Tom Davidson and David Clemmet, have been organising wargames shows in the Cleveland area for well over 30 years, the pair are well known for trying different ideas in an effort to spread the popularity of wargaming to the general public. The gents have always encouraged different groups to put on a display at their shows, and I have always tried to either put a game on or attend their days.
The pair kindly invited me to put on a game at their latest show, where every game had to be a participation game, but to be honest it is something that I have never attempted and didnt think I could carry off. However after today's show, I think I could succeed and actually would like to make the effort. The pair, recognising that there is a need to find new, younger wargamers put their skills to putting on their show at a pretty large venue,with 16 participation Games and 27 trade stands. A pretty good start to a new show.
Charlie Wesencraft offering his advice to John as his planes burst into flames.
As a show I would give the event 6 out of 10, but one should recognise this is the first year, and having now been to the event, I think the lads have a good idea that needs positive support from the wargaming public and beyond. The gents have plenty of experience to know how to tweek the day, and make it grow I am certain. So now all I have to do is paint a load of very large plastic soldiers to put together a game.
Brian and Gobby John from the Westerhope Club put on a Kamikaze game which I had to have a go at. Enrolling a young conscript, we hammered John's American pilots and sank his aircraft carrier, showing once again, that years of experience count for nothing against Eastern cunning.
John looking tearful as the Japenese planes crash onto the deck of his aircraft carrier.
Dave Docherty and Guisborough Gamers staged his Sudan Game, which is a brilliant game, with loads of beautiful figures painted a la Gilder. I really wanted to play this game, but had to leave which was a real shame.
I was impressed by the standard of games on show, and thought this Gothic terrain was great.
Great to see you Robbie glad to see your recent Traumas have not blunted your wit.
ReplyDeleteI agree this Show will grow. By the way we had about 10 Games and the Carrier was sunk every time until a very shy little Girl turned up and blasted every Japanese plane out of the Sky.Great stuff.
Brian, I am going to keep my Kamikaze headband and wear it whenever I feel under attack.
Delete16 games and 27 traders in the first year sounds like more of an 8 or a 9 score out of 10 to me. I'm impressed, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteJim
Jim,
DeleteTom and David are past masters of organising a show, and do a really first rate job.
I think the American carrier was sunk a few times from the noise coming from the game!
ReplyDeleteI have been attending and playing at Tom and Daves show since they very early days and Mrs D was on the door taking your dosh!) . I will be there if they do it again for sure
I hope the traders did well enough to keep it going.
From tiny acorns Dave.
DeleteSounds like a good show. Glad you had fun. I don't think you'll need your headband for Ramillies unless you plan on crashing and burning.
ReplyDeletePaul,
DeleteFor that weekend I intend to wear a badly fitting wig.
Robbie - Did you receive my e-mail asking what we needed to do to get a better score next time. Please e-mail me at dclemmet@btinternet.com as soon as you can, and thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteDave,
DeleteI will check my junk mail filter, as the e mail, wasnt in my in basket.