Hello, my name is Shane Kerlin aka Hopalong. I am the Chairbeing for Queen’s University of Belfast Science Fiction and Fantasy Society aka QUBSF. The fact that you have looked at this page shows that you have some interest in Science Fiction and/or Fantasy (if not then why are you here?). However you may be unsure as to why you should become a member of QUBSF. Allow me to tell you why.

First the best reason of joining us is the people you find in the club. There are Doctor Who fans, Buffy/Angel/Firefly fans, Star Wars, Star Trek, BattleStar Galactica; LOTR; Harry Potter etc and equally there are people who detest such shows. So whether you like or hate a show, there will be like-minded people who you can discuss/rant/argue such things with. So if you’re fed up with other people treating you as retarded for liking this stuff join us and be free to display your full geekiness J

If that isn’t enough, then let’s discuss materialistic reasons.

The club offers discounted cinema trips to all members. For currently £3, you can come to Yorkgate with us and see films – usually on the day of release and of course have the fun of discussing it afterwards with other fans who demand the best as loudly as possible (Yes, Mark I’m talking about you) Also we do a minimum of two FREE showing per year. So far this year we’ve taken our members to see Casino Royale, the new Bond flick and plan to take them to see Spiderman 3 (out next summer).

Also the club has an extensive library containing some old and hard to find books and author, which all members are encouraged to use and borrow from. There is also a small DVD section of the library. Things like ST:DS9, Xfiles, Buffy; angel are all available, plus much more.

Also QUBSF run several one-off events and conventions during the year. We’ve already held a successful Doctor Who Day on Wednesday 22nd November at which we raised £200 for Children In Need. Our next big event is the Buffy 10th Anniversary Day which will be held on Saturday 10th March at Queen’s Student Union. (More info on the events page)

Then lastly there is Mecon, our annual literary convention where we get writers to come and discuss their work and the genre. Our tenth one is next year in August and has as its Guest of Honour the wonderful Iain M Banks. Everyone who we ask about this in the past, has always told us, “nice con” so it’s definitely worth checking out (even if we say so ourselves)

So all this for a miserable outlay of £5 for Queens students, £10 for non-Queens people. Surely great value for money! “As cheap as chips” Also don’t forget, there’s nothing to stop you coming for a couple of meetings first before making up your mind.

I hope to either see you soon at our regular Wednesday night meetings, or hear from you on our mailing list.

Yours, Shane Kerlin