Reading, described variously as the “city of dreams” and the “Venice off the M4”, has never looked better. With Ken ‘ol windy’, Chris the sledgehammer Jackson, and Nervous JohnG, we set off bright and early to reach the shining Metropolis just as the queue for the swimming pool was abating. “Warfare” has long been a favourite and I offer the following photo-montage as a homage to those maestros of wargaming, the Reading Wargames Club.

Attentive viewers will notice the use of Ceerios breakfast snacks as causaulties markers; ingenious and no doubt tasty.

The sci-fi and historical competitions were a joy to behold. It really is amazing how well everyone paints these days.

And when it comes to beautiful painting, who should our roving reporters find but Steve ‘lady killer’ Charlton locked in mortal combat with the sensei of the Bournemouth Massive. Of course these two ‘flames’ addicts were on the top table on Sunday afternoon but what a great advert for the hobby is shown below….

This World War One battle took my eye. I actually really like the stylised terrain and the 12mm figures were amazing. Having friendly demonstrators is always an asset- highly commended!

The display of John Curry got us all salivating. Not only did the stand have an updated version of the priceless “Introduction to battle gaming”(if you haven’t got it, you need to buy it!), but there was also an amazing collection of Zinnminaturen flats. The Desperta road crew are definitely going to the next Toy soldier fair.

So, two more awards to go. The Oh my God that is amazing award goes to the ” to defy a King(e)” boys. Wow, what a set up.

Without doubt the game that was best of show for us was a 54mm US cavalry versus ‘Indjuns’. The group had used Timpo and Britains figures. You could see our eyes welling up as we strained the memory banks to recall our favourite childhood miniatures.

Thank you to our wonderful hosts, a great show! Inspirational! Definately a show to put in the calendar!

All the best

Mike

November painting tally: one Angel and two Roman generals

Bought: a marsh from the Last Detail and magnetic tape

Calorie intake November 15th; Mc Donald’s double sausage McMuffin meal, breakfast roll at services, Chicken burger at leisure centre (ironically), KFC at services on way home, plus A liberal portion of Minstrels from Chris when he fell a sleep😛