Once again, Gabfest was a huge success! Although we were missing a few friendly faces, we were more than happy to welcome five new folks. Linda Kane visited us all the way from California. And, thanks to the UNC-TV PBS Festival, we have four new members from the Asheville area: Cynthia Turnbull, Mary Shope, Sara Litton, and Gail Griffith. It was great meeting each and every one of you; we look forward to seeing you again in July.

Other members present included Dee Brennan (Quiz Mistress Extraordinaire), Shonni Dixon, Judy Purdee, April Steyart, Glennie Sewell, Donna Bodie, Bill Ammons, Betty Elliott, Phyllis Metcalf, and myself.

The big topic of conversation was my meeting Anita "Angie Watts" Dobson in South Beach, Miami last month. Without giving away any spoilers, I told everyone how wonderful Anita was, shared some pictures from the "EastEnders Revealed" taping, and related a few stories that Anita had shared with me regarding her years on EastEnders. As a tribute to her character, we watched the "Den and Angie Years" Video.

Carole White, the President of Anita's fan club in England, will be sending a video of "EastEnders Revealed." We hope to view parts of it at Summer Gabfest in July.

Carole and Anita graciously provided the prize for our Pub Quiz.... It was a dual to the death between Shonni and Bill. In the end, Bill successfully answered a 5th tie breaker question, winning a beautiful personalized pen and pencil all the way from England. Congratulations, Bill!

Plans for a group trip to England are coming together! We have decided to schedule the event for May of 2003; fifteen members have already committed to the trip. April Steyart will be checking into accommodations; I will be finalizing additional details. If you are interested in accompanying us on this nine day excursion, please contact me.

Jane was unable to be with us this time, but we thought of her when we cut into the delicious bakery cake.... It featured more of Jane's amazing artwork: the "London Borough of Walford, E20" sign featured on the Albert Square fence.

To all of the others who couldn't join us: We missed you, and hope to see you next time.

Fanatically Yours!
Melissa

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