THE SUBMANCONThe Galactic Science-Fiction Committee (Galsificom) are to be congratulated on their recent SUBMANCON held in May and June of this year. As our members will realise, the magnanimous courage of the committee in nurturing a SUBurban convention particularly in LONDON - (known to some as the southern dormitory of SUPERMANCHESTER) deserves great praise.Being without such facilities as the famous BUFF ROOM of MANCHESTER, or LIVERPOOL's palatial SPACE DIVE* it was necessary to requisition the Eating Room of one of the larger Dwelling Houses (Communal Type - Mark IIIb) which, when suitably decorated and furnished, served the purpose admirably. Stained glass windows depicting various suburbs of SUPERMANCHESTER were a much appreciated feature of the decor. This was naturally carried through with minimum disturbance to the normal occupants. It had been anticipated that the warm greetings of the members and the even warmer breezes from the dais would make temperature control essential. This, together with a positive humidity (to retard the onset of 'dry-up effect' - an occupational hazard of public speakers), was simply and effectively accomplished by a mobile unit of the FELIX Corporation whose Biological Department could be seen at work in a mews overlooking the Convention Hall. Some original light entertainment provided by the corporation was well received. Due to the absence of Mr. J. ESPLEY (unavoidably detained by an experiment on the New Transparency), many noted personalities were somewhat delayed. Mr. H. Wells, Mr. A. Doyle, and Mons. J. Verne were also late. However, authors K. Lang, G. Hunt, B. Shaw and E. Tubb were there to open the ceremonies, assisted morally by authors J. Wyndham, J. Beynon and B. Harris who were also present. It is believed that Mr W. Temple is to present absentee A. Clarke with a complete record of the proceedings of the SUBMANCON including a performance by Miss Y. Sumac who was visiting SUPERMANCHESTER at the time. The record will be suitably inscribed and packed for delivery when Mr. Clarke returns to a closer range. It is hoped that Mr. Temple will soon be able to contact Mr. Clarke. Mr. van Gardner gave a mathematical display ably assisted by Mr. J. Roles and Mr. N. Shorrock. He was successful in his effort to count up to 23 and was immediately presented with a beautiful work of art for this magnificent refutation of the Finger-Thumb-Toe Limitation Theory. Mr. L. Johnson introduced several new names to the SUBMANCON including Mr. E. Carnell, who now edits SCIENCE-FANTASY, and Mr. van Gardner, whose stories Mr. Carnell rejects, and a Mr. Mackeson who, however, could not be found. Mr. Tubb, broadly speaking, officiated as auctioneer, being relieved only when refreshment was available. Messrs. E. Bentcliffe, D, Cohen and D, Pickles engaged in debate over the site of the next SUBMANCON. It is believed that the matter will be revived at the SUPERMANCON to be held in the fall. This date has been chosen to take advantage of the remarkable autumnal colours visible in MANCHESTER at that time, the City being united about the colourful display. In closing it should be noted that the many millions who will undoubtedly wish to attend the SUPERMANCON should book their accommodation in good time as SUPERMANCHESTER has limited the number of sleepers in its parks to two per bench. - Frank Milnes, SPACE DIVERSIONS #1 (June 1952)
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