Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 50 — page 120: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a was then between twenty-five and thirty. A library was formed, giving all members the opportunity of borrowing all kinds of mags, mainly American. They were then hard to get, and the only reprints then were Astounding and the great Unknown. Brit- ish S.F. was few and far between. A printed fanzine was started and then dropped. Members began to join from all parts of the U.K. until eventually it was de- cided that they—country members—shouild have some- thing in return. A fanzine was planned. Meanwhile, members were visiting, and having their first taste of, conventions. Then they had a shot at their own convention, the Mancon, a one-day success. Eighty to a hundred fans and pro- fessionals were present. Even- tually, after many birth pains, their first fanzine was issued, then dropped through lack of facilities. Another attempt was made, a duplicator ob- tained, and out of the storm 1'19 AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION was born Space Times, edited by Eric Bentcliffe, published by Eric Jones. Slowly a change of attitude became more noticeable; tem- pers were becoming frayed, keenness was diminishing, rules were made but just as quickly dropped, other interests were attempted, but still member- ship slackened off. The library was still attracting people, but now more S.F. was avail- able and easier to obtain. Only the keen enthusiasts now remained. Members at- ‘tending had dropped to twelve. Visits were made to the now-formed Liverpool S.F. Association and the visits were returned. Attendance showed a slight increase. Visits to the N.S.F.C. were made by Ken Slater, Lyell Crane, E. C. Tubb, and John Russell Fearn. Yet differences of opinion were becoming morepronounced. Space Times was becoming a_ headache. Changes kept being made in format and staff. Attending the Club meetings was almost becoming a duty rather than a ecomicloooks.com