Too much of a good thing?

I went to The Other Partizan held at The Newark Showground yesterday. I have always enjoyed both annual iterations of what has surely become the premier wargames show for the historical wargaming hobby. As the old body has aged I've found problems in coping adequately with its demands, mainly being on my feet for a few hours with no where really to sit and chat with friends while we take five! I've spoken about this before, I know, and have raised it several times with Laurence and/or Tricks, but to no avail as yet. Yesterday's experience really pushed me over the edge. How, you may ask? Well, bluntly there are simply too many games to take it all in ~ you'll see where I'm going with this when it comes to pictures later. Firstly, and this is a purely personal position, there are too many Participation games. Cutting them by half would free up some space for seating. Secondly, and this will rile even more folk I'd think, there are too many Demonstration Games crowded in, leaving little space for moving between them and appreciating the marvellous examples on show. If culling is too painful then perhaps a size limit might work better? Thirdly, the 'Catering' needs some attention in choice on offer and more importantly seating in the Bistro area. As I said, purely personal opinions which you are all free to disagree with to your heart's content.  I still enjoyed my day out, but it could be so much more comfortable.

The games then: very high quality as you'd expect really but too many, too big, too crowded to properly appreciate. I gave up taking pictures for those reasons. Those I did take ~

Three pictures of a very large WWII game featuring four separate encounters from the Arnhem Campaign presented by The Old Pikeys.

Two shots of The Bodkins' 100 Years War game, one showing the effect of masses of figures, the other the small details creating the scene. Worthy trophy winners once again.

The Black Ship, a small but beautifully formed Samurai game staged by the Iron Brigade. The first showing the effective backboard to frame the game, the second the small details which create the feel of a period.

Two late C17th games featuring the North Star range for the period in the first, and The League of Augsberg's Warfare range in the second. I always enjoy seeing historical games showcasing periods outside the mainstream.

Lastly, a big medieval game by James Morris and chums showcasing his Midgard rules. I thought the ploughed fields made an interestingly different tabletop battlefield, and I also liked the tents and vignettes dotted about. But pretty much I gave up after these, simply not an enjoyable exercise in my view...

Now, turning to Retail Therapy, probably the main reason many of us visit shows if we are honest. Sue kindly gave me her blessing to buy some figures. Only quietly urging me not to spend too much as I left for Phil’s! Too much? We laughed; no such thing! Here's my Loot to bear that out ~

'Six packs for five' of Gamers' Grass Tufts from Great Escape Games. A box of Perry Miniatures plaaaaastic Wars of the Roses figures from Dave Thomas - sound chap!

Two sheets of flags from Freezy Water. Are you seeing a theme in these purchases yet?

A few packs of Perry Miniatures metals figures for the Wars of the Roses again, in case you think I've gone over wholly to the Dark Side. Again from Dave Thomas - good discount too, sound chap as I said! Also two packs of mantlets from Wargames Foundry, no discount sadly...

From Andy at The Last Valley three rather splendid Banjan trees to grace our games set in the sub-continent theatre. At £10 a pop they represent really good value for money.

Now though for context, in total time spent: nearly three hours to get there, thanks to  a diversion, three hours in the show, two and a half hours home. Did the pain outweigh the joy? I am getting too old for this Lark? I do really wonder if it is when I wake with aches and pains all over, but especially in the old legs, but then I recollect the sheer joy of total immersion in our wonderful hobby. I will be back, as Arnold might say...