OK not the last Partizan but certainly the last at Kelham Hall. It's always been a great setting but lets face it it's one of the worst places to hold a show if you happen to be either putting on a game or a trader as between the limited access and the horrendous lighting (seemed far worse this year!) it just makes the experience one giant ball ache.
I spent most of my time chatting with mostly people I know whilst The Boy spent a chunk of his time playing the RAF clubs excellent Minions racing game or keeping away from the traders so he would not spend his money as he wanted to spend it away from the show.
I was as restrained as I had intended to be, well mostly. I did buy a £6 booster of French Napoleonic casualties from Baccus but these don't count towards the lead mountain as they are scenic accessories to increase the looks of the bases.
Talking of which I bought 60 die holders to be mounted on bases to keep track of casualties or strength for games. These were from Warbases and if they work as well as expected I will be buying more come Castle Donnington in October.
Last up was a real farce as I had to use the torch on my phone (as others were also doing) to be able to see the paints in the racks as the light was so bad in the corner. Indeed a number of traders had portable lights or flash lights dotted around the stands. I did get the four I was out of and also an old one I was unable to pick up at a previous show. Next show will probably see yet more new purchases seeing as I have room in the racks.
So I see the move away from Kelham in a very positive light (excuse the pun), and look forward to what is rumoured to be the new venue (Newark Showground). All we need now is a better spread of scales in the games and all may well be good with the world.
Newark Showground is a good venue but lacks the atmosphere of Kelham.
ReplyDeleteI for one will miss the place after helping running so many Hammerheads there. But the new company running it have made it an impossible venue.
The ambiance was great in the past but seems to have worn thin in recent years, the lighting has a great deal to do with that
DeleteIan
But did you buy the same green paint again? ;)
ReplyDeleteAdding those dice frames to bases - how will that work for bases you've already done?
I will get two pots next show just to make up for overlooking it this time.
DeleteNot sure, I will try adding them to a few and see if that works
Ian
That's a rather subdued haul Ian?
ReplyDeleteAll part of the plan, I still have lots to work with so I won't run out
DeleteIan
A sad end to a one-time place of imagination and excitement. I still remember my first visit (one of my first gaming attendances ever) and the utter bewilderment at the huge array of games, minis and scenery on offer. So many companies I'd never heard of - back then at least. Glad you got some goodies and I'm looking forward to seeing how the dice holders work.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if a change of venue will be a bad thing. The show has become a bit stale for me. I just don't soak up the building like I used to, I suppose familiarity breeds contempt
DeleteIan
I've got to agree with Blaxkleric, in regard feeling a certain magical excitement at attending the show back in the day (in my case, the mid to late 90s). Bit sad to hear of its demise, but when needs must...
ReplyDeleteStill, I can't help but laugh on reading about you having to resort to using the light on your phone, or traders handing out flashlights. Somebody should have been dressed up as an ARP Warden and shouting "Put that bloody light out!" every time someone lit up :D
The light issue was treated in a very British way, people queueing for the torches LOL
DeleteIan
Ian, that is a good one! I now proclaim ALL of my figures as scenic accessories. No more lead pile!
ReplyDeleteAh you saw through my plan, dash. I stand by my point though that these are not the unit as such but extra base clutter. Works for me anyway LOL
DeleteIan
I was there and was similarly disappointed. Took loads of cash - barely spent any!
ReplyDelete