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29TH March 2025 saw a small unit of SWS members stand shoulder to shoulder with other wargames societies and business to support the Get in the Game event held at RAF Cosford. Organised by “Company of Makers” this event showcased a number of different game settings and formats on display with loads of involvement for those that attended. Primarily aimed at Veterans and those currently serving within the Armed forces, there were also a host of various ages and backgrounds visiting the event. This is the 2nd event that has been done by the company, the first being held at the Army Flying museum last year and hopefully more to come.
SWS had the pleasure of running two tables at the event. One being based on the Check your 6 Jet Age along with a more historical setting of a Castle Siege. With veterans scattered through our ranks at SWS as well as serving members it was a fulfilling day for all those involved, with a few people expressing interest in joining our society which is always a positive!
It was a day of Johns with two visually impactful games showing the other clubs how it should be done.
John Geary and John Turner played a participation game of Aliens! which had loads of elements that were 3D printed by Mr Geary. The Dropship dominated the scene but not the game, as there was plenty of action going on all over the beautiful play area where show attendees could take on any of the characters. I'm not sure how they managed to play the game as there were so many people coming along to talk about it. It was a very popular item in our SWS display.
John Sheldon's stunning z-shaped game of an early Greek battle was majestic. No buildings or fancy equipment here, just the hordes of beautifully-painted figures and the SWS scenery boards arranged so that units needed to engage in specific ways. As the battle raged, the show judges paid a couple of visits and we were rewarded with Best Display Game for the third year running.
Huge thanks to those who turned up to assist on the day. When I arrived in the afternoon it was clear that many people had been busy, and I chatted with Tim, Tom, Chris K., Johns Sheldon, Turner and Geary, Ian Tanner. It was a quiet show with not much footfall, mostly due to it being Mothering Sunday. Clearly not many mothers wanted a day out at a wargame show. Their loss.
Plans are already in place for next year's offering. If you've not been to a wargame show we would love to have you supporting our prestigious display at Alumwell next year. It's a great show with many traders selling their wares, plenty of grognard wargamers to talk to and lots of games and systems being played.
Please feel free to log in and leave a comment with your perspective of the day and possibly a promise to assist next year - it would be great to have you involved.
BOOK THE DATE - Saturday 12th April at 09:30
Well. I think I have, for me just played in the biggest game ever. Certainly at the Pimley Manor Society house. Lots of thank yous as ever. Chris Kalinowski , Andrew Collyer and David Latham for the support in the rules. For all those who brought figures nearly 4000 I worked out. Jonathon Carter, Rod Thomson, Paul Robinson and Charles Singleton to travelling to the club and bring figures or just yourself. Paul Ireland and Thomas Miles Corbett for leading the two Armies. To club members Chris Campion, John Sheldon, James Garland, Artur Buchalski and David Shergold who helped in playing the game who also either brought figures or were just jolly good chaps. To those who came to visit and just say hello John Parkes, Ian Rhodes and guest appearance by Founder member Keith Underhill!
The battle started off with the British alliance going straight for the village and farm to hold these positions the rest of the army went up to the road. The French and allies moved to engage. A fierce firefight erupted along the lines. By the village and towards the centre this beat the French back! At the farm they tried to storm the building but were held by the British. On the left muskets and cannon found targets and rebuffed the French. As the game continued the game swayed from one side to other. As the day drew to the end more French arrived pushing the British to bring on their reserves. At the end a slight victory to the British was declared but it was still close.
[Awesome pics to follow]
