Jenna Louise Coleman at Collectormania 19

 I ordered my Jenna Louise Coleman photo tickets the day they went out on sale around Christmas time, and had been counting down the days ever since. In my opinion, she completely stole the show in Doctor Who Series 7 Asylum of the Daleks with her unannounced, unexpected appearance. From here, we didn't see her until the much anticipated Christmas 2012 episode, where she once again proved her likeability as a companion, and her ability to warm to the most passionate, long serving fans. The mystery surrounding her character was eventually solved in the Series 7 finale, but I won't spoil the surprise just in-case you haven't got round to watching it yet!

 I decided to attend Collectormania 19 in Milton Keynes purely based on the announcement of Jenna as the Saturday headlining guest. I travelled down with my boyfriend, and after many a traffic jam arrived safely on the Friday evening. From here, we headed to bed for an early night as we set our alarms for bright and early the next morning. Up at 6.30am on the Saturday and finally leaving our hotel at around 8am, we arrived at the stadium 5-10mins later. Jenna's queue for autographs was already huge, and it was a long wait in the chilly weather until the doors opened at 9. Once in, we received our virtual queue ticket and were told to come back to meet Jenna later because of our huge queue number. 

 Me and Luke walked around the stadium a few times, taking in the sights, people, and merchandise available. Finally we were able to join Jenna's queue, pick a photo to get signed and paid £35 for the autograph. Jenna was lovely, and when I finally reached the front of the queue, she looked up and asked how I was, to which I replied that I was good, and repeated the same question back to her. I then asked how her first convention was going. She hesitated here, seemingly nervous and replied how she wasn't expecting so many people to arrive dressed up as her. I sympathised, stating how it was one of my first conventions and how I was still getting used to the whole process. (This would have been awkward if I had Clara cosplayed). She then told me to take care and I thanked her for her time. I really wasn't expecting a mini chat, and had not come prepared with anything to say so I was pleased with how I handled the whole situation, as I would usually shy away. Luke managed to take a few excellent pictures whilst we talked, which I am extremely thankful for, and I took some whilst I was in the queue. See below:

 Next, it was off to the photo shoot. We didn't have to wait long and when we arrived at the room we were able to go in with the first group because our ticket number was within the first 200. Jenna looked tiny stood up in front of the camera, and understandably nervous as there were crowds of people either side of her waiting for a photo. When it was my turn she moved across the room slightly so the camera could produce a better angle, much to my amusement as we sideways stepped along the floor together in a pose. I am really happy with the finished photo, I had been worried about it for weeks! It was £30 after all, so I wanted it to be near perfect! Dad paid me a huge compliment when I returned home by stating that me and Jenna could be sisters - I wish! 

 Overall, although I left around midday, I was very pleased how the morning panned out. We had no long gaps of waiting around, and our time there moved pretty swiftly. I am pleased the event was free to get in, plus free parking - especially when the prices of guests are taken into consideration!! I would definitely go again, as long as the guest list was good. Well done everyone from the team who ensured everything ran nice and smoothly! More information on this event can be found out here: http://www.collectormania.com/miltonkeynes/

 I am off on holiday over the next few days. I still have a post to write about my recent Doctor Who location visit. If I don't get round to posting it within the next day or so, I will upload it when I return from my travels.

 In the meantime, feel free to check out my twitter for updates: @pluckykelly

Thanks for reading

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'Fathers Day' Locations - The Long-Awaited Third Instalment

 Long time no post! It's been two long months full of assignments, presentations and dissertation work since I last wrote, but I'm finally back, after finally completing my University course :-) Now all that's left is to await my results, which happen to coincide with the day I start my work placement... uh-oh! Anyway, hope you're all enjoying Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 so far... I really can't wait until Saturdays finale 'The Name of the Doctor', where we will finally discover the identity of Clara. 

 

 It would be relevant to add that since I last wrote, I, like many others, tried vigorously for hours on Saturday morning to apply for the Doctor Who Proms tickets at the Royal Albert Hall. I had two laptops up and running and a phone permanently set to redial. Unfortunately, like my peers, the site crashed and telephone lines were a no-go as they remained engaged, which led to lots of fans missing out on the last few tickets with only minutes to spare. I am incredibly disappointed as I am extremely passionate about the music of Doctor Who. I have all the soundtrack CD's and whenever I listen to them, they transport me away into my own little world. I suppose I should add that if anyone becomes aware of a pair of tickets which are released following this post, please do not hesitate to let me know as I am desperate to get my hands on some! 

 Anyway, back to the subject of this post, I am following on from the trip to Cardiff I made back in February. This is the third and final instalment to my visit and includes the location of the church used in the Series one Doctor Who episode and adventure by the Ninth Doctor, Father's Day.

 After a brief stop at my favourite restaurant Frankie and Benny's (YUM! - my mouth is watering from just thinking about it!), it was on to the days location. Eventually, we found our way to The Parish of St Paul's in Grangetown, Cardiff after navigating around one-way streets which can feel pretty tedious at times. (And also very embarrassing when you realise you need to reverse back down a huge stretch of narrow road to allow for an oncoming car!) 

More information on the area can be found here:- http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/parishofstpauls

Bride chased by deadly Reaper
Source: BBC Doctor Who 

 There is parking located in the streets surrounding the church, and it's pretty hard to miss as it towers above the small terraced houses. We didn't actually go inside as the gates were locked, but we took some photos of the outside areas, including the road directly outside the church which is used as the spot where Pete Tyler faces his final moments as he runs in front of the oncoming vehicle. 

If you were to walk from out of the front church doors, the location where Pete is killed and the TARDIS is parked is located to the left, where the corner of road bends around the edge of the church grounds, just outside the row of shops. The area looks almost completely the same as it did back in 2005 when the episode was shot, so it is definitely worth popping along to see the location. It's about a 5 minute drive from Cardiff Bay and completely free if you are able to park in the street like myself. Definitely recommended for location hunters!

 I personally really wanted to visit this location as it's the first Doctor Who episode me and mum physically sat down and watched together. We both shed a tear with what we had viewed on-screen, as it told the emotional story of how Rose Tyler witnesses the last moments of her Father's life back in 1987, but in doing so, prevents this event from ever happening. This results in the unleashing of deadly reapers who destroy everything in their wake, as history begins to change dramatically around them. This all predominately occurs during a wedding of which the Tyler family are all in attendance. The only way balance can be restored is in the form of Pete Tyler facing his inevitable end. 

More information on the episode can be found here:- http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Father's_Day_(TV_story)

 This episode also reveals a vital moment which occurred during Rose Tyler's life before The Doctor, which helps to construct her background story, which is then built upon in the series to follow. 

 Sorry this post has been a long-time coming! I hope you're all enjoying this lovely (not-so) summer weather! It's been terrible here, but no fear as I am off on my summer holidays in the coming weeks! I can't wait, it's a much deserved break until I am thrown into the big bad world when I return after finishing university. I have lots planned, and I will be sure to keep you up to date as I am very excited. Oh, but before all of that of course, I am off to the Collectormania event next week to meet Jenna Louise Coleman. Let me know if you're going to, and I shall report back on how my day went soon after :-)

Many thanks for reading, blog to you soon :-) 

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Definitely Not Blinking at Wester Drumlins

 Next on my Doctor Who location list was a spot from another one of my all-time favourite Doctor Who episodes.

 'Blink', is a Series 3 adventure by the tenth doctor. It stars the brilliant actress Carey Mulligan as Sally Sparrow who, whilst looking for subjects to photograph, climbs into the derelict Wester Drumlins house. But she's not alone, as this episode sees her encounter the weeping angels. Reminder BBC Trailer here.

 A wrong turn off the motorway later and we finally found 'Fields House' (how its really known - In my opinion, I think the owners should consider changing it to the fictional name) on the side of a quiet housing area in Newport. I have to admit, from watching the episode I was led to believe that the house was located off the beaten track in the middle of the countryside, abandoned because of its traditional architecture. Therefore I was surprised whilst driving past (and admiring) all the lovely modern houses in the area to be suddenly startled by the huge gothic gates. I then hastily turned to my partner who had a clearer view from the passenger seat and asked 'was that Wester Drumlins?' To which he replied 'I don't think so, no'. Clearly he needs be more observant, as it is hard to miss! I've included some of my snapshots below:-

Bottom IMG: BBC Doctor Who Confidential

*Don't blink. Blink and you're dead. They are fast. Faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't blink. Good Luck.* 

 Parking outside the house means parking on quite a steep hill, please remember to put your handbrake on. The shots we took weren't the best because of the position of the sun, *damn you sun* and as you can see, the ray of light managed to creep into every picture! The front of house was full of building tools and material, we could hear the construction work going on round of the side of the house, therefore no matter how much I would have loved to have gone in and had a few pictures inside the house, no one would have heard us at the gate anyway. 
 
  Fields House was also used for interior shots of the 2012 Christmas Special, The Snowmen. If anyone knows which scenes these were for, I'd be generally intrigued to know :-) 

 If I am completely honest, the property has a very eerie feel to it, or maybe thats just because I'm a Doctor Who geek. I was half expecting a stone statue to appear in one of the windows...

The Doctor Who Locations Website has lots more photos and information about this spot, including shots from the interior which were used in Blink along with filming reports from the christmas special, including photos captured here of new companion Jenna Louise Coleman:- http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/fieldshouse

 From here, we drove off round the back of the property, where we found a over-grown lane fronted by a makeshift gate, so we decided to leave. 

 Me and the partner decided to end the night with cocktails at our favourite pub in Cardiff Bay which boasts TARDIS doors, and then on to the infamous Eddies Diner (where my partner took a creative photo using a screenshot from The Impossible Astronaut - see below).

 My third and final part to my Cardiff weekender will include the location from Series 1 'Fathers Day'. Hope you have had a great weekend, not long until Series 7 Part 2. And now we can all officially state 'Doctor Who is on this month'! To keep up on all the latest Doctor Who news follow @bbcdoctorwho or check out the website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho

Many thanks for reading, blog to you soon :-) 

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A visit to Graystark Hall Orphanage

 Valentines weekend had been planned months in advance with a cheap and cheerful £12 hotel sale. However, the whole stay was pretty much weather-dependent and after the amount of snow, wind and rain the UK had been getting over the previous weeks, we really weren't sure whether we would ever make it down to Cardiff. 

 Thankfully, Saturday arrived alongside the sun beaming high in the sky so off I drove with Luke down to Wales, location stops in hand. 

Bottom Image: Courtesy of BBC

 Our first location was Troy House, Monmouth. We by-pass the town on the way to Cardiff so how we have missed the stop in the past is beyond belief. A cheeky 5 minute detour off the beaten-track later we arrived. 

Bottom Image: Courtesy of BBC

 Cast your minds back to Doctor Who Series 6, and the second of the two-parter Day of the Moon. Canton Delaware and Amy Pond head off to the children's orphanage in search for a missing girl. Here, Amy is later taken by the Silents once she finds the little girls room.  

 I would recommend that those who wish to stop at this location in the future take extra care, unless you have a flashy 4x4 car or are prepared to walk from the main road. My baby Clio unfortunately got battered and bruised through the dirt track leading to the mansion, which is surrounded by farmland and a fully operational working farm. Therefore, the route was full of potholes, pools of water and all sorts of gravel, stones and mud. My bad. I don't think I will be venturing along there again! 

 Anyway, following me totally mastering the slightly off-road driving experience we finally reached the gothic gates, hopped out of the car and landed right into the horrifying squelch of... mud - A lot of it -And in my best shoes. Yes, a top tip if you fancy heading to the spot: PACK THOSE WELLIES! A quick jump out of the car and a few snapshots later then amounted to two dogs hurtling towards the gates from the inside barking like crazy. I suppose it made a change from the eerie silence. We did consider ringing the bell and asking if we could have access to the inside of the grounds for some pictures, but the dogs really startled us so we headed off. 

Note - the amount of mud covering the ground behind me!

 We stopped at two further Doctor Who locations during our little weekend getaway. The next was Fields House from Blink and the final spot, a filming location from Fathers Day. I will try my best to put together posts on both of these as soon as possible! In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful week and are starting to get over them horrid Monday Blues!

If you fancy heading to Troy House, Monmouth:

• Drive carefully and watch out for uneven surfaces/potholes which could seriously damage your car.
• Park close to the main road and walk down to the house (takes approx 5-10 minutes).
• Wear wellies/boots.
• Be aware of the guard dogs. 

Note: The Clio is now all well and good, and since our trip has been cleaned inside and out. Sustained minor scratches to the front of the car - it was all worth it!

To find more about this historic building, you can head to the wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_House  *slaps her University Higher-Educated wrists*

With thanks to http://www.doctorwholocations.net/  :-)

Thanks for reading

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Followed by a mad man and his blue box...

...And I am certainly not complaining! (Sadly, yet to find that mysterious mad man!)

 On Friday 8th February me and my partner headed to the Britain's Got Talent live auditions in Birmingham (blog post to follow), when we decided to stop off and check out Birmingham's very own BBC headquarters, located in the Mailbox.

 We were both first-time visitors to the building, and after perusing around some of the shops we located the BBC entrance. At this moment I acted like a squealing, excitable little child after spotting the TARDIS behind the glass window and, failing to compose myself, sprinted towards the door. 

 Unfortunately, the TARDIS doors were bolted shut - (obviously the doctor knew I would be making a visit and took extra precautions!) Nevertheless, there was a photo opportunity to be had, and a supply of Doctor Who character masks begging to be worn! However, resisting temptation of becoming an Ood, the Empty Child or even Amy Pond for the day, I sported the au naturel PluckyKelly look, see below :-)

Is that my mad man running up the stairs I see...?

 After a quick browse in the BBC store - where you can find all your BBC favourites, and a whole section on Doctor Who/Torchwood goodies (see more HERE) we headed up the stairs. BAD IDEA. Because located at the top of the steps and guarding the first floor, was a menacing Dalek.

 After checking defences and ensuring the Dalek was restrained, I braved a photo, had a quick nose around the multiple studios through the glass windows, grabbed a tours leaflet and made a hasty run for it with Luke. We had survived.

Me looking exceptionally short next to the Dalek

 So after a rather restless afternoon running away from Daleks, searching for that mad man and trying to find our way into the city centre, me and Luke finally made it to the ICC, ready for the Britain's Got Talent Auditions. I will include all the details and lots of pictures of my evening with Mr Cowell in my next blog post :-) 

 In the meantime I was wondering whether any of you had been on the BBC Midlands Today Tour at the Mailbox? If so, would you recommend a visit? Drop me a Tweet or Email  - details of these HERE.

 Overall, my trip to the Mailbox was not the first time I had come across a lonely Time Machine. Back in November when I attended the Dirty Dancing Tour at Cardiff's Millennium Centre with mum, I was astonished to find the TARDIS sat in the foyer, being ignored by the surrounding crowds...

So do I believe someone out there is following me? No, of course not! But if the Doctor was to open them ancient blue doors, I'd travel the stars alongside him any day. 

*The Doctor. In the TARDIS. Next stop: Everywhere*

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Got the (Tardis) Blues...

Hi everyone, I'm currently snowed under with a Doctor Who Dissertation Project... wait a minute... a DOCTOR WHO dissertation project?!

That's right, I've gone completely stark crazy. I'm jeopardising my love for Doctor Who for a blimmin' University project.

You see, life with my Doctor Who dissertation is like this...

...Whereas my old life, was like this... 

 So I'm currently about to start the literature review for my project (Eeekk!). And have re-watched hours of the Science Fiction drama to analyse a few of the characters I have chosen to focus on... along with the writers, producers, directors... etc. I think its pretty fitting to be investigating into Doctor Who during its 50th year anniversary, and lets face it, would I rather be studying anything else?!

 Please feel free to comment with any motivational words of wisdom and who knows, you may even make it into my acknowledgement page ;-)

 I'm on the final stretch of University life now, with just over 3 months left in lectures until I delve into the big bad world! I'm currently juggling my Dissertation with all of my huge pile of planned assignments, plus I am also trying to find time to write out applications for work experience placements in the media sector. 

 I'm also thinking of volunteering at my local animal shelter in the near future - probably after University as it will be a big commitment - and was wondering whether any of you had any experience of this or anything similar and could pass over some friendly thoughts or advice? 

 I'm off out and about over the coming weeks, starting with watching some of the live Britain's Got Talent Auditions next week, a weekend in Wales (where I'll hopefully do some location hunting), and I have lots of pre-paid concerts and gigs lined up over the coming months! 

Please don't hesitate to use any of the methods on the contact me page to get in touch and share your views.


 Don't forget - Doctor Who is back on our screens on Saturday 30th March - BBC One. 

Thanks for reading, blog to you soon :-)

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Jenna Louise Coleman to attend Convention

Jenna Louise Coleman
Image: BBC

I've only attended two conventions before. The first was Memorabilia Birmingham back in November 2011, where I met Arthur Darvill -Blog Post Here- and the Doctor Who Convention, Cardiff in March 2012 -Blog Post Here- . Both had a brilliant atmosphere and were a fantastic day out - From here, I vowed to attend many more cons.

So when I saw through Twitter that Jenna Louise Coleman, the Doctors new companion, was due to attend Collectormania 19 in Milton Keynes, I snapped up some photo opportunity tickets straight away! It is her first and only announced convention this year currently!

You too can buy your photo session tickets with Jenna from HERE - limited availability - be quick!

To find out information on the event, view the latest news or to see which other guests are attending, head over to the Collectormania website HERE

The event is from Saturday 25th May - Monday 27th May 2013 at the Milton Keynes Dons Stadium.

Happy New Year everyone! 

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and especially enjoyed the Doctor Who Christmas special 'The Snowmen'. 

How good was Jenna Louise Coleman as Clara?! And as always, a superb performance from Matt Smith, in my opinion. The chemistry on screen between the Doctor and his new companion is phenomenal. I just can't wait for Series 7 Part 2 to begin! 

So we are all sad that Christmas and New Year celebrations are over, but at least we can start looking forward to the year ahead, and at what 2013 has to offer...

IT (was) CHRISTMAAAAAS!!!!! 

Had someone been peaking at my Christmas list...?

My Santa-Cat, Alfie

Did Santa bring you any cool Doctor Who related goodies down the chimney?? 

I received these amazing "Police Box" gloves, which my partners auntie knitted for me, they are awesome, I think you may agree - I just had to share :-) I also gave in and purchased the Tardis style dressing gown for my partner, he had been hinting at it for months!

My partner also purchased some Doctor Who pyjamas for me off the website etsy. They were created and shipped from America, so although he ordered a few weeks before Christmas, the seller was slightly late posting the item out so I was a few days late receiving them! It was worth the wait though, they are a perfect fit and are very comfortable :-) I am ensure of the exact seller my partner used, but I have found a seller who designs the same trousers - HERE

I have a few posts lined up which I have been thinking about over the festive period. Hopefully I can get these up over the next few weeks and I also have lots of trips planned over the coming months which I can't wait to share :-) 

Many Thanks for your continued support over 2012, all the comments/views/follows on here and my PluckyKelly Twitter are really appreciated. I love discussing my love for all things Doctor Who, and, well just about everything with you guys. Feel free to leave me a comment or contact me on twitter.

Here's to a successful 2013!

Thank you for reading

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