, and it was very well attended. Lots of costumes and games for the children and it seemed that everyone was having a good time. I was sitting next to actor Brian Downey who in fact comes from Newfoundland. He was well known for his performances in Lexx. Also attending were the authors Kenneth Tam and Matthew LeDrew who both kindly gave me a copy of their books.

Rod is also a talented artist and gave me one of his prints of the Guiding Lights.

Saturday evening a special dinner was arranged so that I could get to meet everyone in a more informal way. The show was huge fun and I look forward to returning again in the future when perhaps Darren can arrange a few icebergs & whales!

Our flight out gave us some spectacular views which we missed on the way in.

Well done Darren, thanks for the gifts and chocs for Maureen.

On a much sadder note it is with regret that I have to announce that my dear sister Sally passed away in South Africa, she will be sorely missed by both family and friends. Many thanks to all of you who have sent your condolences.

Take care everyone.

Jeremy