Almost 25 years ago, the 1976 Eastbound TAFF race produced a tie. The two TAFF winners of that race were Roy Tackett and Bill Bowers. Roy Tackett made the 1976 trip, but Bill Bowers was unable to travel at that time.

TAFF funds are presently such that the administrators were pleased to be able to offer Bill Bowers the opportunity to finally take his TAFF trip in 2001, on the Silver Anniversary of his original TAFF win. Bill has, upon deliberation, accepted the invitation, with a caveat about his health permitting. We are therefore pleased to announce that TAFF will be sending Bill Bowers to Paragon, the 2001 Eastercon, at the Hinckley International Hotel, near Coventry, England, from April 13 through April 16, 2001.

The health caveat is well-advised in this case, however, which leaves us in extraordinary circumstances. Bill Bowers very generously suggested that we consider holding a race for a concurrent new TAFF winner. TAFF does not ordinarily send two TAFF winners who did not win together either as a tie, or a joint ticket, on a concurrent trip. The current administrators feel concern that sending two entirely separate TAFF delegates diminishes the honor of the distinction for both winners. We do, however, have to regard the real chance that Bill may not be able to travel, come Easter. We are therefore currently considering the suggestion of holding a race for a second, concurrent or possibly subsequent 2001 Eastbound TAFF trip. There are cogent arguments both for and against holding a race for another 2001 trip, and we are trying to give them all fair consideration. A further announcement on this issue should be forthcoming soon.

Finally, the torch has passed. Ulrika O'Brien is pleased to join the ranks of TAFF administrators emeriti and direct all new TAFF business and North American TAFF correspondence to Vijay Bowen:

Vijay Bowen
P.O. Box 156
Village Station
New York NY 10014-0156

TransAtlantic Fan Fund was created in 1953 for the purpose of providing funds to bring well-known and popular fans familiar to those on both sides of the ocean across the Atlantic. Since that time TAFF has regularly brought North American fans to European conventions and European fans to North American conventions. TAFF exists solely through the support of fandom. The candidates are voted on by interested fans all over the world, and each vote is accompanied by a donation of not less than $3 or £2.

Eastercon is the British National Convention, it is held in various locations and is held on Easter weekend.

Posted October 3, 2000