20th December Games

Greetings

Last night saw the return of the annual bout of insane mayhem we refer to as 'The Christmas Game' as organised by Steve S; predictably this involved dinosaurs and cowboys (as you do), which gave me the chance to revenge myself on those playing by running the dinosaurs as an equal opportunity menace! The dino's didn't do so well this year, suffering major casualties and failing to prevent Mark and (I think) Josh from finding the lost gold mine.

Although Wayland Games is open on 27/12/17, it has been agreed that we need to recover from the war on food/booze/tv for the week. Accordingly, SEEMs will reconvene on Wednesday 3/1/18 when the plan is to give the Terminator Genesis game a try.

Thanks to Scott and all at Wayland for their hospitality since our arrival earlier this year; may the deity of your choice shower you with blessings in the coming year and may your Christmas be the colour you feel most appropriate to your needs.

See yer next year

Neil

December 13th Games

Greetings

A few of us were involved in board and card games run this week by Steve S (my thanks as usual).

Next week's game will be the annual Christmas game, which Steve S will run. This will be The Valley of Gwanji, and will of course involve cowboys and dinosaurs (Steve, I'll bring the WWE confederates but if you require more conventional Old West figures, let me know). I'd like to offer the chance to play to the other denizens of Wayland Games so Scott, if you would be so kind as to reserve us a six foot table for this purpose and put the word about, I'd be most grateful.

See yer soon

Neil

December 6th Games

Greetings

Bit thin on the ground again this week. Steve S ran the planned Wings of War game, followed by a session of Kill Doctor Lucky.

Nothing specific planned as yet for next week; I can bring th Hobbit game again if anyone has an idea or can run a game, PLEASE reply to see if anyone is interested.

See yer soon

Neil

29th November Games

Greetings

The Steves ran their planned Warmachine game last night; Steve H was apparently the victor.

I ran 'The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey' board game as an alternative for the rest of those present. The game followed it's usual pattern of anarchy, back stabbing and Tolkeinian double ententes until Dave K ran out as winner in his guise of Thornin Oakenshield.

Next week, Steve S has offered to run a WW1 Wings of War game. Steve H is looking at a board game based on the first Viking raids on England, whilst I'll bring Battle Cry to soak up any additional players.

See yer soon

Neil

22rnd November Games

Greetings

Steve S and I ran Ludis Gladiatorus games last night. Didn't see much of the former but my game ran out with Dave C as last man standing (having dispatched my Thracian). I think that it's been so long since DC rolled a dice on a club night that the Dark Gods of the Dice have forgotten to rain misfortune upon him; I, on the other hand, have been a favoured target for many years!

Steve S also ran quick games of Kill Doctor Lucky and Carcassonne to finish off the evening.

The two Steves want to try Warmachine next week, but at present we don't have anything else planned. I can run a Dark Ages Lion Rampant or perhaps a test game for Terminator Genesys - let me know which appeals or if anyone has any other ideas.

See yer soon

Neil

15th November Games

Greetings

A bit quiet last night, so only one game - Jon's early WW2 15mm using Rapid Fire. I haven't used these rules for years, but having time to watch and recall, I'm surprised how well they hold up against newer, 'fashionable' rules (no names of course) but one wonders if the figures for the new games would suit this set.

Next week Steve S and I will bring Ludis Gladiatorus, which should be enough mayhem for one and all.

A brief mention for the passing of the actor Keith Barron. He played the main character in a television comedy based on the fictitious diaries of Squire Haggard; these were about as un-PC as you could possibly hope for, but still raise a smile when I re-read them today.

See yer soon

Neil

8th November Games

Greetings

Bit short handed last night, but Mark ran his barbarian fantasy game - Conan rescued the 'maiden in distress' in the photo but at a fearful cost to the rescuers.

Steve H ran the new Battle of Britain game; we didn't start until late but the process of assigning raids to targets/interception/combat is well handled and I look forward to playing this again. Good to see Paul on a club night - he visited us at the Community Centre, but has now been allowed out to play again.

I have received an invitation from Tonbridge Wells Wargames Society for their Cavalier show on 25/2/18; having discussed the options with those present , I'll offer my Big Tanks game with an ACW naval game in 1/600 as an alternative. This will give me a bit of breathing space from producing new games, and for those who are working on new games to complete their projects before any later shows.

Next weel; Jon will run his delayed WW2 Rapid Fire game, and I'll bring Ludis Gladitatorus.

See yer soon

Neil

1st November Games

Greetings

A further change of plans this week, necessitated by Steve H not being able to run his Battle of Britain game. Steve S ran a fantasy horror game, whilst I allowed Chris and Josh to run riot in the Space Hulk scenario amusingly titled 'Suicide Mission', thereby keeping the seasonal mood going. Suffice to say the poor old marines were unable to complete their mission, although Josh was getting close during the 3rd run of the scenario we were able to get through.

Next week, Mark has offered to run his Barbarian Fantasy game - nothing else planned as yet, but hopefully Steve H will be available for some aerial antics? I'll look for a suitable backup game.

Note for your diaries - we have an invite for Cavalier 2018 and Tonbridge on 25/02/18. No decision on a game as yet, but I'll discuss this with you before an offer is sent.

See yer soon

Neil

25th October Games

Greetings

A number of changes from the proposed program were necessary last night; Andy P ran a game using The Walking Dead board game, whilst Andy H ran a play test for the Osprey The Men Who Would Be Kings rules using his Sudan collection. I was involved with the latter game as I have an ongoing interest in these rules for a number of projected forces and thoroughly enjoyed myself!
I have also been advised by Scott of Wayland Games that storage boxes for our game stuff will be avaliable shortly - thanks for your help Scott.

Next week, Steve H will hopefully run the Battle of Britain board game postponed last night and Steve H will run something Gothic Horror.

See yer soon

Neil

18th October Games

Greetings

Thanks to Dave K for his zombie apocalypse game last night, although I spent the evening ensuring that everything is in order for the Crystal Palace show this weekend. I think that as long as we can attract a decent number of players this should run well. I gather taht a few of our occasional club night attendees will be onsite (as will Chris. John and Graham with a Sharp Practice game) so the club will be well represented.

Next week, John has offered to run his 1940 Rapid Fire game, while Steve H has taken delivery of the Kickstarter version of PSC's 'Battle of Britain' game and has offered to run a game once he has read the rules. This, I believe, is a strategic game so should be interesting. And Andrew H has offered to bring his Men who would be Kings for a game set in the Sudan.

See yer soon

Neil

11th October Games

Greetings

Fair turnout last night; Andy P ran his Samurai game for the bulk of those present, while Steve H and I indulged in some pre-dreadnought naval warfare. I don't know the results of Andy's game, but Steve and I had fun deploying the two fleets in a civilised fashion while the light forces hammered each other!

Dave K has offered to run his zombie apocalypse game next week, so I'll look to bring something as backup. We will also sort out the details for Sunday 22/10/17 as we are attending the SELWG show at Crystal Palace with the Big Tanks game then.

See yer soon

Neil

4th October Games

Greetings

Bit thin on the ground this week, but we managed to run two games. Chris, Steve H and I tried out the amendments to missile fire discussed recently for Lion Rampant which appeared to work (and started another discussion about Wild Charges for Norman Cavalry!).

While Steve S, Mark and Andy P tried a Gothic Horror ruleset that Steve had found.

Next week , Andy has offered to run his Samurai game, whilst I will offer a pre-dreadnought naval action using the Portable Naval Wargames rules.

See yer soon

Neil

20th September Games

Greetings

There were just enough of us on hand last night to trial the Tanks game, which I have been working on for the last two shows this year. The basic concept worked OK (troops of Shermans tasked with occupying a road junction with German armour and infantry tank-hunter teams as opposition) with one or two tweaks on terrain and the use of the infantry with panzerschreks etc.

A reminder that the Essex Warriors Open Day in Writtle occurs this coming Sunday 24/09/17; I'm taking the Tanks game to allow the wargaming public to test it before the major outing on 22/10/17 at SELWG. Any assistance would be appreciated.

My presence next Wednesday is unlikely, so the Steves have arranged to bring a selection of board games for the entertainment of those attending.

See yer soon

Neil

13th September Games

Greetings

We ran two games last night; Mark ran a Lord of the Rings skirmish (the orcs won apparently), whilst I put on a Dark Age Lion Rampant game for Chris, Jake, Steve H and myself; this resulted in a victory for the Norse, but Chris has suggested an amendment to the rules reducing missile fire dice to half when a target is over half the firer's range. Given the bulk of casualties were caused by missile fire from the skirmisher units, I am inclined to agree and this amendment will appear on playsheets in the future.

Next week I will run a small scale play test for the Tanks game I intend to run at the Essex Warriors open day and also at SELWG, These shows are to be held on the 24/09/17 in Writtle and on 22/10/17 at Crystal Palace respectively, so please note your diaries accordingly.

See yer soon

Neil

6th September Games

Greetings

We ran two games last night; Dave K ran a further Bolt Action game - apparently the U.S. forces had the run of order dice, which is why they won (according to the German players. . .).

Steve H and I player Angels 20 for the first time in ages; I had been able to source some Italian 1/144 bomber models which allowed us to play out a raid on Malta. This did not go well for the Italians (i.e. me) with serious losses to the bomber force - the scenario requires some work to be balanced but was great fun all the same!

Next week, I've offered to run a Lion Rampant Dark Ages game.

See yer soon

Neil

P.S. I have been advised that Warlord Games are offering their TANK War supplement to Bolt Action as a free downloadable PDF during September; I hardly need to point out that this is a good thing?

30th August Games

Greetings

We were able to run two games last night; Chris and Alan were playing Dystopian Wars naval.

While Andy P ran a Starship Troopers game.

Next week a Bolt Action game has been arranged; I have in mind to run an Angel's 20 aerial warfare game. Hopefully a few non-SEEMS players might be interested.

See yer soon

Neil

23rd August Games

Greetings

My apologies for my absence last week; Scotland saw fit to bless me with a dose of the flu, which basically cancelled any activity other than being ill. I gather you were able to function without me . . .

This week only one game went ahead; thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action game as a further introduction to the new rules. A German victory in the game.

Next week, Andy P has offered to run a Starship Troopers game. There may be a Dystopian Wars game, whilst I'll bring either Memoir 44 or my Napoleonic naval collection.

See yer soon

Neil

9th August Games

A quite week without Neil;

Chris, Josh and Alan played Dystopian Wars.

While everyone else played the Battlestar Galactica board game put on by Steve H.

Next week, Chris and Alan are having a Dystopian Wars rematch, Dave K is putting on a game of Bolt Action and Steve S is bringing down some extra board games as backup.

2rnd August Games

Greetings

I ran the planned Wings of War/Glory WW1 aerial game last night - this involved a hypothetical scenario where Gotha bombers attacked an English town, which was defended by SE5.a's and a Sopwith Camel. Losses were about even but the Gotha's were able to successfully bomb the town.

I won't be down next week, but I gather a game of Battlestar Galactica has been arranged. Would someone post a brief mail with details of game for the following week in my absence please?

See yer soon

Neil

26th July Games

Greetings

My planned Lion Rampant game didn't go ahead due to lack of players; however, Mark's Barbarian fantasy game kept those present busy; the dungeon terrain is particularly effective as a preformed cardboard set.

Next week; I've offered to run a Wings of War WW1 game. The Gotha bombers of the Englandgeschwader will threaten Dear Old Blighty once again!

See yer soon

Neil

20th July Games

Greetings

Thanks to Mark for running his Retro-Raygun sci-fi game this week; I didn't have a lot of time to check it on the game as I was occupied elsewhere. Steve H, Alan and I sat in on a demo game for the new version of Wild West Exodus, which is due for release in a couple of months. WWE has interesting game mechanics - I've succumbed to the lure of the Confederate Rebellion faction (which will come as no surprise to those who know me) and bought some figures.

Next week Mark has offered to run his fantasy barbarian game, while I'll put on a Dark Ages Lion Rampant game. This will be open to any of the denizens of Wayland Games present on the evening as I have spoken to a few people about the game.

See yer soon

Neil

12th July Games

Greetings

Thanks to Dave K for his WW2 zombie game, using Wayland's urban terrain set u - fought to the bitter end this time. I'd love to see a 28mm 1914 scenario on this terrain . . .

Chris and Dave C were play testing 'Galleys and Galleons' using some of the models Chris made for the Armada game we ran back in 1988. Still looking good, though.

Next week, Mark will run his Retro Raygun sci-fi game. Wayland's are running a Wild West Exodus extravaganza which may be worth looking into; I'll bring backup as usual.

See yer soon

Neil

5th July Games

Greetings

Turns out my Space Hulk idea wasn't required; Dave K had bought along his Victorian/Steampunk armies for Hordes of the Things which took care of most of those present; while Steve H and Alan were introduced to the joys of Wild West Exodus by Scott.

Dave K has offered to run his WW2 zombie game next week; so I've asked for the urban terrain table at Wayland's to be reserved for use; thanks Scott. I'll bring something as backup in case we have a sudden influx of new members.

See yer soon

Neil

28th June Games

Greetings

I was able to run my planned Battlefleet Gothic game last night. The game did not reach it's full conclusion as we were a bit rusty with the rules, but based on Chaos losses I felt the Imperium had the edge at the close of play.
The layout of the table needs some work but the this is not insurmountable. My thanks to Chris who provided the planets and asteroids, and who has very kindly passed these to me for future use.

Next week; Andy P and Steve H will be trialling Wild West Exodus, whilst Mark has agreed to bring his Retro Raygun pulp sci-fi game along. I'll bring something as backup.

See yer soon.

Neil

21st June Games

Greetings

The much anticipated move to the Wayland Games centre in Eldon Way, Hockley, took place this week in the searing heat; suffice to say I await the return of more sensible British weather with keen anticipation! We were a bit thin on the ground due to various domestic issues, but I was able to run a Lion Rampant Dark Ages game for those present, while Steve S ran Ticket to Ride and Kill Doctor Lucky board games for the remainder.

Next week I will run a Battlefleet Gothic game, while Steve S will bring some board games.

See yer soon

Neil

14th June Games

Greetings

Our final evening at the Hockley Community Centre was (perhaps fittingly) a quiet affair, with a few of us playing board games and organising the transfer to Wayland Games. This will occur next Wednesday 21st June; whilst there is a certain sadness in leaving the Community Centre; where we were based for about 14 years, I believe the move to Wayland will be of benefit to those already in residence and to ourselves in particular due to the wider range of influences and games.

Can I ask all members who have been storing club terrain etc. to bring this along next week, so we can arrange storage with the Wayland management team.

See yer soon

Neil

Broadside 2017

Greetings

Steve H and I are home after a long day (and even longer drive home) but the 'Lords of the Wine Dark Sea' game was well received.

Broadside wasn't a bad show at all, even if the shopping was a bit patchy. I did find a few bits to buy though!

See yer soon

Neil

7th June Games

Greetings

Last night was a busy one from the point of view of the club's future. I can now reveal that we are relocating to Wayland Games' premises at 17-19 Eldon Way, Hockley, SS5 4AD, with effect from the 21st June 2017. Suffice to say the decision was taken after much discussion and with regret after an extended residency at the Hockley Community Centre. Our impending departure meant that it was necessary to clear our storage cupboard, and for the various members to take temporary possession of the club's terrain pending the move and arrangements for the storage being made with the Hockley management. As a result the only game undertaken was Andy P's samurai game. The game is starting to look quite spectacular with all the scenery Andy has built; I hope to contribute to this in due course when I can start on painting some suitable figures.

Steve H and I have finalised our arrangements for the premiere of the 'Lords of the Wine Dark Sea' game at Broadside in Sittingbourne this coming Sunday. I'm not sure if anyone else is able to attend but I have requested two all day parking permits at 5.00 per vehicle; obviously, I will require one, but if anyone else wishes to use the spare, let me know and I will let the organisers know.

Next week will be our final night at the Community Centre; I'll bring either Battle Cry or Space Hulk, and would suggest anyone else running a game bears in mind that there is no terrain in stock at present.

See yer soon

Neil

31st May Games

Greetings

Fair turnout this week; Andy P ran his Samurai game with a test for a new scenario. Chris, Dave K, Andy H and I played a four handed Lion Rampant game using Chris' Scots vs my normans and a War of the roses retinue (odd mix, I know, but it was all we had to hand). the game was notable for some diabolical dice rolling for combat, morale tests and movement on both sides, and saw my Norman Cavalry either decimated or routed. I have since 'retired' the dice responsible.

Next week, I'll run a pre-Broadside Poseidon's Warriors game and sort out the details for the show on Sunday the 11th. Andy P will run his Samurai game again.

See yer soon

Neil

24th May Games

Greetings

Enough of us on hand last night to run two games. Steve H and I played an Airfix WW2 board game - not with any great success on my part as I haven't read the rules in ages. Mark ran his barbarian fantasy game with a beautiful 3-D dungeon layout.

Next week; Andy P will run a Samurai game, whilst Chris and I have a Lion Rampant session planned.

See yer soon

Neil

17th May Games

Greetings

Fair turnout on a very wet evening this week; Dave K ran a further Pulp Alley/Sweeney game.

Whilst, Steve H and I tried some refinements to the Poseidon's Warriors game.

Next week, Mark has offered to flex his mighty thews and run his new Barbarians game (Crom!). Not sure what I will offer yet, but will advise when I decide.

See yer soon

Neil

3rd May Games

Greetings

A quick change of Games on my part this week; the Napoleonic naval game has been put back and a Poseidon's Warriors game substituted. Josh and Steve H played, whilst I umpired - both are happy with the way the rules work and we continue for the game's show premier at Broadside on 11/6/17.

Dave K ran a Sweeney inspired Pulp Alley game notable for the absence of kipper ties . . . .

Our AGM is scheduled for the next Wednesday to start at 8.15 sharp. Please try to attend as we have some serious issues to address, a few quick board games for afterwards might be handy as well.

See yer soon

Neil

26th April Games

Greetings

Reasonable turnout last night - Steve S ran a Car Wars game and I umpired the AWI board game ' Hold the Line'; we played the Lexington and Concord scenario, which resulted in a further win for the Crown forces. Bunker Hill next tim methinks.

We also had a visit from Tim who found us using Google-Fu but apparently knew of SEEMS from our days at the Rocheway Centre (when dinosaurs ruled the Earth!)

Next week Dave K will run a Sweeney based Pulp Alley game, whilst I will run a Napoleonic Naval game at Tim's request.

See yer soon

Neil