Friday 21 December 2018

19th December Games

Greetings

A good end to the year's games last night: Andy P ran a Rumbleslam tag match, whilst I umpired a scenario from The Men Who Would Be Kings for Messrs. Harbron, Knightly and Slater based on the Battle of Kirbekan 1885 (British vs Mahdists who were entrenched on high ground near to the Nile). Given that Messrs. Knightly and Slater were unfamiliar with the rules, they put up a valiant resistance until the Ludhiana Sikhs stormed the position in the last move!

rumbleslam wayland games centre hockley essex wargamers

essex wargaming the men who would be kings sudan conflict battle of kirbekan

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 2/1/19, until then have a great Christmas and may the New Year be kind to us all.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 13 December 2018

12th December Games

Greetings

A busy night for us this week - Alan and Rob were playing Infinity, Mike and his mate Steve ran a Star Trek Attack Wing game, Steve S ran a couple of board games for Mark and Andy S. I ran The Men Who Would Be Kings in the Sudan for Steve H, Andy H and Dave K (playing as Mahdist for his first game); the ambush scenario featured the British (Commanded by Steve) under attack by my re-inforced Fuzzy-Wuzzies. To say that this got ugly quickly would be an understatement, but the Mahdists edged a win on points. A hard fought game bearing a close resemblance to accounts of the fighting in Suakin during 1884/5.



Next week will be our last meeting before Christmas, returning 2/1/19. I've offered to run another TMWWBK scenario and I gather Steve S has offered a board game, specifics to be decided.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 6 December 2018

5th December Games

Greetings

Pretty good turnout this week; Dave K, Mark and Steve S played Mad Dogs With Guns again, while Rob ran a game of Fallout (think 50's post apocalyptic sci fi). Steve H and I played three games of Angels 20 to test the new mats I recently received. Since the hex size has been reduced, I wasn't sure if it would be necessary to double movement to maintain the scale. It appears that the game works well with the current hex size and by doubling movement and ranges - so much that I lost all three games . . .
mad dogs with guns gangsters wayland games SEEMS

angels 20 wargames wayland games SEEMS club


Next week, I intend to run a game of The Men Who Would Be Kings to introduce some new units. Not sure what else we have planned at present, could someone advise in due course?


See yer soon

Neil

Friday 30 November 2018

28th November Games

Greetings

Dave K and Steve S ran a Mad Dogs With Guns game for most of those present as part of an ongoing play test for a possible club night game. Steve H and I ran Magnificient Flying Machines again, this time to a conclusion. Although I finished the race first, Steve won on points (Blast! - to quote Sir Percy Ware-Armitage in the film). Fun for two but would be better with more players - one to run again.

mad dogs with guns osprey game essex gaming wayland games centre

Next week, a further Mad Dogs game is planned. I have finally recieved the new hex mats for aerial combat ordered at SELWG, so I intend to run an Angels 20 game. The hex sizes are smaller than the originals so a bit of play testing is in order to see if we need to modify the game in any way.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 22 November 2018

21st November Games

Greetings

Mark Ran a Lord of the Rings game, featuring his Rohirrim against a band of Uruk-Hai for most of those present.


Whilst Steve H and I tried out a new board game 'Magnificent Flying Machines'. This recreates the air races of the early 20th Century (albeit with one or two anachronistic types) and allows for weather, carrying out tasks etc. For those who remember the film there is a Terry-Thomas character! Didn't get very far but most enjoyable and worth a further try.

Next week, will see a further Mad Dogs With Guns trial game. I haven't decided quite what to bring but have a couple of suitable games in mind; I'll make a decision closer to the time.

See yer soon

Neil

Friday 16 November 2018

14th November Games

Greetings

Dave K ran Star Wars: Imperial Assault last night; apparently trying the skirmish rules. Haven't had any feedback on these as yet, but no negative comments either.
Steve H and I ran the Poseidon's Warriors ancient naval rules, with my Demetrian/'Egyptian' fleet attempting a breakout against the Roman fleet commanded by Steve in an echo of the Battle of Actium (think Anthony and Cleopatra - and no I wasn't dressed as Liz Taylor!). Suffice to say that only a small proportion of the fleet escaped, thereby scoring a win for the Romans.


posiedon's warriors osprey ancient naval rules battle of actium

Nice to see Josh, who popped in for a brief visit; good to see you, don't leave it so long in the future.

Next week, Alan and Rob will be playing Infinity, Mark has agreed to run a Lord of the Rings game; Steve H has a new game which is based on the air races in the early 20th century entitled 'Magnificent Flying Machines', which I'd like to try.

See yer soon

Neil

Friday 9 November 2018

7th November Games

Greetings

Dave K has obtained a copy of Star Wars Imperial Assault which he brought along; he ran a training scenario for most of those present, using the app avaliable to run the Imperial side.

Steve H and I revisted the scenario from The Men Who Would Be Kings we ran last week, but with the Mahdists defending against a British force intent on capturing the Mahdi himself. The game was hard fought to an honourable draw courtesy of the Martini Henry rifle. . . .

the men who would be kings essex wargaming seems



Next week, Dave K will run a further Imperial Assault game, while I'll bring the ancient naval stuff for a game of Poseidon's Warriors.


See yer soon

Neil

Friday 2 November 2018

31st October Games

Greetings

No tricks last night, but a couple of treats - Mark ran his Victorian Gothic Horror game for Steve S, Andy P and Rob, but sadly I didn't have the chance to take more than a quick look as Steve H and I played The Men Who Would Be Kings, with a scenario set in the Sudan and featuring my newly refurbished British and Mahdist forces. Suffice to say that the British were unable to relieve the camp before it was overrun by the Mahdists. That said it was an interesting scenario (A sigh of relief for those of you who have the rules) and one to be revisited.
 
wayland games centre games SEEMS

the men who would be kings sudan game osprey

Next week, Andy P wants to run Rumbleslam again, whilst I have another TMWWBK scenario I'd like to try.

See yer soon

Neil

Friday 26 October 2018

24th October Games

Greetings

Back to normal after the SELWG show; I was engaged in monitoring the two games on hand last night. Mark ran his Barbarian Fantasy game for most of those present, which played with its usual level of cheerful mayhem.
 

I wanted to sit in on Mike C and Steve B's game of Sharp Practise and get a feel for the rules.


Next week, Mark has offered to run his Gothic Horror game; I intend to set up a Sudan games using The Men Who Would Be Kings rules. Don't forget the clocks go back this weekend - don't want you getting up for work an hour early on Monday!

See yer soon

Neil

Friday 19 October 2018

10th October Games

Greetings

More games than planned this week. A special mention to Andy P for running a first game of Rumbleslam (fantasy wrestling) which went on for most of the evening. Steve S and Dave K ran a further Terminator: Gensys game with a different 'rescue the hostages' scenario which I think has the makings of the game we want to run for Cavalier 2019. Mike C and his friend Steve B played Sharp Practice 2 (Napoleonic skirmish already).




Next week I'll run a final play of the Napoleonic naval rules for those attending SELWG. I await details of the table etc and will advise these when I have more details.

See yer soon

Neil

17th October Games

Greetings

A bit lower on numbers than I expected last night; but sufficient to give a pre show test for the Napoleonic naval rules for those present. Generally went OK, but one or two minor adjustments have been made to the play sheet.




A plea from your Chairman - please wear the nice badges I got you on Sunday! If this could be combined with a dark blue or black top, we might actually look like a club . . .

As stated previosuly, our table is directly opposite the Magister Militum stand on the Northern side of the hall; I hope to be onsite shortly after 0900, so early arrivals should be able to enter via the trades entrances. Those arriving after 1000 will be liable for full admission charges. Don't say I didn't warn you! Hopefully we will have a good day out to round off the 2018 show season.

Provisional plans for next Wednesday include Mark's Barbarian Fantasy game. I hope to be able to run a Sudan based The Men Who Would Be Kings game as well, depending on how much I can get ready in time.

See yer soon

Neil

Tuesday 9 October 2018

3rd October Games

Greetings

There was a distinctly post-apocalyptic feel to last night's games; Steve S and Dave K ran a Terminator:Genesys game as part of the ongoing preparation for the club game at Cavalier 2019.
 
Terminator Genesys wargame board scenery
 
While Rob L bought along Fall-Out for the benefit of the others. Both games ran well enough (still a lot of work to do to T:G but this is to be expected). Nice to see Andy H and Rob A who don't get down as often as we would like.

 fall-out board game essex wargamers

Next week the Terminator game will run with a different scenario to broaden our feel for the rules, while Andy P will run Rumbleslam, which is a fantasy pro-wrestling game.

See yer soon

Neil am, which is a fantasy pro-wrestling game.

Friday 28 September 2018

26th September Games

Greetings

Still a bit thin on the ground this week; Steve ran his planned Mars Attacks! game, while Mike C ran a Lion Rampant game using his Dark Age figures. Both appeared to run OK, also Andy H made a rare but nonetheless welcome appearance.

mars attacks! club game

dark age lion rampant saxon vikings

I spent the evening talking to various people about the new exhibition at Southend Central Museum. Most of you will be aware I am a volunteer at the museum, and the London Shipwreck (which features artefacts recovered from the wreck of a Restoration warship which blew up not far from where the seaward end of Southend Pier is now situated) has just opened. Given it's nature and that it is a very well organised exhibition, I felt it was worth bringing it to the attention of a wider audience. More information at http://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/whats_on/event/The-London-Exhibition

Next week, another Terminator Genesys game is planned. I hope to run The Men Who Would Be Kings in a Sudan setting in the near future, but a little further work is required.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 20 September 2018

19th September Games

Greetings

We were a bit spread out last night. Andy P ran the promised Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles board game for most of those present; I'm told this went OK. Rob and Alan played Infinity again. Rob says although he lost, it was an enjoyable game. Good to note that . . .

Steve H and I ran the Napoleonic naval scenario from last week again, using slightly different force compositions. This has been a chance to fine tune the Hotham's First Action scenario to ensure the game at SELWG runs well and offers both sides a reasonable chance to complete their missions. The French (me) were able to recover the damaged ship but again at a high cost in the force deployed. Using the poor quality crews at the time of the action really made a difference to manoeuvre and firing.

Hotham's First Action napoleonic naval wargame langton ships


Next week, Steve S wants to run Mars Attacks! and I'll bring Ludis Gladiatorus, which we haven't played for some time.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 13 September 2018

12th September Games

Greetings

A bit thin on the ground again this week but enough attending to run the requested Napoleonic naval game. Having updated the fleet rosters and sent out a quick reference sheet ahead of the game, I decided to use the ships from the scenario I intend to run at SELWG in October. Enough ships were used to provide the centre piece of the game which is the recovery of a damaged French ship of the line. The French achieved their goal, albeit with losses but also inflicting harm on 'les rosbifs'. A number of the Wayland denizens stopped to look and said nice things about the ships.



Alan and Rob L played an introductory Infinity Scenario.

Next week, Andy P has offered to run a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game (cowabunga!), while Alan and Rob want to try another Infinity game. I haven't decided what to run myself, but will bring something along.

See yer soon

Neil

Friday 7 September 2018

5th September Games

Greetings

Thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action games last night - the Normandy scenario used some different troop types (French Resistance and Commandos among others) with artillery support for the British. The latter suffered from a short sighted FOO (Steve S' bad dice rolls) and the eventual bloodbath left the Germans on top for the first game in quite a while.

Next week Mark will run his Barbarianfantasy game. I've been asked to run a Napoleonic naval games to allow everyone to practice before the SELWG shows, when I propose to run the Hotham's Action 1794 scenario. I have it in mind to try and produce a QRS for the rules in question, which I'll look to distribute before next week.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 30 August 2018

29th August Games

Greetings

I managed to lug the Wings of War/Glory collection of WW1 aircraft over to Hockley this week (if you have ever tried to lift this box, you'd know what I mean). I ran a late war scenario with three DH 4 bombers, escorted by 3 Sopworth Snipes to bomb a German held town covered by 4 Fokker D7's. Kudos to Mark for managing to hit three out of four designated targets albeit with heavy losses to the bombers and escorted commanded by Andy P. Nice to see all the toys in action again, I might run an earlier war scenario again sometime soon.
 

Dave K has offered to run Bolt Action WW2 game next week; I'll look out some scenery and bring along a backup game - not sure what yet. Colonial action with The Men Who Would Be Kings in the near future and given I've booked a Naopleonic naval game for SELWG in October, I'll run a game as a refresher as well soon.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 23 August 2018

22rnd August Games

Greetings

Still quiet but sufficient for the proposed ACW naval game. It's been a while since I last ran this on a club night so we were all a bit rusty, but eventually we played a version of the Battle of Memphis (Tennessee) with nothing heavier than a lightly armoured vessel on both sides; probably more representative of the river war than the armoured vessels. The Union ran out winners on both of the two refights I ran, but this was in keeping with the historical outcome.





Nothing firm was decided for next week, so I'll bring the WW1 Wings of Glory collection along for an outing. I've an idea for an escorted bombing mission which might prove interesting.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 16 August 2018

15th August Games

Greetings

Still low on attendance, but enough to play The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey. I'd brought this in case there were too many present for the planned Necromunda game. Rob L ran out winner with the Bilbo Baggins character having gained the strength of Conan the Barbarian and a run of good luck on movement and combat.


Necromunda has been planned again for next week; Mike has asked if I could run an ACW naval game. This hasn't been out in a long while, so I'll bring that along. I'm still working on Sudan colonials for The Men Who Would Be Kings, but this will be a couple more weeks I think.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 9 August 2018

8th August Games

Greetings

Still thin on the ground with holidays etc, but at least the weather has cooled down - for the moment. I ran the Space Hulk 'Beach Head' scenario primarily for Rob's benefit as he hadn't played the 'new edition' before. He ran the Genestealers while an unholy mixture of Steve S/Dave C/Mark ran the Deathwing, whilst also playing munchkin Marvel. As might be expected, this led to the Marines losing again! Suffice to say the Chapter Master is not impressed.

Next week, Rob has offered to run Necromunda, nothing else as yet but I'll bring along a backup game. Any other offers?

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 2 August 2018

1st August Games

Greetings

The holiday season and the return of the warm weather continues to affect attendance. Andy P ran his Asian skirmish game for a draw, whilst Steve H and I played Battle Cry (the Richard Borg ACW game); by losing First Bull Run for the Confederacy, I may have unwittingly saved thousands of lives . . .

Next week, I've offered to run Space Hulk again for those who missed the last game. No firm decision had been taken as to whether Andy P should run his Asian game or if Mark would offer one of his modern skirmishes; doubtless something will be offered. Rob L has offered to run Necromunda again in a couple of weeks, and I'm making progress with rebasing Mahdists and British for The Men Who Would Be Kings - plenty to come.

A reminder that we've been invited to attend A Writtle Bit of Lard at the Essex Warriors base in Writtle on 30/9/18. No game has been offered at present as this is a Too Fat Lardies special, so it would be an opportunity to try out some of their rules. The organisers have been kind enough to advise that since SEEMs has supported their Open Days for so many years, entry will be free - so wear those new badges!

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 26 July 2018

25th July Games

Greetings

Still low on numbers due to hot weather/holidays etc. Thanks to Mark for running his Retro Raygun sci fi game. Steve H and I played Rise of Tribes, a new game he had brought along - basically a colonisation game without some of the pitfalls of the Catan series of games. It would be better with three or more players but proved an interesting diversion.

Next week, Andy P wants to run his Asian (Samurai) battle game, I'll bring Battle Cry as a backup but if anyone else is likely to be along, please feel free to offer other games.

See yer soon

Neil

Monday 23 July 2018

18th July Games

Greetings

A return to wargaming after the World Cup found us still a bit low on numbers, but since we're into the holiday season, I'm not surprised. I ran the Space Hulk game originally planned for last week (for those owning the current edition of the game, it was the Beach Head scenario). Suffice to say the Deathwing had an off day and had their shiny metal behinds handed to them by the 'stealers.

Next week, Mark has offered to run his Retro Raygun 1950's style sci-fi game (no Ed Wood films? Plan 9 From Outer Space anyone?) - I'm reading a lot on ACW ahead of a new Osprey rules set promised for next year, so I'll bring Battlecry as a backup game.

While I think of it, I have arranged with the SELWG club to run a Napoleonic naval game at the Crystal Palace show on 21/10/18. The game in question hasn't been out on the circuit for about 4 years, and given the sate it seems to be a natural choice. A bit of work needs to be done on the display material but other than that it's ready to roll.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 5 July 2018

4th July Games

Greetings

Thanks to Dave K for running a further Mad Dogs with Guns game for those attending considering the American gangster wars for a future club game (appropriate for the 4th July!). My personal thanks to Rob L for bringing along the new version of Necromunda for a trial game. I got lucky and won the game, but as a first effort I would certainly play again using the full blown version of the rules. Might even paint some figures . . .

essex gamers wayland games necromunda goliath

mad dogs with guns board scenery gangsters game


I was able to distribute the first of the new club badges to members last night. These appear to have met with general approval from those who have recieved them thus far; I'll dish out the rest as people turn up.

Next week, I've offered to run a Space Hulk game for Rob as a thank you for this week's game as he hasn't played the most recent version yet. I'll plan a scenario which should accommodate up to three players. Steve S has offered to bring a Mars Attacks! related game, but as ever I'd welcome further offers.

See yer soon

Neil

Monday 2 July 2018

27th June Games

Greetings

The planned Necromunda game was postponed due to illness (get well soon Bob) but the Mad Dogs game went ahead as planned. Mayhem ensued as usual.

I've recieved confirmation that the club badges have been sent so hopefully these will be avaliable next week.

Only confirmed game for next week is a further Mad Dogs with Guns excursion; possible Necromunda too. Any other suggestions or offers would be welcome.

See yer soon

Neil

Sunday 24 June 2018

20th June Games

Greetings

A better turnout last night. Thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action WW2 game for the bulk of those in attendance; Chris, Steve H and I played a further game of The Men Who Would Be Kings using our respective Egyptian and British forces. The scenario required the British to execute a 'strategic withdrawal' (according to The Times at least) across the board in the face of Egyptian attempts to stop this. Given that the Egyptian forces are considered under the rules to be far inferior to the British (not necessarily the case I might add), they gave the British a hard time, particularly given that the British decided to stand their ground until their CO was killed when they finally deigned to join the withdrawal! No much to report on the WW2 game other than to report that it was apparently a hard fought game.

Andy P has advised me that his radio hamateur group (I think that was what he called it) have asked if the club would like to present a game at either Tilbury Fort or Coalhouse Fort later this summer as part of a display. I think that the Big Tanks game might suit this, but would welcome comment from anyone interested

I hope to place the order for club badges shortly as discussed at the AGM. Once these arrive I'll distribute some.

I have been advised by the Essex Warriors that although they will not be holding their Open Day this year, they are hosting A Writtle bit of Lard - a day of Too Fat Lardies games, which will be graced by the presence of Richard Clark himself. Although their is a charge of £3 for attendees, I have been told that SEEMs members will not be liable for this charge due to our longstanding support of the Open Day. A nice gesture which I think we might take up. Anyone thinking of attending, please let me know and I'll advise the Warriors.

Bob has offered to run a Necromunda game, whilst Dave K will run Mad Dogs with Guns.

See yer soon

Neil

13th June Games

Greetings

Bit thin on the ground again last night; thanks to Dave K and Steve S for providing the terrain and figures for another test game using the 'Mad Dogs With Guns' rules. Dave and others are considering starting a project for American gangster warfare, but need to work on their Chicago and Noo Yoik accents . . .

Dave has agreed to run either a Bolt Action or Border Reiver game next week. I'd like to have another game with Chris using The Men Who Would Be Kings rules if he is around.

See yer soon

Neil

6th June Games

Greetings

Thanks to Mark for running his Barbarian Fantasy game last night. Borrowing the dungeon complex from the Wayland setup for made for an entertaining game with plenty f mayhem. Bob and Andy P played Dark Souls, another happy game for a Wednesday. . .

We are likely to be a bit thin on the ground next week with holidays and so forth, so Dave K and Steve S have offered to run another Mad Dogs With Guns game for those attending. I'll bring Ludis Gladiatorus but if Chris is available for another TMWWBK game might ensue.

See yer soon

Neil

Saturday 2 June 2018

30th May Games

Greetings

A busy night all round:

Dave K ran a Bolt Action game for the bulk of those present, whilst Chris, Andy H, Steve H and I played another Men Who Would Be Kings game using my British and Chris' Khedival Egyptians had the insufferable check to put up something of a fight this time, while some of the British were a little tardy in joining the fun. Despite the issues, the Illustrated London News will doubtless be publishing details of yet another British victory in due course. (That said, to say the action was something of a mismatch is an understatement).


Mark has offered to run his Barbarian fantasy game next week. I'm not sure what else might be on offer at present - Steve H has an updated version of Zombicide to try out, and if Chris can make it we may run a other TMWWBK game. I'd also mention Steve H and I are running a Battlefleet Gothic game at Broadside in Sittingbourne on the 10th June. If anyone is thinking of making the journey, I can arrange all day parking for £5.00 but I must know about this in advance as we onlu jabe one spare ticket available.

See yer soon

Neil

23rd May Games

Greetings

Mark and Dave K played Hordes of the Things while Steve S, John and Andy P played Pirates of the Crimson Coast last night.
Steve H and I got to grips with Guild Ball (which he picked up at Salute) didn't get too far into the game but it was certainly violent!

I gather a Bolt Action has been arranged for next week. I'm not sure if we can run another TMWWBK colonial game or not - are you available Chris?

See yer soon

Neil

Tuesday 22 May 2018

16th May Games

Greetings

A first test of the Mad Dogs with Guns rules took place last night; I didn't see much of the game as Chris and I gave a run out to his Khedival Egyptians and my British using The Men Who Would Be Kings rules, Modesty forbids my commenting on the crushing nature of the British victory, other than to observe that the morale of the Egyptian is not to be trusted.

Next week, it's been suggested that we run a Pirates of the Crimson Coast game. I'll bring my Guild Ball as an alternative game to play with Steve H.

If anyone is planning a visit the Broadside show at Sittingbourne on 10/6/18, and intends to stay for any length of time, I can arrange all day parking with the organisers for £5.00. I require a pass (obviously) so if you are interested please let me know asap as we are limited to two.

As previously discussed, I can supply figures for the Resistance and Terminators for Terminator Genisys to anyone interested in painting for the proposed club show to air at Cavalier 2019. Please, contact me with details of what figures you require - ideally a mix of both.

See yer soon

Neil


Friday 11 May 2018

9th May Games

Greetings

Thanks to Mark for running his SWAT game; this time it took on a Special Forces theme to infiltrate and 'neutralise' a terrorist base. A good game enjoyed by all.

Next week, plans are afoot to try a Roaring 20's gangster game using Mad Dogs with Guns, whilst Chris and I intend to give our respective English and Egyptian forces for the 1881 war a run out using The Men Who Would Be Kings rules. I've asked Scott to hold two tables for us, so we should be ok.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 3 May 2018

2rd May Games

Greetings

We were able to run a further play test of the Terminator Genisys game last night: Steve S kindly organised two forces which meant the game went down to the wire, with the machines onlu winning at the last moment. If members are prepared to paint figures for a possible show game, I can supply Human Resistance or Terminators from stock I already hold, allowing squads to be built up.

I've asked Waylands to reserve a table for next week to allow Mark to run his SWAT team game, if anyone has any other ideas, please let me know.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 26 April 2018

25th April AGM

Greetings

Thanks for everyone's attendance and assistance last night at the AGM. I thought I should summerise the items discussed, conclusions drawn and further action where appropriate:
  • Club Funds - I'm currently awaiting a response from Santander concerning the failure to supply statements and failing to honour our earlier request for Mark's access to the account. We also decided that following Andy's explanation of the subscription issues from 2017, no refunds would be made.
  • Club Badges - Please view the attached link to www.quickbadge.co.uk for details of the samples I showed last night. I think the 60mm x 40mm badge is our best best, but please take time to view the site and we'll discuss this further in due course.
  • Club Game - This is still under review, but it seems that from the point of view of a game for future shows Terminator Genisys has possibilities. As advised I have a large stock of Resistance Fighters and Terminators which I'd be happy to pass out for painting should this be a game we choose to present.
With this in mind, I've arranged that we should have a play test next week of the full TG rules to assess how much needs to be done. I've asked Scott to hold a table for our use in case the work in the warehouse isn't finished.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 19 April 2018

18th April Games

Greetings

I ran a Dark Ages Lion Rampant game for the relatively low turnout last night; the idea was that the Norse and Saxon hosts were trying to hold multiple crossing points over a river ahead of the arrival of the main forces. A right old ding-dong ensued, with the Norse eventually winning but at a grave cost to themselves. I'll keep this in mind for the future . . . .

Next week sees what I call an AGM (on the basis that it happens once a year as a meeting of the membership - 'if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck') albeit in rather different form to earlier meetings. Thus far the issues up for discussion are as follows:

  • Refund of the unused portion of 2017 subscriptions following our departure from the Hockley Community Centre.
  • Discussion of a possible club game for the various shows we attend. What form it should take, type of game etc.
  • Provision of SEEMS badges or polo shirts for members attending shows as a means of reinforcing the club's identity.
  • Any other business?
I'd like to start by 8.15pm. I can't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to find a corner of the Wayland site to have this meeting, and hopefully we can sort things out quickly.

See yer soon

Neil

Saturday 14 April 2018

11th April Games

Greetings

Still a bit thin on the ground this week, but I was able to run a Poseidon's Warriors ancient naval game for Dave K, Mark and Steve H, while Steve S and Andy P played a Horror Wars (Victorian supernatural).

Poseidon's warriors ancient naval warefare game osprey



I've agreed to run a Dark Ages Lion Rampant game next week - any other offers to be advised, please.

As you're aware it's Salute at Excel in East London this coming Saturday. Although, we're not running a game I expect to see quite a few of you around and about, although, I would remind one and all that Chris, Graham and John are running a game under the league of Anti-Alchemists banner based on Garibaldi and the Italian Risorgimento.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 5 April 2018

4th March Games

Greetings

Just enough in attendance last night to run a second Bolt Action game using Dave K's Americans and Germans. This week's scenario involved an American assault on a German position; this proved to be a grinding match with high losses on both sides, before the Germans scraped a draw despite high casualties.




I've offered to run a Poseidon's Warriors ancient naval game next, if anyone else has a game they'd like to run, please advise.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 29 March 2018

28th Games Played

Greetings

Dave K ran his promised Bolt Action W2 game last night; I 'assisted' with umpiring and rules interpretation where necessary. Dave's collection of American and German late war troops clashed over the control of a crossroads. Uncle Sam's firepower eventually saw off the German forces for victory.


This was very much a trial game as we hadn't played BA for a while and the rules are more developed than the USSR rules I had used recently (although these are still the subject of attention as a low level alternative to BA).

Dave has offered to run a further BA game next week which I will support with terrain etc. Any other game offers would be appreciated. . .

See yer soon

Neil

21st March Games

Greetings

The return of warmer weather brought out a few more last night; as such we were able to run two games. Mark Ran his Victorian Horror game.



Whilst I ran the promised larger Bolt Action USSR game. I was primarily involved in the umpiring/rule interpretation of the USSR game - neither side was able to fulfil it's mission due to large numbers of pinned troops. Dave K's lousy dice luck continued, but he wasn't using my dice most of the game. Whilst not everybody agrees with the mechanics of the rules, the general feeling is they perhaps reflect the reality of small scale actions better than some other rules.

Next week, Dave K has offered to run a WW2 game using the successor rules to the above, which should provide a useful counterpoint to the recent games. I'll bring something else along as backup.

Following recent discussions, I'd like to hold a 'AGM' on Wednesday 25th April starting at about 8.15pm. I use inverted commas as the only matters requiring attention are the following:
  • The partial refund of 2017 subscriptions due to our move from the Hockley Community Centre in June last year.
  • The purchase of club polo shirts or badges for use at wargames shows.
  • The nature of a possible club project for an exhibition game.
See yer soon

Neil

Friday 16 March 2018

8th March Games


Greetings

Sufficient on hand to run two games last night; Andy P ran his Asian Invasion game.


Whilst I took the opportunity to run the original Bolt Action WW2 skirmish rules for John and Dave K. This was the first time I had run a game using these rules for a considerable while, so progress was slow initially, but despite Dave's truly appalling dice luck (well, he was using my dice!) there was sufficient interest for the experiment to be repeated next week. The thing about these rules (not sure if this is reflected in the current version) is that the game is about the mission and troops are more likely to be pinned down by suppressive fire than killed. I've always been fond of the set and was pleased that the game went well.


With this in mind, I've agreed to run the game again with a larger number of troops next week. No firm decision about any other games, so suggestions are welcome.

I've consulted Andy H and Mark with a view to holding the AGM after Salute. More details to follow.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 8 March 2018

7th March Games

Greetings

A return to normal proceedings this week after the short term Finbul Winter of last week, saw us play Zombicide Green Horde again. Great fun even if I did get a little too much into character as the barbarian fighter (but did keep all my clothes on!)>

Next week Andy P has offered to run his Asian Invasion game, whilst I'd like to go back to the original Bolt Action low level skirmish rules for WW2. With luck we can run a couple of games at squad level during the evening.

I note that e-tickets for Salute have now gone on sale. A £10 in advance, as distinct from £20 cash only on the door, this is well worth the while if you're proposing to attend the show. See the website www.salute.co.uk for more details.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 1 March 2018

Big Tanks

Thank you for the game at Cavalier, here's a few pics, if you want a full Battle Report follow the link:
Big Tanks








Thursday 22 February 2018

21st February Games

Greetings

Thanks to Steve H for running the cheerful mayhem that is Zombicide last night; this time the Green Horde (undead orcs) put in an appearance; great fun as always.


Special mentions to Rob and Mark who ran a Roaring Twenties gangster game using the new Osprey rules. Thanks to Andy P for a couple of card games he put on. Hopefully, we will be able to run something more substantial in the future.


This Sunday sees our first show of the year - Cavalier at Tonbridge. Our offering will be the Big Tanks WW2 participation game.
Next week, we'll run some Zombicide Green Horde again, while Andy P will offer his Asian Invasion game.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 15 February 2018

14th February Games

Greetings

The scheduled games were replaced by Mark's Retro Raygun sci-fi game and a colonial game run by Chris and Andy H using The Men Who Would Be Kings rules. The more I watch the latter set of rules in action, the more I like them and find myself considering other periods in which they could be used; the American Civil War comes to mind. . .

the men who would be kings essex wargaming club



Next week, Steve H will run the promised Zombicide game, and Steve S and I will bring some backup. A reminder that we are attending the Cavalier show in Tonbridge on 25/02/18, where I'll run the Big Tanks game - and questions, please feel free to contact me direct.

See yer soon

Neil

Thursday 8 February 2018

7th February Games

Greetings

The trial game of Terminator Genisys took place last night - thanks to Steve S and Dave K for organising and providing the scenery for the game. We were able to run two games, the second using the expanded rules intended for the game rather than the core set supplied with what is after all a starter set. This transformed the loss rate of the human resistance fighters! The idea is to run this as a game later this year at a show but we still need to work on the rules and the scenarios.

terminator genisys genesys wargame board game club


Next week, I understand that Andy P intends to run a Conan based game, while Steve H will bring a new version of Zombicide along. I'll bring something as backup.

See yer soon

Neil