HYDE FUNDRAISERS & tpe

Our first involvment with 'this planet earth' dates back to the early 1990's when Ian Clarke popped along to measure our Genesis Dalek with a view to creating full size replicas that people could buy. This was followed by him then getting the official license and access to BBC moulds to create these stunning creations. We were fortunate enough to have Ian's support with our 1995 REMEMBRANCE Convention in Oldham where he donated a K-9 to be auctioned for our nominated charities. This support was repeated at our follow up event REMEMBRANCE'97 where 'this planet earth' contributed a Supreme Dalek for the raffle. So, as you can tell, we have always enjoyed a great relationship that also lead to us buying a full size fibreglass Police Box a couple of years ago to replace the wooden construction Garry Cullen had made and auctioned at our 1997 event. Once the news filtered through that 'tpe' had the official license for the New Series Daleks it seemed an opportune time to contact them again and see if they could allow us one of these for our fundraising. We were delighted that Ian generously offered his support once again to Hyde Fundraisers to give us our most expensive prop that would become an instant draw at our fundraising events.

A CHAT TO IAN CLARKE @ tpe

HFRS: So how did it all begin for tpe ?

IC: I wanted a Dalek and couldn't find any that were available to buy.

HFRS: How did you come up with the name ?

IC: I loved the movie "This Island Earth" and when I first started people stated 'what an odd idea' and 'What planet are you on?' I answered this planet and the name became 'this planet earth'.

HFRS: So why do you like Daleks ?

IC: I've liked them since I was small, made them out of plasticene, had Dalek slippers, and a Dalek Kite. Ive just always been a fan of Dr Who, especially Jon Pertwee & Tom Baker. My favourite Dalek design is the GENESIS version.

HFRS: How long does it take to make a Dalek ?

IC: We usually make half a dozen at once and it takes up to 10 weeks from moulding to painting.

HFRS: You have obviously sold hundreds over the years you've been in business, whereabouts have you sold them?

IC: All over the United Kingdom of course and locations such as Hong Kong, United States, New Zealand, Netherlands and Germany. We can send them anywhere in the world!

HFRS: You have many customers from enthusiasts of the show to famous faces ?

IC: Yes that's true. Liam from the Prodigy has one of our Daleks, Danny Filth from Cradle Of Filth, Victor Lewis Smith, Harry Hill and we also do work for the Dr Who Exhibitions through Experience Design & Management.

HFRS: Any further expansion planned for the Daleks you are producing ?

IC: Not at present. Of course the New Series Dalek is proving very popular in both the Bronze and Black designs. We are concentrating on fulfilling our customer orders as a priority on these as we speak.

HFRS: You appeared on Totally Dr Who, how did that come about ?

IC: They contacted us but it took quite a while to organise it. We recorded the programme in May where the team visited our workshops to see the various processes involved in creating the New Series Dalek. Since it's been back the new series has been fantastic - all the props, lighting etc are amazing, attracting a new generation of young fans. They have not only done it good enough, but surpassed expectations.

HFRS: Any other new projects planned ? New Cybermen perhaps ?

IC: The New Cyberman is fantastic but would be far too expensive as a full prop to produce to the highest quality we aim to provide. However, we do intend to launch the 'School Reuinion' version of K-9 in early 2007 - you'll have to keep watching our website for further details on that.

HFRS: Finally Ian, what would you state have been your greatest achievments ?

IC: Having great feedback from satisfied customers, getting one of our Daleks on the Millenium stamps in 2000, Having our Cyberman head in the DALEK episode of the new series and working with Experience for the Dr Who Exhibitions.

MANY THANKS IAN CLARKE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT WITH HYDE FUNDRAISERS

ABOUT this planet earth

Full size, officially licensed props manufactured to order for collectors They are now in their tenth year of manufacturing the ultimate reproductions. There are many satisfied customers out there with their products taking command position in lounges, bedrooms, dining rooms etc. . Their reproductions are so much like the originals that, to avoid any confusion, they only show photos of their own products on their website. PLEASE NOTE: They are the only company licensed to produce the Full Size Dalek.

Apart from Dr Who items, 'this planet earth' also produce 2 feet tall studio replica collectable puppets from various Gerry Anderson series.