WMMS 2025

Well, it's that time of the wargames year again with the annual Alumwell Wargames Society WMMS show at Aldersley Leisure Village, Wolverhampton. As I say each year now, an Olympic Qualifying stone's throw from GHQ. Phil, William and yours truly were duly dropped off at the venue by Sue for a couple of hours of hobby goodness to recharge the batteries after the long winter hiatus since The Other Partizan. So, without more ado, on to my take on the event, starting with a selection of the many games presented by various wargames clubs and groups.

First up an C11th game entitled Sicily in Turmoil 1063, pitting Normans against Arabs. It chimed with me having visited a Norman castle from the period, though on Cyprus that time.

Lovely terrain and figures presented by the Border Warlords.

Next I was rather taken by this Russian Civil War game being played using modified Black Powder rules.

A lovely idiosyncratic collection of period planes, vehicles and figures were beautifully presented by Leamington & District Wargamers.

Pride of place though for me was a quite splendid armoured train.

The action around Placenoit from the Battle of Waterloo.

A splendid array of buildings gracing a fine renaissance game complete with war wagons.

I'm a keen observer of buildings on the larger game table, this small group I thought was very effectively presented.

A rather splendid SYW game, such a colourful period beautifully enhanced by the lighter coloured terrain.

Derby Wargamers with a rather eye catching WWII game. Again the lighter terrain colour enhanced the details for the viewer.

A fine American frontier log fort graced this game.

Spartan Circle Wargames Group had this rather wonderful Vietnam War game, very evocative of the period and the up country terrain for my money.

Something  now that you don't see so much of today, a game featuring Miniature Figurines or Minifigs 25mm figures. It certainly took Phil and I back right back to our Marlburian game. Pure nostalgia for those gamers like us of more mature years.

By John French and friends the action at Torgau 1760. I was very taken by the silhouette backing the rather fine buildings which suggested a larger town just off the table. A clever idea in my view.

A rather nice touch was the map presentation and order of battle just off table for the interested visitor.

The Knights of St George had a rather nice Participation Game featuring Pirates and Cannibals I suspect. This was the only time I could get near it for a photo.

One regular feature of WMMS down the years is the participation of Re-enactment Societies and Modelling Clubs. This year an extensive WWII group seen here and a lone representative from an Anglo-Zulu War group. At least one of our group enjoyed the WWII kit on display...

Mind, William was very interested in the Modelling Clubs' displays and had a long chat with a couple of folk manning their displays. He managed his budget really well too, buying a Sherman Firefly kit by Airfix, a diecast Challenger II - because he liked it! - and some paint. What did I buy then you might ask? Well, two Medium and two Small trees from The Last Valley; some Wars of the Roses Archers and Foot Knights from Athena Miniatures; and lastly, three packs of Perry Wars of the Roses figures from Dave Thomas. I also received a further pack from Paul as a surprise gift!

Sadly though, one absent stalwart of the WMMS scene from the very first show through to last year was Dave Page from the Kinver group. I learned that he passed away last year, but noone knew until much later as he had no web presence. It was really very salutary for we older gamers, realising another friend and  local hobby fixture had passed us by...

WMMS is a well established event in the Midlands wargames firmament, at one stage the largest one day show in the area. Relocation to Aldersley Leisure Village and the malign hand of COVID, assisted by Boris the Barsteward, has knocked it back a bit. However, hard work by Paul and Dave, together with other club members, has restored the show to health. A whole host of traders, gamers, modellers and re-enactors thronged the venue. The only fly in the ointment was a small drop off in numbers, put down to a combination of Mother's Day and the clocks moving forward last night! I'm already looking forward to next year's version. Perhaps we should put on a game Phil...?