Ever since I got a Kindle for my birthday back in July all my book purchases have been electronic, which for someone as attached to actual books like myself was a surprising and swift transition. Fast forward to Friday 25th November and I’m in Hitchin to pick up my wife from work ready, to set off to Poole to visit my Mum. It was on walking past Waterstones that I noticed a couple of Stormtroopers and remembered that David Prowse was doing a book signing there. I’d initially though the the queues would be too long and it would delay our journey to the south coast too much. However, the queues were there for people taking photos with the Stormtroopers but not to see David himself.

I went inside and found out that the options for signing were either a photo of Darth Vader or David’s book; Straight From The Force’s Mouth. My initial thought, being the tight git that I am, was that £20 was far too much and that I should just get back to the car and commence our journey. However, a little pep talk from my wife and I was in line, waiting to meet one of the main actors from the films that have defined my life. It’s unlikely I’d ever get another opportunity to meet Star Wars royalty without waiting in a queue for a long time – one of my pet hates.

My exact words to Sir David Prowse upon getting my turn to meet him were: At this time I’d like to say something profound but I’m just going to say that I have been a huge fan for many years and it’s an absolute pleasure to meet you. It broke the ice and we chatted for a few minutes about, well, Star Wars – did you expect us to talk about the weather?

David Prowse chats to ME!

He took his time signing my copy of his book, going back to add in the horizontal bars in the two As in Darth and Vader.

David Prowse signed my book

I was delighted to see that he wrote more than just his name. I wasn’t expecting more, but pleased when I saw there was indeed more and especially the line about The Force being with me. After we’d chatted and he’d signed my book I of course had to have my photo taken with him, though I didn’t get an arm round me like the giggling Japanese girl who went before me.

David Prowse and I

Pleased with my unexpected meeting I went outside to get my photo taken with the Stromtroopers and Imperial Officer who was accompanying them. On standing between the Stormtroopers I asked them if they were from the 501st Legion – don’t ask me why, I just did. I’m not sure what I was expecting. Maybe I thought they would be incredibly impressed that I know of the 501st and would hoist me upon their shoulders like some kind of hero. Maybe amongst this throng of casual Star Wars fans I felt the need to assert my geeky superiority. Thankfully they just answered affirmatively and after having my photo taken I was on my way.

The Star Wars 501st Legion and I

I haven’t actually read the book yet, but I’m sure I will one day. What I do have is a wonderful memory of meeting someone who I’ve watched on screen probably more than almost anyone else other than Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker and Ralph Macchio, and who had a profound effect on my life.