Thursday 30 May 2013

European Grand Tournament Hotels and Where to Stay

European Grand Tournament 
Hotels and Where to Stay 

Ok here are some interesting facts about Southend

It suffered one of the first air raids of the First World War. Bombs were dropped by hand from giant Zeppelins LZ38 airships

How many beaches are there in Southend?.....They run from Shoeburyness to Leigh on Sea, starting with East Beach, Shoebury Common Beach, Jubilee Beach, Three Shells' Beach, Chalkwell Beach and Bell wharf Beach.

Southend is located in the driest part of the country,

The mystery of Thomas Richman’s buried treasure has gone unsolved since 1780. It is suppose to be buried somewhere in Essex

People living in Essex are 38% more lightly to be hit by falling aeroplane parts than anywhere else in Britain

During the witch hunt in the Middle Ages there were more reported witches in Essex than Devon and Cornwall combined

So after such pieces of history the question on everybodies mind is: Where to Stay?


I have placed some links below for accommodation near the venue.

 If in the search boxes for Holiday Inn, Park Inn and Premier Inn, type in the following post code SS5 4AD and it will bring up the closest hotel to the venue.
http://www.therochfordhotel.co.uk/
Unfortunately The Rochford Hotel is now fully booked (Thanks for the update MattH)
http://www.laterooms.com  in the search window type in Southend on Sea with the dates and this will bring up a whole host of Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts.

For the Mid War Tournament most of us stayed at the Premier Inn which has a Harvestor attached to it. Also a 15-20 minute walk to the nearest resturants.

Matt Haywood stayed at the Rochford and recommends it highly.

Next update will be travelling to the event, this one will be a bit longer as trying to work out the flight locations extra and passport control for those up North :)

Cheers

Gareth



Thursday 16 May 2013

Vietnam- Adolf Don't Surf

Adolf Don't Surf
27th-28th July

A tournament of two halves.....



Picture ...two periods...disparate but linked by a desire to succeed!


The early part of WW2 - stretching from the Blitzkrieg attacks into Poland and then into France to the early desert conflicts in North Africa.




 Picture .....Vietnam. A lengthy conflict involving several nations where as ever the biggest loser was the civilian population of the war torn southern part of the country.
This is going to be my first playing tournament of the year, been missing events that I really wanted to attend due to real life and work commitments. I have always been interested in the Vietnam War through watching movies and reading books on the subject, and I was looking for a new painting project so perfect timing.

On reading through the book I was really taken with Operation Lam Son 719 and the actions that took place. reading through the lists, I was not really taken with a heavy tank based army as it would feel like I am just painting another World War II army. So I have chosen to take a list from Chi Doan Thiet KY (Armoured Cavalry Squadron)

So with much listing writing and mistakingly thinking I could take slicks for my Infantry for fast mobilization i finally decided on my list. 

HQ
2 M113 with M74C turrets & 1 M113 ACAV          120pts

Combat Platoons

5 M113 ACAV(1 with M$) 106mm)                        220pts

5 M113 ACAV(1 with M$) 106mm)                        220pts

Weapons Platoons

5 M41A3 Walker Bulldogs                                      275pts

3 M125(81mm)                                                       115 pts

3 M132 Zippo                                                         90pts

Divisional Support Platoons

2 UH-1B Hog                                                          150pts

1 Medevac UH-1D Slick                                          10pts

3 Infantry Squads Airborne Division                          145pts

3 Infantry Squads Airborne Division                          145pts

Total                                                                         1490pts

I have taken full units of the combat platoons as I am always a firm believer in taking the full number allowed in a list if the points allow it, and I think each platoon supporting the Infantry as they make their way towards the objectives. The mortars are there to give some long range firing options with ability to smoke, and they can also drop rounds at a minmum distance of 4 inches so really themeatic of the period once the NVA got in close. The Walker Bulldogs are there just in case and tanks show up on the table, The Hogs well we all know and love the scene from Apocalypse Now so just had to take some Gunshipsso 2 Hogs are in my army, along with a Medvac Helicopter

Next post should include some pictures of progress so far.......

Wednesday 15 May 2013

European Grand Tournament 2013


European Grand Tournament 2013
Late War
21st-22nd September

This years European Grand Tournament will be on the 21st-22nd of September, and will be held at TableTop Nation.




Yes this will be our third venue in 3 years, but with 'The Eye of the Storm' closing earlier this year it gave us no option to find another venue. We searched around the local area to put on the event so it was still central in the country, but with the size of space that we need to hold the event, too many venues where out of the running.

Tabletop Nation has now been open for a year with a dedicated gaming venue with a store and bar attached. With space for over 70 gaming tables and with more space to come in the future.We ran the Mid- War Tournament earlier this year at TTN to dry run the venue. There were a couple of small issues which will be easily rectified. I am looking forward to running the European Grand Tournament and welcoming the players to the Tabletop Nation.

With the change in venue, I will be putting up some posts on the easiest routes, accommodation, and some other items that I have been working on.

Cheers

Gareth