Leeds and the world's first science fiction convention

[tinfish0]

Hi,

Not quite sure where is the best place to post this, but,
https://www.tinytickle.co.uk/worlds-fir ... onvention/

Interesting article on the worlds first Science Fiction convention, which happen in Leeds in 1937.
Guests included a young Arthur C. Clarke.

Thought that this was an interesting piece of local history that I'd never heard of before that would appeal to Secret Leeds visitors.
It's a unique 'claim to fame' I think, and one Leeds could play on in the future for tourism etc, given the popularity of such events nowadays.

Has anyone else heard of this before?

[jim]

Ah, long forgotten memories of searching through the second hand paperbacks in Stringer's bookstall in the market, looking for more science fiction and fantasy in the late 50s/early 60s. I had a cupboard full of the stuff in the engine house at Marsh Lane Goods Yard.

[Leodian]

Thanks for that link tinfish0. It is something that I had not heard of. There is some interesting information to be found through the 'official souvenir booklet' link in the article (there are 2 such links but both bring up the same information). This extract particularly caught my eye "The question of who should be President of the society was now raised. One suggestion was that H.G. Wells should be asked, but Mr.Gillings stated that he did not think that Wells cared much for modern science-fiction, and that he would probably decline. Mr.L.J. Johnson pointed out that Wells is still writing science fiction, and mentioned "Things to Come". A vote was taken, and the proposal in favour of Wells defeated".

So Leeds boldly went where no science fiction fan had gone before .

[Steve Jones]

This subject was covered in Fortean Times magazine earlier this year in their history of early Forteans and Sci Fi series.Leeds was very active until the Second World War broke out and stopped meetings as people were drafted etc.London then took over as the centre for Sci -fi.