1938...

I am in the midst of a new kitchen being delivered and an ongoing sore ankle but I wanted to share my background for a VBCW with you all...
Midsummer 1938 saw things come to a head in East Fife.Growing concern over the increasingly Communist nature of Fife coupled with a desire to support a "Godly King" in the face of Republicanism had the local area aflame with rumours . Finally( in great secrecy) a meeting was arranged in the university town of St Andrews.Around the table sat a disperate group of men representing the interests of many- Established Presbyterianism,Anglican League influenced Episopalianism,the University authorities,the town council ,local lairds ,tenant farmers,the Royal and Ancient golf Club and members of the fishing community.Promises of support from beyond the sea were laid upon the table also. The debate lasted long into the night and latterly they were joined by the commander of the local airbase at Leucars. The following morning saw the start of what became known as The League of St Andrew. Four days later ,within the ruins of the medieval cathedral, a vast crowd gathered to hear oratory and see flags unfurled...A message of Independence,under God, was sent to the Goverment in Edinburgh and patrols established over the coming weeks in the surrounding fields ,sea and sky. What would be Edinburgh's response. The coming months ,as summer drew on to autumn would see many changes,joys and sorrows...
Do let me know what you think of it!

GOOD NEWS...

Duke Karl Frederick ,wounded in the recent battle with the forces of the Imperial by artillery, is recovering in the ducal palace. The head wound has laid the Duke low and has caused great concern to the court...
his memories of the battle are hazy- the routing of the Tradgarland dragoons on the left flank and the pursuit of them by Imperial hussars and curaissers,the taking of the barricades by Tradgardland infantry, the valiant Archbishop's jaeger on the right flank and the bloody fire-fight in the centre...
Whilst, in the midst of his thoughts, the Duke is interrupted by a messenger. The Duke opens the letter and a smile crosses his face for the first time in days-there is a newly born heir in the Duchy of Stollen!! The Duke leaps from the bed,calling for his Chamberlin and Secretary and dictates a decree that the bells of the Duchy be rung after mass on All Saints Day to celebrate the birth of the heir to the Duchy of Stollen...

Greetings...

Happy Halloween from all at The Duchy of Tradgardland...
Pumpkin by Anna & Freya.

The Duke of Tradgardland...

I have finally made a base with a figure representing the Duke of Tradgardland. He is accompanied by his personal standard bearer. They will take their place upon the table for the first time tomorrow in the game against the Imperium.

An Update..

I trust this finds you well. It has been half term and it has been good to be off for a week. I have enjoyed some time to do some painting and reading and prepare for the last month of the kitchen work- painter starts tomorrow...After my "Charge" game - which was great fun, I intended to post the pictures but they had not come out at all...
I was rather disappointed and somewhat surprised. However the good thing was that Tradgardland beat the Imperium in a close fought game. My regular opponent is due tomorrow and I will post pictures afterwards.
Other news-
I went to a wargames club for the first time in perhaps 30 years. I was invited by a chap I travel with sometimes on the train-thanks Tom. He invited me to see an Ancients rule system being played "Basic Impetus".
I was most taken with the game and the friendly welcome I received. I will go back and intend to raise some Picts for what is a diverting and enjoyable system.
Of late I have become more and more immersed in the alternative world of VBCW ( a very British Civil War) where Edward viii didn't abdicate and Britain was plunged into civil war. The background is well researched and I cannot wait for the second source book due out next week. It is a heady mix of interwar equipment and fascinating what ifs...
I have also had my interest in the history,art,architecture and politics of the period reignited and I am enjoying a combination of BBC 4 documentaries and reading.
By the way there is a lively discussion of VBCW at the gentleman's wargames parlour.I have also been revising a FLW Scandanavian army list and ferreting out images for my FLW blog- some crackers posted there of late ,if I say so myself...
I must go now- clocks to turn back,church to go to and friends coming back here afterwards...
Have a good Sunday!

The Big Knights...

One of the joys of the blogging world is to be introduced to something interesting. Many of you will already know "The Big Knights" if you don't you must watch them on video-soon to be on dvd I believe.
I taped them over the Christmas they were first shown- a 5 minute episode a day. I ( and my family) have watched them many times since. They can be enjoyed by children ,adults and all ages!
They are wonderfully witty , quirky and really funny- don't miss them! If you are a fan do share what is your favourite episode /character. I love the base metal to gold one...
p.s a link to a site to find out more:
http://www.thebigknights.net/

Saturday

Sunny but very windy here. Getting figures based and flocked for Monday night's "Charge " game. Not too much left to do....