The Merchandise GuideFan Publications
Compiled by Martin Willey
The Merchandise GuideThis article by Mare Fitzgerald is from the 1979 convention booklet explains about the early years of the US fan club, still called the "National SAVE: 1999 Alliance", but later to become the "International Space: 1999 Alliance". The club was active until 1990.
The Alliance year will draw to a close very soon. We've changed quite a bit in these past months, for the better, it is hoped.
For those of you new to the Alliance, here is a very brief history. Back in 1977, when word came that SPACE:1999 would cease production, Jeff Jones, along with several other 1999 fans, started the Alliance. The first year was spent almost entirely on gaining recognition and putting together the first convention. That con, in Columbus, Ohio, was a great success, and the general feeling was "to do it again next year".
After some delays and confusion, the second year of the Alliance got under way. The organization was revamped and Section Representatives were assigned specific geographic areas. To better communicate with our members, the bi-monthly MAIN COMPUTER newsletter was born. Licensing rights were obtained from Hanna-Barbera and this opened the door for Alliance merchandising. An original 1999 calendar for 1979 went to press and was well-received. A large group of series photos was offered and, because of the great response, a second group was made available.
From the beginning, the focal point of the Alliance was to draw all fans of SPACE:1999 together to possibly convince ITC to continue the series. Our movement has had at lease some small part in the decision to release two feature length films. The first, DESTINATION:MOON-BASE ALPHA, is the two-part episode "Bringers of Wonder" from the second season. The other film will be a combination of the first season's "Breakaway" and "War Games" episodes. Both are for European theaters and American television releases.
As far as getting any new episodes, this has not yet happened, and to be very honest, is not very likely to happen. To expect Gerry Anderson and the stars and technical people of 1999 to sit around waiting for the return is both unrealistic and unfair. All are extremely talented and have much to offer in their careers. Even if ITC would give the green light, chances are very good that most of the cast and production staff would be busy with other projects.
So, if seeing a return of 1999 is so impossible, what are we all doing here? Most importantly, we are showing that we care. We are telling these wonderful guests that they are appreciated and we are offering our support for their future work. We are enjoying each other, learning new things, being creative, and through our charity contributions, helping others. This is what the Alliance is today. What the Alliance will become tomorrow is up to our new Board of Directors and our membership. Do we want more conventions? Should the newsletter change? Could we be doing more? The Board can't direct the Alliance without feedback from members.
I am resigning as president of the Alliance as of August 31, 1979. The Alliance has been my life during the past year, and I've loved taking care of it, even with all the lost sleep, frustrations and moments of wondering "why am I doing this to myself?" Though I must go on to other things now, I will still be here as an advisor if I am needed. I ask all of you to give your new president the same acceptance, support and friendship you've given me.
Some thanks are in order here. First, to our Section Reps, Gail, Kathy and John, Ann, Sue, Mary and Donna, you've helped much more than you'll ever know. To Chuck, many thanks for those calming calls when I was sure it would all fall apart. To Jeff, thanks for believing in me; I hope I didn't disappoint you. To all the others I can't mention by name - they'd fill this book - you are in my thoughts. And finally to Gerry, Barry and the stars of 1999, thank you for creating a wondrous imaginary world filled with real people.
To all of you, don't ever lose that special magic of SPACE: 1999. That feeling of hope and caring and believing is what we need more than anything in our real world. Carry it into our 'fantastic future'.
1999 Lives!
Mare Fitzgerald
President, NS:1999A
Space 1999 Copyright ITV Studios Global Entertainment