In the third and final part of our series
on the early days of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society we enter the 1980s and see the Society’s founders leaving while
membership grows and the `Fan's Producer` takes over the series. Also check out the DWAS@40 Gallery with lots of photos from DWAS events and publications between 1976-82.
By 1980 the DWAS had become established with
over 1,000 members and an impressive history of publications and events. This
success was not without considerable hard work and what remained of the
original team were to move on during the year, not always in pleasant
circumstances. One major problem facing the society as the 80s dawned was
financial. Rumours swirled that the DWAS was in deep financial straits, that
it had overspent its budget and might not be able to afford to print its zines.
It was also alleged that £1,000 had been spent on a colour cover for Tardis'. DWAS President Jan Vincent Rudzki had also become the
subject of allegations that he had taken items and information from the
production office, something that was untrue but which threatened to affect his
employment at the Corporation. The BBC had become suspicious of known Doctor
Who fans working there and it was this potential conflict of interest which
finally led Vincent- Rudzki to decide to resign which he announced in May 1980,
four years after the Society had started.
