I had hoped to be well enough to drive from London to Lincolnshire and back today to attend Eric Knowles' funeral, but the virus is still hard at work making it very difficult for me to concentrate or to stay awake for more than an hour or so without having to have a short doze. Driving for three hours in each direction was not only out of the question, but would also have been dangerous for myself and other road users.
I hope to attend the memorial event in London for Eric when it takes place in the near future, but in the meantime I am trying to think of an appropriate way to mark his passing. My initial thinking was to make the Madasahatta material that I used to have on my Colonial Wargaming website available again ... or even to re-fight the campaign using my PORTABLE WARGAME rules. Both are possible; its just a matter of decided which to do.
I hope to attend the memorial event in London for Eric when it takes place in the near future, but in the meantime I am trying to think of an appropriate way to mark his passing. My initial thinking was to make the Madasahatta material that I used to have on my Colonial Wargaming website available again ... or even to re-fight the campaign using my PORTABLE WARGAME rules. Both are possible; its just a matter of decided which to do.
sosad to hear of Eric's passing .He really was an inspiration to me in my early gaming days. I spent so many lunch time hours talking to him about his imaginary colonial world when I should of been at work. I still remember the thrill and how much I loved to descend into the cellar of that wonderful shop to see the latest batch of moulds they were working on. That narrow fronted little shop was a veritable tardis of wargaming inspiration. When I first discovered it I think it was owned by a chap called Mike Wall and went by the name of Wall models if my memory serves me right. I bought my first 20mm Napoleonic minifig there and watched my first multiplayer wargame there too. Later with Eric and Ivy in charge it became a mecca for my addiction to toy soldiers. Yes indeed sad news....
ReplyDeleteRobert De Angelis,
DeleteI wonder how many wargamers 'of a certain age' have a similar tales to tell?
I also made my first visit to the shop when Mike Wall owned it, but only became a regular once Eric and Ivy took it over. If only shops like NEW MODEL ARMY existed today!
Eric was a true British wargaming pioneer, and he will be sorely missed by his friends and family.
All the best,
Bob
I think you were wise not to attempt such a journey. It may have proved to have been too much for your current condition.
ReplyDeleteI went to a works funeral just a few days after my TIA on the understanding that I was driven there and escorted while at the service. I'm glad I was there.
It would have been a different kettle of fish had I attempted to go after my kidney problems.
Sometimes these sort of obligations are not able to be met.
Jim Duncan,
DeleteI'd certainly have gone if someone else had been able to drive me, but as the only other person I know who was going lives quite some way away, it was a nonstarter.
I have very fond memories of Eric, and he had a tremendous influence on a sizeable number of wargamers. I will certainly be paying my respects to his memory as best I can.
Hope everything goes well for you.
All the best,
Bob
"My initial thinking was to make the Madasahatta material that I used to have on my Colonial Wargaming website available again ... or even to re-fight the campaign using my PORTABLE WARGAME rules. Both are possible; its just a matter of decided which to do."
ReplyDeleteToo bad, but understandable that you weren't able to make. As others said, wise decision not to risk the drive. As for the above quote, seems to me either (or both) would be a fitting tribute any gamer would appreciate if it were them.
Fitz-Badger,
DeleteHopefully I will be able to pay my respects to Eric's memory later this year. In the meantime I certainly plan to make the Madasahatta stuff I have on file available again. As to a refight of the campaign ... well that is something that I am giving quite a lot of thought to as well.
All the best,
Bob
I'm too young to have ventured to Eric's shop, but I have to say reading about the Madasahatta campaign on your old website inspired my current colonial gaming. It would be nice to have it available again. Hope you are feeling better
ReplyDeleteAndy,
DeleteThanks for wishing me better. I am gradually getting there, but it is taking much longer than I hoped or expected.
I am working on making the Madasahatta stuff available again, and with luck it should be in a week or so.
All the best,
Bob