NEWS

We are now ready to copy the CD of the proceedings. If all goes well you should receive a copy in the post before Harry's birthday!

ACCIO

Accio 2005 was hosted over the weekend of 29-31st July 2005 at the University of Reading, UK. It was a great success - bringing together academics and adult Harry Potter fans to discuss all aspects of J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter books, in the first such conference in the UK. Events included presentations, panels, speeches, games, a feast, and informal discussions into the small hours.

RESULTS

The votes for the Creative Writing Competition have been counted. And the winner is Andrea Schutz with The Boy's Story. Congratulations! This will now be published in the proceedings of Accio 2005.

The Trial of Severus Snape produced a shock verdict of not guilty of all charges, included the one introduced in the last-minute in the light of recent events! But beware the charges now include spoilers for the Half-Blood Prince. An audio recording of the trial should be available here for download soon.

THANKS

With enormous thanks to all the volunteers, presenters, attendees and, of course, J.K.Rowling for making Accio 2005 such a success. In particular, we were delighted to raise £1370 for One Parent Families and the National Literacy Trust at an auction which included a much loved signed copy of The Half-Blood Prince and a pair of Snape's underpants!

We are already planning Accio 2007 and look forward to seeing you there!

Ali Hewison (Conference Chair)

ODE TO ACCIO!

We've all just been to Accio,
And next time we'll be back-io.
We've talked Harry, Snape and potions,
And so many other notions.
We've had trails, lectures, feasts,
And met mythological beasts,
Enjoyed workshops, panels, Quidditch,
And met with every sort of witch.
We've talked and laughed and learned a lot.
It's been great fun - and do you know what?
It's the best weekend I've had in ages.
I could go on for many pages,
But one thing really must be said,
Before I fall, exhausted, into bed,
Thanks to all who worked so hard,
to bring us so much pleasure.
Each and every one of you may,
Now resume your leisure,
Resume again your pre-Accio lives,
Return to friends and husbands, wives.
Go with our best wishes, gratitude,
(And this is no mere simple platitude).
You've given endless hours of toil,
With dedication, ever loyal.
To each and every committee member:
"Thanks for a conference we'll long remember"