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congratulations, well deserved :)
and also, OMG a kaleidescope! what a great looking award!
Personally, I think that you are a great person and well deserving of this big accolade. Congratulations.
Congratulations on the award!
Sorry, I seem to be missing something. Forgive me for showing my ignorance, but how does the Mumfan award relate to your winning the Silver Swan?
Heya :) The following statement was written by Dave Luckett when I was writing my speech for last year's Mumfan winner, which explains the amazing and heartfelt place this award has for WA fans. This award affects people - and it is something that recognises the kind of person you are. It's many people's favourite award, and what Danny is saying is that it affects him too and that he could never receive it.
We in WA decided to do something else instead - we didn't feel that the Mumfan said everything that needed to be said about how much effect Danny has had on the WA community, and more than that, the Australian community. The Silver Swan is for an overwhelming contribution to WA SF Fandom/Community, and that really is just the tip of the iceberg to explain Danny's contribution.
Of course it shouldn't come as a surprise to me that there are prominent and active fans around today who don't remember Marge Hughes, otherwise known as Mumfan. It was, as far as fannish history is concerned, long long ago now. She died, God, I suppose eighteen years ago now, when nearly everyone who's out con-running these days was still in short pants, or not even alive. But it is a surprise, all the same. Mumfan was a one-off, a nonesuch, and I thought, (not examining the thought at all, or I'd have known it was ridiculous) that she'd never be forgotten.
She was Warren Hughes' mother, and even Warren isn't seen about much these days, though he does usually turn up to Swancon when he's in town.
But that isn't her claim to fame. Nor is it scholarship, or geekiness, or artistry, or brilliant wit, or being a great organiser. No, it was much more than that. It was goodness. It was warmth, and gentleness, and a sense of fun that never hurt, and acceptance, and laughter and wisdom that went far beyond mere cleverness. If you needed a shoulder to cry on, you went to Mumfan. If you needed someone to rejoice with, that was her. She never asked you why. She always knew, because she always noticed.
She went away and died, one day. She never said, never gave a hint. But when it happened, we all - every fan who knew her - felt a bleak loss of, I suppose, dimension. It was more than the void a good person leaves in the lives of those around her. Mumfan was what a lot of us aren't. There was a stillness about her, a depth, a stable core, a bone-deep integrity that she communicated to us. When she listened and accepted, she helped us explain ourselves to ourselves, helped us learn be satisfied with what we are, and to know it was right.
We felt, all of us then, that we couldn't just let that go. We had to remember it at Swancon. We thought we'd do something in her memory for the person who did the most, unrewarded and unnoticed, to make the con a success - that is, a joy, a wonder, an affirmation of who we are, in our several and shambolic ways. We are fans. We are family, and she was mother to us all.
Thank you so much for sharing the backstory on what's obviously a deeply meaningful part of WA fandom. I think it's wonderful that the memory of folks who quietly did (and do) so much for the fandom community is honoured in that way.
I did indeed read where Danny said it affected him too, and that he could never receive it. But thanks for taking the time to reply, regardless.
I saw what he wrote, but thought maybe some additional background/context would help - or that where the comparison came in.
Sorry, at the risk of belabouring the point, I still don't see why the comparison (I am famous for being slow), but as I said thanks for sharing regardless. I appreciate that you'd take the effort to enlighten.
I'll try to explain. The Mumfan isn't given out every year. It does get presented most years, but it's basically an award that is only presented when they feel they have someone worthy of it. And as you saw from Mynxii's reply, it's not an award for writing, art, video-editing, but for someone who makes a positive difference in people's lives, not through big things, but small individual acts of kindness to those in their community.
To be given the Mumfan means that you, just by being you, improved the lives of the people around you, and in your community, in countless small ways without ever expecting nor wanting any recognition for it.
The Silver Swan is given out even less often. Three times now, in thirty-three years, effectively. It's kind of like the Mumfan in that it's a recognition that you have made people's lives better for no reason other than you could, and goes beyond that to say that you have made fandom better by being yourself, by being a positive influence. And not just WA fandom, but Australian fandom as a whole.
Grant Stone has set up a university library of SF books and material, gotten SF on the ciriculum, has hosted a regular SF radio show since the 70's. He is not only a nationally important figure, he is known internationally for his work for SF fandom.
He is one of the founders of Swancon, and has even bailed out one Swancon by writing a cheque for their hotel deposit from his own bank account (if I remember the story correctly). He is welcoming of old friends and new fans alike, and is a solid part of the community. While not a writer, artist, or performer, the nearest fan you would know that I can think of that is comparable for having positively touched so many lives with his love and enthusiasm of the fan community is Ian Gunn.
Eidolon got the second Silver Swan. There are other Australian magazines that went longer, came out more regularly, and are better known. But Eidolon's dedication to quality set it apart from the majority. It launched and established many of the current leading lights of Australian SF, including people like Terry Dowling, Sean Williams, and Shaun Tan. That one of the editors now works for Locus in the US, thanks to the work on Eidolon, should give you an idea of how highly it is thought of. When it ended, some of the most powerful editors and writers in the international SF scene were sorry to see it go. The nearest equivalent currently in Australia is Borderlands - Ellen Datlow regularly hassles them wanting to know when the next issue will be out.
If I had been given the Mumfan I would have been incredibly moved and touched beyond words. It has more heart behind it that any other award I know of. I don't know, maybe you need to be West Australian to truly understand the significance of it. I do, but then again there's a reason I've called myself a Perth fan for over a decade now.
That I've been given the Silver Swan is completely overwhelming. In the Australian SF scene, while lesser known, it's up there in importance with the Peter McNamara and Chandler Awards. I'm still getting teary when I look at the certificate. It says that I haven't merely helped out a few people, but I've positively affected an entire community.
To me what it means, given the high quality of character and achievement of the previous recipients, is that I have a hell of a lot of work to do yet before I can feel truly worthy of it.
Well, it's absolutely wonderful you've won it. Thanks for taking the time to write such a comprehensive overview. And congratulations again on what is, despite your protests, a well-deserved achievement.
Don't tell me you're surprised? ;-)
Congratulations mate. You've always been gutsy and since your health issues, it's served you well. I'm proud to have you as a friend and proud that we did a fanzine (albeit a controversial one) together. :-)
Woohoo!
I didn't get a chance to congratulate on the night (I was going to come up but then your gameshow stared and then we had to run off to rescue the kids) so HUGE congrats!
Oh, and there was a teeny tiny moment as you hyperventilated on stage that I though "Oh F&ck! We've killed him! He's gonna turn blue and die, RIGHT THERE ON STAGE!" but then you recovered.
Sweetie, you deserve it more than I can say.
I am crying as I sit here reading this. You so deserve it and I wish I had been there to see the presentation.
You are one of my biggest memories of almost every con I have attended. Certainly of my first. And I think after reading Grant's speech that he has said it better than I ever could.
I am so thrilled for you. Congratulations!!
I just don't have the words to tell you how much you deserve this, how much you mean to me.
Congratulations on this well deserved award! (It was only when I heard about this that I had any regrets about missing the awards ceremony.)
Edited at 2008-03-24 10:26 am (UTC)
I am twirling a baton in the imaginary brass band that is accompanying my congratulations!!
I cried
I am just so glad we found a way to let you know how very important you are to us all.
:-)
I think we all cried, I couldn't see a dry eye in place, myself included.
Congrats Danny.
Congratulations, you so totally deserve that award. I'm also glad to note that my Torchwood DVD is now more valuable having been rubbed on the crotch of a silver swan winner!
You more than deserve it. I couldn't imagine Perth fandom without you and the influences you leave in it. Congratulations :)
You winning the Silver Swan is my favourite memory from this con. You rock. \m/
As one of those who, as Grant said, "can say in all honesty that my own drive to participate in this community is inspired by one person's outstanding contribution, example, and boundless enthusiasm", thank you.
Wish I'd been there to see it. I hope someone took photos!!!
Can't speak for others, but after getting a *bit* teary during the Mumfan (the previous award), by the time Grand and Simon said their speach I was bawling, so I didn't get a photo...
Er, for some reason we didn't seem to be able to take photos at that point either...sorry about that. We couldn't photo those pesky Mumfan winner pair either.
I got some photos of you and Rob but they aren't great and I'm sure other people have better photos .
What can we say, you're inspirational :) Rock Rock ON!
ST~
p.s: is it sad that i'm more interested in the jarrah turning than what's written on the plaque?
Wow, congratulations ! Wish we could have been there as well as Eastercon :)
OMG.... congratulations that is totally awesome, truly worthy from what I have heard and read well deserved award to a totally deserving person.
love and hugs
carol
xoxoxo
Many congratulations from me and from Robin.
Congrats! You know you deserve it! You've done something great, more than most of us could hope to! That says something about your ability, you're obviously better than you have perceived yourself to be!
Hey sweetheart,
I'm glad you feel loved, and I hope this helps you to keep in mind the extent of love and warmth people feel towards you.
I have been out of touch of the whole "fandom" thing (there isn't really any fandom movement in Adelaide), but this doesn't stop me caring about you, and the fond memories of all the times we shared.
You deserve this.
Lots of love,
Kat
From: (Anonymous)
2008-03-25 07:30 am (UTC)
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I was sadly not present when you were presented with the award; Easter dinner with the family beckoned. But I know that I speak for my wife Rachel (herself a Mumfan award recipient) when I say that I can't imagine a person more deserving of the Silver Swan. Your effect on WA fandom has been incredible. Congratulations!
Jeremy
Congratulations!
Between you, and Rob and Leece, I was a blubbering mess.
I'd been aware of your contributions towards fandom for quite some time, but too shy to really talk to anyone as amazing as you for ages. I am so glad that we managed to get a chance to chat last year, and your friendship has definitely changed my life for the better. You have definitely been an inspiration to me and many other fans, and this award is richly deserved.
It was nice to be able to read about this again. I feel kinda lucky having gone to the "welcome to swancon" panel on Thursday night and talking to you, briefly. (c:
Well there you go. After 14 years of you telling me how brilliant Swancons are, you go an win an the most important award EVAH! at my first Swancon. How crazy is that!?
Congrats mate!
And you know, in all honesty, you, Mitch, and Emilly being there just made it that much more special.
Congratulations! Is it really a kaleidoscope? Can I play with it next time I'm in Canberra?
But seriously, I'm very happy for you - you deserve awards and general rejoicing, and I'm very glad you're getting them:)
It is one of the brightest memories of my first con. The look on your face when it was announced was just beautiful. I had tears in my eyes.. | |
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dalekboy's journal
loved
I get noticed, I get accolades and receive recognition for writing, or video-clips, or other things. Hell, over the years in Perth I have been a Fan Guest, Special Guest, and National Guest. You can't say I haven't been noticed.