Many Thanks to the guys at Reading for a very enjoyable event at Ascot Racecourse yesterday!
As a long time visitor and occasional Demo Gamer at Warfare, when held at Rivermead Leisure Centre, the vast expanse and easy parking at Ascot was a delight. Things were slightly complicated on the parking front, by the Christmas Fair, running on another part of the site but were resolved in no time.
The layout over the various floors of the impressive Grandstand, made viewing games and trade stands a joy and were a reminder of just how much Warefare had out grown Rivermead. In fact, the linier floor area was so expansive, as to take on Salute levels of ware and tear on the poor old feet.
Not to mention the fact that I was suffering the effects of an eight hour drive home from the day before to keep ahead of Storm Arwen!
Thankfully the totally unforgiving hardness of the Excel Centre flooring wasn't a factor!
The Competition Games were thankfully banished to the upper levels (Yeah OK, I know. Live and let live!) Where they seemed to be enjoying the extra space too. Good to see the various rule sets represented.
They also appeared to be benefiting, temperature wise, as the Ground Floor was a bit chilly in places! Probably the "Heat of Combat" was a factor.
That's not to say it was absolute Penguin Time elsewhere but the vast amount of window glass and double doors leading to the Spectators Areas for the building's proper job had a few Traders and Demo Gamers looking a mite chilled. Being held at their Posts, as it were.
It was more than a little nippy outside; I hasten to add and a driving wind didn't help. Not to mention that the building is way bigger than Newbury's Grandstand, which is the only thing I have to compare it with as a similar venue and trips there somehow have always seen better weather.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and it was really good to have the space and time to sort out some details with a couple of Traders. "Shout Outs" here from me, to the guys at Rubicon Models and Helion and Company Publishing in particular.
I gather there is a rumour doing the rounds that this location may be a one off and the show could be on the move again in 2022. I would have to say that from my view of things, that would really be a shame but no doubt costs and availability will be considerations, as they always are.
In the meantime, for this year at least, it was a really a good time, so thanks again for all those putting in the hard work!
