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Introduction

At the end of the Centennial Celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico in January 1999, everyone decided it was so much fun that we shouldn't formally close the gathering. Instead, we declared a two year intermission and planned to reconvene in Australia in 2001. That came to pass with OZ2001, held in Frankston, Victoria, in March 2001. Following the established pattern, we again decided not to formally close OZ2001, but to declare another two year intermission and reconvene in the United Kingdom sometime in 2003 instead. Thus, the planning for UK2003 began.

Professor David Weir, who attended the Centennial and OZ2001, and presented seminars at both, and his partner Sandra Bower, both of whom live in the United Kingdom, initially agreed to host UK2003. However, shortly thereafter, David and Sandra moved to France, where David had accepted a position with a university. Since we believe that the manager for an event really needs to be a local Shutist, the search was begun for someone to fill in for David and Sandra. After a good deal of soul searching, Steph Gallagher, a UK Shutist, agreed to take over as event manager. Several other Shutists in the UK, Australia, and the US advised and assisted.

Now UK2003 has also come to pass. Please refer to the links to the UK2003 Agenda and UK2003 Report for further information on the event.

Revised: 7/2003

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Agenda

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Day 1: Saturday 21st June 2003

Time	Event
From 1pm	Gathering Registration
From 6pm	Evening Reception Drinks and Nibbles
From 1pm	NSN Film Festival
From 1pm	Entrance to NSN Exhibition Hall

Day 2: Sunday 22nd June 2003

Time	Event
9-9:30	Introductions & Housekeeping: Steph Gallagher
9:30-10:30	Session 1: Richard Michalak - Opening Address
10:30-11	Tea break
11-12:30	Session 2: Fred Erisman - Nevil Shute and the Romance of Work
12:30-14:00	LunchBreak
14:00-15:30	Session 3: Beall Fowler - East Versus West, When Cultures Intersect
15:30-16:00	Tea Break
16:00-17:30	Session 4: David Weir - Nevil Shute, The Typical Englishman or Rogue, Rebel and Marginal Man?
18:00-19:30	Guided Walk: Gerard Martin - NSN Places of Interest in Southsea
All Day	NSN Film Festival
All Day	Entrance to NSN Exhibition Hall

Day 3: Monday 23rd June 2003

Time	Event
9-10:30	Session 5: Laura Schneider - Legality vs. Morality; the Integrity of Nevil Shute and his Characters II
10:30-11	Tea break
11-12:30	Session 6: John Anderson - Nevil Shute's Engineering
12:30-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-15:30	Session 7: Richard Michalak - "Reality and Recurring Themes Within Nevil Shute", or "Cherry Cake, Bungalows and Having Nothing to Say"
15:30-16:00	Tea Break
16:00-17:30	Session 8: Margo Ganster, on behalf of Zia Telfair - The Appeal of Nevil Shute
18:00-19:30	Guided Walk: Gerard Martin - Repeat of Sunday if Numbers Necessitate
All Day	NSN Film Festival
All Day	Entrance to NSN Exhibition Hall

Day 4: Tuesday 24th June 2003

Time	Event
Day	Magical Mystery Tour with commentary by David Dawson-Taylor
Evening	Gala Meal: After Dinner Speaker, Her Worship Fran Kilgariff, The Mayor of Alice Springs
All Day	NSN Film Festival
All Day	Entrance to NSN Exhibition Hall

Day 5: Wednesday 25th June 2003

Time	Event
9-10:30	Session 9: David Vaughn - The Role of Barnes Wallis in the Writings of Nevil Shute
10:30-11	Tea break
11-12:30	Session 10: Shoshana Milgram Knapp - Nevil Shute's Writing, An Admirable Style
12:30-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-15:30	Session 11: Dan Telfair - In search of Nevil Shute
15:30-16:00	Tea Break
16:00-17:30	Session 12 & Closing Remarks: Dan Telfair & Steph Gallagher
All Day	NSN Film Festival
All Day	Entrance to NSN Exhibition Hall

NB: With the exception of the Magical Mystery Tour and the Guided Walk, all events were held at the Queens Hotel..

If you have any questions about the gathering, please contact Steph Gallagher directly.

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Meeting Report

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Below is an outline of activities surrounding the organisation, management and content of the 3rd Biennial Nevil Shute Norway Conference, held 21st-25th June 2003, Portsmouth, UK. In addition to this summary, all tools and templates created to help manage processes, plus an electronic version of the conference binder handed to participants, will be archived and made available to future conference managers.

Pre conference Activities

Steph Gallagher was appointed Conference Manager in November 2001 and was given only two requirements for the conference. The first was that it had to be in the UK. The second was that it had to involve the consumption of a vast amount of scones and cream! Other than that, she had a free hand. Being that she had not attended either of the previous two conferences; the slate was well and truly clean.

Steph started by canvassing the opinions of people who had attended previous NSN conferences and those who might attend UK 2003. She asked for their input as to what they would like to see and hear at UK 2003 and when in the year they would like to conference to take place. Using this information as a base, she compiled lists of potential speakers, venues and places to visit and set a target date for the conference of June 2003.

The areas of Southampton & Portsmouth were the first ports of call for potential venues as both are quite significant in the world of NSN. The Queens Hotel in Southsea was found by chance (or divine inspiration from Nevil Shute). It is as Edwardian Hotel, full of character and old world elegance and is mentioned in Trustee from the Toolroom the second favourite NS novel, as voted by NS readers. Other local hotels were also explored and a price comparison was made, The Queens Hotel versus three others. Taking into account negotiations with Queens Hotel Management, they came in as the best option from a financial, location and venue perspective. To be honest, once the Queens Hotel had been found, there was no real alternative.

The next 11 months were spent pulling everything together; further negotiations with the hotel, finalising speakers, researching materials to be placed in the Exhibition Hall and planning the Magical Mystery Tour (MMT)

It was decided at an early stage that as much as possible would be done via the Internet and that Nevil Shute website would be used to full potential to advertise the event and form a repository for all information pertaining to NSN UK 2003. To this end it was populated with agendas, registration details, hotel details, transport and tourist information links.

The price for the conference was set by analysing AUS2001 costs and factoring; UK administration costs, costs of staging the event at the Queens Hotel, organising an MMT, Opening Reception, Exhibition Hall, Film Festival and Gala Meal. An outline set of accounts will be posted on the web in due course and hence are not included in this report. However entrance fees were designed to be as cost effective as possible as it was not an objective to make a profit.

Statistics

Initially, approximately 150 people had shown interest in attending the conference, approximately 33% of these went on to register for and attend the event. There were 51 paid participants, however not everyone attended every event. An additional half a dozen guests popped in to say hello and we had three additional volunteers who helped everything run along swimmingly. The average age of the 23 female participants was 51, whilst the average age of the 28 male participants was 60. Countries represented included; Australia, France, India, Netherlands, Oman, UK and USA.

Day -1 ("minus one") - Friday 20th June 2003

This day was a frenzy of activity as people started to arrive. Anyone daft enough to offer to help soon found themselves pulled into helping to set up the Exhibition Hall. The Southampton Hall of Aviation very kindly loaned us 8 display panels, each depicting different aspects of life at Airspeed. These were put on display along with Aircraft Models (Courtesy of Gerard Martin & Neil Gaunt), Frances Norway's Flight Log and items from NSN's personal Library (On loan from Dan Telfair), Model of Airspeed Consul (On loan from of Joost Meulenbroek), Model of R-100 (Sourced by Richard Michalak and built & painted by Gerard Martin), NS Book Posters (Courtesy of Dan Telfair), NS Book Display (Courtesy of House of Stratus), NSN Crossword (Courtesy of Jack Calaway), NS Manuscripts - (Courtesy of Dan Telfair), NSN Map of the UK (Courtesy of Alison Jenner), NSN's Pilots Licence (On loan from of Laura Schneider) and NSN Photographic Timeline (On loan from Richard Michalak).

Day 1 - Saturday 21st June 2003

The conference opened with Registration and entry to the Exhibition Hall at 13:00. We were extremely fortunate that UK Shutist David Dawson-Taylor had volunteered to help with admin tasks during the conference and had roped in his wonderful wife Kate and friend Yvonne Scott to help with registration and "babysitting" the exhibition hall. All participants registering were given a "goodie bag" containing, conference binder, brochure of Exbury Gardens, guide to Portsmouth, souvenir conference mug and obligatory emergency chocolate.
The film festival started at 13:30 with a showing of Crossing to Freedom (4 viewers). Other movies shown in succession on Day 1 were; The Far Country (6 viewers), Landfall (17 viewers) and Lonely Road (8 viewers).
Between 18:00 and 22:00 we had an evening reception, which included Drinks and a Buffet meal. This was attended by most participants who took the opportunity to view items in the Exhibition Hall, reacquaint themselves with old friends, and meet new ones. However on reflection holding this at the same time as popular movies forced people to make a choice and there came the dilemma, stay and chat or go and watch a Nevil Shute movie. The audience was split. One possible enhancement to future film festivals might be a speaker introduction at the start of each movie, introducing the movie and perhaps giving a little bit of background about its creation.
In addition to scheduled viewing, all films were available for viewing on demand during other activities or during the brief periods in which there were no other conference activities scheduled.

Day 2 - Sunday 22nd June 2003

On day 2 it was time to get down to business and start with talks about everything Shute. As all sessions were taped for posterity, people were encouraged to use microphones to ensure all voices were picked up. Steph Gallagher started the session by welcoming all participants and reading a special welcome from Heather Mayfield, eldest daughter of Nevil Shute. This was followed by an opening address superbly given by Richard Michalak. After this excitement, it was time to stop for tea and pastries, which was held in the Exhibition Hall, giving people more opportunity to view exhibits and get to know each other.
The next talk, given by Fred Erisman, was titled Nevil Shute and the Romance of Work. Fred set a very high standard for all other speakers to follow. His session, along with all following sessions, were a mix of presentation and audience questions & answers. This was followed by a traditional English Sunday Lunch, provided by our venue, the Queens Hotel. After lunch Beall Fowler had the unenviable task of keeping us all awake. A task he achieved without question with his talk titled; East Meets West in the Works of Nevil Shute. Then it was time for afternoon tea, with long awaited scones and cream. The last session of the afternoon was lead by David Weir, who gave a talk on Nevil Shute; the Typical Englishman or Rogue, Rebel and Marginal Man. After a short break, people were invited to join Gerard Martin who led an excellent walk of Southsea, which included a view of 14 Helena Road, the Southsea home of Nevil Shute Norway.
During the evening the Film Festival was still in full swing, with viewings of No Highway in the Sky (8 viewers) and On the Beach, (5 viewers).

Day 3 - Monday 23rd June 2003

Day 3 was kicked off by Laura Schneider and a talk about: Legality vs. Morality; the Integrity of Nevil Shute and his Characters II. As with all sessions, this was followed by Tea and pastries in the Exhibition Hall. We were then treated to a very informative talk by John Anderson on Nevil Shute's Engineering. This was followed by lunch at the hotel. After lunch we were superbly entertained by Richard Michalak and his talk on Reality and Recurring Themes within Nevil Shute "or" Cherry Cake, Bungalows and Having Nothing to Say. The afternoon tea break brought scones and cream again. After this Margo Ganster gave a talk on behalf of Zia Telfair on The Appeal of Nevil Shute.
After a short break, people were invited to join Gerard Martin who led a repeat of his walk, for those of us unable to make it on the first day. Movies on show during the evening were; Pied Piper (12 viewers) and A Town like Alice (16 viewers)

Day 4 - Tuesday 24th June 2003

Day 4 was rather special as it bought out Magical Mystery Tour. Why call it a "Magical Mystery Tour"? At the time of planning the event, a full agenda for the day had not been determined, hence the mystery. As for magical, well, any tour that is a combination of the wit and enthusiasm of 50 or so devoted Shutists, combined with visits to places associated with Nevil Shute Norway, must be rather magical.
David Dawson-Taylor had very kindly offered to give a running commentary on our tour. We started with a drive through Southsea and Portsmouth to the old site of Airspeed, where several hangers are still standing. This was followed by the first stop of the day, which was Pond Head House on Hayling Island, where Nevil Shute lived with his wife and two daughters from 1941-1950. Morning tea was held at the "Ship Inn" at Langston, overlooking the mill once owned by Flora Twort.
We then took the scenic route to our lunch spot, Exbury Gardens, via Leap. At Exbury Gardens, we were joined for lunch by Mr Eddie and Mrs Anne de Rothschild, current owners of Exbury House and Gardens.
After lunch we were treated to a guided tour of the 220 acre garden. For ease, we were split up into three groups. The first Group was lead by Mr Eddie's son Mr Nicholas de Rothschild, who by all accounts gave a very animated commentary on various points of interest. The second group was lead by Mr Angus Harley, Agent to Mr Eddie. The third and probably most fortunate group comprised a select few who were invited to climb aboard Mr Eddie's electric buggy and view the gardens in style. It is reputed that this select group were also treated to a ride on the Exbury train which powers its way round a portion of the garden.
The fun did not stop there as we were then treated to afternoon tea in the grounds and parlour of Exbury House. Here we were joined by Mr Leo de Rothschild, who witnessed the shooting down of the Ju188 on 17th April 1944 and gave a stirring account of events. Mr John Stanley, was also present and read extracts from his soon to be published book, which will include a chapter on the bomber crash. Also in attendance were members of the Exbury Veterans association, Marion & Stuart Loveland and Peggy Mead, who also contributed significantly to the success of our day and were happy to answer questions we had about Exbury during the war. All good things must come to an end; at 5pm it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready for an evening of fun and festivities.
The fun and festivities came in the form of our Conference gala Meal. This started with Pimms (a traditional English summer drink) on the hotel lawn. This was followed by a three course meal with liqueurs. Then we were treated to a rousing after dinner speech and poem presented by Her Worship Fran Kilgariff, The Mayor of Alice Springs. At midnight the hotel staff sent the last few party stragglers away so that they could prepare the room for the final day.

Day 5 - Wednesday 25th June 2003

Day 5, last but not least. David Vaughn started the day continuing with the high standard of presentation set by Fred Erisman, with his talk on The Role of Barnes Wallis in the Writings of Nevil Shute. This was of course followed by the obligatory tea and morning pastries. Shoshana Milgram Knapp kept us entertained after tea with her talk on Nevil Shute's Writing: An Admirable Style, leading us into a lunch break. After lunch we had the last, but by no means least speaker of the conference, Dan Telfair who presented on; In search of Nevil Shute. After the final tea break, and scones & cream of the conference, Steph Gallagher led the final session, which she titled a "Cornucopia of Delights". This session comprised a mix bag of thank you's, especially to David-Dawson Taylor for all his help and support during the conference, discussions on venue for NSN 2005 and the Nevil Shute Norway scholarship programme. There was also an opportunity for audience to participate by raising any issues for comment or discussion. Before we said our last goodbyes, Dan Telfair presented Steph Gallagher with an enormous bunch of flowers and a very attractive framed painting of The Mill, once owned by Flora Twort. He had purchased the painting only the day before at the morning tea stop, with the ink still wet from the painters brush.
Steph Gallagher ended the session and the conference by wishing everyone well and adieu till 2005.

Post Conference Activities

Post conference activities comprised; Thank you letters to The de Rothschild's at Exbury House, Mrs Robertson at Pond Head House, Southampton Hall of Aviation who leant us several display panels for our Exhibition Hall, The Mayor Alice Springs and several other noted individuals who helped the conference become a reality. The post conference report has been written, files tidied and final conference accounts are being completed. Investigations are also being conducted into the feasibility of producing multiple sets of conference tapes for sale. Richard Michalak is creating a conference Photo Album, a copy of which will be posted to all participants. Steph Gallagher will also perform some post conference follow-up with participants to ascertain if any learnings can be gained from the management and content of the conference.

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Financial Statement - UK 2003

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Income (£)

Conference Fees	11,906.00
Bank Interest	35.43
Mug Money	45.00
Conference Tapes	66.00
Total Income	£12,052.43

Expenditures (£)

Queens Hotel		Total
Delegate Costs	5,006.15
Room Hire Cost	875.00
Equipment Hire Costs	529.00
Welcome Reception Costs	719.20
Gala Meal Costs	1,839.50
Misc Entertaining	24.85	8,993.70
Magical Mystery Tour
Coach Morning Tea Exbury Lunch Exbury Entrance	330.00 50.20 564.70 147.00	1,091.90
Event Management Costs
Printing & Stationary Costs Postage Telephone Charges at the Queens Hotel Participant gifts	415.10 176.54 7.75 622.95	1,222.34
Motoring Costs		87.22
Donations		250.00
Total Expenditure		£11,645.16

Summary:

Total Income	12,052.43
Total Expenditures	11,645.16
Net	£407.27

NB: It was never my intention to make a profit out of UK 2003. Finances were calculated almost to the last penny. The £407.27 excess comes from one registration during the conference (£300), plus extra income from mugs and finances from two sets of tapes paid into the UK bank account. After discussions, it was decided to retain the £407.27 excess in the UK to help fund the UK branch of the NS library and other UK based activities.

Steph Gallagher
NSN UK 2003 Conference Manager
August 2003

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UK2003 Post Event Feedback

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Section A: Feedback from People who attended the NSN Conference, UK 2003
(All questions out of 10, 10 being highest, 1 being lowest)

What was your overall assessment of the organisation of the conference out of 10?

12 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
10 out of 10 x 85% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 5% of respondents

• All went smoothly
• A fabulous event, like the best sort of party. Well done!
• There is just one possible number here, 10. You have done a great job
• Of the many conferences I have been to this was much the best. Marks 12 out of 10
• 1/10 that Steph Gallagher made a hash of it from the start and if Ingrid Bergman hadn't stepped into her place, locked Steph up, and re-organised it at the last minute and then greeted us all on the 1st day and pretended to be Steph it would have been a right cock-up. Who'd have thought a big glamorous movie star would also be a great organizer

Is there anything you would have changed about the organisation of the conference?

• Better scones and more clotted cream
• End last day by noon
• Nothing, it was exceptional
• No. it was great and you, Steph did a perfect job. I was unaware of any problems which means you were great in hiding the usual catastrophes if they did happen
• All was fine
• Perhaps a half day e.g. Saturday pm to encourage more local Shute Fans to exhibition and potted presentation
• Not the organization. I just felt that each day was too much and I had to skip one session a day, due to overload. But I think that is just me
• I had a wonderful time; the organization made it run like clockwork. I wish everything else (in society) could be so well done

What was your overall assessment of the Registration Pack out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 70 % of respondents
9 out of 10 x 25% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 5% of respondents

• Everything anyone could need was there. Well organised and attractively presented
• Had all the detail one could have hoped for
• very nice

Is there anything you would have added, or left out of the Registration Pack?

• Perfect
• Add Nevil Shute Timeline
• More emergency chocolate!!!
• Didn't need Chocolate, but my Daughter thought it was a good idea!
• It was excellent, but I Would have added a stick of Southsea rock (Landfall) instead of Galaxy but that's just being silly
• I couldn't see any problems or missing things. The only thing missing was a signed 8x10 of me (Richard Michalak) for everyone

What was your overall assessment of the length of the conference out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 70% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 5 % or respondents
8 out of 10 x 15% of respondents
5 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
4 out of 10 x 5% of respondents

• Just right but shouldn't be longer. It was good because there was the excursion. If they have another it must be a day shorter at least because there are no more Shute relevant locations that a conference can have outings to. Of course the reunion factor is enormous. I am still realizing how wonderful it was to see Art Cornell and Babette Hills and everyone again and how much I hope to see Dorothy Lawson from Oz 2001 at US 2005
• I suppose I must say "Just right" although I could have done with it going on for ever. It was such a good natured meeting of people, whom I felt straight away, were really friendly and kindred spirits. I felt I hadn't had time to talk and get to know everyone. (It's probably just as well as far as you (Steph) would be concerned, having to organize it all, that it finished when it did.)
• Here I am in a quandary as I was unable to attend most of the lectures. Those I did attend were excellent and I know the area well but had I been coming from abroad I think I would have liked more excursions
• Just a little too long. Too much to take in. I can well understand the desire to make it worth people's while to travel around the world but it was more than I could take in
• Well, it could have gone on and on -- but all good things must end
• Too long - Sessions could have been shorter by half an hour
• Short a day (never enough Nevil Shute)
• I did not want it to end

What was your overall assessment of the Queens Hotel out of 10? (Please take into account Bed & Breakfast rate, Quality, Food, location, friendliness and helpfulness of staff).

10 out of 10 x 10 % of respondents
9 out of 10 x 20 % of respondents
8 out of 10 x 25% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 40% of respondents
6 out of 10 x 5 % of respondents

• I think it was wonderful
• I would give them an 8 because I sympathise with anyone running a hotel I liked their staff personally and I am philosophical about not getting messages for 3 days or not at all The food was average but to me that is 100% better than below average and they were amenable to special requests The hotel had character and Shute-relevance and I particularly enjoyed the bagpiper and the 18 course banquet where we dressed in Louis XIV clothes (Oh no, I made that up didn't I?) The hotel functioned and they had a great attitude
• It was an excellent, excellent choice, helpful staff, perhaps a bit understaffed at times. But indeed a memorable place
• I like that air of "distressed gentlefolk" that hotels like that have. Much more atmospheric than a brash Marriott - type motel. The fact that there was a Shute connection to the hotel made it even more appropriate!! Well done
• Although I did not stay there. It was, basically, what I expected of it in terms of quality. and so forth. I thought it was the right balance of 'stars' and price
• Great atmosphere; average service; somewhat below average food. Scones and clotted cream definitely inferior to OZ offerings
• I thought it was a nice hotel. The only thing is that they need some maintenance. In my room for instance I couldn't close the bathroom door
• Would have given it higher, but the single room was a little small and basic. Conference room needed more ventilation and better furniture; however location was excellent, food very good, staff good and price was reasonable
• Bedroom was a bit small
• I found one of the duty managers to be less than helpful

What was your overall assessment of content of the speaker presentations out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 45% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 15% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 25% of respondents
7-8 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 10% of respondents

• Excellent: I have attended numerous conferences but this is the first where I could truly say that the quality of the content was uniformly first rate
• I thought they were all terrific. They were all different, thorough and presented in many different ways
• Pretty much the mix that I had anticipated
• Good range
• 9 out of 10, but only because everyone could not measure up to the standard set by Fred Erismann. He was a tough act to follow

What was your overall assessment of quality of the speakers out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 45% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 15% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 25% of respondents
7-8 out of 10 with one or two 10's x 5% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 10% of respondents

• All the speakers were very good indeed, most excellent and professional speakers (not always the case that both adjectives apply); all the talks well constructed and well delivered
• Pretty much the mix that I had anticipated
• All were interesting to me
• 9 out of 10, but only because everyone could not measure up to the standard set by Fred Erismann. He was a tough act to follow

What was your overall assessment of format of speaker presentations, (presentation then Q&A session) out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 50% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 10% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 25% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
Seemed to work well x 10% of respondents

• The way in which the speakers gave their talks and then encouraged discussion from a room full of well informed and disputatious colleagues was very encouraging. I felt emboldened to add my two-pennies worth when I might have kept quiet at a different type of conference
• I was particularly impressed with the way you kept everything on schedule. Some people may resent a particular session being cut off while interesting debate continues but, overall, participants appreciate a firm schedule with timely starts and finishes
• As long as question time does not exceed speaker time

What was your overall assessment of the length of each session, were they too long, too short or just the right length?

10 out of 10 x 65% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 10% of respondents
7 out of 10 5% of respondents
Too long x 10% of respondents
5 out of 10 x 5% of respondents

• Probably just right though maybe 1/2 hour talks and 1/2 hour might be less tiring (this is rich coming from me who totally abused my audience - but I had to, Nevil made me do it (from Richard Michalak))
• It depended on the speaker
• That format has been used for three gatherings now, and it seems to work quite well
• Sometimes a little long
• This depended on the speaker and topic. On balance the length was right
• I have no criticisms of the speakers at all. The whole thing was such fun. I would have liked them to go on for longer

What was your overall assessment of content of the Exhibition Hall 10?

10 out of 10 x 60% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 5% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 20% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 15% of respondents

• 7 of 10. Only because we were unable to have many of the things we know are out there but that are not available or cannot be practically moved overseas. For example, the Nevil Shute museum we were able to set up at the Centennial contained his portrait, his writing desk, his chair, a replica of his typewriter, etc. Hopefully, we can gather those things again for US2005
• Brilliant
• Outstanding, spectacular! Much higher than a ten! It was informative, fun, well laid out, chock full of information many didn't know we wanted to know, lots of "hands on" items (books, models, etc) to examine and just TOUCH!
• Excellent, very good I read everything that I could
• Excellent, particularly the Timeline and that wacky little cardboard R100 model
• Amazing
• I didn't expect there to have been so many interesting exhibits. Richard's display was so professional and combined his timeline with so many interesting photos. The display of book covers was charming and really well done. It was interesting to see the model aircraft but that's not really my thing, although the model airship with a caption about mice led to my finding out something else I would never otherwise have known. There was an interesting collection of local maps and guidebooks, tourist information which was worth looking at. I wish now I'd bought a complete set of the novels. The crossword was great

Is there anything else you would have liked to have seen in the Exhibition Hall?

• Yes, something about model engineering!
• Not sure - It depends on what is available
• Some of Shute's ashes and 1/2 a dozen just discovered Shute manuscripts
• I would have liked more time to read the texts, the short stories etc
• More of the same
• His portrait, his writing desk, his chair, a replica of his typewriter, etc. Hopefully, we can gather those things again for US2005
• No, it was truly exceptional
• Yes, I suppose because of Stratus we couldn't but I would have liked a used book sale or exchange or auction or something like that
• More about NSN when a child and a schoolboy at Shrewsbury
• Gosh, I don't know what else is there about NSN!!!!
• A visitors book we could all have signed and made comments in for display at future conferences

What was your overall assessment of the Film Festival out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 31% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 38% of respondents
8 out of 10 x 15% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 8% of respondents
6 out of 10 x 8% of respondents

• Didn't attend, had seen films before
• Didn't attend
• Didn't see it this time but the concept is very strong and shouldn't be dropped
• I have to say that I did not use this facility, reckoning to use the time for face to face chats
• I think I would like to have seen all the films, although those I did see were disappointing, as films of the books usually are in failing to realize the images you can much better visualize for yourself; when the script is at great variance with the text I just want to throw things
• Good Choices, well screened
• I only saw 2 movies (parts of both) because the room was (happily) crowded. 'In fairness, it wasn't my favorite part of OZ2001 for the same reason. The room wasn't great for this sort of thing. Under the circumstances, both were done as well as the environment allowed. There are many films I still want to see but in a different (ok...better) room. Frankly, I don't that there IS a better way to show them. Showing them at all is the biggest coup and it is a vital part of the Conference! They must be part of the Conference!!
• The gatherings are the only opportunity most Shutists will ever have to see all ten of the films based on NSN books. A rare opportunity indeed

Is there anything you would have changed about the Film Festival?

• The very first set - too early
• Overlapped other events
• The break between the first and second film should be much shorter
• Showing films on the first evening left a dilemma whether to see the films or meet people
• Timing of films needs to avoid other activities. I appreciate this is difficult
• Can we can put the films on DVD and get a big screen or wide screen TV on which to show the films. That way, everyone could see and hear better
• I think that the timings were a bit askew, as some people wanting to see films had to miss talks
• Maybe have a session in which films are discussed
• More frequent showings of the rarer films like Landfall and Lonely Road
• The opportunity to execute film-makers for their crimes
• Film schedule gave one opportunity to see each film. This sometimes conflicted with other events. It would have been nice to have more viewing opportunities
• The only thing I can think of is the possibility of having dedicated time for film viewing during the day. For example, it might be possible to have only one session in the afternoons and allocate two hours or so for film viewing. Obviously though, this would require either cutting down on presentations or lengthening the conference

Note from Steph for clarification; videos were available to view 24 hrs for the duration of the conference

What was your overall assessment of Guided Walk of Southsea out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 66% of the responses
9 out of 10 x 17% of the responses
8 out of 10 x 17% of the responses

• Gerard (and Rosemary) did a great job
• My overall assessment of the Guided Walk was that it worked very well and that everyone who attended seemed to enjoy it, although my legs creaked for a week afterwards!!!
• enjoyable but rather strenuous for some members I would have a car follow the walk for those who can't keep up
• I was not able to finish the walk due to back spasm
• Wonderful
• Did not take as I have friends who live in Southsea
• 10 I thoroughly enjoyed it, excellent commentary and itinerary by Gerard and the pace was just right. A good chance to get in some chat with other participants on the way back.

Is there anything you would have changed about the Guided Walk of Southsea?

• I would have a car follow the walk for those who can't keep up
• Perhaps schedule a bit earlier in the evening
• Could have been a bit shorter - time as well as distance
• Being able to squat in the house in Helena Road. Sorry, flippant. No, it was just the right length, distance, tone, and size of group
• NO. It was terrific. Perhaps, afterwards, we might have organized ourselves and had a meal somewhere local. However, that would have meant much more planning so perhaps it wouldn't have been worth the hassle. We WERE tired from our first full day of speakers so it was great to be outdoors and take in Nevil's world in a different dimension. It was also great to go back to the room and turn in early...which means even though I'd have gone out with folks had they wanted to, I was more than content to turn in early
• Map to pinpoint Shute's residences and locations in Landfall

What was your overall assessment of the Magical Mystery Tour out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 100% of respondents

• Fantastic!!!
• Absolutely Brilliant
• Excellent!
• Excellent but Exbury visit was more than excellent
• Not a day goes by that I don't think back to the Magical Mystery Tour
• I had other biz to attend to but it sounded good
• Didn't go but wish I had
• Who could ask for more than lunch and tea at Exbury and eyewitnesses and real de Rothschilds etc etc not enough time at Pond Head but that was unavoidable. Shame we couldn't get to Hamble but again I understand why not
• Great choice of route and locations, and great narration along the way by David Dawson-Taylor
• Excellent commentary and itinerary by David Dawson-Taylor, which took us nicely through Shute related locations about Southampton. I covet the Pond Head House and the owner was very pleasant. Wonderful destination at Exbury, thanks for arranging it. The Rothschild family were very gracious and charming, could have come out of a NS novel. Interesting talk by John Stanley about the Junkers

Is there anything you would have changed about the Magical Mystery Tour?

• The visit to Pond Head House was a bit rushed
• We should have had community sing in the bus "Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover" "A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square", the theme from Dad's Army "Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler"
• Can't imagine any changes
• No, it was truly magical and a forever memory for me
• Nope. Even the weather was perfect, brilliant organisation
• A sleepover with Mr. Eddie telling us bedtime stories and Mrs. Anne tucking us all in! SERIOUSLY -- It was a tour de force! It was planned perfectly with nothing left untouched. Pond House, morning tea, Flora Twort's place and of course, Exbury Gardens and the de Rothechilds. Lunch before our garden tour was lovely and many of us were like schoolchildren watching Mr. Eddie, Mrs. Eddie/Anne and Lionel. Being able to choose our seats by entree choice was a lot of fun. I got to chat with people I hadn't spent much time with. We also got to rehash the Magical Mystery Tour. As for Exbury House THAT'S an experience I'll never forget. It was a defining moment for me to be a guest (the group, not me personally!) at their home. That alone would be memorable enough but with tea, the lecture about the downing of the plane, the nurses, Mr. Eddie's brother, etc., as well as Nevil's connection, was indescribably extraordinary
• I truly don't have the words to express how much the entire day and evening meant to me. It was, by far, the best day of the Conference.....no offence to any of the outstanding speakers. So, no.....I wouldn't have changed a thing...........
• Could not be bettered

What was your overall assessment of the Gala Meal out of 10?

10 out of 10 x 45% of the responses
9 out of 10 x 25% of the responses
8 out of 10 x 25% of the responses
7 out of 10 x 5% of the responses

• Very pleasant
• I am a real food critic. The organization, timing, speaker, presentation of food, etc. were all fine. The quality of the food was somewhat lacking though
• Table mates 100% Gallantry of neighbouring gentlemen (Richard & Jack) infinity and Beyond!
• A splendid occasion. No complaints whatsoever and the company and ambience were excellent
• A lovely start with the Pimm's cup on the lawn. A pity we actually had to get some sleep; the chat afterwards was such fun. Fran Kilgarrif gave a cracking speech
• Can't remember but maybe next time we could present a musical tribute to Shute with the singing of music mentioned in Shute's books and a rendition of Mona, Mona, Mona from Landfall that, although it is a film addition, I don't doubt that Shute would have appreciated its silliness

Is there anything you would have changed about the Gala Meal?

• NO, apart from not having enough hours in the day
• I don't think so, It all went very well
• If it is important to have choices, ask earlier
• Better menu and quality of food
• The Gala meal was very good - although someone at the Queens should be taught how to mix a Pimms! (Bit weak and wishy washy with too much vegetation!!)
• NO!! It was superb! Dinner was lovely and the Cognac and Port served at the end of the meal was a very lovely touch (so was the chocolate and the EXTRA chocolate they brought us). It set the perfect tone for Her Worship's Speech!
• Provide Aussie Wine

Do you feel that overall the conference was good value for money?

Absolutely! X 30% of respondents
Yes x 30% of respondents
Excellent x 20% of respondents
9 out of 10 x 10% of respondents
7 out of 10 x 10% of respondents

• Overall excellent. Initially I thought this was a little high, however with the continuous hot and cold running food and even drinks on the first night, the coach tour etc. I am impressed how it was done for the money. Even my wife was impressed when she heard what was included. But then she regarded it as worth every penny to get rid of me for 5 days!
• Probably about right. A break for couples would be nice
• Yes, I thought it was terrific all those meals and outings and speakers and fun and friends etc the Aussie dollar doesn't help but that isn't the conference's fault unless you engineered the Aussie dollars drop some years ago
• Emphatically so
• Outstanding value
• Reasonable
• Yes, for those who could afford it, but other local fans deterred
• The conference absolutely was good value. I do understand however that for a lot of people it is too expensive; after all there is also the cost of travel and the hotel. In all the conference cost me almost 700 pounds

Would you have preferred a cheaper conference, but without extra bits, such as gifts, scones & cakes, more basic hotel?

• No x 70% of respondents
• Yes x 30% of respondents
• I would prefer fewer frills at less cost!
• Yes, I thought the conference was a little pricey, especially when bringing a spouse
• No, but such a conference would be acceptable if more could afford to attend
• No, hotel was fine and how much cheaper could you have gone anyway conferences need all those tea breaks and a bit of atmosphere and a sea view , the gifts were great
• My guess is that for those who could not handle the total expense, the travel expense was the main problem, and a cheaper conference wouldn't solve that
• The Queens Hotel with its Shutian associations was part of the ambience
• I was quite happy with the price of the conference but then I can afford it. There maybe some people who cannot and if we went to a cheaper place but attracted more then I would vote top go for a cheaper affair
• Since I cannot see myself taking the conf again in a long time - then No. I got a lot out of it
• No, of course I would like to save money but would not want to give up Quality to do so
• No, the whole thing was just right. I'd definitely save up to go on that sort of event in future. I can imagine that more people might come if the price was lower but I'm sure it's difficult to gauge
• Personally, no. But I suspect that others would prefer a shorter more basic event
• If you would go to a more basic hotel, it would be a bit cheaper, but not a lot. Besides we would have missed the great atmosphere of the Queens Hotel. Maybe for younger people a campsite nearby is an idea. (I prefer a hotel by the way)
• NO!!!! Everything you chose had a purpose and reason. What made the conference complete WAS the Queens hotel, brekkie and lunch at the hotel, the scones (we'd have lynched someone had we not had our scones and clotted cream!), the gift bag, emergency chocolate, the mug, etc. Since I bought an extra, I have a mug at home and at work. I have happy thoughts each time I use it

What was your highlight of the conference?

• The whole thing
• Exbury House
• Tour of Portsmouth
• Of the events it has to be the Magical Mystery Tour, however as this was my first conference it was also meeting all the other Shute fans
• Magical Mystery Tour
• Highlight for me was the fact that the weather stayed fine for both evenings of the walk and the dinner (you did very well to organize that!!!!!!!!)
• Of the talks, I think Shoshana Milgram's, because it brought up issues of Shute's writing style that I had not thought about. Otherwise, the Magical Mystery Tour, especially Exbury Gardens and the lecture there
• The Exbury visit (I had already been to Pond Head in 2001)
• Hard to say. Meeting people and evoking the spirit of Shute. The excellent talks. The exhibits, the tours.
• Meeting old friends and making new ones among the Shutists
• Meeting so many other NSN enthusiasts
• Highlights. One meeting fellow Shutists and the other Exbury.
• Interacting with other Shutists. Meeting and working with Steph Gallagher
• I enjoyed everything but the trip to Pond Head and Exbury stand out
• The visit to 'Mastodon' but mainly because Wren is my favorite book!
• It would be invidious to pick out any one aspect as the whole event was so well constructed. I suppose the talks and associated discussions were the most obviously stimulating aspect. But the camaraderie made the event a real delight. Several of the speakers combined to spark off a train of thought, which I am still pursuing, relating to NS and the theme of lifelong learning which is now clearly apparent in the novels after their talks. I would like to hear more from Shoshana and John, indeed from Beall, Davids V and W, Fred, Laura, Richard and Zia (in no particular order). Also I think that Andy Burgess could give us an interesting talk about the aircraft business; Michael Meehan - Tom Cutter and GE work; and could we ask David Weir to take on No Highway as a case study in management practice. A significant aspect was the willingness of new friends to suggest other good reads which I have/am now enjoying
• The Magical Mystery Tour
• I very much liked the Mystery Tour. After that the books of NSN come even more to life. But I had a good time all the time. It was very nice to talk to people who "suffer" of the same slight disorder as you yourself
• The people and Tuesday's magical day and evening. Meeting Steph and getting to spend time with her (and later Mark (husband) and your kitties), seeing Dan, Jack and Richard again, as well as getting reacquainted with OZ Shutists (and seeing Colin on Tuesday) and meeting the new folks. In truth, the entire Conference and trip was a personal highlight

With the exception of Nevil Shute Norway, is there anything that you feel was missing from the conference?

• Can't think of anything, except perhaps a fly past of an Airspeed Oxford!
• Heather Mayfield and Shirley Norway (Daughters)
• I really missed seeing Heather Mayfield there. She was an integral part of OZ2001
• I can not think of a detail that was left out. Too bad Heather couldn't attend
• All we regret is that we can't do it all over again
• Someone who knew NSN personally who could give us actual experience of his presence
• I was surprised that the Mayor of Portsmouth didn't come and make a speech; an opportunity missed by the civic authorities (on second thoughts perhaps it was just as well). I think if we'd been in France or Italy with a locally linked author there would have been a real sense of celebration
• Hopefully, we can create a more complete museum display at US2005. This is certainly no criticism of UK2003. It is just that a lot of the interesting artifacts are in the US
• His daughters and any other local people who might have had contact with him in Portsmouth

Are there any other comments you would like to make about the conference?

• For me it was totally absorbing and delightful
• Could be more widely advertised, especially through academic/professional publications
• I loved the conference, only sorry when it was over. Of course will attend 2005 wherever it may be. Thanks Steph for all the work
• Very enjoyable. Well done Steph and many thanks to you and the other organizers
• You did a great job it went smoothly to plan the next one will be hard It may be that this was the last of the FIRST conferences and further conferences may have to take another attack
• Maybe from now it should just be a 2 day get together and giant coffee and scones chat I wonder if from now it will be repetition. We have done the major Shute-related places so from now on it's just a conference and not a pilgrimage too we have talked on everything there is I think sorry to sound a bit down but I think that maybe it's downhill from here as far as the "Big Conference" is concerned. The Centennial was important and a starter, Oz 2001 was a conference and a pilgrimage, UK 2003 was the final conference and pilgrimage. There are no more pilgrimages left. Where to from here??? I don't know
• The only comment that I would like to make is to thank you again, you have done a great job that must have cost you a lot of time. Thanks again
• A somewhat larger attendance would also have been pleasant--but we had enough people to feel like a celebration. Looking back, I wish I could GO back
• It was a notable occasion
• I thought the whole conference was very well put together. I have no complaints or suggestions. I hope Seattle will be as good!
• I want to thank YOU for the time, detailed thought, energy, passion, time, brain cells, energy, time, chocolate and everything else I can't think of right now for agreeing to tackle this immense undertaking. Your thought, extreme care, HUMOUR and attention to details and comfort went above and beyond anything imaginable. The fact that you were new to this wacky band of Shute fans made it all the more extraordinary. You were able to handle the wild, the wacky, the mad and the meddlers with grace, dignity and a gentle but firm hand while never losing your sense of humor! BRAVA!!!!!
• I had a very good time and would not have changed a thing
• Stephanie is to be graded 1st class *****
• The only other comment is I think that this survey questionnaire is a little too long so that you may not get as many responses as you rightly deserve for the wonderful job you did
• The key aspect of conferences such as this is the fact that you are amongst others keenly interested in the topic which interests you, who have read and re-read the texts and are able to bring out themes upon which you may not have focused in the past but in which you are all, consciously or unconsciously, steeped. It's is so refreshing not to need to explain or gloss over a remark; and intellectually stimulating to share in the exchange of views which develop. The whole thing was thoroughly enjoyable, a real treat. Thanks for making it happen so seamlessly
• Lovely event that benefited tremendously from all of the advance planning and effort on the part of you and your helpers - very much appreciated by all who attended!
• Admirable! Beautiful! Charismatic! Delightful! Eventful! Fantastic! Great! Humungous! Inspirational! Jubilant! Kaleidoscopic! Lovely! Meaningful! Noteworthy! Opulent! Popular! Quintessential! Regal! Superlative! Terrific! Unbelievable! Valuable! Wonderful! Xtraordinary! (OK - I cheated on that one) Yummy! Zealous!
• Nobody can be perfect but by golly you came pretty close. Many thanks for your personal efforts and congratulations to all the wonderful contributors
• THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Section B: Feedback received from people who did not attend the conference

What was your MAIN reason for not attending UK 2003?

Finances

• The conference was too expensive x 3 responses
• Didn't have funds to attend x 3 responses
• Not within our budget
• I think it difficult to compare a professional conference (which is probably paid for by a company, and is thus a legitimate business expense, and tax deductible) with something that is a hobby or interest. I raise my hat to you for organizing it and it must have been difficult to balance budgets at times, but I still feel that there were many people who just could not afford the cumulative cost
• The cost was a factor
• I lost my job
• It wasn't the conference fee, but the additional expenses that prohibited my attending this year. The plane and hotel fares were just too much for my budget. My husband and I had already planned our families 2½ week vacation for this summer and there wasn't any money left laying around for things like this

Other Commitments

• Wife had contract work over that period
• I had a date conflict
• Clashed with a cycling holiday
• 2 small children
• Had to attend a family event

Health

• Very poor hearing
• Am getting pretty unsteady on my feet

Location

• The location was not easy/practical for me to get to x 2 responses
• We are too old to travel round the world x 2 responses
• The UK is too far for us to travel to x 4 responses
• Just the pain of traveling to the UK generally
• We are not big travellers

Other Reasons

• Am Unemployed
• Had to take family considerations into account when choosing my holiday x 2 responses
• Didn't have time to attend
• Very new to the list
• We are not comfortable staying in hotels

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