DOCTOR WHO fans had a chance to meet Davros at a student-organised convention at Bournemouth University at the weekend.

Held in the university’s Kimmeridge House on Saturday, the event, the first ‘Whovian’ convention held at the institution, included appearances from BBC Radio 4 stalwart Terry Molloy, who played Dalek leader Davros in the 1980s.

Also there were Simon Fisher-Becker who played Dorium Maldovar, and former Doctor Who writer and script editor Andrew Cartmel, among others.

There was also face-painting and merchandise, talks and games and a green screen for taking edited photographs against any background, so there was plenty to appeal to the 170 members of the university’s Whovian Society and others besides.

Mr Molloy, who has also played Mike Tucker on The Archers since 1973, said he was impressed with the event.

“It can be a real challenge organising a first convention but they have done a good job,” he said.

“It is a steep learning curve but I am sure it will go on to be successful in years to come.

“The smaller conventions are great because you get to spend more time actually talking to the fans.

“It is like being part of an extended family.”

Mr Molloy, who lived in Boscombe between the ages of 16 and 21, said his visit felt like coming home – with a few new landmarks including the Tardis-like police box in Boscombe precinct.

“Every town should have one as a reminder that the Doctor is everywhere,” he said.

A core team of six Whovian Society members organised the day, including outgoing president and games technology student Anthony Willis and incoming president and computer science undergraduate Callum Veale.

“The society is currently in its third year with about 170 members,” said Mr Willis, 21.

“We have fewer regular members but we do things to try and get everyone involved, it is great to see all these different people mixing.

“This is the first event we have done on this scale.”

Mr Veale, 20, added: “We do other things as well as watching episodes, recording parodies and doing quizzes. For instance we have helped a local primary school hold a space-themed day.”