Jenna Louise Coleman at Collectormania 19

 I ordered my Jenna Louise Coleman photo tickets the day they went out on sale around Christmas time, and had been counting down the days ever since. In my opinion, she completely stole the show in Doctor Who Series 7 Asylum of the Daleks with her unannounced, unexpected appearance. From here, we didn't see her until the much anticipated Christmas 2012 episode, where she once again proved her likeability as a companion, and her ability to warm to the most passionate, long serving fans. The mystery surrounding her character was eventually solved in the Series 7 finale, but I won't spoil the surprise just in-case you haven't got round to watching it yet!

 I decided to attend Collectormania 19 in Milton Keynes purely based on the announcement of Jenna as the Saturday headlining guest. I travelled down with my boyfriend, and after many a traffic jam arrived safely on the Friday evening. From here, we headed to bed for an early night as we set our alarms for bright and early the next morning. Up at 6.30am on the Saturday and finally leaving our hotel at around 8am, we arrived at the stadium 5-10mins later. Jenna's queue for autographs was already huge, and it was a long wait in the chilly weather until the doors opened at 9. Once in, we received our virtual queue ticket and were told to come back to meet Jenna later because of our huge queue number. 

 Me and Luke walked around the stadium a few times, taking in the sights, people, and merchandise available. Finally we were able to join Jenna's queue, pick a photo to get signed and paid £35 for the autograph. Jenna was lovely, and when I finally reached the front of the queue, she looked up and asked how I was, to which I replied that I was good, and repeated the same question back to her. I then asked how her first convention was going. She hesitated here, seemingly nervous and replied how she wasn't expecting so many people to arrive dressed up as her. I sympathised, stating how it was one of my first conventions and how I was still getting used to the whole process. (This would have been awkward if I had Clara cosplayed). She then told me to take care and I thanked her for her time. I really wasn't expecting a mini chat, and had not come prepared with anything to say so I was pleased with how I handled the whole situation, as I would usually shy away. Luke managed to take a few excellent pictures whilst we talked, which I am extremely thankful for, and I took some whilst I was in the queue. See below:

 Next, it was off to the photo shoot. We didn't have to wait long and when we arrived at the room we were able to go in with the first group because our ticket number was within the first 200. Jenna looked tiny stood up in front of the camera, and understandably nervous as there were crowds of people either side of her waiting for a photo. When it was my turn she moved across the room slightly so the camera could produce a better angle, much to my amusement as we sideways stepped along the floor together in a pose. I am really happy with the finished photo, I had been worried about it for weeks! It was £30 after all, so I wanted it to be near perfect! Dad paid me a huge compliment when I returned home by stating that me and Jenna could be sisters - I wish! 

 Overall, although I left around midday, I was very pleased how the morning panned out. We had no long gaps of waiting around, and our time there moved pretty swiftly. I am pleased the event was free to get in, plus free parking - especially when the prices of guests are taken into consideration!! I would definitely go again, as long as the guest list was good. Well done everyone from the team who ensured everything ran nice and smoothly! More information on this event can be found out here: http://www.collectormania.com/miltonkeynes/

 I am off on holiday over the next few days. I still have a post to write about my recent Doctor Who location visit. If I don't get round to posting it within the next day or so, I will upload it when I return from my travels.

 In the meantime, feel free to check out my twitter for updates: @pluckykelly

Thanks for reading

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'Fathers Day' Locations - The Long-Awaited Third Instalment

 Long time no post! It's been two long months full of assignments, presentations and dissertation work since I last wrote, but I'm finally back, after finally completing my University course :-) Now all that's left is to await my results, which happen to coincide with the day I start my work placement... uh-oh! Anyway, hope you're all enjoying Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 so far... I really can't wait until Saturdays finale 'The Name of the Doctor', where we will finally discover the identity of Clara. 

 

 It would be relevant to add that since I last wrote, I, like many others, tried vigorously for hours on Saturday morning to apply for the Doctor Who Proms tickets at the Royal Albert Hall. I had two laptops up and running and a phone permanently set to redial. Unfortunately, like my peers, the site crashed and telephone lines were a no-go as they remained engaged, which led to lots of fans missing out on the last few tickets with only minutes to spare. I am incredibly disappointed as I am extremely passionate about the music of Doctor Who. I have all the soundtrack CD's and whenever I listen to them, they transport me away into my own little world. I suppose I should add that if anyone becomes aware of a pair of tickets which are released following this post, please do not hesitate to let me know as I am desperate to get my hands on some! 

 Anyway, back to the subject of this post, I am following on from the trip to Cardiff I made back in February. This is the third and final instalment to my visit and includes the location of the church used in the Series one Doctor Who episode and adventure by the Ninth Doctor, Father's Day.

 After a brief stop at my favourite restaurant Frankie and Benny's (YUM! - my mouth is watering from just thinking about it!), it was on to the days location. Eventually, we found our way to The Parish of St Paul's in Grangetown, Cardiff after navigating around one-way streets which can feel pretty tedious at times. (And also very embarrassing when you realise you need to reverse back down a huge stretch of narrow road to allow for an oncoming car!) 

More information on the area can be found here:- http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/parishofstpauls

Bride chased by deadly Reaper
Source: BBC Doctor Who 

 There is parking located in the streets surrounding the church, and it's pretty hard to miss as it towers above the small terraced houses. We didn't actually go inside as the gates were locked, but we took some photos of the outside areas, including the road directly outside the church which is used as the spot where Pete Tyler faces his final moments as he runs in front of the oncoming vehicle. 

If you were to walk from out of the front church doors, the location where Pete is killed and the TARDIS is parked is located to the left, where the corner of road bends around the edge of the church grounds, just outside the row of shops. The area looks almost completely the same as it did back in 2005 when the episode was shot, so it is definitely worth popping along to see the location. It's about a 5 minute drive from Cardiff Bay and completely free if you are able to park in the street like myself. Definitely recommended for location hunters!

 I personally really wanted to visit this location as it's the first Doctor Who episode me and mum physically sat down and watched together. We both shed a tear with what we had viewed on-screen, as it told the emotional story of how Rose Tyler witnesses the last moments of her Father's life back in 1987, but in doing so, prevents this event from ever happening. This results in the unleashing of deadly reapers who destroy everything in their wake, as history begins to change dramatically around them. This all predominately occurs during a wedding of which the Tyler family are all in attendance. The only way balance can be restored is in the form of Pete Tyler facing his inevitable end. 

More information on the episode can be found here:- http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Father's_Day_(TV_story)

 This episode also reveals a vital moment which occurred during Rose Tyler's life before The Doctor, which helps to construct her background story, which is then built upon in the series to follow. 

 Sorry this post has been a long-time coming! I hope you're all enjoying this lovely (not-so) summer weather! It's been terrible here, but no fear as I am off on my summer holidays in the coming weeks! I can't wait, it's a much deserved break until I am thrown into the big bad world when I return after finishing university. I have lots planned, and I will be sure to keep you up to date as I am very excited. Oh, but before all of that of course, I am off to the Collectormania event next week to meet Jenna Louise Coleman. Let me know if you're going to, and I shall report back on how my day went soon after :-)

Many thanks for reading, blog to you soon :-) 

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