Misc., Wargames Show, Kirriemuir

Targe, the small but perfectly formed wargames show in Kirriemuir is always a must on the wargaming calendar. The “Kirrie” show is a place to chat with old friends, see a handful of impressive games, and to visit traders without the jostling and pressure you get in larger venues. This year it was held in the local school. While a bit more spacious than the town hall, I have to say I prefer the old venue – a place with far more character, and in the heart of the small town, rather than on its periphery. This was just another small show in a school or college, and lacked “Kirrie’s” usual charm.We – the South-East Scotland Wargames Club – ran a participation game – Storming the Dilkusha! – which I’m delighted to say won the participation trophy. The rules were basic “5-6 to kill” kind of stuff, but they worked well on the day. The centrepiece was the Dilkusha – an Indian pleasure palace garrisoned by the Mutineers. Inevitably, it was dubbed the “Bombay Barbie” house! The objective was for two rival squads of British troops to storm across the sun-blasted lawns and reach the steps of the building. We played it several times throughout the day, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The building was built by Dougie Trail and I, and the figures came from our collections, and that of Chris Henry. Bill Gilchrist and Colin Jack did great work running the games, and answering queries from visitors. It deservedly won the prize for “Best Participation Game”, largely thanks to their efforts.  However, the best demonstration game and the overall winner of the show was Inverurie 1745, a 15mm Jacobite Rebellion game run by the Aberdeen Club. This really was spectacular – a table dominated by an accurate and eye-catching reconstruction of the town, exactly as it looked in 1745. Other highlights included another Indian Mutiny game – the Siege of the Lucknow Residency – laid on by the Iron Brigade of Aberdeenshire, a 15mm Western Desert 1940 game put on by the Glasgow Club, and a large 28mm English Civil War battle staged by RAF Leuchars.Then of course the show gave us a chance to chat with traders – represented here by young Chris Horsforth,of Bears Den Miniatures. I was also delighted to see a new trader – Mutineer Miniatures, and several old faces, like Dave Thomas and Under The Bed. All in all it was a great day out. My hat goes off to Dale Smith and the guys from the “Kirrie” Club for laying it all on, but while the new venue – the ,ocal school – is roomy, I rather miss the charm of the old venue – the local town hall. Fortunately, Dale’s usually over-lengthy prize-giving was cut to just 25 minutes this year, which was another improvement. However, but it was still far too long – nobody needs to sit listening to long lists of runners up in the fantasy painting completion for the under 14’s – but that’s just a minor quibble about what was otherwise a grand wee show!