I've been quiet on the post front since Salute due to personal circumstances. Basically I am retiring after 36 years as a police officer, of which 30 was in the role of a detective. I still havent got my head around this, but circumstances beyond my control have forced me to do something I should have perhaps thought about much earlier. Whilst this has little to do with Wargamimg, I must admit that it is the hobby that has actually kept me sane whilst I move out of the job that in the main I have loved.
No doubt there are people out there wishing that they could retire to spend more time on their hobbies, but I think one has to find a balance between doing a hobby you enjoy and working, albeit for whatever reasons, be it because you have to work or from a more social point of view. I have had some sort of job since I was thirteen, and to suddenly be confronted by the prospect of not working, and not feeling useful fills me with dread. Hopefully this will change, as I find a new routine, and perhaps do the things that I wanted to do, but never had the time to do.
Anyway away from the maudlin. Plagiarising Colin's basing idea, I have finished my Fusilier de Morliere's and based them skirmishing amongst some fencing. I must admit they do look alright. I found these figures a tad delicate, and managed to snap the hand off one of them, hence only a 11 man unit, but these figures from Crann Tara are very good.
I'm not particularly happy with the standard, and couldn't get the fleur de lys right but until I decide to change it, or find a company that produces the standard it will have to do. The cottage in the background if from Tabletop World, not cheap, but still very good quality.
Good luck in your retirement, my friends in the force all say it's a good time to leave the job. Most ex bobbies either go straight back to work in some other role, a few however have hobbies or interests that they can enjoy and its those who seem to enjoy life the most. Enjoy it, you've earned it.
ReplyDeleteI definately had the best years, and certainly the future is not good, it seems quantity with less commitment is the new vision.
DeleteYoure right about interests though, I just need to work out a schedule or such like.
Hi Robbie, time to seek out that outdoors hobby to counter your wargaming interests inside the house. Those light troops look excellent. Have sent off an order to Crann Tara for some of their civilians, looking forward to their arrival.
ReplyDeleteGraham at Crann Tara, is putting together an interesting range,
Deletethe figures are delicate in style, but lovely to paint.
Enjoy your retirement mate. You've earned it. For my own part (and from others I know who have retired) there's not enough hours in the day!! Too many interests too many projects!!
ReplyDeletePainting excellent as always.
Robbie,
ReplyDeleteAlways a difficult decision to make. It's the people I miss and hence one of the reasons I mixed hobby and business. Trust me with your interests and your outlook you will have plenty to fill your time
Meant to add if you're at Triples I will give you a figure to replace the broken one, if not remind me on when we next meet
ReplyDeleteGreat looking figures and intriguing basing.
ReplyDeleteI'll be going through what you are doing next year. I do have a fair amount of "honey-do" and "me-do" tasks as well as wargaming tasks and watching my one-year old granddaughter grow up. Good luck with your new life!
Jim
Robbie, no need to worry, a wargamer is never without plenty to do in retirement! As for being useful, I often wonder about that myself but encouraging posts on my blog keep me going. In other words someone with as good a blog as you maintain, with wonderful figures and buildings, and your sometimes controversial comments, you are helping to provide the wargaming world with a valued asset.
ReplyDeletebest wishes Chris
http://notjustoldschool.blogspot.co.uk/
Lovely figures, and, ready, or not, you'll soon settle into doing something else. Have you considered painting on commission?
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
Figures look great and I am sure the work situation will work out for you.
ReplyDeleteI think peoples outlook on retirement depends on the job they do. Me - I'd be out of the door like a shot. How can a wargamer with your varied interests ever believe they'll have little to do? Enjoy your time because we never know how much we have.
ReplyDeleteRobbie, last week you asked me how I fill in my day being 'retired'. I don't know how I ever had time for a job! Plenty of time to paint. Weekday daytime war-games at least once a fortnight. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteNice unit, like the fencing. Good luck with your retirement
ReplyDeleteThanks Allan,
DeleteI think you will see more fencing around most of my light units from now on.
Congratulations on your retirement. I too was a police officer, in my case 27 years in the New Zeland Police. I 'retired' ten years ago, but being only 50 years old, I went into another occupation. Then five years ago I found myself working again for the Police, this time in a civilian role at HQ as an advisor for the current officers doing my old job. When I retired in 2005, I never thought I would find myself back in the Police, but you never know how things turn out! I'm now looking forward to my real retirement due in five years time when I'm 65, when (health willing) I intend to get really stuck into my hobbies and doing things I've always put aside.
ReplyDeleteEvening Roly,
DeleteTechnically this is my second retirement, as I did 32 years in a Home Office force, before the cuts moved me out and I rejoined withthe transport police. Recent ' reforms' have again caused me to reappraise my situation and this time I have decided to wrap it in. The job was great, and although one bitches at somethings, I know I will miss some great people and some interesting situations.
The health issue is the big thing to watch for, I knew I was in trouble when on a foot surveillance last year I realised that I was in trouble with my heart. Like you I have been stockpiling things to do, ie books to read,figures to paint and shows that I have yet to attend. So the main thing is to look after your health so that you can complete these projects.
All the best Robbie from all at Westerhope wargames both my self and John took early retirement and for once we totally agree we both have not not looked back go with the flow mate and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete