SPALDING WARGAMES CLUB
How did the club first get started?
The Club’s founders, Craig Jackson and Martin Jackson (no relation), started the club almost by accident in having met at a running club in 2017. Martin created what he thought was a private group on Facebook for himself, Craig and one or two other wargamers on their radar. But it was inadvertently set as a public group, leading to several gamers in the area registering their interest. Before getting together to roll some dice, the decision was taken to meet up at the pub to discuss what everyone wanted from the club. After a beer or two, we were all best buddies and raring to game.
What’s changed in the years it’s been running?
Growth – in both the number of members and scope – has been the main development, but it is surprising how many wargamers have emerged from the woodwork in the local area. Last year, the club took Spalding’s youth gaming club under its wing. It’s heart warming that our club members volunteer to help set up and give the secondary-schoolage kids a game. It’s all about encouraging the next generation into our hobby.
What are some of the most popular games at the club?
When it began, the staples of the club were the usual GW offering. Since then, Bolt Action has seriously taken off and a Test of Honour campaign last year attracted many participants. Black Seas has also made an appearance, as has Saga. There is a strong fanbase for Fantasy Flight Games’ X-wing and Star Wars Legion. The club has a team of regular tournament-goers for these games. The GW medley still have a strong following, with Warcry and Blood Bowl particularly popular over the past year. Battles from the grimdark future of Warhammer 40k are a regular occurrence too. For skirmish games Infinity is suddenly proving popular and the old Mordheim rulebook often gets dusted off! Boardgames are frequently played, giving players who do not have a game scheduled something to jump in on. RPGS are ever popular, with a regular D&D campaign now having to be expanded to two separate groups.
What tournaments and events does the club run?
As we came out of lockdown (well, the last one...), we hosted a painting competition. Prizes for this were kindly donated by Creative Painting and
Models 24/7, with the winner struggling home with an armful of new miniatures. Special, multiparticipant showcase games are run. These have included a reenactment of the Battle of Hastings using Warhammer Ancient Battles rules and a D-day landing re-fight on the 75th anniversary of the event with Bolt Action. We hold quarterly general meetings (or we did pre-pandemic), which includes hiring the hall on a Saturday for a day of gaming, followed by a meal out and a trip to the pub.
What’s wargaming like in your neck of the woods?
Spalding is a small, rural part of the world, so you would be forgiven for thinking fellow wargamers are a rarity but that’s not so. The most local convention is Hereward wargames show in Peterborough, which is sorely missed from the calendar this year. Also, Spalding is only a car ride away from the spiritual home of wargaming: Nottingham... Perhaps like anywhere else in the country, Warhammer is the most widely-played game; but as the club shows there is no shortage of people interested in more than that.
How do you advertise your club?
The main port of call is our Facebook page, where new members can get in touch and register their interest in attending.
Conclusion – why would you like to join?
If you want to play any wargame – or indeed any tabletop game – with a friendly bunch of gamers then this is the place to come. The organisers make sure everyone is welcomed. It’s a relaxed place for adults to meet, throw dice and have fun. If you’re interested, get in touch with us via our Facebook page. We are open 7.15pm till 10.30pm every Wednesday night at The Vista, by the the Parish Church of Saint Mary and Saint Nicholas, Spalding (PE11 2RA).
If you’d like your club featured in Miniature Wargames, get in contact at miniature wargames@ warnersgroup.co.uk