Mission debrief by Ciaran Brown – 007GB Membership Manager
Photography by Mark Wooldridge – 007GB Film & Media Director
“Now, pay attention, 007…”
Those immortal words instantly conjure the image of the incomparable Desmond Llewelyn, the legendary Q. His legacy within the Bond franchise is untouchable, appearing in more films than any other credited actor – a record that may never be broken!
It was in the same spirit that, this August, 007GB unveiled its very first full-scale gathering at Q-Lab – an immersive event where fans and friends alike could step directly into Bond’s world, surrounded by the cars and gadgets/weapons that have defined the series for generations.
The venue? A discreet, top-secret location in the East of England. The mission? Pure indulgence. Guests were welcomed with an open bar – a fitting prelude to the spectacle awaiting them: a stunning collection of 007’s most iconic vehicles. The reveal was breathtaking – a pure gleaming of motoring history!
Highlights included a Ford Mustang Mach 1, a Lotus Esprit Turbo and the crown jewel of Bond’s garage: the legendary 1964 Aston Martin DB5! Guests also marvelled at a genuine, screen-used Q-Boat from The World Is Not Enough. Adding to the thrills were a 1968 Aston Martin DBS and a V12 Vanquish, both underappreciated classics and finally basking in the admiration that they deserve. For fans, the chance to experience these cinematic icons was nothing short of priceless.
But the excitement didn’t end with motor vehicles. Attendees handled replica firearms, including Sir Roger Moore’s very own Browning pistol from The Wild Geese. The 007GB Store was also in full swing, led by the ever-lovely Victoria Hodges, with an array of collectibles for fans to secure as mementoes of the day (“Do please try and return some of this equipment in pristine order!”).
The guest list was suitably star-studded: Bond beauties Alison Worth, Carole Ashby, Caroline Munro and Safira Afzal graced the event, joined by none other than legendary director John Glen. And not forgetting special effects mastermind Chris Corbould OBE, recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Having contributed to 15 Bond films, his influence on the franchise is incalculable. Yet, true to character, he proved as warm and gracious in person as he is legendary in reputation.
A gourmet lunch followed – burgers, hot dogs and a tempting spread of desserts – during which guests had the first chance to pick up the club’s latest issue of ‘Keeping the British End Up’ – our most comprehensive yet!
Then, in true 007 fashion, the afternoon took an explosive turn. Club President Philip Dewhurst took the wheel of the original, screen-used Renault taxi from ‘A View to a Kill’, chauffeuring Carole Ashby, John Glen and Martin. With Chris Corbould himself taking centre stage, the stunt ended with a suitably dramatic bang; a moment worthy of Bond’s own effects team.
The presentation that followed honoured Chris Corbould with a montage of his finest cinematic triumphs. In a perfect passing of the torch, John Glen – our first year’s honouree – presented him with the award and Chris’s talk proved both fascinating and insightful. A delightfully entertaining auction led by Phil and our UNICEF raffle of wonderful signed items and collectible memorabilia capped the event, raising over £5,000 for UNICEF!
The verdict? A mission accomplished with style, sophistication and a dash of 007-worthy spectacle. To all who attended, and to our extraordinary guests, thank you for making Q-Lab an event to remember!
Q-LAB WILL RETURN…
Last modified: 13 January 2026
