Sci-fi fan opens Star Wars-themed memorabilia display in his Forres back garden
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A FORRES dad has finished creating a new ‘universe’… in his back garden.
Over the last three years and nine months, science fiction fan Mark Donald (45) has spent his spare time and cash collecting and building Star Wars memorabilia to put on public display behind his house on Castle Street.
The Classroom Restaurant kitchen porter said: "Since finishing a life-size pod racer last August I did very little in the garden until the end of December when I made a model of a staff belonging to the franchise’s character Rey from scraps. It was fiddly but it started me off again."
This year, Mark has been working in his garden in all weathers, whenever possible.
He said: "I’ve made Ewok huts and fences, given the exterior of my shed a planet Tattoine theme, made a new speeder bike from scrap, decorated the inside of my log cabin to fit the Empire theme, bought new life-size characters, added bark to the section nearest my house to look like a forest bed, and decorated the outside of the cabin to resemble the Imperial bunker on Endor in 'Return of the Jedi'.
"I’ve painted other things outside and I got storage containers to fit the themes. I’ve also made decorative control panels from wood, bottle tops and pieces of plastic."
Mark is considering how best to put the displays in place for visitors while continuing his daily life at home with his grandmother and daughters, Nicole (12) and Caitlyn (8).
He said: "Setting up fully is long and painstaking and the weather can be a problem. I’ll open up two sections regularly and play it by the weather for the full garden."
Mark estimates he will be able to set up the entire display around twice-a-year in the warmer months.
He added: "I’ve already had visitors to see the garden sections. They loved them!"
Thrilled by the reaction, Mark is determined to share his displays.
He said: "It felt really nice to be appreciated. My family also think the displays are out of this world."
Mark fell in love with Star Wars as a toddler.
He said: "I love the music, how it’s all made, how the characters look and how diverse the Star Wars galaxy is. I run a Star Wars social media group that has near 8000 members, including actors from the franchise. And my eldest daughter’s birthday is Star Wars Day, May the 4th."
Ultimately Mark wants his garden to attract visitors who share his enthusiasm for the franchise.
He said: "I’ve had Star Wars fans from various countries saying they would love to visit.
"I won’t charge for entry but rather do a collection on each day I’ve got visitors."
Though the site is packed with memorabilia, Mark wants more props and landscapes.
He finished: "I’m keen to add life-size C3PO and scout troopers to the ranks. I’d also consider another couple of Ewoks!"
