Partizan 2016

I attended Partizan 2016 today as previously stated, although I hadnt actually intended but the chance to meet up with Phil Robinson to talk about Peter Gilder was too good an opportunity to pass by.
 Can I say I am very pleased I went to the show at its new venue at the Newark Showground. The venue is a doddle to get to, and is just off the A1, and also near the Newark rail station. The venue is ideal for a medium sized show, with plenty of light, and what appeared to be easy access for the traders. So really a win win situation.
 I arrived early, and had a pleasant time in the early sunshine watching the feverish activity inside the hall. I understand that there were delays getting inside due to the lengthy queue that quickly built up around 10.00am, but as I was at the very front, I wasn't inconvenienced. Again it shows that there were plenty of wargamers wanting to be at the show.

Looking down the hall, I know it looks like a very large cattle shed, but it was a good venue, honest.

The organisers had taken the decision to have different types of games in their own areas, ie participation games were all together, as were demonstration games, various societies, etc. I liked the idea, it made things pretty easy to find. There was a large cafe area, which was busy all day, and the prices were not exorbitant, so another plus. I was very interested in seeing the quality of the games on show, as it had been several years since I had last attended Partizan, which traditionally provided the eye candy for the Miniature Wargames magazine, although clearly eye candy is not what the magazine wants to see nowadays, given the Arthur Harman article.
   Only one minor gripe, which shows me how sensitive I am becoming, and it concerned a large sign at the entrance to Partizan, apparently some people? don't like being photographed at wargames shows, and therefore the organisers had provided stickers that these people could wear, asking not to be photographed, the poster asked that the other wargamers honoured their request and grant then anonymity, a sort of photographic wargames super injunction as it were. I actually never saw anyone wearing such a badge, and to be honest I would have been tempted to take a sneak photograph because I have become an irascible old git. Please dont ask me what that sign was about?

Anyway, to stop scratching that scab, onto the games. I should stress that I only took photographs of a few games, there were a lot more on show, but I couldnt record all of them, plus I was busy looking for badge wearing wargamers who didn't want to be photographed.

Firstly, but in no particular order, Graham Cummings, of Crann Tara Figures

The Crann Tara range is growing, and the figures are wonderful and really capture the age.

The Sharp Practice 2 rules have recently been released, and there was a very nice Spanish Civil War game using them. The whole game was very well done, with some neat terrain and dare I say it well painted figures. Richard Clarke turned up to check out the whole thing, I think he was also impressed.
                                      

 Onto my favourite game at the show, by Simon Millar and DR.Phil Hendry, using To the Strongest rules written by Simon. This was a lovely game with very effective terrain and top notch figures. I especially loved the war elephants, what was there not to like.

The historical author, Harry Sidebottom was at the show to sign books and chat about his latest novel. I thought that was a nice touch and added interest to the proceedings.

Like a Stonewall Wargames group staged a quality game of the Battle of Saint Albans from the Wars of the Roses, I particularly liked the cloth standards.

 I know nothing of naval warfare, but found this game impressive, if just for the wonderful skills that had gone into making, rigging and painting the ships.

Paul Robinson and the members of the Grimsby Wargames Society, always put on a quality game, this was no exception, with [dare I say thousands] of well painted wargames figures for the Wars of Spanish Succession.

 A really top quality game that showed what hard work could produce. I wanted a command, which is always a good indicator to me of how good the game was.

 I am always open to new ideas, honest, and I was well impressed by the next wargame which consisted of 4'' pegs painted really well.

 What was not to like, I hope the lads at the Westerhope Wargames Club read this, because this is right up their street.A great effort.

 A really top class game by Bramley Barns Wargame Group and Legendary Wargames of West Yorkshire showcasing their rules which are a reworking of a Peter Gilder original set.

 And the best until last, original Doug Mason ACW Connoisseur figures painted for Peter Gilder for his original Wargames Holiday Centre owned by members of the above game, the lucky so and so's.

 Would I go again, definitely, especially as I am looking for an alternative to the Sheffield Triples Show, so there is a gap in my wargaming show attendances.