With the words "Make it so," Patrick Stewart brought a whole new generation of fans to know and love the Star Trek saga.  For those who grew up with Trek, it was a fairly profound move.  There were doubts amongst the British fans - would the series be accepted, would the future for science fiction look brighter?  After all, we'd grown up not only on Star Trek, but on Lost in Space, Dr. Who, Blake's Seven and such like. 

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Stewart before any episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation were aired by the BBC.    It was 1987.  Of course, there were plenty of tapes from the USA and those in the know, could easily get them 'translated' from NTSC to PAL format.  It was a UFP convention, in Birmingham, at the Warwick Hotel, next to the NEC.  He wasn't scheduled as a guest, in fact, he wasn't even scheduled at the convention in any shape or form.  He was visiting friends in Stratford on Avon, and heard about the con on the local news.  Being curious, he thought he'd take a look at the British Trekkies!  So in he walked!  The whole convention (curiously enough!) came to a standstill.  All rooms were closed off but the main hall.  He stood on stage, having been persuaded to address us by the Convention Committee.  The speakers squealed with feedback.  He took one look at the microphone and threw it to one side.  "I don't need this," he said.  "Projection!  Something the Americans know nothing about!"  And everyone heard him perfectly in the large ballroom.  He told us about life in Santa Monica, on the set, and of his plans for the future.  (And mentioned in passing that he still couldn't program his vcr).  I'm sure he never envisaged his future in science fiction to run for quite so many years! I wonder if he ever learned how to set the timer on the vcr?

In all this time he's not been short of appreciation.  He is an Honorary Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company and on December 16, 1999 was awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He's recently completed the movie "X-Men2", which was released in last year and is now available on DVD and VHS.    He plays Xavier.  There's still a lot life in Jean Luc Picard - and long may it prosper.  And although some production companies may differ, I hasten the add the future of science fiction has never looked brighter.   And for the more culturally minded amongst us, don't forget the remake of "The Lion in Winter" due for tv release in 2003.

Birthplace:       Mirfield, Yorkshire

Birthdate:        July 13, 1940