Thoughts On - Alumwell 30.03.2025

 Hi Everyone, 

                       The eve of the Alumwell show was cold and miserable as I walked home from my shopping expedition. I was in two minds whether to go at all, but I packed my bag ready and I would decide in the morning. The morning arrived, bright and sunny. I felt much better and decided to attend the show. I soon found the Circle Battle Group under their alias of "The Knights of St. George". I said "Hi" to all of the gang there, dumped my coat and bag with them, and then looked at the stalls and banners lining the walls.

                      

This was our Pirate Game, organised by Alan G.

Alan G put on a great pirate game, complete with galleons that were afloat in good condition, sinking and had actually sunk, (that would be me, LOL). Natives on the islands to be "bumped off" by cannon fire, sharks and dolphins in the sea, treasure chests to grab and Rum to drink. 

My Bosun did a last man standing against a gallant merchant vessel crew, after his mates had been horribly slain by the other members of the other attacking pirate ship. My brave captain was waiting in the longboat to rescue him, that is, if he survived the attack of the other pirate Captain who was trying to seize the vessel at the same time. Which was where we had to pack up.

 My photos are being uncooperative at the moment, so I cannot show you many battles taking place on the tables, but I will keep trying to display them here. 

More pictures to come.

I was very frugal in my spending this year, as I still have a lot of plastic to process at home. I bought three African circular huts that will see service as Celtic roundhouses for my Roman  stuff that is in the works, a laser cut slot together "Pig Pen" to go with it (but no animals) and an "Antenna setup" and some enemy figures to go with my sci-fy games. I did see some nice 3d planted fields and a wooden fort that would have done as a Roman marching Fort, but I can make do with a printed version for the time being. Unusual for me, nothing from the bring and buy table. Richard did sell all of his scenery that he brought along, so he was happy.

               I saw some of the regulars from previous years, the American re-enactment jeep, assorted chaps in uniforms of various types and the model display table, showing assorted dioramas, spaceships, The Eagle Moon Lander from Space 1999 and WWII scenes. One section had marvel figures displayed. I don't remember any space battle tables.

Thanks to all our club members who attended, April and Alan who gave Richard and I a lift home, and Nat who kindly offered too. Thanks too all of the  organisers, vendors and clubs that came and displayed great battles. We hope to see you back again next year.

hard did sell some of

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Shops, Painted Minis and a bad experience (Updated)

 Hi Everyone,

                      Here we are at a new season of wargames and roleplaying. I have been attending my local club again, and that has been fun. I treated myself to the last season of Star Trek Discovery and have my sights on season two of Strange New Worlds and Picard Season three.

                        Warhammer Birmingham has moved from their old site by the Gym opposite the 94 terminus, in to a slightly larger shop atthe bottom end of Corporation Street. 

There is a new shop opposite Forbidden Planet in Bull Street, just inside the Minories Arcade, on the left. Number 4. It's called Element Games.  www.elementgames.co.uk

They have shedloads of paints and supplies from the usual manufacturers. Mainly GW models but some independent people too, such as Frostgrave, Stargrave, Heil Caesar, Oathmark and Shadowdeep.

Weylands Forge is still located in "The Custard Factory", Digbeth.

                      It is the eve of the WMSS Alumwell show, so I hope the weather is fine for everybody travelling to and from it. (NOTE: Take extra grub, the canteen ran out last year, so I am informed).  There are usually burger vans on site, too.

                    I usually take the Metro opposite Forbidden Planet in Birmingham to Wolverhampton bus depot, an approximately 45 minute journey. Then the number 6 bus, stand D. Please double check when you go.

station. 

I have been retouching some models for an upcoming battle report.

I am not sure if it shows up at this angle, but I splattered Ginger's tunic in blood.

The club had our belated Christmas meal at a village curry house, not to be named. The food was nice but the waiter service was slow. We were a party of 12 who had pre-booked by over two months. The place was less than a quarter full when we arrived, but the staff took their orders at least 40 minutes before us. We were so bored, we ordered drinks and crackers while we were waiting. Adding to the cooking time of at least half an hour, to say we were not happy bunnies was an understatement. I had ordered a mushroom wrap starter and grilled Chicken Jalfresi for my main meal. Something I had not tried before, as it was a special occasion. Nothing too complex, you would think. I was expecting it to come in a bowl, but it was served on a plate, in a wrap. I was slightly surprised. As I said before, the food, when it came, was very nice.   Between us; we spent about £350. We will not be going back. We do plan to go to another one that has a better reputation and has been tried by some of the members before.

Regards, 

Ivor Cogdell