Now that the UK is on the verge of moving from the ‘contain’ to the ‘delay’ stage of national response, the pandemic is beginning to have a significant impact on normal life. We’ve already seen some panic buying of antibacterial hand gel, face masks, pasta, and toilet rolls, the cancellation of a growing number of sports fixtures, and it looks as if large gatherings of people will be banned sooner rather than later.
So, what will the impact be on wargaming?
At present, SKIRMISH – a wargame show due to be held in Sidcup, Kent, next Sunday – is still due to go ahead, and as far as I know, SALUTE – which should be taking place in five weeks time – has not been postponed ... although I suspect that the likelihood that it will be is growing.
Luckily, wargaming does not depend upon shows to exist as a hobby. They are a nice opportunity for wargamers to get together, but because most of us wargame on our own or in small groups, we can carry on fighting our tabletop battles without them. We have a plethora of electronic means by which we can communicate with fellow wargamers, and I for one will continue to blog as long as I have something that I think is worth writing about and sharing with other wargamers.
I hope that all my regular blog readers manage to avoid contacting the virus, but if you are unlucky enough to do so, I hope that you make a full recovery as quickly as possible ... and that reading my blog helps to keep your spirits up.
So, what will the impact be on wargaming?
At present, SKIRMISH – a wargame show due to be held in Sidcup, Kent, next Sunday – is still due to go ahead, and as far as I know, SALUTE – which should be taking place in five weeks time – has not been postponed ... although I suspect that the likelihood that it will be is growing.
Luckily, wargaming does not depend upon shows to exist as a hobby. They are a nice opportunity for wargamers to get together, but because most of us wargame on our own or in small groups, we can carry on fighting our tabletop battles without them. We have a plethora of electronic means by which we can communicate with fellow wargamers, and I for one will continue to blog as long as I have something that I think is worth writing about and sharing with other wargamers.
I hope that all my regular blog readers manage to avoid contacting the virus, but if you are unlucky enough to do so, I hope that you make a full recovery as quickly as possible ... and that reading my blog helps to keep your spirits up.
Nice sentiments Bob. Good health to all and please keep blogging. It will help us if we have to go into quarantine.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Stewart,
DeleteCheers! With luck, we’ll all manage to keep well, and if we do have to self-isolate, at least we have a hobby that we can pursue in the comfort of our homes.
All the best,
Bob
Wargaming is an even more useful hobby at times like this. We can always find something to do if self isolation is required. Good luck to everyone.
ReplyDeleteLandlubber66,
DeleteFor some people, two weeks of isolation at home would be a great opportunity to get some figures painted or a project finished.
Keep well!
All the best,
Bob
I very much regret that Salute is almost certainly doomed. Now that perspective and commonsense have vanished, gatherings beyond the capacity of a phonebox will be banned by the end of next week.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Ramsey,
DeleteI am still planning to go to SALUTE, but expecting that it will be cancelled in the near future.
Keep safe and keep healthy,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteGood health to you Bob and Sue- hope the virus disappears soon. I'm very cautious about where I go outside our home and who I see ...I think the 1.5m rule is sensible. Our Grand Prix -Formula One has been cancelled with news that the McClaren Team has the virus. Stay well there in London. Cheers. KEV.
Kev Robertson,
DeleteCheers ... and I hope that you and yours keep well during the pandemic.
It looks as if the UK government is going to try to manage the situation so that so-called ‘herd immunity’ will spread across the country. This seems to be the least worst course of action, and if it works, should provide a long term solution to the virus, turning it from a pandemic to a endemic virus.
All the best,
Bob
Time indeed to continue blogging and if we can’t meet in person we can always support,encourage and divert one another over the ether by our blogs. It is a great hobby filled with kind and sharing individuals.
ReplyDeleteTradgardmastare,
DeleteAbsolutely correct on all counts.
Look after yourself, and I hope that you and your family manage to stay well.
All the best,
Bob
Good post Bob. Are you going to Skirmish on Sunday? I was planning to go.
ReplyDelete‘Lee,
DeleteCheers! I hope to make it to Skirmish ... assuming that it isn’t cancelled.
All the best,
Bob
On the bright side self isolation will be a good time to get all those unpainted figures done !
ReplyDeleteThe Good Soldier Svjek,
DeleteCan we expect to see panic buying of modelling paint? I hope not!
Keep well ... and keep wargaming.
All the best,
Bob
I am just awaiting for word as to whether or not my school will close, allowing me more hobby time in lieu of teaching. We've already cancelled all off campus events, here, it is just a matter of time, I suppose. I hope and pray all of my fellow gamer brothers and sisters get through this intact.
ReplyDeleteJustin Penwith,
DeleteIt looks as if schools in England and Wales will be staying open for a bit longer, but I fully expect then to be closed for a month within a week or so.
I hope that you and yours manage to stay well during the outbreak.
All the best,
Bob