Salute 2014

I had hoped to post something truly unique and erudite to mark another successful venture to the United Kingdom's largest Wargaming event - Salute 2014.  Alas this would have involved me actually taking some decent photographs and sitting down promptly on one's return and taping away at a post, which I didn't.  Consequently there are already a good many erstwhile weblogs that have beaten me to the line and I would suggest you pay them a visit to actually see what this year's show was really like.

For the 'Provost Marshal' and myself, it proved to be an expensive day out.  I hadn't planned to have a list this year, but something, Mike 'The Dark Templar' Reynolds (thank you for my blocking dice and Aetherium Miniature!) had said last year saw me jotting down a few prices of items that I might be interested in, the idea being that it might be better to save one's pocket money and order them up on the return to 'Awdry Towers'.  This sounds all well and good in practise, but what you end up with, is of course, a list!  

So what was I after?  Well sourcing miniatures for the new diversion, 'Witchfinder General' was the priority this year and I took advantage of 'Hersey Miniatures' generous offer on the day to pick up no end of unholy denizens of the night - namely hell hounds, werewolves and ghouls, although I notice a man bat got in under the radar as well.  It was impossible to resist the '4 Ground' timber framed houses and by this stage my shopping lust was in full rage and I was advance ordering a giant wicker man and a gibbet set without even breaking step - I was doomed.

The Bloggers' meet couldn't come quickly enough and I was determined this year to catch up with a couple more chaps that my naturally shy and reserved nature prevented me from doing so last year; my apologies again, however, if I missed you.  This really is a highlight for me as it is lovely to actually have a physical conversation with those that spend a good amount of time supporting, viewing and even commenting on each other's work in cyberspace.  There was much talk of the fact that it seemed quieter this year, but I'm not so sure myself, certainly the stalls that I was trying to get to were constantly busy throughout the day and if I'm honest I rather like a little space where you can just stop and think without been constantly jostled.  So I certainly enjoyed the day, but the old painting/buying tally counter has taken a hit!  As we left for the show yesterday, I had actually painted more than I had bought this year, that is most definitely no longer the case - whoops!