Public Servant Lifestyle

Dalek invasion of Manchester results in new world record.

Daleks from throughout Britain invaded the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester recently, in a record breaking attempt to gather the largest number of Daleks in one place at one time.

The Daleks - mutant machine hybrids first devised by televsion script writer Terry Nation for the second ever Doctor Who serial back in 1963 - were called together for a unique chance to meet the man behind the iconic 'pepperpot' design and create a world record at the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI).

Manchester-based MoSI currently hosts the Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition - the largest exhibition ever held based on the smash-hit BBCTV series Doctor Who - hopes to attract a record number of Daleks to visit the Museum this coming Sunday - 26 August.

Pictured (right) The mechanised mutants from Skaro meet their public at the opening of MoSI in March.

The Daleks - together with their owners and builders - that made it to the historic gathering enjoyed the chance to meet the original Dalek designer – Raymond Cusick – who attended the event, and watch a special screening of vintage Tom Baker Doctor Who episodes.

To fulfil Guinness Book of Records criteria, MoSI needed to attract fifty or more Daleks – people dressed in costumes which ‘closely resemble a Dalek’. This it did - and then some - attracting nearly seventy of the metallic meanies ranging from authentic replicas liveried in carefully researched colour schemes to one small scaled pink Dalek!

One of the Doctor’s oldest enemies - first appearing against William Hartnell's original time traveller over forty years ago and characterised by its catch-phrase: ‘Ex-ter-min-ate!’ each Dalek is 1.64 metres high and features a distinctive eyestalk, sink plunger shaped arm and a lethal 'egg-whisk'-like gun attachment.

Simon Morrell, who has created his own Dalek said: “Building my own Dalek was hard work but the response from the public made it all worthwhile. Kids love to be scared by them while their parents silently remember how they used to hide behind the sofa when they were around. Fifty or so Daleks in one place? Count me in.”

The Dalek World Record Attempt

Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition at MoSI has attracted over 100,000 visitors since it opened on 31 March. The exhibition includes several characters from the latest series three of the Doctor Who television programme, such as the Judoon and a witch-like creature called a Carrionite. Other stars of the show featured in the exhibition include the impressive four metre-long Empress of Racnoss character, the eight-feet tall Slitheen, Clockwork Robots, Sisters of Plenitude, and the ancient Face of Boe.

Tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions. Under 5s are free. Family ticket £20.00. For more information look up www.msim.org.uk or www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com or Tel: 0870 4000 636 to book your ticket (booking fee applies).

Doctor Who Up-Close is at MoSI until 5 November.

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