Each year the UK Journey fans get together to meet each other and discuss stories about the band. 

Now Journey always support charities, so in true tradition the UK fan club also raises money for charity at these conventions. 
A Journey fan can pick up items at these conventions that are not available elsewhere, and the 2007 Convention was no different. 

It took place in Sheffield at The Corporation just under ONE week before Journey start their tour of the UK.  Fans traveled from as far as Southampton and Scotland for this event.
 
The chosen charity for 2007 was Claire house.  Claire house is a privately run hospice which operates without any cash from government sources.  They care for children 0 to 18 with life threatening or limiting conditions. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, providing specialist respite, palliative, terminal and bereavement care.  One thing we can be assured is Claire House will put the money raised to much needed and good use.

The top prize at auction raised the staggering sum of £2500 - A Journey with Journey.  Starting with meeting the band at their hotel, riding to the venue in the Journey bus, a sound check, a meal, and then Guests of the band for the show - What a great prize!!! 
Other items included exclusive posters from Manchester 2006, Generations artwork, and artwork commissioned by Deen Castronovo for his drum skins.  There was also raffles for "goody bags", and a quiz.

This is the Generations artwork commissioned by Deen Castronovo for his drum skins.

This was nicely set in a frame signed and notarized to confirm authentication. Worthy of place on anyone's wall.

There were two bands this year - Jagged Edge, and The Essential Journey. 

 

 

Jagged Edge who's lead guitarist Dave Bamforth who had recently come third in  the guitarist of the year competition for Guitar magazine gave a rendition of his talents - quite an accomplished guitarist, it was clear to see why he had done so well in the competition.

Essential Journey(pictured here) always seem to get better and better every time I see them. 
They have a new singer who was unable to make the event due to family bereavement so the band was playing their original sets after practicing new arrangements with their new member - you would not have known, for the performance was as polished as ever.

The event started at 2.00 in the afternoon, but had to end at 21.30 as the club had other commitments.  I think by then most had really enjoyed themselves - as always. 

We must thank Sue and Cathy who with the help from friends and family from the UK fan for their efforts to help make these events possible each year. 

To Journey and associates for their generous gifts for prizes, and to everyone for showing up and having a great time.
 
The work for these conventions starts months before the event.  Prizes for the raffles and auctions have to be organized, the venue has to be arranged.  Tickets have to be printed, and the whole thing has to be organized and advertised. 

While everyone else was enjoying the music, for the main part Howie, the two Sue's, Cathy and Steve were packing away the stuff from the swag shop....