Update

I had a most enjoyable holiday staying with friends in Yorkshire. We went to Reivaulx Abbey which was fascinating but l felt the interpretation of the site was neither informative or engaging and included dreary illustrations of medieval monastic life. A 3D printed replica of a weathered stone left me cold, the printer lines being distracting. On Saturday we went to Skipton castle and enjoyed an excellent show by 1715 redcoats from queen Ann’s regt l think. They looked fantastic,were informative and a pleasure to talk to. All this inspite of rain. Sunday saw us at St Margarets Ilkley a beautiful Anglo Catholic Church with friendly folk and uplifting worship.

On my return l played a most enjoyable game where myself and my fellow general G were celts trying to stop Hannibal crossing a mountain pass. A most exciting game ensued where we eventually beat Hannibal ( commanded by P ) and sacked his baggage train. Dbm continues to serve us well as we just don’t have an inclination to learn a new set of rules for big games.

A small amount of hobby stuff has been got in but life has been busy what with catching up with friends over coffee and my youngest Freya turning 21 yesterday. We enjoyed a family day in St Andrews eating at a lovely Thai restaurant called Tanon and generally wandering about. Incidentally the coloured interpretive panels at St Andrews Cathedral were much better done and thankfully not computer generated. Old school illustrations at their best.

Plan is to work on my 28mm Carolingian Army ( beautifully painted by Jim Duncan and bought from him last year) adding to it in make a reasonable size force . I cannot replicate Jim’s lovely style but I try. Twenty cavalry are on their way and once they are painted the army will take the field. I am considering peasants which have little fighting ability but for whom l have a soft spot. 

Saturday sees Claymore ,a show filled with memories of putting on games and attending for more years than l care to remember. I hope to be inspired and not too distracted purchase wise.