30/12/2025
“I have friends everywhere.”
It’s a line borrowed from our AndMore show, but it perfectly captures how I feel about Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories.
Although this post comes a few weeks after the event, it truly needs to be said: thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and believed in what was a huge undertaking to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Force Awakens in Fordingbridge. It was something very special, and I’m incredibly grateful to have shared it with so many of you.
My deepest thanks go to our incredible guests:
Neal Scanlan, Kevin Jenkins, Jake Lunt-Davies, Martin Rezard, Brian Herring, Lee Towersey, Oliver Steeples, Sonny Merchant, Katy Coleman, Kiran Shah, and Matt Stirling.
Your insights, generosity, and stories created an unforgettable experience.
A huge thank you to Pablo Hidalgo for joining us as guest moderator, and to Kristen Hidalgo and Pete Vilmur for helping make the event possible.
Heartfelt thanks to The Rebel Legion, UK Garrison, Impatient Potato , No More Heroes, Lucky McQueede and Zuveum for creating such a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere throughout the weekend.
To the amazing team who ensured everything ran smoothly and that everyone had the best possible experience:
Moderators: Mark Mulcaster & Mark Newbold.
Stage Management: Martin Keeler & Paula Mortimer.
Operational Management: Andrew Mortimer, Stuart Horswell & William Keeler.
Design & Production: Chloe Stevens.
Film & Editing: Matt Holt.
Your dedication, professionalism, and heart were the soul of Thank The Maker. You deserve the highest praise and my deepest thanks.
Thank you also to our local supporters: The George, Fordingbridge , Chevrons Living and Valerie Read.
Across the weekend, we collectively raised £1,200 for The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal — an incredible achievement.
AndMore and Thank The Maker have, I believe, set a new standard for Star Wars events — and we can’t wait to bring you more ... AndMore ;).
Much love,
Dave
