LATEST NEWS
FORTHCOMING BOOK FROM DAVID BARRIE - REGISTRATION OF INTEREST
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Many Thanks - The Six of One Team
FORTHCOMING BOOK FROM DAVID BARRIE - UPDATE
It's been a year since I last made a posting on my book's progress. I can now bring you up to date. I am delighted to say the book is now nearing completion. There will be at least 20 chapters, the obvious 17, plus an origins precursor, and a number that come after. With a foreword by Catherine McGoohan, an essay by Robin Llewellyn of Portmeirion, also Included are essays by Norma West, (the observer, 'Dance of the Dead'), and Roger Parkes, (writer, 'A Change of Mind').
Beginning in the spring of 2020, I should finish by August 2025. The first chapters are with the publisher now and the process should mean that the book, some 260,000 words or so, should be ready to be launched at the 2026 convention. I am delighted, (and relieved), that team member Gary Murfin came on board to proof read and bring his expertise to bear, translating that I estimate he has saved me a year.
I hope you enjoy the new postings which give you a flavour of what you might expect. As you will see they do not follow straight on from the first four posted last year. More will appear later in the year.
Thank you.
BCNU, Dave
SIX OF ONE LATEST NEWS - SUMMER 2025
Six of One is an appreciation society dedicated to ‘The Prisoner’ TV Series with a long standing and flourishing association with Portmeirion Village. We offer a regular opportunity to come together to celebrate one of the most intriguing and enduring TV series of our time.
This year’s ‘PortmeriCon’ was another resounding success with beautiful weather and two fantastic guests; the wonderful Annette Andre and the inimitable Derren Nesbitt who were both keen to engage with members and share their experiences. We would like to think that the interactive and immersive features of the programme made it another unique and memorable weekend.
You will see that the website has a dedicated page to the ‘41st PortmeiriCon’ with a gallery of photographs to mark the occasion so have a look through them and see if you can spot any familiar faces!
We are sure that you are also aware that the Convention weekend was filmed by an independent media production company based in Wales and this programme is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the ‘Our Lives’ series. We hope that this will encourage fresh interest in ‘The Prisoner’ TV Series, the 6of1 Society and Portmeirion Village itself.
In the meantime, we would like to continue to share the work of the team with you with regular updates online. The society’s website has been completely updated and improved. A special feature of the website is our Guestbook Page so feel free to write your comments and suggestions about any aspect of the society.
The Society Finances
The Society is funded entirely by its members. The membership year runs from July 1st - June 31st and incurs an annual subscription that covers society administration costs, and the publication of a society magazine issued 3 times a year. For those attending the society convention there is also a registration fee that covers administration costs, equipment / resources costs, and guest expenses.
A breakdown of the society expenditure for the 2024-25 membership year can be seen on the Finance Report 2025 page on this website but the main financial points of note are as follows:
- Costs in relation to Convention equipment were high this year due to upgrading existing, obsolete or dysfunctional equipment out of necessity.
- The society invited 2 high profile guests to this year’s convention that also increased outgoings in terms of travel arrangements and accommodation.
- Expenditure over the year has been consistent with the spending plan and forecast. We continue to ensure that all members get the best value for money and as a result have kept our membership subscription the same for the coming year and only raised our convention registration fee in line with inflation.
As we soak up the sun this summer don’t forget that its membership renewal time again so we hope you will all want to continue your membership to receive the next three editions of ‘Degree Absolute’, our super magazine.
The team are currently putting their heads together to come up with another memorable experience next year. April 2026 will be our 42nd PortmeiriCon and exciting news of features and guests will be announced here in the months ahead. Help us to keep Six of One alive and thriving!
Six of One Society Organising Team
Be seeing you!
EARL CAMERON - AN ACTOR'S JOURNEY
CONVENTION DOCUMENTARY TO AIR ON BBC1 AND iPLAYER
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW ACTIVE
NEW MUSIC TRACK FROM PAUL HOOPER-KEELEY
19th JUNE - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DERREN NESBITT
WANDERING PLANET KICKSTARTER ANNOUNCEMENT
NEW MUSIC TRACK FROM ROGER BENTLEY-SMITH
image © ITV
THE STRANGE WORLD OF GURNEY SLADE ON REWIND TV
Now this is properly weird telly – in the best way. Anthony Newley stars in this surreal 1960 series that was so ahead of its time that audiences didn’t know what to make of it.
Part comedy, part fantasy, part fourth-wall breaking madness – it’s unlike anything else from the era.
image © ITV
As David Barrie notes in his forthcoming book on The Prisoner:
I had often thought that ‘Gurney Slade’ may well have been an influence on ‘‘The Prisoner’’. Both share certain themes, a central character who pursues freedom, both series seek to encourage the viewer to question what they are watching, both comment on surveillance, the rights of the individual, in one episode there is a devil-horned version of Gurney depicting his evil side, both series refuse to be categorised. In another scene, Newley addresses a poster of Gurney Slade, “The public knows what it wants. And you had no right to even try and suggest something different.” Through the series, Gurney has both broken free of social constraints, and urged others to do the same, to be as they wish, not as they think what is expected of them. From the jurors all dressed identically at Gurney’s trial, to the final episodes, where one can discern a parallel conclusion with that in ‘‘The Prisoner’’. One comes face to face with his creator, the other his shadow side. Just as Gurney has to yield to his fate, so too does the P Ultimately, both have the same sobering conclusion, the P realises that he is still a prisoner, Gurney that he still is beholden to a master.
CONVENTION GALLERY 2025 NOW LIVE
FREE FOR ALL - THE PRISONER PODCAST
Recorded Live at PortmeiriCon 2025
NORMA WEST AUCTION
SAVE THE DATES!
RACHEL HERBERT RIP
Six of One are saddened to learn of the death of Rachel Herbert.
Rachel was born in East Horsley, Surrey on 05th January 1935 and died on 07th March 2025, aged 90.
She was brought up in Israel (then Palestine) and later, university amateur theatricals led to her becoming an actress, with appearances on stage in London’s West End.
A six-page feature on Rachel was included in Degree Absolute #5, in June 2024, with a list of the productions she worked on.
Rachel’s memorable Prisoner role in Free for All, as Number 58, saw her having to speak in a made-up language. She was a guest at four Six of One events: Borehamwood 1991, London 1993 and 1997, and also Portmeirion, 2010.
PORTMEIRICON 2025 FEEDBACK REQUIRED
PORTMEIRICON 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT
PORTMEIRICON 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT
19th MARCH - MANY HAPPY RETURNS PATRICK
PORTMEIRICON 2025 OUTDOOR EVENTS
PORTMEIRICON 2025 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
PORTMEIRICON 2025 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
The band is open to all, you just need a uke! Full details on how to get involved will be included in the next society mailing due out in February.
Register for the Convention at https://sixofone.co/convention
CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN R.I.P.
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PORTMEIRICON 2025 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
PORTMEIRICON 2025 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
PORTMEIRICON 2025 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
Play the professor's
Prisoner themed song:
MANY HAPPY RETURNS TO . . . US!
PORTMEIRICON 2025 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
THIRD GUEST CONFIRMED FOR PORTMEIRICON 2025
FURTHER PORTMEIRICON 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT
PORTMEIRICON 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT
COMIC STRIP AND PLAY FROM SOCIETY MEMBER
Six of One Member Kevin O'Donnell has kindly donated his work for the enjoyment of the fans. Kevin takes up the story below ...
Way back in 1985 I began a comic strip adventure of Number 6 after he had escaped from the Village at the end of Fallout. It was to be illustrated by Jim Fortey who was working with me on some educational publications. Regrettably, we only completed the first 10 pages as we drifted our separate ways. Such is life, sometimes!
I had a story outline with a further test to try to crack Number 6 by sending him to the Caribbean on a mission (he was back in the Secret Service, but oblivious of where he had been before). I came back to that old tale when I came across those first comic strip pages recently (nearly 40 years later!). I have no contact with an illustrator now, or the original scripts and notes. I came at the story afresh, more nuanced, and have written it as a screenplay, The Final Inch.
The material has an introduction, the original ten pages of comic strip, and then the screenplay. The full 60 pages can be found on the Articles Page or click the link to the Comic Strip and Screenplay.
REPORT ON NR6DE EVENT IN GERMANY
October 12th marks a special date for every German Prisoner fan and supporter of the series. For it was exactly five years ago the German group was holding their anniversary event, 50 years after the first German TV broadcast of what they call Nummer 6. As before the meeting-up was held at the German (language) Prisoner epicentre in the city of Giessen. About 15 people had arrived to join the organisers on this particular Saturday afternoon, thereby, at the least, four absentees normally to be reckoned with. The agenda called for the official presentation of Arno's and Michael's book about Nummer 6 and there was Cyril Martin from Paris, guest of the day. He was to present his own special edit of the first episode "The Arrival" the way the original script would have had it.
Read the full report HERE
CHESS MATCH FOR THE WORSHIPFUL SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES
The weekend of 07-08 September saw a visit to Portmeirion by the Worshipful Society of Actuaries, organised and hosted by actuary and long-time Prisoner fan, Gordon Sharp. In addition to enjoying the Village and other local attractions, the society were treated to a
re-enactment of the human chess
game from the Prisoner episode "Checkmate". A number of Six of One members arrived on Saturday to set up the event, complete with a mini version of the Radio Village PA system that we use for the Conventions and the use of Portmeirion's Mini Moke, driven by our good friend and Portmeirion estate manager, Meurig Jones to escort the errant Rook away from the chessboard.
In typical North Wales fashion, we had rain and lots of it, which generally hampered the set up and operation of the sound system but, as if by magic, the rain stopped just before the game commenced and the sun shone for a while. The event was well received and Six of One were pleased to be able to put on the show. We are also delighted to have received a donation from Gordon which will contribute to a refresh of the Radio Village equipment. Thank you Gordon!
PORTMEIRION ANNOUNCES ITS OWN EDITION OF MONOPOLY
We've kept this a secret but we can now finally reveal our exclusive Portmeirion edition MONOPOLY!
Start at the chessboard lawn, pass by The Town Hall, hop in the village taxi and buy Portmeirion Hotel! With landmark locations within the village and places related to The Prisoner TV series, this is a great addition to your board game collection.
Available exclusively in-store and online now.
Purchase from Portmeirion Online HERE
Rydyn ni wedi cadw hyn yn gyfrinach ond nawr gallwn ddatgelu ein rhifyn unigryw Portmeirion MONOPOLY!
Cychwyn wrth lawnt y bwrdd gwyddbwyll, mynd heibio Neuadd y Dref, neidio yn y tacsi pentref a phrynu Gwesty Portmeirion! Gyda lleoliadau nodedig yn y pentref a lleoedd sy'n gysylltiedig â chyfres deledu The Prisoner, mae hwn yn ychwanegiad gwych i'ch casgliad gemau bwrdd.
Ar gael yn y siop ac ar-lein yn unig nawr.
SUMMER UPDATE 2024
Six of One is the sole appreciation society for ‘The Prisoner’ with a long history that continues to enjoy a wonderful association with Portmeirion Village. We offer a regular opportunity to come together to celebrate one of the most provocative and enduring TV series of our time.
We hope that those of you who attended the very special 40th Portmeiricon had a truly wonderful time. We had many great events and Catherine McGoohan was clearly the star of the show. You can view images from the weekend in the 2024 Convention Gallery.
Activity on planning next year’s Convention is already well under way and the team are working hard to organise guests and events. We have also completed our finance review for the past membership year and our Annual Financial Statement 2023-24 that is now available on this website. This provides details of how the society has spent your membership and convention fees over the last year. We hope that this report is illuminating and helpful.
Also please refer to the new Society Details and Basis of Operation particularly the section on Society Finances & Guiding Principles before reading the Financial Statement.
As we all bask in the summer sun, just a reminder to renew your membership if you haven't already done so. We hope that you will want to continue supporting the Six of One Prisoner Appreciation Society and enjoy the next three editions of our splendid 'Degree Absolute' magazine.
THE PRISONER BEING SHOWN ON UK LEGEND XTRA
For people in the UK, The Prisoner will be shown on LEGEND XTRA, available on Sky channel 317, Virgin Media channel 171, Freeview channel 69 and Freesat channel 138
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW ACTIVE
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Membership renewals are now open as well as registration for the 2025 Convention and Accommodation Requests.
As always - for ease of administration and accounting - please be aware that PayPal is our preferred method of payment for membership and Convention registrations.
Note also that, if you do not have a PayPal account set up, you can still use any major credit or debit card to make a guest transaction by selecting the pay with card option at the bottom of the screen presented when you press the PayPal Buy Now button.
We have also moved to a fully electronic system for requesting accommodation which we hope you find to be a significant improvement over the previous postal system.
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A FURTHER TRIBUTE TO GLENIES
A picture of Glenies through random anecdotes and memories - from Jo Roberts
Many people will have seen the announcement of the recent, sad passing of Glenies McCairns aka Glenys Siefers. Below you will find a handwritten letter to Six of One from good friend of Glenies and society stalwart, Jo Roberts, where she offers her unique "Ramblings of Memories".
FORTHCOMING BOOK FROM SIX OF ONE CO-FOUNDER DAVE BARRIE
Many years ago, a publisher approached me, and asked me if I would write a book about The Prisoner. At the time, I was still working, frequently away from home on business. I explained that I wasn’t in a position to even think about it. They were gracious enough to say they would grant me time.
Some years later, now retired, in the spring of 2020, sitting in the garden recovering from Covid, I was enjoying the sun, the feel of grass beneath my feet, eyes closed, listening to birdsong. Then it happened. A muse alighted on my shoulder, whispered into my ear, and this was the sign to begin.
PORTMEIRICON 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT
We are pleased to announce that the 41st PortmeiriCon, will be held over the weekend of Friday 11 to Sunday 13 April 2025.
Please keep an eye on the News and Convention pages for further details.
SIX OF ONE 40th ANNUAL CONVENTION
A massive thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 Portmeiricon and contributed to making it happen!
Faces old and new, from all over the world attended and made this weekend a very fun packed, friendly and smooth convention, made all the more special by the return of Catherine McGoohan.
MINI MOKE PRESENTED TO PORTMEIRION
At 14:00 on Sunday at PortmeiriCon 2023, Chris 'Mokeman' Spooner officially handed over the keys and proudly unveiled the newly restored mini moke that was discovered in a lockup garage near castle yard.
Portmeirion commissioned Chris to rebuild and restore this moke, which was used during the very first Convention. The work is stunning, and the moke will now be used in and around the village.