Bjo Trimble

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Betty Jo Trimble, born August 15, 1933 as Betty JoAnne Conway, but universally known as Bjo (pronounced [ˈbiːdʒoʊ][1]), is a significant figure in the history of science fiction fandom. Initially entering fandom in the early 1950s, Trimble, along with her husband John Griffin Trimble, is credited as being one of the most influential fans of their generation.

Trimble helped revive a flagging Los Angeles Science Fiction Society (LASFS) in the late 1950s. In 1958, she put together the Worldcon Futuristic Fashion Show. She ran one again in 1966, incidentally giving fandom a glimpse at three early Star Trek costumes. Trimble started and directed "Project Art Show", the first modern convention art show, in 1960. The success of Project Art Show led to art shows becoming a profitable part of most conventions, large and small.

The Trimbles' most famous cause was the "Save Star Trek" campaign for the third season of the series to be made rather than cancellation. This, in turn, assured that the series stayed in re-runs until the decision was made to renew the concept. They also ran the campaign to have the first of NASA's space shuttles named Enterprise. Her efforts earned her an uncredited role as a crew member in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. (Her film credits include makeup design for Flesh Gordon; and Ma Cant, a satirical version of Superman's Martha Kent, in a film short called Superbman: The Other Movie.)

Trimble is author of the book The Star Trek Concordance, which contains cross-referenced details on the episodes of the original Star Trek, its animated incarnation and, in later editions of the book, the Star Trek films.

Trimble received the Big Heart Award in 1964, and (in her persona of Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani) the Society for Creative Anachronism's Order of the Laurel, an art award. Bjo and John are also both members of the SCA's Order of the Pelican for service. She also received the International Costumers Guild's Lifetime Achievement award. Trimble was Guest of Honor at 1995's DragonCon, the 6th North American Science Fiction Convention, as well as at many other science fiction and Star Trek conventions around the world. Bjo and John Trimble were the Fan Guests of Honor at the 60th Worldcon, ConJosé.

The Trimbles, who own and operate the business Griffin Dyeworks & Fiber Arts, live in Southern California.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gerrold, David. The Trouble With Tribbles: the birth, sale, and final production of one episode, 1973

[edit] Other Sources