"Essex wargaming" Topic

I saw mention of Pitsea Pak Front putting on games, but cannot see a web presence – is this a "real" club, or more like the Southend Wargames Club – a closed group of friends?

Always keen to try and find a club in Essex, so if anyone knows of any and their details please publish them.

I used to go to Hornchurch, but the Monday night killed me off.

Try the Essex Warriors, basd in Writtle:
essexwarriors.org

They have their open day on 27th September, at Writtle, nice little show, very small, I often take my small son to it, perhaps you should check it out.

Blimey that brings back memories.

I started my wargaming in Hornchurch when we used to meet at Harry's Caff on North St.

That crew are probably all long gone by now, I was only a teenager then and I'm 65 now.

Tony of TTT

Loughton Strike Force

Wow, I'm in Hornchurch, never knew one existed or even used to exist.

Yes, we do seem to hide our clubs away. I aee the mags selling in shops so I know we exist. But we are elusive creatures aren't we

I went to the Hornchurch club once in the late '80s, but working shifts at the time meant it wasn't a good day for me.

I went to the Writtle club for 3-4 years, but as the sprogs got older, Sundays weren't very good either….

Now game at home mainly against a buddy..

Fenwolk/Marc, what are your periods/interests?

Hi:

I'm secretary of Southend Wargames Club. We're not really a "closed" group of friends but find magazines and online facilities don't seem to provide a reliable means of announcing or advertising our presence and willingness to welcome new members. At one time, we had 20 or more members but lost our meeting place and split up into two or three splinter groups (of which Pitsea is one).

If you live near enough or judge the journey acceptable (I travel from Chelmsford) then give us a try. You can contact me at mike@capitangames.com and I'll be happy to give you directions – this applies to anyone who is interested.

The club plays most periods and scales and is open to new ones. Between us, we own armies that will save you having to bring your own but, if you prefer using your own figures, you're welcome to do so.

If you're interested in joining us, we meet every Thursday evening (members' work arrangements permitting) at Rayleigh in the garage of one of the members, where we have a permanent table and can leave games set up over several weeks, or we play the occasional game at someone's home.

Cheers,
Mike Oliver

Hi

You could always try us, we rent our own converted industrial unit in Southend that is available 7 days a week providing you can persuade a key holder to open and close for you.
Our main meeting night is Wednesday but I have checked the register and we had people in on 6 nights during last week.
Have a look at our website: sswg.co.uk

Freddy

All good stuff – shame that SOuthend had to splinter – Hornchurch suffered that fate as well following a change of venue. There seems to be a critical mass, and all too often as a niche activity we fail to achieve that.

Currently, I game with some friends from the Hornchurch club on a Friday night at my house, as my dining room is big enough to go up to an 8 by 6 table. I am more than open to newcomers, but I appreciate it may feel odd coming to someone's house compared to a "club". We stared with boardgames whilst painting up ACW armies, and my Naps armies have now surfaced. Next is WW2 and Imagi-Nations (not at the same time…). Board gamesstill turn up for a laugh.

Two of the guys still do Monday night at Hornchurch, whilst I know some of the Hornchurch guys can't do Fridays – social/family commitments. I think Hornchurch is down to 5 regulars, but the games are good if anyone is interested.

I keep meaning to pop over to Writtle but never quite seem to get around to it. And I always miss their open day. I know one of their members is ex-Hornchurch.

There was a shortlived club in Billericay (run by the man behind a Napoleonic rule set (ITNoG maybe?). No idea what happened after that.

There is a club in Romford, Roneo Corner, but I think it is mostly GW, and they meet (I recall) at 4.30 on a Friday – so ideal for school maybe, but rubbish for me working in London, living in Billericay.

And now I remember why I struggle with Writtle – Brands Hatch historic championship that weekend. Oh well, I will try a normal day for a visit – the website looks good.

Fenwolk/Bindon – up for a game – home or away?

Freddy – I will try again and get that website to open.

Mike – I will drop you a line, thanks

Wot Timmo said …

Loughton Strike Force is a small friendly bunch who meet every Tuesday evening and occasionally at weekends. We like to present our games to a high standard and regularly have a table at shows like Salute and Colours.

loughtonstrikeforce.co.uk

Thanks Teppy. But Loughton on a Tuesday is impossible for me. Weekend games would be good, but I imagine one has to be a regular member. Thanks for the details though

Another recommendation for the Essex Warriors at Writtle – friendly bunch with a wide range of interests. Meet 2 Sundays per month on average.

I think this weekend coming is their open day. Check their website….