David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Friday 8 October 2021

Anticipation tinged with Trepidation

 Aptly sums up my state of emotional confusion in the run up to The Other Partizan on Sunday. The anticipation of course is driven by the 'need' to embrace some sort of hobby normality beyond face to face gaming with Phil and Jon in the shape of attending a wargames show again after so long an enforced hiatus. It embraces so many elements I guess we have all missed so much over the last 19 months since Hammerhead and WMMS in March 2019: the buzz of the hobby's premier historical wargaming show; the friends to chew the hobby fat with; the wonderful display and participation games; the trade fair and the lure of the new and shiny; a day out even, cocking a snook at the memory of seemingly endless lockdowns!

The trepidation of course lies in the slight risk of exposure to the bl**dy Coronavirus; despite being doubly vaccinated, drenched in hand gel and smothered in masks! I can't deny that all this has preyed on my mind since the show was confirmed as being on. Nevertheless I am English, so, despite all that, I plan to be there spending money, seeing my son, and his chums' Medieval game, catching up with Kevin and Peter at the Iron Brigade's game, nattering with a myriad chums, collecting my pre-orders from The Last Valley and Warbases, spending my hobby cash fund on impulse buys - new period please! - and generally having a Grand Day Out! I'll worry no doubt afterwards...

I hope to see many of you then on Sunday {DV}! In the meantime keep safe and well, all of you!

25 comments:

  1. I am sure you are not alone in your trepidation. Last year the "plague" was in its infancy as it were when we visited Hammerhead and perhaps we were a little blasé at least now we are vaccinated and masked and hopefully our fellow gamers are following the guidelines.

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    1. I have my fingers crossed! See you on Sunday!

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  2. I think the excitement / concern will be a general experience for many. The daily infection rates in the UK are at the 40,000 level as of yesterday, so it must be quite present in the community - yet, I feel this has to be balanced against the precaution of vaccination and the application of good hand hygiene and an observance of sensible distancing / masking. It is a case of ‘I have done as much as I can do’.

    From memory, the venue is large and airy, so it also has that going for it.

    I’m sure it will an absolutely fab day out ….. you will know if you come back with no money and a new project :-)

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    1. I have not even got a list Norm!

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    2. Even better, if you had a list, you would only end up buying something sensible :-)

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    3. Sensible? Moi? Shurely Shum Mishtake?😁

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  3. Very jealous, hope you have fun and spend all you're money! We've just got to muddle through now,don't we?
    Best Iain

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    1. Muddling through seems my default position as I get older. Thanks for the good wishes too.

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  4. May you have a fun and safe day David…
    As much as I really want to go to a show I’m going to give this one a miss… my medical peculiarities are making me feel a lot more cautious at the moment.
    I look forward to seeing any photos you take…

    All the best. Aly

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    1. I am mortified that you, and your medical peculiarities, will not be present! How can we put the hobby to rights without your input? I shall endeavour to have a good day on your behalf as it were.

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    2. Putting the hobby and the world to rights with you is one of the things I look forward to…
      Just to reassure you…

      We are right…
      They are wrong…
      As always…😁

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    3. I am reassured by that...

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  5. Have a good trip David sure the show will be spectacular. I fear the 3 hour drive is proving a mental hurdle I can’t leap. I think next year I will stay over

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    1. I have a chauffeur as it were. Stayed over in 2018 for Hammerhead at the Premiere Inn, Newark. Makes for a relaxed day!

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  6. Well done David, we've got to start somewhere and why not at one of the best shows in the country.There are some talented games on show and the weather is forecast for decent, so fill your boots.

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    1. Hope to see you, at a social distance of course 😉

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  7. I share your feelings David, as I will be on a demo table for the whole day (opposite Caliver books and using Shadow of the Eagles rules btw), so a long day to be in an enclosed setting after 18 months of not meeting anyone in doors.

    Last week the Cotswold Wargaming Day was my first show and get together with friends for two years! It felt wonderful to feel 'normal' and was a great boost to the old mental health. But this was a small show (more like a club day) so Partizan will certainly be and feel different.

    Let's hope it all goes well and hope to maybe see you on the day?

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  8. Several factors have decided me against making the trip, my real test will come in February at York. Have a great day.

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    1. Phil will tell you I have thought long and at length about attending and wavered many times. But, we can't hide forever from each other, so mental health day seems a good day to ease back into something near normal.

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  9. Good luck M.B! It's been nice knowing you ;-D

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    1. Thanks for encouraging me Jon, just what I needed from a friend...😕

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  10. Have a grand day out Mr B. Stay safe and well.

    Cheers,
    Helen

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    1. Thanks Helen! It was strange, but enjoyable. Very busy too. Now I just have to worry...😕

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    2. Don't worry too much. Where we are vaccinations rates are still way down due to the priority of ensuring Sydneysiders get their jabs first. Rosie and I are fully vaccinated and take it in turns to go to our small country town for our groceries. The rise of Covid cases are on the rise where we shop, hence we go travel early in the morning and pray at the same time.
      Just saw your new post so will make comment when I wake up from having my first café.

      Cheers,
      Helen

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