Chances are most people who remember Terry Nation
would associate him with the creation of the Daleks or the two TV series,
Blake’s 7 and Survivors. However, over the course of this weekend,
it became apparent just how much Terry Nation’s vision and writing talent
contributed to the popularity of many much loved TV shows, including The
Avengers, The Saint, The Protectors, The Persuaders, The Champions and MacGyver.
Several guests who had appeared in these and other series were interviewed
and attended autograph and photo sessions - Barrie Ingham, Jennie Linden,
Lucy Fleming, Jane Merrow, Lorna Lewis, Bruce Montague, Barry Stanton, Hugh
Waters and Nicholas Smith. Although unable to be present, video tributes
by Sir Roger Moore who was interviewed by Paul Darrow, and Tom Baker were
shown. The veteran actor, Tony Curtis, who was attending the Autographica
event running concurrently in the hotel, had hoped to make an appearance
at the Tribute event. Unfortunately he was unable to do so, but asked
Paul Darrow to pass on his best wishes and support to all those attending
the convention.
Whilst playing Avon in Blake’s 7, Paul Darrow became friends with the character’s
creator and his family, so it was especially fitting that Paul acted as MC
for the whole event. Ably assisted by Rebecca Nation – a ‘lovely
Debbie McGee’ – Paul introduced guests and conducted interviews, hosted an
auction and the opening and closing sessions with his usual good humour,
charm and flair. His interviews with Terry’s widow, Mrs Kate Nation,
and daughter, Rebecca, were particularly fascinating as the audience was
able to glimpse Terry through their many memories. A rare video interview
with Terry, which was recorded many years ago in his study in LA, was shown.
Behind him were shelves piled higgledy-piggledy with books, illustrating
Rebecca’s recollection that her childhood home had been crammed with books,
testament to her father’s voracious appetite for reading and knowledge.
Originally a comedy writer, Terry worked alongside other notables, including
Galton and Simpson, and wrote for many legendary names in the comedy world
- Frankie Howerd, Eric Sykes, Harry Worth, Terry Scott and Tony Hancock,
to name a few.
Initially uninterested in working on a new science fiction series called
Doctor Who, Terry changed his mind when a project he was to be involved with
fell through. Disregarding the directive that Dr Who should take an
educational path without ‘bug eyed monsters’, he dreamt up an alien creature
which made such an impact, it took the series in a different direction altogether.
He wanted to create a unique alien form with neither arms nor legs.
Remembering a performance of the Georgian State Dancers who wore stiff floor
length ‘A-line’ costumes and, by taking tiny steps, appeared to glide across
the stage, he utilised this concept of shape and movement for the Daleks.
Growing up with the Daleks, Rebecca recalled the fun she and her friends
had with the ones kept at their country home in Kent, often taking them out
for walks. She was never afraid of them, but Davros was another matter
and an encounter with him at the TV studios sent her running for cover.
Writing all thirteen episodes for the first series of Blake’s 7 was a colossal
task and Terry didn’t attempt to emulate this for the other series.
It was mentioned that Paul kept to the script that Terry had written, but
his interpretation both surprised and delighted Terry. As the character
of Avon developed, so did Paul and Terry’s friendship. Paul had very
fond memories of visiting the Nations in Los Angeles. On one occasion
whilst having a meal in a busy fashionable restaurant, he was bemused at
the deference shown him by the restaurant staff and other diners. Afterwards,
he found he had been promoted – temporarily - to the nobility, the booking
having been made in the name of Lord Darrow in order to secure a table.
This convention always promised to be a little different as the emphasis
was on one person’s life and work. For those who did not know Terry
Nation, it was a particular delight to have the opportunity to meet his family.
As the weekend progressed, it became clear that both those who knew Terry
and those who had never met him felt gratitude for his creativity and inspired
writing, which had not only given pleasure, but also touched people’s lives
in a positive and often surprising way.
Photographs copyright Claire Saunders.