http://www.braveheart.co.uk
Updated:
19th March 2000
12-14 September, 1997 |
Messages received
during and following the 1997 BRAVEHEART Convention here from: Randall Wallace, Ian
and Marilyn Bannen, Anne Hunt, John Wallace, Nancy
Danberry, Linda Ashton, Andrew Weir, Bob & Shirley Ross, Andre Bustanoby, Elspeth
King, Susan Hodges, Brenna and Neil Johnston, Thela Newton, Christie Walker, Nancy
Behanna, Laura Hughes, Elizabeth Fiore, Sara, Frances-M. Blake, Christina Filitz, Vicki
and Rafael, Ianthe Henkels, Archie Donna and Linda, Beth and Charlie Johnson, Mary Cole,
Leticia Mezl, Jeff Corbin |
Randall
Wallace
(Braveheart Screenwriter) |
Randall Wallace
telephoned once he got back to the USA to say thanks for being invited to the Convention,
and to say how much he and his father had enjoyed coming to Scotland to be with everyone
on this very special occasion. 
Many of the people attending the 1997
Convention signed one of our '1314 Scrolls' during the visit to Bannockburn, thanking
Randall for his re-telling of the Wallace story.
We mounted it in a frame, backed by a piece of the Braveheart tartan, and included
a dried Scots thistle.
Randall was very pleased to receive this momento from the Bravehearters, and has it
in his office in Los Angeles.
|
| Ian and
Marilyn Bannen (Ian
played the Bruce's father in
BRAVEHEART) |
These two
messages were read out to the 1997 Convention attendees before Randall Wallace's talk on
the afternoon of Saturday 13th September, 1997. (from Marilyn)
Dear John,
I would like you to read out this
fax before the screening on Saturday or at whatever time you feel it appropriate.
I am heartbroken not to be there but am wearing my kilt & Pro Libertate badge for the
next three days!
I'll be in touch next week.
Warm good wishes,
Marilyn B
(from Ian )
To the Braveheart Convention
There is nowhere in the world I
would rather be this weekend than Stirling. Sadly, owing to the filming here on
Isle-of-Man and the flu virus which has hit the whole unit, I am unable to join you.
Young people's charities tell me that the last two years have seen a huge rise in the
pride and honour felt by young Scots in their country and their nationality.
This is due in very large part to Braveheart, and to Mel and Randall. We owe them much
gratitude.
I am proud to be a Scot and proud to have been part of Braveheart - even if I was on the
wrong side.
Yours Aye,
Ian Bannen
|
| Anne
Hunt |
Dear John and Linda, I had such a wonderful time at the Braveheart Convention this weekend. I
can't thank you enough for all your hard work and dedication in putting this all together.
I'm not by nature a gregarious person and thought I
would find it difficult mixing with such a large group of strangers, but in the end it was
just like meeting a group of long lost friends.
I was particularly moved by Randall Wallace's
contribution. He spoke with such ease and humour and from the heart, which is just what
"Braveheart" does of course, so I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised to
discover that the screenwriter proved to be as genuine as his screenplay. I wish I could
remember exactly everything he said to pass on to my many friends around the world who are
as passionate about "Braveheart" as I am but did not have the my good fortune in
being able to attend the convention. I will do my best to recall as much as I can to give
them a flavour of what it was like to be at this truly memorable event.
After the intense activity of the weekend, watching
the film on the big screen again, after so long, proved to be an overwhelming emotional
experience for me and I am sorry that I felt unable to join in the late night festivities
and the visit to Bannockburn. It took me to midday on Sunday to recover my composure but
then found a group of friends in the hotel lounge and enjoyed some stimulating
conversation.
I still find it difficult to explain why this film
affects me so deeply. It just touches something inside me which is very basic and
impossible to analyse. The modern world seems, at times, to have a mania for dissecting
and analysing everything and has forgotten how to listen to the heart. So whilst listening
with interest to those who speak passionately for and against the relative merits of the
film, in the end I choose to surrender to its simple appeal to my heart.
To top it all, I can say that I was there when
Scotland demonstrated to the world that if you remain true to your hopes and dreams, even
if it takes a few hundred years, there is always a chance that you can make them come true
eventually.
I hope the Scots and English will work together in
peace and harmony in the future, either as independent nations or within the United
Kingdom but if we stay united, at least this time it will be as a result of the will of
the people and not by force of authority.
Thanks a million,
Best Wishes,
Anne Hunt, Birmingham England.
|
| John
Wallace |
I just
wanted to thank you for all the work you had done for the convention. I had a great time
and have made many new friends and memories. I am very interested in attending next year.
Please keep in touch.
Thank you again
Your friend,
John Wallace |
| Nancy
Danberry |
DEAR JOHN AND LINDA, WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED SCOTLAND AND THE CONVENTION !! IT
HAS TOUCHED MY HEART MORE THAN YOU COULD REALIZE, FOREVER.
I WILL NEVER FORGET DAVID ROSS'S SPEECH AND THE LOVE I SAW IN HIS EYES
FOR HIS COUNTRY.
MANY THANKS AND GOOD WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR SWEET
FAMILY......
YOURS SINCERELY,
NANCY DANBERRY :)
ps... if you have another one, let me know please
!!
|
| Linda
Ashton |
Dear
John & Linda,
Thank you so much for a wonderful BH Convention. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can see how
much work you have both put into it to making it the wonderful success that it was.
You certainly kept the pace going and there was always something to see or listen to. I
especially enjoyed David Ross' "Footsteps of Wallace" and please tell him from
me personally, that although it was a treat to have Randall & Seoras Wallace give
talks, I found David's the most inspiring. He knows his history and I only wished that I
had had more time to talk to him. I don't suppose he has an e-mail address does he,
because I would like to communicate with him and ask all those questions that I didn't get
time to ask at the Convention.
Thanks again for a wonderful Convention.
Bye for now
Linda |
Andrew
Weir
(Andrew played young Hamish in BRAVEHEART)Dear John & Linda,
Just a short note to say thank
you very much for a very enjoyable weekend. It was a very nice thought to have been asked
in the first place and I found your hospitality exceptional. Everyone was very good to us
and I admire your work for the organisation of a very enjoyable and worthwhile event. If
there is anything else I can do - don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks,
Andrew
|
 James Robinson and
Andrew Weir
|
| Bob
& Shirley Ross |
John,
Here is our "official" review of the BH Convention.
We had a wonderful time at the convention. When we first discussed going, we were not sure
if it was going to "fit in" with what we considered a Scottish Experience. We
can now tell you that the time and effort you and Linda put into the convention made it an
experience we will cherish forever. And having a piper lead all the processions was a
great idea!
It seemed that there wasn’t enough time to take it all in. We could have spent all
evening with David Ross and just listen to his experiences and tales. What a wealth of
knowledge he is! It was terrific to have Randall Wallace there and to hear how he brought
the story to life with such emotion. It was simply brilliant to have some of the cast
members there! Listening to the stories made us feel like we were there with "the
boys".
It is possible that many people in the USA take the freedom we have for granted. But being
in Scotland just after your successful devolution vote, and experiencing the fierce
national pride that was apparent at the convention, made me think that this is what it
must have felt like in America just after the revolutionary war!We went into the Highlands after the convention
and had a great time finding the "village" in Glen
Nevis! While standing out in the rain, I could almost see William Wallace riding by on
his horse to visit Murron to take her on a night time ride.
It was great to meet so many
other Braveheart (and Mel Gibson) fans. Just goes to show the power of the Internet! I am
including a JPEG picture [below] of Andrew Weir, James Robinson, and
Julie Austin taken at Stirling Castle during a break in an interview with the American TV
Crew.
We would love to attend next years convention and will make every effort to be there
again!
Again, our best to John and Linda. Bravo on a marvellous job!
Bob & Shirley Ross
Andrew (young Hamish), Julie (the bride), James (young
William)
|
| Andre
Bustanoby |
Hello...
I finally made it back to L.A. and what a trip it was. I have come back to the U.S. a
changed person in a way. Everyone I met and everything I saw has affected me in many ways.
I was especially touched by our conversation over tea and the time I spent in Stirling.
What a weekend...!
The depth of Scotland's desire for control of their own destiny is an inspiration for an
American who has grownup a little spoiled and jaded where I've really never had to
confront the absence of basic issues like freedom and independence.
Experiencing your vote as an observer, I now have a greater appreciation for what I've
always had here in the States...and I trust Scotland can experience it as well - very,
very soon.
Thanks.
Take care.
Andre' |
| Elspeth
King (Director of
the Smith Art Gallery and Museum)
|
Dear
John and Linda, Thank
you again for bringing the Braveheart Convention to visit the exhibition. They were a
delightful group, and it was such a pleasure to be with them during the screening of
Braveheart at the MacRobert.
Congratulations on organising the
Convention so well.
With thanks and best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Elspeth King |
| Susan
Hodges |
Dear
John and Linda, I
just wanted to convey my thanks to you for the time and effort it took to put on the
Braveheart Convention.
Needless to say, those in attendance were absolutely enthralled with the entire event,
myself included. I must say it was a joy to meet so many people who share a common bond of
a belief in a patriot, leader and Scottish hero.
Although each of us has a unique perspective of William Wallace and
"Braveheart", all realize and respect that viewpoint. The convention was
assuredly a learning experience for all ...
Once again, thank you, and I look forward to meeting again.
Susan Hodges
|
| Brenna
and Neil Johnston |
Dear
John and Linda,
We would like to thank you for doing such a good job with the Braveheart Convention. We
had a wonderful time. Everyone was so nice and friendly. We can't really pick one
"favourite thing" because it was all very well done.
We would like to personally thank the cast that turned up for the convention. It was great
to meet them and hear their tales about the making of Braveheart.
Thanks again for a job well done. We hope to see you again!
Regards,
Brenna and Neil Johnston |
| Thela
Newton |
Have
just arrived back at work after returning home this past Saturday morning! What a time we
had in Scotland - What a beautiful country you have and we enjoyed meeting so many people.
Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful - the food was excellent, every meal we had
- I could go on and on with raves... It was such a pleasure to meet you and want to thank
you for all the hard work you did to organize this fantastic event - and then to hear
there will be a follow-up!! Have you
set a date yet? And can "new" people come? Thank you, thank you, thank you for
putting this together for us. Please keep me posted on developments. |
| Christie
Walker |
Dear
Linda and John
I wanted to thank you both for a lovely weekend. You were so concerned about everyone's
needs and I hope you managed to enjoy the convention as much as we did. I also
wanted to thank the cast members for attending. They added that certain special touch. I
was in such a rush when I left that I didn't get very many addresses. I'm hoping everyone
will read this message and send me their address over e-mail. My address is cdwalker2@hotmail.com. If anyone plans on being in
London this fall through Dec. feel free to stop in and visit. Just send me a message
first. Hello to Ross, Laura, Dougie, Noreen, and Blaithin.
Thanks again,
Christie Walker |
| Nancy
Behanna |
John
and Linda,
I had the best time at the convention. I would not have missed it for anything, and it
certainly was not a problem being there by myself. I met a great number of people there,
and everyone was so very nice. I wish to commend you both for the organizational skills
you showed in putting the convention program together. I’m sure it was a lot of work,
but probably a labor of love.
The convention started my holiday off on a high note and it then continued for the next
two weeks. I was very impressed with the spectacular views throughout the country and
especially the Island of Skye. I toured up the east coast through Edinburgh, the Kingdom
of Fife and on into the Highlands, and through Inverness. We then travelled by ferry out
to the islands of Lewis and Harris, then to Skye and back to the mainland and down the
west coast to Glasgow. Then I ventured out on my own and saw more of the interior through
Perth, Callander and the Trossachs region (they were very beautiful also).
I’m finally home, but I hated to leave. I have even been thinking of possibly taking
a year assignment there. I’m checking into all the particulars. I’ll let you
know if it goes through.
Thank you both again, and take care.
Nancy Behanna |
| Laura
Hughes |
John
and Linda:
First, thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful lunch. Tell Duncan that he can
make Apple tarts for me any time! I really enjoyed our conversation!
Next, You two did a wonderful job of putting together the Braveheart Convention. I hope
there are many more and that they get easier as they go!
Karen and I just returned home yesterday from touring Scotland. We have decided to come
back in the spring and as often as possible. I felt like I belonged there!
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the convention and if there is anything I can
do - long distance - to help for next year please let me know, although I doubt if I will
be able to attend - my budget won't handle Scotland twice in one year!
Laura |
| Sara
... |
Dear
John and Linda,
We have all arrived home safely. Jeff is without computer for awhile,
so I shall add his thanks to ours. We all enjoyed the convention so much and will treasure
the memories and friendships made there.
We appreciate all the time and effort made to make it all such a success. Thanks again so
very much...we shall send on pictures to you as soon as possible.
This movie has been a kind of gift into our lives. Such good things keep coming to us even
now... the convention....the way people treated us as we travelled and learned of why we
were in Scotland....friends... and possiblities of even more gatherings of the special
people who love the movie, Braveheart.
Thanks again lets get together and talk soon...
Sara....et all |
| Elizabeth
Fiore |
Hello
there. I had such a good time at the 1997 Braveheart Convention that I would like to
register for the 1998 Convention. Thanks for all the work you did in putting together the
1997 Convention.
Thela and I had a wonderful time and would love to go back to Scotland every year. |
| Frances-M
Blake |
Dear
John and Linda,
I hope I'm not the last to write and thank you for a wonderful weekend at the Convention,
but even if I am it doesn't mean I'm not extremely grateful to you both for what you did
for all of us.
Even before arriving home, I was just wishing I could turn round and do it all again! It
was a very special occasion, one to be always remembered, and a perfect celebration of the
film, the 700th anniversary and the referendum result.
I know that Anne (Hunt) has already thanked you by E-mail, and believe that Duncan
recorded Randall Wallace speaking to us. I'm sure everyone greatly appreciated hearing his
talk, and if it was recorded, then would you be able to supply copies of that, too? In the
absence of Mel Gibson, he was definitely the next best thing!
Did you notice that possibly the loudest applause came when he asked if Tom Cruise could
have rallied the troops. The highlight for me was seeing the film again once more, but
there was so much else in the programme and all beautifully organised and friendly.
I did mention that I would like a copy of that video which was showing, so when you have
time could you please let me know cost and postage?
With very best wishes, Yours sincerely,
Frances-M. Blake |
| Christina
Fielitz |
Dear
MacBraveHeart,
Braveheart gave me back my power of teenhood when I had so many idealistic visions about
my future life.
The visions vanished during my twenties but returned through the story of William Wallace
(just in time when I got 30). He brought me to an absolute turning point in my life and I
will keep his memories through all my lifetime, I swear.
Braveheart also roused a strong homesickness for Scotland, although I've never been there
and possess no family link. Being here is like having returned home. There are special
places and landscapes that cause deep emotions as also the movie did. It is like magic ...
This world today need many Bravehearts. Let's give it by behaving like upright persons as
William was and let's educate our children in this way.
I am thankful to have the possibility to send you my thoughts. Since I met Wallace through
the movie in 1995, he never left me.
Christina[Christina, from
Germany, posted the above letter to us from Glasgow, on her way to attending part of the 1997 BRAVEHEART Convention]
|
| Vicki
and Rafael |
Dear
John and Linda, We
really had a wonderful time at the convention. It was great to finally meet everyone, and
everybody was so nice. We really hope that we all keep in touch and get together again at
the next convention. We appreciate all the hard work, dedication, and love for the cause
that you did to make the convention happen. We all felt comfortable with everyone and it
seemed like we were with old friends. All of the actors were very nice and being with them
made you feel more in touch with the story!
Please keep in touch!
Vicki and Rafael
|
| Ianthe
Henkels |
Dear
John and Linda
I am late getting back on my system and unfortunately my e-mail has been deleted by my
system manager - however, I want to thank you both for the wonderful convention and great
memories I have of Stirling and all who attended.
I did want to get the list of BH convention attendees and their addresses. I have many
pictures that I would like to send to various conventioneers. I also have a few pictures
of you both and would like to send you copies of these pictures. I do have your address
and will be forwarding them to you.
Did you or do you know of anyone who taped the Randal Wallace, Seoras Wallace, Bliathin,
and other speaker. I would love to have the tape and am willing to pay for it. I am also
interested in the acquiring, if possible, the tape shown of you, John , speaking about the
movie BH and Scottish independence. Again, thank you for a wonderful time.
Best regards
Ianthe
In the future I hope to return to my second homeland and possibly meet
with you again
|
| Archie,
Donna, and Linda |
Dear
John
We wanted to thank you and Linda for a Job well done, I can't tell you how much we enjoyed
the convention (or should I say reunion) Because we felt like we revisiting family rather
than going to a convention.
Archie
Donna
Linda
Donna and Linda with Wallace Clansmen
|
| Beth
and Charlie Johnson |
Dear
John and Linda,
Arriving at O'Hare Airport was like being dropped into a boiling river -the noise, the
congestion, the current. We were not ready to leave scotland; we saw places and talked to
people that will stay with us always. Thank you and your wonderful Convention for being
the catalyst that brought us there to join in the celebration of a Scottish Parliament. It
was great to reunite with some of our "sword brothers" in Edinburgh, and we
especially enjoyed the chance to "process" the weekend with the two of you.
We're having a mini Braveheart reunion this weekend - John wallace and Holly Mocho are
coming to hear Charlie's group play at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center in Milwaukee
on 10/17 - we'll be wishing you all were here, too.
Words can't express,
Beth and Charlie Johnson
P.S. We found a copy of the "Beano Book :
1998" at a newstand in Fort William - Alec (10) is giggling and puzzling over it -
great fun! |
| Mary
Cole |
Dear
John and Linda,
We just arrived back home 9/27, and are making a good effort to overcome jet lag. To quote
from Braveheart - "so many..." - places to see in our case. We did make it out
to the Island of Lewis, Inverness, and many points in between, accompanied by very nice
weather. We really enjoyed absorbing the awesome history we found ourselves surrounded in.
One of our last stops was Lanark, and the young man working at the Lanark Museum gave us
quite an earful of what he thought about Braveheart and the "Wallace Clan" (as
in, no Wallace Clan exists because they were Lowlanders, and they also show themselves to
be idiots by claiming that the Vikings never came to Scotland). He was actually very
softspoken, but in the course of our conversations with him these things came out. It did
give me pause to think a bit.
I could just kick myself for missing Randall Wallace and Seoras Wallace at the Convention,
however. Had I realized they would be there early in the afternoon, I would have too. Oh
well, such is life. There did seem to be a lot of hugging going on at the end, testimony
to the good time enjoyed by attendees. And hooray for the devolution vote!
As we were traveling so much, we did not get much of a chance to pursue finding out if the
pictures taken of my children Austen and Katie, with David
Ross, were ever published in a newspaper. Were you able to find them anywhere? I wish
we knew the name of the photographer, to request copies if possible. Would you know who
that was and how to get hold of him? I appreciate any help you can give me.
If you are planning yet another convention, it might be helpful to ask everyone's feedback
about this year's before too much time goes by, while it is still fresh in our memories.
I have 14 rolls of slide film to be developed. Hopefully, there will be at least one good
convention picture among them!
Back to reality,
Mary Cole |
| Leticia Mezl |
Dear
John and Linda:
Thank you so much for the wonderful Convention. And many thanks as well to the members of
the cast, Randall Wallace, S. Wallace , D. Ross and Blaithin.
I will never forget how many new friends I made during those awesome days and I'll never
forget Scotland .
Congratulations to both on a great job !!!
All the best always,
Leticia Mezl |
| Jeff Corbin |
The following is a small
contribution that I wished to make regarding what I felt following the (Braveheart
Convention 1997) weekend. It was written in the bed and breakfast I was staying at in
Edinburgh a few days after the convention, as I simply felt the need to express how events
had touched me. Jeff Corbin
To Stirling town they made their way
one hundred forty strong
to gather as a new made clan
upon that sacred ground
Man and woman, mother and child
from far countries they came
to honor one who touched their hearts
and made them hope again
The story of his life, it was
that caused the pilgrimage
to ancient bridge and battlefield
where he defied the king
They nearly wept to see that ground
where so many were slain
and Bannockburn, where freedom came
from Bravehearts dream begun
They listened to the stories told
til far into the night
then watched the tale made real once more
until the axe had swung
And there they sat, silent, as one
until the image faded
and then they raised a glass in toast
to Scotlands noblest son
They travelled on soon after that
in groups, or one by one
yet knowing in their very blood
of the Braveheart clan begun |
|
