Doctor Who Appreciation Society
The Doctor Who Appreciation Society or DWAS was a non-profit making body formed in 1976 with 70 members. By 1982, it had some 1,700 members.
It was the only Doctor Who fan club officially recognised by the BBC. The BBC's support was largely a way of channelling fan interest; it even required John Nathan-Turner the then producer to have two secretaries (Jane Judge and Fiona ?).
A twelve member executive committee governed the society, which had a Co-ordinator.
Writers David Saunders and David J. Howe have both been co-ordinators for the Society.
Colin Baker is the current Honorary President of the Society. He succeeded Nicholas Courtney following his death in 2011.
Membership
For an annual fee, members received a membership card and a monthly newsletter entitled The Celestial Toyroom.
Other Publications
The Society also produced a bi-monthly magazine called "Tardis" that featured articles and photographs and "Cosmic Masque" that contained fan fiction