What is it?

Helicon 2 is the British National Science Fiction Convention for 2002, also known as the Eastercon. Eastercons are run by fans, for fans, at cost. They are an excellent way to meet other science fiction fans, and some of Britain's finest SF authors.

What happens there?

Basically people meet, have a beer or two, and talk about science fiction and related issues. There will also be a few major events, including the presentation of the British Science Fiction Association Awards, and a masquerade (costume competition). For more details of what will happen, see our programme page.

Registration

Registration will open on Thursday 28th March from 16:00 to 18:00.

From Friday 29th to 31st it will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 each day.

On Monday 1st April it will be open 09:30 to 14:00

Lost badges will be charged a replacement cost proportional to the type of membership and the number of remaining days of the convention.

Handicapped and Special Requirements

Please talk to us if you have any special requirements. Phone, email, fax, whatever. Tell us your problems in plenty of time before the convention starts and we can try to help. The week immediately before the con is probably too late, but we might be able to manage something. At the con is really too late. Please note that there is a steep drive up to the hotel from the town. Once you are at the top of the drive, access to the hotel is on a level and it is now possible to get to Reception without having to climb stairs.

Memories of Helicon 1

Yes, you are right, the convention is called Helicon 2 because there was a previous Helicon. It too was in St. Helier, and it has become legendary because of a certain chocolate shop. We are looking for people who were at the first Helicon (or the preceeding SMOFcon) who might be interested in putting their memories of the convention on this site. Please write to us at webdesigner@helicon.org.uk if you would like to contribute.

In the meantime we are proud to announce that we have here for your delight and delectation the entire run of Heliograph, the Helicon 1 newsletter, as edited by the incomparable Dave Langford. Many thanks to Dave for providing the material. To find out what went on back then, click here.

Who is in charge?

The convention committee comprises the following brave volunteers:

Chairman: Martin Hoare
Treasurer: Tim Illingworth
Secretary: Pat McMurray
Operations: Marcia Illingworth
Programme: John Richards
Publications: Steve Davies
Membership: Larry van der Putte, Tony Hammond, Kim Whysall
Hotel Liason: Martin Hoare
Promotions: Chris Cooper
Guest Liason: Pat McMurray
Tech: Keith Oborn
Local Liason: Tobes

Additonal staff include:

Art Show: Kate Cooper
Stewards: Kevin Anderson
Webmistress: Cheryl Morgan
Dealers' Room: Mark Plummer
Travel Consultant: Dave Lally
Programme Book: Claire Brialey & Mark Plummer
Programme: Eddie Cochrane, Peter Wright, Mike Allum, M@
Volunteers: Janet Figg

Helicon also has agents in a variety of countries outside the UK:

Netherlands: Larry van der Putte
Germany: Thomas Recktenwald
Norway: Johannes Berg
Sweden: Johan Anglemark
USA (east coast): Ben Yalow
USA (west coast): Cheryl Morgan & Kevin Standlee

Can I help?

Oh, thank you for offering...

No, we are serious. We said earlier that Eastercons are run by fans, for fans. Everyone involved in running the convention is a volunteer. We can always use more help. Besides, what better way to get to know people than by getting involved in the operation of the convention. If you are interested, please fill in the downloadable form below

Helicon volunteer form (PDF)

or write to us at janetfigg@hotmail.com.

Shipping stuff to Jersey

For information abut getting large quantities of Stuff to Jersey, click here.