Tina's Energize Page

Energize - Star Trek/Sci fi club

Based in Ashford, Kent

(Bernie, Sue, Rod, Michelle, Andy, Dave, Martin)

(Chris, Mark, Tina)

This was the picture published in Kent Today newspaper in the Friday June 17, 1994 edition.

This was to celebrate the club's first anniversary.

Headline: Trekkies boldly meet at David and Tina's

The writing is on the wall for Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and Scotty. For when Star Trek Energize club members dress up for their meetings, pointed ears and dodgy Caledonian accents are definitely out.

The cult Sixties TV series has been overtaken by The Next Generation and the even more futuristic Deep Space Nine in the affections of the 15 fans who meet at David and Tina's home every Tuesday evening.

Star Trek Energize was founded by born-again Trekkie Chris K who grew up with the classic low-budget adventure programmes but became converted to the new style, new cast shows. The 34 year old computer expert said: "The meetings alternate each week between watching videos and acting out role-playing games and our members range in age from 16 to over 40.

"Captain Kirk had a long run and there are still a couple of members who prefer the classic series but mostly we are into the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. They have a new set of adventures and different alien species. It's not going over the same old ground.

"On the role-playing nights we have a gamesmaster who gets it going and we just follow it along.

"It's a time to make friends with people who have a common interest."

The club has had special T-shirts printed for its members and there's no dress code - newcomers will not be forced into Klingons if they don't want to.

Chris has collected videos of every one of the 81 episodes of Star Trek - The Next Generation, the 15 Deep Space Nine shows, all six Star Trek movies and all 79 of the original Kirk and Spock made for TV instalments.

He has models of the Star Ship Enterprise, Star Trek encyclopaedias and a copy of the memoirs of William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, has pride of place on his bookshelf.

He went on: "I watch the programmes because I enjoy them and I wanted to form the club to meet others with the same interest. We meet at David and Tina's house because they have more room - I'd never get 15 people into my place"

Chris denied that they were worried about mickey-takers. He said: "I don't think people laugh at us. We're just people who get together to have a good time.