Wossname -- main issue -- August 2015

[News and reviews about the works of Sir Terry Pratchett]

Wossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
August 2015 (Volume 18, Issue 8, Post 2)

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WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other 
stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works and activities of Sir Terry 
Pratchett. Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for 
members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, 
including the North American Discworld Society and other continental 
groups, Wossname is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in 
Roundworld.
********************************************************************

Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Wolfiekins, Mss C, 
Alison not Aliss
Staff Writers: Asti, Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancers: Jason Parlevliet, Archchancellor Neil, DJ Helpful
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Puzzle Editor: Tiff (still out there somewhere)
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

INDEX:

01) MORE QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER: THIS IS NOT THE END
03) THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN NEWS
04) ODDS AND SODS
05) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
09) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
10) CLOSE

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

01) MORE QUOTES OF THE MONTH

"Being aware we’d no longer have the pleasure of being surprised by the 
wit and perception of a new Terry Pratchett I think yes, it did...we 
were all touched, much more than we imagined we would be."

– Sir Tony "Baldrick" Robinson on recording the audiobook of The 
Shepherd's Crown

"It's my biggest regret with the podcast that I wasn't able to interview 
Sir Terry Pratchett. He's probably the comic writer who made the most 
difference to my life and how I see the world, and I owe him so much."

– influential actor-comedian Matt Lucas

"It was very inspirational reading [Pratchett's] books growing up. They 
present a pretty anarchic world. It's all pretty fantastic – it takes 
things from our world and twists it into something quite incredible. 
It's really important to commemorate people's lives, especially somebody 
who brought so much to UK literature. We didn't do it expecting it to be 
shared. We're doing it for personal reasons – but it's fantastic when 
people appreciate what you do."

– street artist Jim Vision, co-creator of the now world-famous Pratchett 
tribute mural in East London

"It's a fairly safe bet that without the Discworld series Harry Potter's 
broomstick might never have left the ground, the Hunger Games would 
never have been fought, Skullduggery Pleasant wouldn't have cast a spell 
and Artemis Fowl's criminal schemes would never have got off the 
drawing-board."

– Irish journalist Edward O'Hare

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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR

A few days from now, copies of The Shepherd's Crown will be flying off 
the shelves of Roundworld booksellers as the wildly anticipated release 
of the final Discworld novel finally arrives. As I mentioned in the 
Close of the main June issue of Wossname, much is being made of that 
phrase, "final Discworld novel", in personal and media communications; 
the internet is more rife than ever with text-based breast-beating and 
the tearing of virtual hair, and while I don't doubt the sincerity of 
the beaters and tearers, it does frustrate me that I've seen so few 
people giving thanks... thanks that Sir Pterry managed to give us 
anything at all in his final days, and thanks that he chose to give us 
one more episode in the amazing life story of one of his finest-drawn 
and most beloved characters – and that's in addition to the other four 
Discworld novels – and Dodger – and all the various collections and 
collaborations (including the fourth Science of Discworld and the Long 
Earth series) that he gave to the world despite the Embuggerance that 
was stealing his mind and life even as he raced against time to write them.

The release of The Shepherd's Crown brings a particular kind of 
bittersweet emotion for me as Editor of Wossname: after years of 
receiving advance review copies and waging the war of "exploration of 
themes" versus "do not under any circumstances include spoilers" when 
reviewing, any posthumous Pratchett publications will reach me at the 
same time as they do the rest of the world. I will be glad to be free of 
the DO NOT SPOILER responsibility, but sad to know that, for example, my 
Wossname review of the forthcoming Discworld Atlas won't happen until 
I've brought my shop-bought copy of it home...

It's right to mourn, but while we will all mourn, please do join me in 
taking equal time to celebrate, 'k?

Last month one of my closest friends, also a passionate longtime 
Pratchett fan, brought a new life into the world, her first and possibly 
only child. I think she's daft to have done this in such uncertain – and 
interesting! – times, but knowing both parents, one thing I can be 
certain of is that this child will grow up hearing, and then reading, 
the works of Terry Pratchett. So no, this is not the end. An author is 
not dead while his name is spoken. All together now:

This is not the end.

– Annie Mac, Editor

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

03) THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN NEWS

Dear Readers, let those of us fortunate enough to live in places where 
the release date of The Shepherd's Crown occurs in just a few days not 
be too quick to flood the Clacks with reviews and spoilage! The USA 
release date is 1st September, but – for example – South Africa won't 
get it officially until 10th October...

3.1 OFFICIAL SPOILERS

 From the official Pratchett feed:

Five things you need to know about The Shepherd's Crown

1. It introduces a brand new character – young Geoffrey Swivel.

2. There is a devilish smart goat named Mephistopheles, who can count to 
twenty and use the privy.

3. Granny, Nanny, Magrat, Agnes, Petulia, Mrs Earwig, Long Tall Short 
Fat Sally and Miss Tick are all there. Along with a whole host of other 
much-loved characters.

4. It will make you see the humble Garden Shed in a whole new light.

5. An elderly gentleman's toenails can be used as a powerful Feegle weapon.


3.2 RELEASE EVENTS

Bookseller giant Waterstones is backing The Shepherd's Crown with a 
number of celebratory release events around the UK. Some Waterstones 
outlets are getting the jump on other shops by holding their event a 
calendar day earlier, but most events will take place on Thursday 27 
August. First among equal branches is Waterstones' flagship London store 
in Piccadilly, who are holding the vaunted Official Event on Wednesday 
night (26th); the 200-ticket midnight launch event has long since sold 
out, of course, but according to their website non-ticket-holders can 
still rock up to the shop late that night to join in some of the fun... 
and buy a copy of The Shepherd's Crown:

"If you weren't able to purchase a ticket you are still welcome to come 
along and queue from 11.30pm to sample the Discworld experience and to 
purchase a copy of The Shepherd’s Crown when it goes on sale to the 
general public at the stroke of midnight. Copies of The Shepherds Crown 
purchased with tickets or on the night will be exclusively stamped to 
mark this special occasion."

http://bit.ly/1TlBsjc

And a look at the rest, around the UK (and in at least one case, 
Fourecks)...

Waterstones Oxford will host a quiz on their midnight Shepherd's Crown 
launch.

When: Wednesday 26th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, William Baker House, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AF
Time: 11:30pm
Tickets: free. Ring 01865 790212 for more details.

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/oxford

*

Waterstones Newcastle:

"Join us to celebrate the publication of the final Discworld novel, The 
Shepherd's Crown at a special midnight opening at Waterstones Newcastle 
Emerson Chambers. As well as a NacMacFeegle Hunt and the Unseen 
University Challenge, there will be lots of fun activities for you to 
join in! Don't miss your chance to be one of the first to read this 
phenomenonal[sic] book!"

When: Wednesday 26th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, Emerson Chambers, Blackett Street, Newcastle, NE1 7JF
Time: 10pm
Tickets: free. For more information, contact the shop on 0191 261 7757.

Their lovely hand-chalked sign:
http://bit.ly/1J9HUD

https://www.waterstones.com/events/midnight-opening-for-the-shepherd-s-crown/Newcastle

*

Waterstones Swansea will present a quiz, readings and a prize for best 
costume during their Shepherd's Crown event.

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, The Old Carlton Cinema, 17 Oxford Street, Swansea, 
SA1 3AG
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Tickets: free.

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/Swansea

*

Waterstones Nottingham:

"Have you guys got your tickets for our Pratchett evening? IT'S FREE. 
IT'LL BE FUN. Test your knowledge with the quiz!"

"The Sillitoe Room at Waterstones will host the events to celebrate the 
life and works of Sir Terry, creator of the madcap, maniacal Discworld 
series, who died in March following a struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. 
It coincides with the release of Sir Terry's last novel, The Shepherd's 
Crown. The night will also feature Waterstones staff giving readings of 
their favourite sections from his novels. There will be prizes for the 
best Discworld-themed costume, quizzes and refreshments. The event is 
free but those interested in attending must pre-register at the shop."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 1/5 Bridle smith Gate, Nottingham, NAG1 2GR
Time: 6.30pm
Tickets: free. To reserve a ticket, ring 0115 9470069.

The tickets look like this. A wonderful effort! http://bit.ly/1Mt15uk

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/Nottingham-bridles mi
https://twitter.com/Waterstones/status/633923788187566080
www.nottinghampost.com/Pratchett-honoured-launch-book/story-27624512-detail/story.html

*

Waterstones Harrogate:

"To commemorate Sir Terry Pratchett's last Discworld novel 'The 
Shepherd's Crown' we are having a celebratory evening. Come along to 
discuss the wonderful books that Sir Terry wrote and join in this 
special event. As well as discussion there will be a quiz and other fun 
activities. Fancy dress is always welcome. This event will be suitable 
for all ages."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 15 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS
Time: 5pm
Tickets: free. For more information, ring 01423 531953

www.waterstones.com/events/terry-pratchett-night/harrogate

*

Waterstones Leeds:

"Join us for an evening celebrating one of the great fantasy writers 
ever to have lived, Terry Pratchett, on the release day of his final 
Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown. There'll be a quiz full of random 
Discworld and Pratchett tidbits, a competition to find the best 
Discworld-inspired outfit (shotgun the luggage...) and more prizes that 
you can shake a giant turtle at (though four elephants makes all the 
difference). We'll also have Pratchett-inspired boardgames, special 
offers exclusive to the evening, plenty of food and drink and a few more 
surprises... Best of all... it's completely free!"

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 93-97 Albion Street, Leeds, LS1 5JS
Time: 7pm
Tickets: free, but ring 01132444588 to reserve a space

https://www.waterstones.com/events/pratchett-celebration-evening/leeds

*

Waterstones Derby will host a Discworld-themed evening featuring a quiz, 
some food and drink, and a prize for the best costume.

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 78-80 St Peter's Street, Derby, DE1 1SR
Time: 5.30pm-7pm
Tickets: free

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/derby-st-peters

*

Waterstones York will be hosting "The Day of Pratchett". Sounds like a 
mini-festival:

Daytime Events:
Witch Hat Workshop – make your own pointy hat
Facepainting – Be a Wee Free Man or choose your own design
Treasure Hunt – help Tiffany find her lost sheep
Quiz – find the answers, win a prize
Plus a treat for anyone in costume!

Evening Events:
 From 6pm join us in The Mended Drum (aka the cafe) for food and drink 
(it's mostly apples, we swear)
Judge Pepe's Fashion Show – fabulous prizes for the best costumes!
Find a team and take on the Unseen University Challenge – even more 
fabulous prizes for the winners of our quiz
Plus games, competitions, spot prizes

"Please reserve a place for the evening events, to allow us to provide 
enough food!"

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 15 Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL
Time: 9am – 8.30pm
Tickets: free. To reserve an evening spot, ring 01904 620784, tweet to 
them @WaterstonesYork, or email york at waterstones.com.

https://www.waterstones.com/events/the-day-of-pratchett/york

*

Waterstones Dundee will host an all-day Shepherd's Crown event, 
including a Discworld character drawing competition open to all ages, a 
Discworld treasure hunt, a 7+1-foot Discworld colouring collage, a prize 
for best costume and a quiz. Coffee is available!

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 35 Commercial Street, Dundee, DD1 3DG
Time: 9am – 6pm
Tickets: free

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/dundee

*

Waterstones Manchester:

"Join us for a special lunchtime event to celebrate the release of the 
final Discworld Novel, The Shepherd's Crown on publication day. We will 
be hosting Discworld games and running a fiendish Terry Pratchett quiz 
before Terry's close friend Rob Wilkins reads from The Shepherd's Crown 
and stamps each book with an exclusive stamp to mark this special 
occasion. Each ticket will include a copy of The Shepherd's Crown and a 
goody bag."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 91 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW
Time: 12.30pm
Tickets: £10 (including a copy of The Shepherd's Crown, at our special 
event price and a goody bag) or £35 (including a copy of The Shepherd's 
Crown – Exclusive Slipcase Edition and a goody bag). To purchase 
tickets, go to http://bit.ly/1hKq6Eo

"Please note that booking fees will apply. A maximum of 4 tickets is 
permitted per person. Ticket holders will receive their book and goody 
bag at the event."

http://bit.ly/1hKq6Eo

*

Waterstones Huddersfield:

"Join us to celebrate the launch of Sir Terry Pratchett's final 
Discworld novel The Shepherd's crown. We'll have a travelling chest with 
our old much loved Discworld/pratchett novels, so bring yours and swap 
for something you haven't read yet! We're opening at 8:00 AM and will be 
serving refreshments in the morning. Best Fancy dress of the day will 
win a prize. We'll have Colouring sheets, bookmarks to give away, a 
treasure hunt with rewards, and other bits and bats. We'll see you there!"

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 12/13 Kingsgate Centre, King Street, Huddersfield, 
HD1 2QB
Time: 8am – 5.30pm
Tickets: free

https://www.waterstones.com/events/the-shepherd-s-crown/huddersfield

*

Waterstones Boston will host "A Celebration of Terry Pratchett":

"Join us for an evening of Wine and nibbles as we celebrate the life and 
work of the late great Terry Pratchett."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 18 Pescod Square, Boston, PE21 6QX
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Tickets: free

https://www.waterstones.com/events/a-celebration-of-terry-pratchett/boston

[Editor's note: that's Boston in Lincolnshire, aka the original Boston, 
in case you wondered]

*

Waterstones Wakefield:

"Join us to celebrate the fantastic Discworld novels on the day the 
final book in the series, 'The Shepherd's Crown', is released. There 
will be a quiz, games, authentic Discworld food and prizes for the best 
costumes. Everyone welcome. Contact the store for further information on 
01924 363535."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 2 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1SP
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Tickets: free

https://www.waterstones.com/events/discworld-celebration-evening/wakefield

*

Waterstones Birkenhead:

"Due to the popularity of our Harper Lee evening Waterstones Birkenhead 
would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the latest Pratchett 
Discworld novel: The Shepherd's Crown. With an interactive presentation 
by the marvellous Mary Clinton, trivia quiz, snacks, prizes and more. A 
fun filled evening for any Pratchett fan."

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 188-192 Grange Road, Birkenhead, CH41 6EA
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Tickets: £1. "Available from a Bookseller. Terms and conditions apply. 
Please ask in store for details."

For more information, ring 0151 650 2400

https://www.waterstones.com/events/terry-pratchett-s-discworld-evening-with-mary-clinton/birkenhead

*

For Fourecksians in or near Melbourne city centre at four o'clock in the 
morning on 27th August, there's a Shepherd's Crown event at Dymocks in 
Collins Street. Yes, four o'clock in the morning:

"A night of revelry to celebrate the arrival of the next... and last... 
Discworld novel, the Shepherd's Crown. Come dressed suitably attired to 
share in the spirit of the Discworld – with a prize for the best 
Discworld character! Write your farewell, your tribute, your love letter 
to the great creator and add to the giant Discworld mural. Engage in 
games of skill, chance and dexterity against other Discworldians, and 
stay to enjoy readings and tributes. Save the date, and make sure you're 
there!"

When: Thursday 27th August 2015
Venue: Dymocks, 234 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Time: 4am!
Tickets: free

http://allevents.in/melbourne/shepherds-crown-release-celebration/445821345604654

[Editor's note: I can tell you, as a transportee to XXXX, that various 
branches of Dymocks were supporters of the works of Terry Pratchett 
since long before the rest of the world joined in...]

*

Waterstones Aberdeen will host a Discworld Quiz, "An evening of 
Discworld fun with great prizes up for grabs!", at the (temporary) 
Mended Drum on Friday 28th August in honour of The Shepherd's Crown.

When: Friday 28th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 3-7 Union Bridge, Aberdeen, AB11 6BG
Time: 7pm
Tickets: £5.00

For further information ring 01224 592440 during business hours or email 
aberdeen at waterstones.com

Here be the poster for the event:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMyRHaVWUAAjTkg.jpg

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/aberdeen
https://twitter.com/WaterstonesABDN

*

Waterstones Doncaster will host a demonstration of Treefrog Games' "The 
Witches" board game.

When: Saturday 29th August 2015
Venue: Waterstones, 27 Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster, DN1 1LJ
Time: noon – 4pm
Tickets: free

www.waterstones.com/bookshops/doncaster


3.3 VIDEO TRIBUTE REMINDER

A reminder for Pratchett fans in XXXX and elsewhere:

"Anyone, anywhere can take part. Simply take a photo of yourself and 
your favourite quote from Discworld or Terry Pratchett – costumes, 
friends and pets optional – and email us it to us at 
theshepherdscrown at penguinrandomhouse.com.au

"With the final Discworld book almost upon us, a video tribute seems a 
fitting way to channel our appreciation for Terry Pratchett's words. 
Send us your contribution before 27 August 2015, the day THE SHEPHERD'S 
CROWN is released, and we'll take it from there – so you can get on with 
reading."

http://bit.ly/1IHQ1SV

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04) ODDS AND SODS

In no particular order...

4.1 RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA LONG EARTH INTRODUCTION!

"Unique is a word easily applied to Terry Pratchett, and it's absolutely 
true – his imagination, his voice and his complex sense of humour stand 
apart not just in the world of literature, but in all popular culture. 
The singularity of his talent did not confine him to solo projects, 
though – Pratchett was open to collaboration, most notably with fellow 
authors Neil Gaiman (twice), and with Stephen Baxter on The Long Earth 
series.

"THE LONG UTOPIA is the fourth book in The Long Earth series, which 
ingeniously combines two seemingly opposed mindsets. Pratchett is of 
course best known for his fantasy series of Discworld novels, which are 
filled with outrageous wit, outlandish characters and a good dose of 
magic. Baxter, in contrast, grounds his books more in fact or 'hard 
science' – particularly evolutionary theory and speculation.

"Many fans of Pratchett and Baxter encountered the other author for the 
first time with these books – and for any reader who's curious about 
taking their first step into the immense catalogue of Pratchett, The 
Long Earth series is a recommended option.

"What is 'the long Earth?' It's not one planet, but a series of parallel 
worlds. All of them are similar to the Earth that we know and love and 
live on – but as you go further along and farther away, world by world, 
the differences become greater and greater. We readers tour the Long 
Earth through the eyes of inter-world travellers Joshua and Lobsang.

"Pratchett and Baxter use this set-up to explore ideas about how global 
evolution might have turned out differently, under different conditions. 
There's only one thing that all the parallel worlds have in common: none 
of them have ever been inhabited by humanity."

http://bit.ly/1h2RHzU


4.2 THE STORY OF RINCEWIND!

...the sculpted character, that is. Here be a wonderful blogpost by the 
Cunning Artificer himself, Bernard Pearson, from the new and equally 
wonderful Cunning Artificer blog:

"So, if you're sitting comfortably then Uncle Bernard will begin. 'Here' 
was Covent Garden, 'when' was June 1990. An article had appeared in the 
Sunday Telegraph colour supplement which previewed Terry's latest book: 
Guards! Guards! This had excited the interest of a 'man in a suit 
business consultant' who was working with us at the time. Isobel had 
heard a reading of 'The Colour of Magic' on Radio 4 in 1985 and as a 
result bought and read all the available Discworld books. Then I read 
and also enjoyed them hugely. It took an outsider to join the dots and 
recognise a commercial synergy between the sort of things we were making 
(humorous fantasy figurines), and what Terry was creating in his books.

"A dialogue opened up with Terry's agent Colin Smythe and we met up with 
him in London. Once the principles had been established it was down to 
meeting Terry himself. At that time there were no 'real' Discworld 
characterisations other than those produced as book covers by Josh 
Kirby. Great art, fun covers but not exactly helpful. We were advised to 
steer clear of those and Terry; no mean artist himself, faxed us 
drawings to give us some idea of what was in his mind. Over the years 
this process became so slick he only had to say what character he had 
seen on film or TV and we were on to it, but that's a whole other story. 
So with a very concise sketch and a few years of experience in making 
any number of wizards from Gandalf onwards I started modelling Rincewind..."

The page includes some images (also wonderful) – and best of all, a 
reproduction of the original fax from The Author himself, showing his 
rough sketches of Rincewind and Granny Weatherwax. Even if you haven't 
time to read the whole post right now, you should click on this direct 
link to that image, to delight in how perfectly these characters were 
described in a few drawn lines by their creator:

http://bit.ly/1I1ycgY

To read the whole piece, go to:

http://thecunningartificer.com/portfolio/how-it-all-began/

The blog's homepage:

http://thecunningartificer.com/


4.3 THE MAKING OF NANNY OGG'S FRENCH COVER ART!

The Making of Nanny Ogg's Cookbook cover art by Marc Simonetti

series of screencaps [investigate and write more]

http://www.itsartmag.com/features/making-of-nanny-oggs-cookbook/


4.4 STUNNING PAUL KIDBY ART!

"Fans of illustration and fantasy drawing get a treat in the summer 
issue of Drawing, which features an interview with the British artist 
Paul Kidby. Kidby has spent some 20 years illustrating for the late 
Terry Pratchett, author of the sprawling, best-selling Discworld series 
of satirical fantasy novels. Kidby's work on Discworld has ranged from 
book covers to illustrated-novels to limited-edition prints to 
illustrations for sundry related publications and products. In the 
article, written by Ken Gofton, Kidby relates how he managed to get the 
Discworld gig, which changed the direction of his career, and he 
explains the several stages of his process for working with authors and 
publishers.

"Here, we're happy to present a few extra fantasy drawings by Kidby that 
we couldn't fit into the magazine. We hope you enjoy his often eccentric 
creations. To see more, visit the artist's website 
(_http://www.paulkidby.net/_), and be sure to read the full story in the 
summer 2015 issue of Drawing. You can purchase a copy here 
(_http://bit.ly/1I3Mn5a_, buy a digital copy (_http://bit.ly/1ML4q89_), 
or subscribe to Drawing magazine (_http://bit.ly/1U0cIgF_)."

Illustrations reproduced on this page include Mort (the breathtaking 
2011 pencil study of Sir Pterry playing chess with the Death of 
Discworld); Death With Bees (2010); Leonard of Quirm (1999); and the 
original pencil sketch for the cover of The Wee Free Men (2002)

http://bit.ly/1fENHFa


4.5 PRINT YOUR OWN 3-D DISCWORLD!

"Inspired by Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, this is a 3d 
printable model of the discworld travelling through space and time upon 
four elephants riding on the back of a giant turtle. It is mashup of 
several bits from different places. The turtle came from another 
thingiverse model of a garden turtle by Pmowes – 
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:421809

"I scaled it and flattened the top to stand the elephants on. The four 
elephants came from a thingiverse model by ringmaster of a parade 
elephant. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38573

"I scaled the elephants and fused four together to fit on top of the 
Turtle. I also flattened the tops of the elephants to give a better base 
for glueing on the disc.

"The disc world itself I made in two parts. The rimfall I designed from 
scratch using Cheetah 3d – I am something of a n00b in Cheetah 3d, but 
the finished article is close to the effect I was seeking. The disc I 
modified from the other disc world model on thingiverse by aesedepece. I 
wanted something with more height and definition. This is his original 
model: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:28509

"All the parts have been through NetFabb so they should work on most 
printers."

To read online, and to see the amazing iconographs of the 3-D Discworld, 
go to:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:662018


4.6 WATERSTONES BLOG: LOOKING BACK ON THE DISCWORLD SERIES

"With Terry Pratchett's final Discworld book due to be published August 
27th, we're looking back on the entire series. Here's part one, books 
1-10. It's fairly safe to say that our booksellers were, and still are, 
huge fans of Terry Pratchett. A few years ago we revisited each and 
every one of his Discworld books and with the release of the final 
Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, a little over a week away we 
thought it only made sense to run the series again. A huge thanks to the 
booksellers across the country who contributed and, of course, to Terry 
Pratchett himself...

"The Colour of Magic is also more reliant on its fantasy forebears than 
later novels, playing the fantasy-parody card more often and more 
obviously than later books which tend to address issues largely beyond 
the genre (the postal system, Hollywood, Shakespeare – for example), 
these parodic elements are most obviously present in the Conan-esque 
Hrun the Barbarian and the Lovecraftian Bel-Shamharoth, yet for every 
borderline cliché you have the kind of wonderful innovations Pratchett 
is loved for: a cowardly wizard who only knows one spell, and of course 
The Luggage. Even the structure of the book is a little odd compared to 
later fare, but there is no denying that all the pieces are in place 
here and a world set in motion..." – Glyn Morgan, Waterstones Liverpool One

"Packed with Pratchett's signature satire, The Light Fantastic cements 
Rincewind as one of my favourite Discworld characters and Terry 
Pratchett as one my favourite authors. I started reading the books as a 
teenager - I loved them then, and I still love them now - whether it's 
the new titles or rereading the old ones..." – Sarah Hiorns, Waterstones 
Ipswich

"Wizards, and the world, being what they are, Esk doesn't have an easy 
time proving that she is just as worthy and talented as her male 
counterparts. It also contains a brilliant description of the best way 
to achieve the impossible.
This is the third Discworld novel and some people might advise you to 
skip it and start with one of the later ones. They'd be wrong..." – Lisa 
Hunt, Waterstones Hemel Hempstead

"As brilliant as Mort's story is though, Death and his household are the 
real stars of the show. In the sea of iconic characters and brilliantly 
imagined mythologies that make up the Discworld novels, they have to be 
among the most iconic of all. His timeless kingdom and its workings are 
genuinely wondrous, eerie creations and I dare anyone to find another 
writer who can inject the skeletal, anthropomorphic personification of 
death with quite as much haunting pathos as Mr. Pratchett..." – Dan 
Coombes, Waterstones Oxford Street West

"The first thing that I loved about [Sourcery] was how much was similar 
to Fantasy books I'd read before. Pratchett is not afraid to make jabs 
at the genre, with a light hearted wit that shows a lot of love for the 
source material. The fantastic distractions through Terry's famous 
footnotes add an extra level of comic intricacy that is phenomenal, & 
his use of descriptive metaphors is unique, quirky & tickles the brain 
in a very particular way..." – Darran Stobart, Waterstones Northallerton

"If you have never read a Discworld novel [Wyrd Sisters] is the perfect 
introduction, wickedly funny, sometimes outrageous, always bonkers, 
Pratchett has a wonderful ability to hold a mirror up to society, so you 
will recognise yourself in the characters, and also your friends and 
neighbours..." – Sara Thompson, Waterstones Trowbridge

"Pyramids is a book that begins at the end, and ends at the beginning. 
It could be considered the quintessential Discworld book: modern notions 
challenging old ways, the clashing of cultures, hilarious one-liners, 
running gags, a race through the streets of Ankh-Morpork and, of course, 
the ubiquitous Death scenes. It also has assassins, smugglers, gods, 
hand-maidens, priests, mummies and a sphinx, all topped with lashings of 
Pratchett's observational humour..." – John Uphill, Waterstones Norwich

"All of these key Pratchett conventions are present in Guards! Guards!. 
 From page one it's side-splittingly funny, turning the fantasy genre on 
its head in that way only Pratchett can... Once the would-be king slays 
the dragon he will be crowned and they can rule the city vicariously 
through him. Only four men stand in their way, the brave men of The 
Watch, and they'll bring down this nefarious plot just as soon as they 
stop running and hiding and sober up..." – Matt Wilson, Waterstones 
Tenterden

"If you've never delved into Discworld before and you don't fancy 
starting at the beginning then Eric is the perfect novel to start 
with... Eric is one of Pratchett's shortest novels and takes the reader 
to Aztec-type lands, a Trojan war and the circles of hell but doesn't 
lose Pratchett's usual charm and humour..." – Sasha James, Waterstones 
Greenwich

"[Moving Pictures] is the most insane, gloriously funny satirical romp 
through the movie industry. Something nasty has awakened in the hills of 
Holy Wood, something that latches onto the Alchemists discovery of the 
art of moving pictures - and now everyone wants to be in "The Clicks"... 
One of the funniest books I have ever read, Moving Pictures doesn't miss 
a beat, or a pun..." – Michelle Jones, Waterstones Petersfield

https://www.waterstones.com/blog/discworld-reviewed-part-one


4.7 ERIC ON THE WIRELESS: A REMINDER!

Having listened last night to the four-part BBC Radio 4 adaptation of 
Eric, I can tell you that is is very good. All episodes are still 
available for worldwide listening, so get on it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r0zb9


4.8 TIFFANY ACHING "DELETED SCENES": A REMINDER

 From the "private musings of Tiffany Aching", courtesy of Penguin Books:

http://summerofpenguin.com/2015-08-03/terry-pratchetts-discworld


4.9 THE STICK AND FOOT-THE-BALL DANCE!

Yes, this is a satire. But then again, so are Discworld novels – and 
both are in the same spirit of fun:

"Police were called after a mass brawl broke out in a pub car park 
between a group of morris dancers and a blind football team. The 
footballers were enjoying a match on the village green at Rattlesden, 
near Stowmarket, using a ball with a bell in it so they could keep up 
with play. But all hell broke out when the morris dancers began 
performing at a nearby pub. A player kicked the ball off the pitch 
towards the Brewers Arms, and then mistook the morris dancers' uniform 
bells for the one in the ball. He promptly kicked one of the dancers in 
the shin, sending him flying over a table and crashing into a flower 
pot. A hanging basket then fell on his head. More blind footballers then 
joined the melee, kicking out at the bells and then being surprised when 
they were punched by furious morris men. The brawl was only stopped when 
the referee caught up and blew his whistle loudly..."

http://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/morris-dancers-blind-footballers-brawl/

[And for once, we can definitely urge you to read the comments! – Ed.]


4.10 BRING AN ORANGUTAN HOME!

The Bring an Orangutan Home Project has run since November 2012 and will 
continue until December 2016:

"Hundreds of rescued orphan orangutans are ready to go home to the 
forest, where they belong. Having undergone years of nurturing 
rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of the Borneo Orangutan Survival 
Foundation, these graduates need your help to get them home. Over the 
past 2 decades, hundreds of orphaned and displaced orangutans have been 
rescued and cared for in sanctuaries such as those operated by Borneo 
Orangutan Survival Foundation in Indonesia. These sanctuaries are now 
crowded and many of the orangutans are ready for release back to the 
forest. Finding safe forests for them has been a challenge, but it has 
been found. Now the only thing preventing them from going home is lack 
of funding... An integrated team of experts manages the release 
operation, from selection of candidates and their preparation through to 
post-release monitoring. Success will be demonstrated by the documented 
release of 100 orangutans complete with at least one year of 
post-release monitoring... Orangutan Land Trust will help support the 
release of these orangutans by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation 
operating in Indonesia. By releasing orangutans, we can free up space in 
the rescue centres so they can take in more victims. Additionally, the 
released orangutans will collectively form a new, viable population in 
safe areas of forest, ensuring their long-term survival as a species in 
the wild..."

Read more about the Charity running this project:
http://www.thebiggive.org.uk/charity.php?charity_id=6597

https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/projects/view/18744


4.11 SASQUAN FAN FILM UPDATE!

The Kickstarter goal of $6,000 was surpassed by an additional four 
figures. The excess will now go into a "stretch budget":

"Our biggest challenge will be in narrowing down the final footage, 
gathering music, and finishing the film and DVDs by November. But, we 
believe this is a realistic goal. If anything happens to alter that 
timeline, we will do everything to keep our backers in the loop! We are 
firm believers in transparency and frank, open communication..."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1686440358/the-turtle-moves-remembering-terry-pratchett

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

05) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS

5.1 PJSM PRINTS – NOW DISCWORLD.COM

"Crivens! After more than twenty years our name is changing and we're 
delighted to write and tell you about it! As a previous customer of PJSM 
Prints you will know that we've been supplying official Discworld 
artwork and merchandise since 1995, but we've grown, our range of 
products has expanded and we want to provide a better service to Terry's 
friends and fans. So we're excited to announce that we are now becoming 
Discworld.com!

"And we have a new website! We've launched our all-new discworld.com 
[http://discworld.com/] site to make your browsing experience better and 
to introduce our social media platforms for more fun, interaction with 
us and gossip! We will still provide all the same high quality products 
but you can now shop faster, join our social community and keep up with 
all the latest Discworld news. Check out our Twitter, Facebook, 
Instagram and Flickr for starters!"

https://twitter.com/Discworld_com
https://www.facebook.com/discworldofficial
https://instagram.com/discworld.com_official/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132892573@N05/

"The launch of the new website sees the reintroduction of two of our 
most popular limited run, signed colour prints – Great A'Tuin and Under 
an Eldritch Sky, and our NEW, exclusive Terry t-shirt. Not only this but 
we have fabulous additions to the range coming soon, irresistible new 
collectables and the first of many exciting competitions."

http://discworld.com/products/artwork/great-atuin/
http://discworld.com/products/bags-clothing/terry-t-shirt/
http://discworld.com/products/artwork/colour-print-eldritch-sky/

"The range of Discworld products you know and love is available to buy 
here right now, and we will soon launch a new improved Roundworld 
section! We fully understand that the browsing experience will be 
different for those of you who know our time-honoured site well, so we 
will run PJSM Prints (_http://pjsmprints.com_) concurrently until 
midnight on Sunday 23rd August to allow you to use either if you're in a 
hurry, and to enable you to continue ordering all your favourite 
Roundworld products. Please do take a look at our new site, we'd love to 
hear your feedback and have provided two dedicated email addresses for 
you to get in touch; feedback at discworld.com and web at discworld.com.

"We're proud of our quality products and are delighted to offer you an 
improved way of shopping for them. We've organised our new site into 
quick reference categories, grouped fellow subjects together, introduced 
a handy subject search facility and offered a whole new lightbox system 
for viewing every last detail. Please come and have a look around!"

http://discworld.com

[Do have a shufti at the site – it's lovely! And do scroll to the bottom 
of each page, where you will find different messages "typed" on a 
semi-automated Hex keyboard – Ed.]


5.2 DISCWORLD EMPORIUM UPDATES

"Greetings Discworld fans! We are full of excitement, having taken 
delivery of the Discworld Calendar 2016, and what a thing of beauty it 
is... We've been dribbling over the delicious artwork of Joe McLaren, 
cover artist for the Discworld Collector's Library, who has come up 
trumps with twelve stunning illustrations that capture the heart and 
soul of Discworld, from Dibbler to Granny, from Great A'tuin to the 
Canting Crew. Long-time Discworld fan Joe has previously worked with us 
on exclusive Hogswatch cards, Discworld Stamps and 'The Turtle Moves' 
T-Shirt, and we're chuffed that he has such a wonderful vessel for his 
artwork in this fantastic calendar... the 2016 calendar features twelve 
pieces of original artwork, along with all those important Discworld and 
roundworld dates that you'll still forget about despite them hanging on 
your wall in such a decorative fashion. Each calendar includes a full 
page of colourful artwork for each month along with plenty of space for 
your notes, reminders and appointments. Includes all major realtime 
calendrical data for Great Britain, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, Canada 
and the USA, as well as notable Discworld dates."

The Discworld Collector's Edition Calendar is priced at £14.99. For more 
information, and to order, go to:

http://www.discworldemporium.com/DiscworldCalendar2016

"Also available for pre-order, the Witches Diary 2016, This 'Practical 
Manual for the Modern Witch' contains a cornucopia of Discworld trivia 
and all things witch. More than just a diary, this Practical Manual for 
the Modern Witch gives a long-awaited insight into the wit and wisdom of 
some of Terry Pratchett's best-loved Discworld characters, the Witches! 
Featuring sage advice and guidance from the likes of Nanny Ogg, Granny 
Weatherwax and Tiffany Aching,The Discworld Diary 2016 teems with a 
glorious mix of cultural ephemera, illustration, and hilarious 
one-liners along with important Discworld and Roundworld dates to help 
you be as sharp as Miss Tick!

"We're very proud to have aided and abetted Sir Terry in the creation of 
this book, and as a celebration of our collaboration every copy bought 
from us includes an exclusive A5 art print for your own witch's cottage 
with blessings from the hags of Discworld!"

The 2016 Discworld Diary is priced at £16.99. For more information, and 
to order, go to:

http://www.discworldemporium.com/DiscworldDiary2016


The Turtle Moves Tee

Official Discworld T-Shirt featuring the sublime artwork of Joe McLaren, 
cover artist for the Discworld Collector's Library Hardback editions 
from Gollancz. 100% supersoft ringspun cotton tee in midnight navy, slim 
& tailored style for a flattering fit.

The Turtle Moves t-shirt is priced £15.00 and available in "Classic" or 
"Ladies" fit in sizes S to XXL. For more information, and to order, go to:

http://www.discworldemporium.com/GreatATuinTee
http://www.discworldemporium.com/GreatAtuinTshirtLadies

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

06) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS

6.1 SOUL MUSIC IN WELLINGTON, UK (SEPTEMBER)

Wellington Theatre Company presents SOUL MUSIC by Terry Pratchett 
adapted by Rebecca Beard and Mike Leach:

"This play, based on the novel of the same name, is primarily about the 
arrival of Rock Music to the Disc. Because of the nature of the Disc, it 
arrives magically, and departs within a few weeks, encompassing 50 years 
of Earth Rock History from Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis, The Beatles, 
Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, 80's Hair Metal and Stadium 
Rock to the present day. It's mad, it's crazy, it's hilarious and it's 
not to be missed."

When: Wednesday 2nd – Saturday 5th September 2015
Venue: Wellington Arts Centre, Eight Acre Lane, Wellington, Somerset 
TA21 8PS
Time: 7:30 pm evenings; Saturday matinee at 3pm
Tickets: £8. Ring the Box Office on 0844 997 9000, or to purchase 
online, go to:
http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wellingtonartscentre

https://www.facebook.com/events/728506640588582/

6.2 REMINDER: MORT IN BRISBANE (AUGUST–OCTOBER)

The Brisbane Arts Theatre's latest Discworld production will be Mort!

When: 22nd August–3rd October 2015
Venue: Brisbane Arts Theatre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000
(phone 07 3369 2344)
Time: 8pm Thursdays (except 27th August), Fridays and Saturdays; 6.30pm
Sundays (6th and 20th September)
Tickets: Adults $31, Concession $25, Group 10+ $25, Group 75+ $20, Gold
Members $15, Members $25, Student Rush $10 (10 mins before curtain).
Members can redeem their included season tickets for this show. There
are no refunds or exchanges once tickets have been purchased. To
purchase tickets online, go to http://bit.ly/1Imz2tJ

http://artstheatre.com.au/show/mort

6.3 REMINDER: NIGHT WATCH IN CARDIFF (SEPTEMBER)

Monstrous Productions are back with their latest Pratchett offering – 
Night Watch, adapted by Stephen Briggs and directed by Amy Davies:

"Hello everybody! We are incredibly pleased to say that, over the course 
of four plays since the start of 2013, we have raised over £12,000 for 
Alzheimer's Research UK! Luckily we added a matinee for Witches Abroad: 
our audiences were better than ever! But we don't stop there. In 
September we will be performing Night Watch!"

When: 9th-12th-September 2015
Venue: The Gate Theatre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3JW
Time: 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), plus a 2.30pm matinee on the 12th
Tickets: £8 (£6 concession), available soon from www.monstrousptc.com

To view their fine poster, go to http://bit.ly/1TycedT

6.4 REMINDER: MASKERADE IN GLASGOW (SEPTEMBER)

The Antonine Players will present their production of Maskerade in 
September.

When: 17th, 18th, 19th September 2015
Venue: Fort Theatre, Kenmure Avenue, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2DW
Time: 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm
Tickets: £8.50 (£8 concession). Available online at
www.ticketsource.co.uk/forttheatre or ring 0141 573 6620 or 0141 772 7054

http://www.forttheatre.org/

6.5 UPDATES: WYRD SISTERS IN UPPINGHAM (OCTOBER)

Tickets are now available for the Uppingham Theatre Company's 
forthcoming production of Wyrd Sisters!

"Why not visit Lancre this Halloween, it has everything, witches, evil 
Dukes and Duchesses, strolling players, ghosts, you name it, its got it, 
and for only £10, yes £10 folks(£2 going to charity with each ticket 
old) you could be transported to the mythical kingdom of Lancre!"

When: Thursday 29th October through Saturday 31st October 2015
Venue: Uppingham Theatre, 32 Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows; Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £10 (includes a £2 charity donation per ticket to Rutland 
Reminders). Available in person from Uppingham Sports and Books, 9 High 
Street East, Uppingham. To purchase online, go to 
https://www.wegottickets.com/location/1664
or http://www.uppingham.co.uk/School-Shop

Uppingham Theatre Company will be holding a cake stall in Uppingham 
Market Place on the morning of Saturday the 29th August, to promote Wyrd 
Sisters and help with some funding towards rehearsal costs.

http://www.rutlandreminders.org.uk/
http://www.uppinghamtheatrecompany.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uppingham-Theatre-Company/215743641793859

6.6 REMINDER: UNSEEN ACADEMICALS IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE (NOVEMBER)

A heads-up from the Bucks Free Press about a production coming this 
November:

"The Marlow Players will stage the late author's work 'Unseen 
Academicals' in November and are looking for budding actors to join the 
company. The group, which has been entertaining audiences for more than 
75 years, needs volunteers to ensure the show can go on... Gloria 
Kendrick Hurst of the Marlow Players said the group plans to donate part 
of the proceeds from the show to the Alzheimer's Society..."

http://bit.ly/1HRjEnr

The company has not yet posted any more specific info, but the 
production will be presented at the Shelley Theatre, Court Garden, Pound 
  Lane, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2AG. If you are interested in helping out, 
contact them through their website. Watch this space (as it were) for 
more details closer to the date:

http://www.marlowplayers.org.uk/

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS

7.1 SCHEIBENWELT NEWS

The fourth German Discworld convention – Scheibenwelt being the word for 
Discworld, of course – takes place next month (10th – 13th September 
2015) at the 600-year-old Castle Ludwigstein in Hesse.

"During this period we offer our more than 200 guests workshops, talks, 
games, guests of honour and Discworld merchandising normally not 
available in Germany. You can visit us for a day or stay at the castle 
or a hotel nearby... At the moment there are only 9 free beds at the 
castle. If you wish to order more than that you will be put on our 
waiting list and might get tickets if orders are cancelled or not payed. 
We advice you to buy hotel tickets instead... The castle is a youth 
hostel and offers bed linen for 5,50 Euro. You can bring your own for 
free. You will also need to bring along washing utensils like soap and 
towels." There will be a free shuttle service to the castle from the 
train station.

This year's convention is Klatch-themed, and looks like it's going to be 
a lively one, featuring – among many other activities – a preview 
screening of the legendary Troll Bridge film in its current state of 
progress; live Discworld games including Who Wants to Be a Discworld 
Millionaire? ("prove your knowledge of Klatch, the Discworld and its 
creator in this unique show"); storytelling workshops and, yes, klatches 
including "1001 Klatchian Nights"; patrols by the Ankh-Morpork City 
Watch; "How do you create your own fantasy world?" (with guest author 
Cornelia Franke); a belly dancing workshop; improvisational "What would 
Rincewind do?" theatre ("Rincewind in Klatch? In two lessons you will 
learn how to see and react to situations."); Unveiled Camouflage 
(Make-up) with Eva ("Who does not want to move inconspicuously through 
Klatch? You do not want to attract attention as a foreigner? Whether 
young or old, here you get paint! Absolutely colourful! Small wonder 
come true immediately, greater ones take longer. Special requests are 
welcome. Talk to me!"); various stalls including Discworld miniatures 
masters Micro Arts Studio and Ankh-Morpork e.V. ("Again we will help you 
sell your old Discworld and fantasy novels at our stall. Just bring them 
along and write your name and a price with a pencil in the book and 
collect money for every sold book at the end of the convention."); and 
the usual costume contest, gaming room, and charity raffle.

This one sounds particularly interesting:

Rum-Tasting: "Had too much Klatchian Coffee? Dibbler's Homeopathic 
Sipping Whiskey just doesn't do it? Scumble is too common, Orakh too 
dangerous and cabbage schnapps too – well, you know, too much cabbage? 
Can't afford Bentinck's Very Old Peculiar Brandy but want something aged 
for more than 8 minutes (preferably not cabbage-based)? Join us on a 
journey to the Disc of sugar (cane) based drinks. You're not only going 
to learn about origins, production and aging process, you will also be 
able to sample some rather nice products. You will definitely not leave 
this workshop knurd")

Tickets for Thursday through Sunday are €149 (discount price for 
Visitors aged less than 12 years or members of the Ankh-Morpork e.V. 
€139), and for Friday through Sunday, €110 (discount price €105). Day 
tickets are also available: Friday or Saturday €20 (€18 discount 
Visitors aged less than 12 years or members of the Ankh-Morpork e.V.),
Sunday €35 (€30 discount). To purchase tickets, either for attendees 
staying at Castle Ludwigstein or non-resident day attendees, go to:

http://www.scheibenwelt-convention.de/viewpage.php?page_id=8

For more info:
http://www.scheibenwelt-convention.de/viewpage.php?page_id=37&
http://www.scheibenwelt-convention.de/
http://www.burgludwigstein.de/


7.2 SASQUAN/WORLDCON REPORTS

World SF Convention Report: Terry Pratchett Remembered

A report from Krypton Radio:

"This afternoon at a panel, there was a remembrance of Sir Terry, 
sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet. The four panelists were Denise 
Connell, Anne Hoppe, Tom Whitmore, and Deb Geisler. Each related stories 
about Sir Terry, giving the attendees a chance to remember him and what 
he was like to be around. There were many such stories to be shared, 
some by the panelists, some by the attendees themselves, but these two 
by Anne Hoppe, who worked with Sir Terry as his editor for several 
years, are worth retelling: 'Last spring my sister and I were visiting 
in England, and we were fortunate enough to be there for the Spring 
Fling Event in Wincanton, which is the town in England which is the twin 
to Ankh-Morpork, and Terry was fabulous, his health was relatively frail 
by then, but he was there. And he was interacting with the fans, and 
having a fabulous time with them. When he was ready to leave and we were 
going back he said "I feel filled with helium." He was so lit up by 
talking to the fans, by spending time with the fans, the fans – he had a 
great love of writing, but he had such love of the fans too, such 
appreciation for the people who read his books and wanted to come up and 
talk to him about the books. And for all that he represents in this room 
in terms of the smart, funny people who love stories who love books and 
to give that back to him as he gave it to us...'"

The page also features video footage of a wandering Luggage and Twoflower:

http://bit.ly/1V1yduy

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS

The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld 
Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), meets next on Monday 7th September 
2015 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. For more 
information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email 
BrokenDrummers at gmail.com or nicholls.helen at yahoo.co.uk

*

Canberra, Australia has a new Discworld fan group, Drumknott's 
Irregulars! "We are a newly established Terry Pratchett & Discworld 
social group in Canberra called Drumknott's Irregulars. The group is 
open to all, people from interstate and overseas are welcome, and our 
events will not be heavily themed. Come along to dinner for a chat and 
good company. We welcome people all all fandoms (and none) and we would 
love to see you at one of our events, even if you're just passing 
through. Please contact us via Facebook 
(_https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/_) or Google Groups 
(_https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/drumknotts-irregulars_) or 
join us at our next event."

*

There is a new public Facebook meeting group, "The Gathering of the 
Loonies (Wincanton chapter)": "This group, by request of Jo in Bear will 
continue to be used for future unofficial (not run by the Emporium) fan 
Gatherings in Wincanton. Look here for information. Next event Loonies 
Christmas Party. Same weekend as Hogswatch would have been. ie 27/28/29 
November."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/

*

The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either 
Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things 
Pratchett. We hold events such as Discworld dinners, games afternoons, 
Discworld photo scavenger hunts. Our recent 'Murder In Morpork' mystery 
party was a great night out. With 26 people attending, we had 24 
suspects, our special guest – Vetinari, and one dead mime! It was a fun 
night of food and murder and we are planning another Murder in December 
so stay tuned. We also attend opening night at Brisbane Arts Theatre's 
Discworld plays."
The Partisans currently have about 100 members who meet at least twice a 
month, usually in Brisbane. For more info about their next meetup, join 
up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula 
directly at uwilmott at yahoo.com.au

*

The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South 
Australia. For more information on their upcoming activities, go to 
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au

Also, City of Small Gods will be holding a special quiz night in 
October: "Test your knowledge on all things Science Fiction and Fantasy 
– books, movies, TV, comics, games and more! A dragon's hoard of prizes 
including best costume!"

When: 17th October 2015
Venue: Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, Winona Ave, Clarence Gardens
Time: 7pm for 7.30pm start
Tickets: $15 per person or $112 for a table of 8 "Bookings essential. 
Bring your own nibbles, purchase drinks at the bar (cash only)"

For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to:

http://ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/adelaide/quiz/

*

The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 3rd September 2015 
(probably) from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. For 
more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers at yahoo.co.uk

*

The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) next meets on Friday 4th 
September 2015 (probably) at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm 
onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"

*

The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of 
Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis 
since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not 
in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at 
The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to 
discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles. 
Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the 
Discworld Stamps forum:

http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/

*

Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet next on Monday 7th 
September 2015 at 6.30pm (probably) in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 
George Street, Sydney,2000. For more information, contact Sue (aka 
Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys at yahoo.co.uk

*

The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummers, meets 
next on Monday 7th September 2015 (probably) from 5.30pm at Carpe Cafe, 
526 Murray Street, Perth, Western Australia. For details follow Perth 
Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers or join their Facebook group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra 
Ware directly at <alexandra.ware at gmail.com>

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

09) IMAGES OF THE MONTH

Discworld cakes just keep getting better: http://bit.ly/1U69Klr and 
http://bit.ly/1UZu5LB

Stephen Briggs is definitely the master of the Vetinari eyebrow!
http://bit.ly/1KGObp7

Josh Kirby's original cover art from the German edition of Good Omens:
http://bit.ly/1hed9SY

Discworld cosplay...

A believable Rincewind: http://bit.ly/1gCPID3
An impressive Hogfather: http://bit.ly/1LZuUAX
...and a stunning – and very populous – live Discworld Massif of sorts, 
by Spanish fans:
http://bit.ly/1N37WaN

...and more of the former, all from Cosplay Mundodisco at the Spanish 
fan convention Celsius 2015 in Aviles:
http://on.fb.me/1Iz114X

...and from Sasquan, a spot-on Angua and Cheery, by NADWCon's Head 
Seamstress Denise Connell:
http://bit.ly/1HZdi1V and http://bit.ly/1gZRYUs

"It's what a pit pony *be*..." – photo gallery of a vast, eye-popping 
200-metre earth sculpture, "Sultan the Pit Pony", by Welsh artist Mick 
Petts at Parc Penalta in Caerphilly. Shades of The Chalk:
http://bit.ly/1I51PBk

A lovely Tenniel-meets-Shepard-esque illustration of Tiffany versus 
Jenny Greenteeth, by Sia-chan:
http://bit.ly/1E9qBlN

The German cover for The Shepherd's Crown:
http://bit.ly/1NtsDQh

A fantastic set of cosplay iconographs imagining of the young Gytha Ogg. 
Some might consider these unsafe for work, but this is because of the 
Oggish attitude in them rather than any matter of exposed Gytha-ness:
http://bit.ly/1Jof7Xe

The "UU panel" at Sasquan: http://bit.ly/1V1mDj4

Excellent edible Luggage, posted by Clair Jackson: http://bit.ly/1V1mADU

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

10) CLOSE

Remember the item about the upcoming opening of ScotRail's Borders 
Railway line (item 4.9 in the main July 2015 issue)? Well, it turns out 
that the Queen (of England, not the Quin of Fairyland!) will be 
officially opening the steam line:

"She will carry out the ceremony on 9 September where she will be joined 
by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a steam journey along the route. 
The first passenger services are due to run along the line a few days 
earlier. Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said it was a "great 
honour" that the Queen would lead the opening celebrations. The event 
coincides with the day that Her Majesty will become Britain's 
longest-serving monarch. On 9 September, she will pass the figure 
reached by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria... Mr Brown said: 
'The people of the Borders and Midlothian have waited almost half a 
century to see the return of their railway and it is fitting that these 
two such historic events coincide. This will be a double celebration and 
we are also ensuring that the people who have campaigned, worked hard 
and shown such patience throughout this process are able to play a full 
part in the celebrations, with a separate day dedicated just to them." 
The Queen and Prince Philip will arrive at Waverley Station in Edinburgh 
to board the train drawn by the steam locomotive Union of South Africa 
on the morning of 9 September. They will travel the route, stopping off 
at Newtongrange in Midlothian before carrying on to the final stop on 
the new railway at the Borders town of Tweedbank..."

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-33761625


For those of you living in hedgehog country, here be an informative 
article on how to coexist with and care for hedgehogs:

"Why don't we see as many hedgehogs as we used to? Many people may not 
have even noticed their absence due to hedgehogs' nocturnal habits but 
for conservationists it's a very important question. The simple answer 
is that they are in drastic decline right across the country, in both 
urban and rural habitats... According to Fay Vass, chief executive for 
the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), there were thought to 
be around 30 million hedgehogs in the UK in the 1950s, that number is 
now thought to be less than one million... For one of our most-loved 
animals, which constantly tops the charts in polls of our favourite 
wildlife, to have vanished in such large numbers is deeply worrying... 
Seeing hedgehogs in your garden is now a rare occurrence but there are 
things you can do to help reverse this trend and help them out in the 
process. If you are lucky enough to see any, you can take part in 
Hedgehog Street (_http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/_), where you can report 
sightings and help monitor this crucial species. Taking a few simple 
steps to make our gardens more hedgehog-friendly is another way to 
help... making a garden hedgehog-friendly is very easy and cheap, and 
doesn't have to look like a wilderness, or a big mess. Follow the simple 
advice on Hedgehog Street..."

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150818-living-with-hedgehogs


Remember, the Discworld & Beyond exhibition of Paul Kidby's art 
continues until 1st November at Wardown Park Museum, Wardown Park, Old 
Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA. Entry is free! The museum is closed on 
Mondays, open 10am–5pm Tuesdays through Saturday, and open 1pm–5pm on 
Sundays. For more information ring 01582 546722.

By the way, the Tony Robinson quote at the start of this issue comes 
from a piece in the Radio Times. To read the whole article, go to 
http://bit.ly/1JK895e

And that, O Readers, is all for August. Coming soon: the Wossname review 
of The Shepherd's Crown, the continuation of the Without Whom series, 
and much more. Take care, and happy reading to you all!

– Annie Mac

Remember, the Wossname blog (_wossname.dreamwidth.org_) often features 
image-based posts and is worth checking now and again.

The mirror version of this current issue can be viewed at 
http://wossname.dreamwidth.org/20596.html

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner 
(at) pearwood (dot) info