The ZZ9 10th anniversary party

The Old Coffee House, London, 21st November 1990

A review by David Julyan from MH39

Consider a room that comfortably holds 40 people. Now add to that room 50 ZZ9ers, a few honorary members, Dave Hodges and his computer version of the Guide, Terry Platt with the Guide archives, a merchandise sales table, a large birthday cake baked by Jaffa (much appreciated) and a generous number of tables and chairs. Later in the evening add Grandad in full Vogon Guard costume conducting an auction. By now you should have some idea of the tenth anniversary party. I make it sound like the room was packed; it was, but it was packed with ZZ9ers enjoying themselves and a lot of people saying "I haven't seen you in years".

A visitors book was signed by all present, but I can't remember the names that were signed. Some old faces made a welcome appearance plus a few who were at their first ZZ9 meeting. Surprise guests for the evening were: Simon Jones, Neil Gaiman, Mike Cule, Maggie Phillips (Douglas Adams' agent) and Kevin Davies. Simon Jones, who in real life is very much like Arthur Dent, was called upon to ceremoniously cut the cake, which was then less than ceremoniously eaten. Everyone wanted to talk to Simon, and most did. He spent some time engrossed in the archives and even bought a Disaster Area T-shirt. Maggie was quizzed about the rumours of the fifth Guide book, but was giving little away.

The auction itself wasn't as interesting as Grandad, by now large and green, balanced on a chair trying to hold the attention of the masses. The highlight of it was a rare "tiger striped" Beeblebear wisely bought by Roberta. Jess modelled the Trillian costume. Noel and Wag both wore dinner jackets for the occasion, even Wag's towel Sidrick had had a wash and come along in a bow tie.

Finally, the party was such a success that it was suggested we could hold a 10th Anniversary Party every year. This may be in the spirit of ZZ9 but I suspect we'll have to wait longer than that for the next one.

Neil Gaiman had a proof copy of the first issue of the then unpublished "Books of Magic" and was conned by Jess into sponsoring her to hitch down to the AGM. Simon Jones (who I thought looked like a young Dennis Hopper) bought a signed copy of "Last Chance to See" in the auction. Despite the name of the place coffee was not in evidence but thankfully alcohol was. You should have been there.