The Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak is now having a very serious impact on life, and in ways that most people in Europe and North America are lucky enough never to have experienced before. Across Europe and in parts of the United States, areas are being locked down, with only the most essential journeys being allowed, and with certain age groups being encouraged - and in some cases, made - to stay at home. As a member of the over-70 age group, I fall into the 'advised to stay at home' category ... and if the news is to believed, I may even end up being ordered to stay indoors in isolation for up to four months!
In light of this, it is encouraging to see how other wargamers are looking at this as an opportunity to try something different. I've already been approached about the possibility of me taking part in two PBEM games, and I have had numerous requests to get my latest book published as quickly as possible so that wargamers who are confined in isolation can buy it and use the rules. Others are looking at this enforced break as a chance to get some of their lead mountain painted, and I understand that there has been an upsurge in interest in online gaming using Skype and WhatsApp as well as solo wargaming.
Whilst in no way do I want to downplay the deadly seriousness of this pandemic and the devastating effects that it will have on many, many people, one of the side effects does seem to be that wargamers are looking at different ways to enjoy their hobby. They are trying to make a virtue out of the crisis ... and if it helps them to cope with the situation, then it is no bad thing.
To all my regular blog readers, I have a simple message: keep safe ... and keep well.
In light of this, it is encouraging to see how other wargamers are looking at this as an opportunity to try something different. I've already been approached about the possibility of me taking part in two PBEM games, and I have had numerous requests to get my latest book published as quickly as possible so that wargamers who are confined in isolation can buy it and use the rules. Others are looking at this enforced break as a chance to get some of their lead mountain painted, and I understand that there has been an upsurge in interest in online gaming using Skype and WhatsApp as well as solo wargaming.
Whilst in no way do I want to downplay the deadly seriousness of this pandemic and the devastating effects that it will have on many, many people, one of the side effects does seem to be that wargamers are looking at different ways to enjoy their hobby. They are trying to make a virtue out of the crisis ... and if it helps them to cope with the situation, then it is no bad thing.
To all my regular blog readers, I have a simple message: keep safe ... and keep well.
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Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteThe prospect of having to 'Self-Isolate' for two weeks at home would not bother me- as I can keep myself occupied with my 25mm MARS 1860 Project- lots to scratch build an paint and besides I am Retired. I'm just glad that we're not on a Cruise somewhere on the high seas being confined to ship for thirty days and not allowed to dock in Sydney...or flying in from overseas to be compulsory confined for two weeks...The measures imposed by our Federal and State Governments are reasonable and a responsible precaution to slow down the spread ( and severity) of the virus. I just wish the general Public would stop 'Panic Buying' and emptying the shelves of essential items as they stock pile with the purchase of ludicrous amounts. Stay Well there in London. Cheers. KEV.
Kev Robertson,
DeleteWhereas a two-week period of self-isolation doesn’t seem to bad, a four-month-long one does give me cause for concern.
I am very pleased that we aren’t on one of the cruise ships that is currently at sea. I know of several that are having to drastically curtail their itineraries, and I understand that at least one is having to return to the UK well ahead of schedule.
Panic buying is symptomatic of the attitude many people have today to the rest of society. The ‘me first’ way people are behaving is deplorable, but the way some parts of the media have covered events has not helped. Luckily, we have a reasonably well-stocked freezer and larder, and although we could not cope with a long period of isolation/quarantine, two or three weeks should be manageable.
All the best,
Bob
I am more or less self isolating at the moment apart from the weekly shop. That won't affect me too much directly but it will impact on my wife who cares for my grandson three days a week so my daughter can go to work. If she can't get about then my daughter will have to stop working so it have knock on effects.
ReplyDeleteOur summer holiday will also be screwed either by Britain not letting us out or Spain not letting us in.
Jim Duncan,
DeleteI am pleased to read that you are taking steps to ensure your continued good health, but saddened that it creates difficult problems for your family. I suspect that there are going to be a lot of people in the same boat.
The cruise we were due to go on next week has been cancelled by P&O, and it looks likely that our next one - which will be in May - is also not going to take place. We do have one booked for the summer ... but that is going around the UK, and we are hoping that it might still take place.
Having only just turned 70, I’m a bit miffed that I’m suddenly being regarded as being ‘old’, but they have to make the cut somewhere, and I have to accept that I’m on the wrong side of the line. Better to be safe than sorry.
Keep safe and keep well,
Bob
Better safe than sorry indeed.
DeleteTradgardmastare,
DeleteAmen to that!
Keep safe and well,
Bob
Bob,
ReplyDeleteWe canceled school for a week, no students, but us teachers will be going in to clean and sanitize...yeah, I guess the government decided we are qualified (I work for the government as a teacher). In the meantime, I am working on hobby projects and playing solitaire boardgames. One thing I thought of, the VASSAL game engine is used for playing boardgames online. One possessing a little skill, could make a module of The Portable Wargame, allowing folks to play at a distance. Just throwing the idea out there.
Justin Penrith,
DeleteIt sounds like an ideal use of highly-qualified personnel ... but I suppose that the government is paying you and can direct you to do the cleaning and sanitising.
Years ago - whilst I was still a teacher and employed by the local authority - my school was shut due to heavy snow, and I was ‘directed’ to report to my nearest school. I did ... and they had no idea what to do with me! After all, infant schools don’t have a lot of call for vocational education teachers. I did try to help out in a classroom, but at lunchtime the school closed because of the snow, and I went home ... and stayed there until my school reopened.
I understand that someone has designed an electronic version of PW, but I’m not sure where it is on the Internet. I’ve never used VASSAL, but I’ve heard good things about it.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob -
ReplyDeleteSeems many of us have pretty much sorted what we will do if and when 'locked down'. I hope that enough of an economy survives to keep people fed, clothed and housed - and if that means the government handing out free money to people unable for the time being to work, then so be it.
The thing hasn't hit our country too badly yet. I don't mind if I have to stay indoors - I do that pretty much anyhow, apart from forays into the wide world to bring in supplies. I ain't no socialite.
The bad part, potentially, is that my daughter and son-in-law live in Australia (Brisbane) and are expecting their firstborn in two or three months. I was hoping to visit...
Let's hope the thing has played out by then.
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteMy wife and I have been talking about what might happen if the four-month-long lockdown for the ‘elderly’ comes into force. We have enough food in our freezer to last a month, and technically, because my wife is not yet 70, she should still be able to go out shopping. We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
With luck, New Zealand will avoid the worst of the pandemic, but it’s a great pity that you may not be able to see you grandchild when they arrive.
Keep safe and well,
Bob
Hi Bob, worrying times indeed at the moment. I'm just glad we are not still in Spain as in Villalonga, Valencia where we were everything is in total shut down and police are out reinforcing the curfew, all bars and restaurants are closed as are schools colleges and universities. Everyone who goes shopping to the local mercadona are having temps taken at the door and only allowed in a few at a time. Even the expansive beaches are closed off and patrolled, which seems a little draconian to some there. I'm glad we are home. Interesting to note that Wetherspoons was still packed for lunch over the weekend, wonder how long that will last? Stay safe Bob :)
ReplyDelete‘Lee,
DeleteI gather from friends of ours who have a second home in Spain that they are basically under house arrest. As they live on an urbanisation where going out to eat is the norm, they are struggling a bit with getting food supplies.
I don’t know if the UK government has got it right, but at least they have not gone down the path of taking draconian action ,.. yet.
Keep safe and keep well,
Bob