Like Carolyn and Jeff, I can't believe it's all over. I had a fantastic time at THE ABBA GENERATION; it was an amazing weekend, and it feels like such a letdown that it's suddenly over.

Shelley was the best kind of guest you could have. She was a fan herself, and was never condescending, she had great stories, she stayed around to meet everyone and show her personal photos, and she seemed to remember her time with ABBA as if it was yesterday (and a very professional interview, Graeme!).

CLUB ABBA was also a success (where else can you dance to Funky Feet and You Owe Me One, except in your own lounge room). Though the Agnetha Armada's plans for conquest were prematurely thwarted when they made their triumphant entrance and Graeme put on Money Money Money!!!

It was great to meet so many new people, even if attendances were apparently down on previous conventions - I'm sure everyone that did make it had as great a time as I did. My only regret from the weekend was not getting to meet everyone - but our table had a ball anyway. Trivia was great fun (though we would have come 2nd if Graeme hadn't robbed us of that point - Go the Mighty Biker Molls!!!) and the venue was also terrific. An amazing view, great food, friendly staff (Sam the barman) - $100 was a bargain when you consider what you got for your money.

And the videos we got to see! Thanks to Sara and Grant and Gabriel and Gustav and everyone (especially the fan from Denmark) who sent stuff. A*Teens and Nanne (what a goddess!) clips. Just A Notion (Arrival) and Just Like That (Gemini). Love isn't Easy.. from Danish TV has to be one of the funniest ABBA clips ever! Finally got to see Den Vilda too and the ABBA Top of the Pops appearances. Plus bits of Mamma Mia. And the early Frida stuff. And the solo Agnetha material (what was it Graeme? "sometimes you need a little Finesse - sometimes you need a LOT"). There was also enough merchandise to empty the wallet. I finally got to get the ARRIVAL CD, the Vildgras single, and then some vinyl I'd been after and even some bubblegum cards at the ABBASWAP.

And ABBALLET!!!!!! - truly one of the most hilariously awful things ever connected to ABBA. Ballet choreographed in the most banal and literally-minded fashion to Slipping Through My Fingers and When I Kissed the Teacher... unbelievable. Anyone that thinks A*Teens is sacrilege ought to be sat down in front of this with their eyes glued open!

Sorry to ramble, but it's hard to put it all in perspective. There are memories I'll treasure from this weekend. For someone who grew up in the 80s stupidly feeling he had to hide being an ABBA fan, it's just incredible to be in a room with so many people who love what you love and get the same feeling from the music and to share that feeling with. Thank you Graeme and Ian and Ian and Fiona and everyone for their hard work and for making it all possible - it's hard to put into words how much it's appreciated.

Steve G - Sydney, Australia