TimeGate 2011: Adventures in Time and Space

We had so much fun at TimeGate 2011! I hardly know where to start.

In the first place, while the convention covers Dr. Who and StarGate as well as other science fiction shows, my reporting will be biased toward Dr. Who. I apologize for that, but we love Dr. Who and are not that familiar with StarGate, so while we did see Sophie Aldred, the delightful actress who played Ace, companion to the 7th Doctor, we did not see Mike Dupod from StarGate, who I am sure was also an interesting and entertaining guest of honor.

TimeGate is a small convention as these things go. This year's attendence was over 400, the largest yet. Small conventions have many advantages over larger conventions, such as the ability to easily get from one place to another and the strong sense of community. The convention took place at the Holiday Inn Select in Atlanta at Chamblee Dumwoody,where we also attended Anachrocon in April. I love that hotel. It was renovated last year to open up the lobby/bar area so that now that area is a lovely place to gather and all of the conference rooms are easy to reach, making it simple to move from panel to panel.

One marvelous thing about a convention of this size is the sense of community that is quickly established. Everyone at this convention was a fan of Dr. Who and/or StarGate and that love for these shows and these charactors created bonds between people very quickly. At the panels we attended, there were young and old, male and female, in pretty equal proportions. Children and dogs were also present, adding to the family feeling. People shared freely and everyone's opinions were treated with respect.

There were plenty of people in costumes, which added visual interest and fun to the convention, but the costumes were just an added element, and did not take over the whole focus of the event, as sometimes happens in larger conventions.

A word has to be said about the ConSuite, which provided not just snacks but actual meals for con-goers throughout the entire event. There was rice, soup, sandwiches, deviled eggs, tacos..this is the first convention I have attended where I gained 1/2 a pound eating in the Consuite.

Among our favorite events, Sophie Aldred, the Dr. Who guest of honor, was absolutely charming and delightful and had great stories to tell. The Ken Spivey Band, consisting of Ken Spivey and his father, performed great original songs with a Celtic flavor and Dr. Who themes, and we enjoyed doing the "Dalek Dance." The Cabaret and Masquerade on Saturday night were fun. ALl of the panels we attended were lively and informative.

On Sunday evening, Ken Spivey commented that it felt as though we were the Companions and we were saying goodbye to our Doctor,and we did not want him to leave. That is true, but we have the comfort of knowing that we can all get together next year when TimeGate comes back again.

The founders and staff of TimeGate are to be commended for a great convention, well-run. Can't wait to do it again!