Collectormania

Here again at Milddleton Hall was Collectormania, a great convention for avid fans of collectables or those who just fancy picking up rare bits for themselves or their kids. Collectormania comes to Milton Keynes twice every year, once around the start of May, the other around the start of October. A couple from the list of this years actors were: the man who played 'Tron' Bruce Boxleitner, Nancy Allen 'Robocops' girlfriend and Linda Blair who played that messed up chick in the 'Exorcist'. The numbers ranged from about 35-45 actors. As well as getting autographs you can find all sorts of collectable items like: replica swords and weapons from such films as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, outfits and masks like: Freddy Kruger, Exorcist and Darth maul masks. There's lots of toys, action figures, ornamental figures, badges, stickers, hats, clothes, great artwork, and posters, classic original film posters, old records, comics and books dating from as early as the 1920's. Obviously the older the items the more value they carry. So at Collectormania a small book could be more expensive than say, a whole box of comics.

Nice to visit

I wasn't buying anything but it was nice to walk around and look at the different displays, the sellers were friendly and Collectormania fans were present, some having their own unique individual look. I chatted briefly with Philip who was more than willing to have a photo taken. John Lewis sits right beside Collectormania so if you wanted a coffee or a scone you could sit in the cafe upstairs overlooking the entire event. There is a creche for kids not far also.

Genuine autographs'

I was interested in the stalls that sold autographed photos of famous people. I wanted to know whether or not there was anyway of knowing that the autographs' were genuine, because apparently there has been cases of fraud, with people faking the signatures and selling off the photo's at what new collectors might think is a discount price. I found out that there are registered dealers like the UACC who monitor such stalls to make sure they are not breaking the law. So look out for stalls with such logos' as the UACC. Some sellers at Collectormania make sure that when they acquire a signature they at the same time have their photo taken with the star, this leaving no doubt that the signature is real. I found this the best way of knowing that the autographs' are genuine.

Free admission and prices for autographs'

Its always free admission at Collectormania all you have to do is turn up and enjoy. Obviously you have to pay for signatures from actors, with prices ranging from 10-25 pound depending on who it is. If you'd like your photo taken with the actor who's signing for you there's no extra charge but they can say no if the queues are big. This being because they don't want fans going home empty handed. Every Collectormania event has its share of actors that can't make it, these being replaced by others. For any more information on Collectormania and for future events visit www.collectormania.com