Jan 3 1937
From The Space Library
A science fiction convention takes place at the Theosophical Hall in Leeds England. The attendees include Leslie Johnson, Eric Frank Russell, Maurice K. Hanson, Arthur C. Clarke and Edward John Carnell all members of the British Interplanetary Society. The convention had been planned and announced months in advance in Novae Terrae. Hanson subsequently reported on the proceedings in the February issue of Novae Terrae. The article was called Conferring in Leeds. The convention was open to the public, held in a public venue and had tickets printed in advance. A booklet about the event was printed by the Leeds chapter of the Science Fiction Association. In this respect and others it surpassed a gathering of approximately a dozen science fiction fans who travelled from New York to Philadelphia on October 22 1936 to meet at the home of SF fan Milton Rothman. A gathering sometimes credited as the first science fiction convention. At the Leeds convention the Science Fiction Association was born. The announcement in Novae Terrae read:
THE SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION
At the British Science Fiction Conference, held in Leeds on January 3rd 1937, it was resolved that a non-commercial organization should be inaugurated to develop science fiction in the British Isles. This being passed, the following points were settled.
- Name.
The organization will be known as the Science Fiction Association
- Aims and Objects
1. To develop science fiction in the British Isles. 2. To constitute a definite connection and to stimulate co-operation between British science fiction groups, fans, and authors 3. To encourage publishers to pay more attention to science fiction 4. To stimulate public interest in contemporary scientific ideas and to assist, where possible, in the futherance of these ideas.
- Groups
Any group of three of more members may, with permission, form itself into a branch of the Association, with a chairman at its head. All groups will be given a free hand in internal affairs but should send a short report each month to the Secretary.
