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.



Sunday 12 March 2023

WMMS 2023

I have spent a happy couple of hours at WMMS, the Alumwell Wargames Society's annual show. It moved to Aldersley Leisure Village before the pandemic, indeed WMMS 2020 was the last show I attended before all the lockdown malarky started up. I went today in the company of Phil, my son Matt and my three grandsons Arthur, William and Reuben. They had a good time, as I did with them. Anyway, just a few images from the show of games or parts of games which took my fancy, all illustrating the vast well of creativity which enriches our wonderful hobby ~

It's a lifetime almost since Phil and I were the show's organisers and the world has moved on since then. Dave and Paul must be congratulated on not only keeping the show alive but in bringing it back after the enforced break. Show organisers, a much undervalued group of folk in my view.

There was a pleasing turnout from the hobby, both traders, model societies, wargames clubs and reenactors to entertain a decent number of wargamers old and young. Like other shows I've read of there was some die back of traders. The absence of Coritani surprised me, but more so of Warlord Games who it seemed just decided to drop out. If this is true it's a worrying development in my book, getting too big for your boots never a good sign. Of course rising costs will be an ongoing issue for all facets of our hobby but dropping out, while the easiest option in the short term, can only be damaging to the whole in the longer term.

I did my bit for the hobby economy: I bought the three boys some classical Greeks to paint from Colonel Bill, while for myself I bought some trees and a stream with a small bridge from The Last Valley, some brushes from ABC Brushes, and an C18th painter from Colonel Bill again.

During our enforced absences from shows one aspect I truly missed was the opportunity to meet friends and exchange news and views, putting the hobby world to rights. Today's visit was a welcome opportunity to do just that, so I caught up with Jon and was so pleased to see him well. I had a grand chat with Dave Thomas a stalwart of the hobby scene almost beyond compare. We spent a while remembering WMMS of old and reflected on changes down the years. The down side though, After two hours I was just so tired. This blasted virus has really knocked me back and no mistake: an early night in prospect for me.

28 comments:

  1. A grand couple of hours and good to see a reasonable turn out after the enforced hiatus. Praise due to Paul and Dave etal for keeping the show alive and kicking. Poor show by Warlord just failing to turn up with out notice.

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  2. Thanks for the pictures, up until 2 days ago I was going, as it is a show I just like being at ….. but the bad back that hates me struck! So i am grateful to all who share their pics.

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    1. My pleasure Norm, sorry to hear about your back.

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  3. I'm glad to see the show back up and running again after the enforced hiatus. It's been a long time since I attended the show and the quality of games seems to have improved from what I remember. Shame about the drop off in traders, but it's been going on for some time for a variety of reasons. Funny that Warlord Games dropped out, but again something I've heard has been happening with some traders even before Covid.

    Honestly I forgot that the show was on but given the good games you've shown us, I might try and attend next year. About a 3 hours trip each way IIRC and the parking used to be a nightmare. I hope it wasn't a problem for you?

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    1. Dropped off and picked up by Sue, so not an issue, for us locals.

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  4. Excellent selection of toy soldier photos, thanks for sharing.

    Willz.

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    1. Thanks Willz, glad to have been of service.

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  5. There are some lovely looking games there David…
    It’s good to see the show scene coming back to life again, I think it is easy to forget… with all our toys easily available online… that wargaming and wargames shows are a social pastime,50% of the pleasure is meeting old chums and talking about toys…

    All the best. Aly

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  6. Some beautiful wargaming eye candy there!

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  7. Thanks David, its always good to see pictures of shows

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    1. My pleasure, glad you enjoyed seeing folks' efforts.

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  8. Good to see the show doing well some lovely. Games on display 👍

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    1. I agree with both sentiments you express there Matt.

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  9. It was indeed wonderful to see everything back up and running again...so enjoyable to spend a few hours meeeting up and chatting with old friends, and new. The efforts put into the organisation, and the hard work involved in setting up etc turned out to be well worth it. A great responce from the public in general, and of course the deepest thanks to all of the traders and clubs, societies etc, who turned up and supported the event! Except for Warlord games of course.... dissapointing to think that such a well established organisation was willing to let so many people down! All in all, a great day!

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    1. As you say, wonderful to see it all come alive again.

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  10. Good so see some real wargames at a wargame show. A difficult thing to pull off these days so well done to the organisers.

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    1. Yes, no bijou games in a box rubbish, just pukka wargames!

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  11. Always a pleasure to see you and Phil.
    To be fair I was dragged along to the show. However I did think the quality of games was generally very good.
    The selection of traders was mediocre, even Warlord didn't show up and they'll go to the opening of a gate! I also had a lengthy chat with DT. He'd only turned up because of BREXIT. No Caliver Books either.
    I would have made several purchases but ended up with just a large pot of Vallejo Black Primer and that was it....

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    1. You've misunderstood, it appears Warlord were booked in but didn't show. As to Caliver, Dave is in India still I think. Dave T Seemed happy enough when we chatted too. Good to see you there though.

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  12. Btw I forgot to say. I think if you'd dressed the grandchildren up in Hitler Youth Uniforms for the photo Your blog would receive far more attention.....just a thought!

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  13. Looks like some good games were put on.

    Christopher

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    1. There were Christopher, a feature of WMMS down the years.

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  14. Sounds like a very enjoyable day! Some great games and fine modeling. You are lucky to have grand children that seem so keen on the hobby. Give them time and computer wargames and electronic temptations may be a large distraction...
    Anyway, you must be very proud and happy to share the hobby with your little ones...

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    1. It was a grand show, good to see it back again.

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