We seem to be running into another of our oft-repeated problems - that of our convention locations. Simon Croome has been talking to the Bridge in Greenford to try and firm up our reservation for October, but we are now being told that they are booked up by weddings throughout October and regardless of that the room charge has rocketed. Simon and a couple of other members are looking at alternative southern locations, but it may be necessary to revisit the Swan in Knutsford in October and look for a southern venue for next February/March. Yet again a plea to everyone - if you know of anywhere that could be suitable for us, north or south, please let me know urgently. We constantly seem to lose out to the greed of hotel chains and breweries. I know that I get withdrawal symptoms without my regular dose of face to face gaming.
I haven't reviewed a magazine for a while, so I'll throw a quick one in here. I had seen advertisements for Minden Games and their occasional 'zine " Panzerschrek ", in a number of periodicals over the last couple of years. Access to the Internet proved the catalyst for me and once I looked at what they were offering I jumped straight in and bought the first four issues immediately. The 'zine is essentially variants and solitaire rules for a number of the better-known (primarily TAHGC) games. Some interesting, some not. However the amazing part of the 'zine is the free game, or in some cases two free games, included within its pages. Desktop publishing has made cheap and cheerful games available to all at minimal cost. I have to say that I haven't actually played any of the games yet, but all look interesting from a playablity level and as good original thinking. The games include such as, Battle of the Atlantic, Berchtesgaden, Nuremburg - Trial of the Century and The Barbarossa Campaign. Minden make no apologies, they release games that they like. No kowtowing to popular opinion. Good for them I say. They also take Sterling cheques. Cheap, original, good - what more could you ask. Give their website a visit:
www.homestead.com/minden_games.
I notice from the latest edition of Counter magazine that the new Avalon Hill (or Hasbro) are revamping History of the World. The changes they talk about seem to be both good and bad. I like the restriction to 1 army per area, but I worry about major events as opposed to minor events. Raises the chance element. However it's not for me to criticise until I see the new edition. Perhaps someone might like to bring it along to the next convention.
Still a dearth of new members. Is it me or is it summer? Whatever it is please get selling. You will earn my undying gratitude!
Chris.