We are now open for bookings at this year's convention. You can reserve your place either through the convention webpage or by sending a check made payable to The Society of Ancients, to the Society Treasurer, Richard Jeffrey-Cook, at the address in Slingshot.
Deadlines for Booking
This year, Madingley Hall is imposing more stringent rules about booking, requiring us to commit to final numbers well in advance.
So, this year if you wish to book for the convention, including accommodation, then it is important that you do so before 31st August. After that date, we will not be able to accept any further bookings.
In the same vein, a brief word on cancellations, particularly late ones. Once the above deadline has passed and we have booked you in to Madingley, we will be unable to make a refund. The venue will charge the Society based on numbers at that point, and we have to pass that cost on to those who have made the bookings. It is recognized that weather, illness and all manner of other events can prevent attendance, but the Society cannot afford to carry these risks. Anyone concerned about this should consider individual travel insurance.
What's On?
As usual for this time of year, we are still putting together the program. Updates will be posted on the Society forum. So far confirmed are the following speakers:
- John Bassett OBE
- Our keynote speaker on Saturday evening pre-dinner is an innovative game designer, a stalwart member of Wargames Developments, as well as being a sometime contributor to Slingshot over the years. And that is just his hobby bio! The subject of his talk is one of his long-held obsessions – the fall of the Roman Republic, and he will be running one of his own committee games based on this the following day – so hear the talk, play the game!
- Dr Matthew Bennett
- A talk from on the poem and battle of Maldon 991AD, the subject of the 2025 Society Battle Day. This talk is based on material previously assembled to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the battle. As a Society veteran, and indeed Convention veteran, Matt needs little introduction to members, so expect a stimulating discussion (including something on berserkers).
- Ian Piper
- Ian will be speaking on the subject of the Numidian general and prince Masinissa. He asks "Masinissa was considered quite an action hero by later generations of Romans if Appian is any guide, but who was he and who were the Numidians?" In addition, Ian will be running a related 28mm game featuring Numidians and Romans.
As for other games, we already have some crackers lined up!
- 'Alala!
- Simon Macdowall will be running a game of his Society-published Greek hoplite warfare rules
- Blood Red Roses
- The latest Society wargames rules for the Wars of the Roses. The author, Adrian Nayler, will be there to run a game at the Convention.
- Gangs of Rome
- A game with spectacular scenery is promised.
- Oi Navarcoi!
- A game of Greek trireme squadrons.
- More galleys
- A big battle game using Langton 1:1200 models and featuring fleets of 30 or more models per side.
- Romans on Patrol
- Looking for troublesome Britons…
- Punic Wars
- A big battle refight.
As ever, we are always looking for more people to run games, so if you are coming to the convention and can run a game, please contact Richard Lockwood at convention@soa.org.uk.
How Much Will It Cost?
Same as last year! We are delighted to say that for the second year running, we are able to hold the prices at the level of the previous year, as follows:
- Full weekend package
- Friday dinner, bed and breakfast; Saturday lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast; Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £326.00 GBP
- Convention package
- Saturday lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast; Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £221.00 GBP
- Single Day only Saturday
- includes Saturday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £50.00 GBP
- Single Day only Sunday
- includes Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £50.00 GBP
So, please get booking your place as soon as possible, and remember the 31st August deadline. See you at Madingley in October!