Sad News

Those who were at Satellite 1 will recall that At The Sign Of The Dragon, who had been planning do join us on the day to sell books, were unable to do so because Marion van der Voort had been taken to hospital in Dumfries in the night preceding the con. At the time, this was all the information we had. Later we heard that she had had double pneumonia.

Richard Van Der Voort says that after being very ill, and spending some time in intensive care, her condition improved and she was transferred to a community hospital in Newton Stewart. She wanted to be at home for Christmas, and with the help of her GP (to arrange oxygen, etc.) this was sorted out, and she got home on Christmas Eve. She was enjoying sitting in front of a log fire and chatting to several friends who phoned up.

Unfortunately, Marion had a relapse on Christmas Day. The GP attended, but her breathing became steadily poorer, and she drifted into sleep and then coma. She died on the evening of December 26th. Richard, Jamie and two nurses were with her. She had told her doctor that she wanted to stay home, come what may.

Regarding the funeral arrangements, Richard says:

Marion is being cremated at her request on Monday the 7th of January at 1pm in Dumfries. It will be a small, private ceremony for family and close friends. Regarding flowers, apart from those closest to us could you give a little money to charity instead? Marion's own favorite charities were the Lifeboat Institute or a charity which helps disabled service men and their families. If you live outside the British Isles, a local equivalent or your own preference would be just as good. The business will be closed until after the funeral. Thereafter I will carry on as well as I can.

On behalf of everyone who was involved with Satellite 1, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Richard at this time.

DC

Post-con release

That was Satellite 1, that was.

As far as I could see, people were having a good time, enjoying the panels, talks and games. (Anyone who was not hid it well.) They were certainly enjoying the real ale, which was drunk by the closing ceremony. Thanks to everyone who came, to everyone who took part in the programme, helped out with gophering and stewarding, and in particular to Ken MacLeod, who was a superb Guest of Honour.

No plan survives contact with the enemy, of course, and there were things which did not go to plan. The most serious of these was that at 07:30 we received the news that At The Sign Of The Dragon would not be with us since Marion van der Voort had been taken to hospital. We still have no more information about how serious this is, but we send our best wishes to her and Richard at this time.

Initial indications are that the con did better than break even. That's not, for us, the major indicator of whether or not it was a success, but it is A Good Thing. What really matters was whether or not it was a good day with interesting and enjoyable programme items. We hope it was.

Thanks again to everyone who made the day what it was.

DC