A Pie Post.

As you may be aware, a lot of our group's general wargaming hobby enjoyment comes from food - and in particular, from the joy of pies. We went along to The SmoggyCon show last November and put on a DBZulu/Brit game, the pictures & quality write up of which can be seen on Andy's 'Slight Diversion' Blog,

On the way home of course, our journey took us near to the seaside town of Whitby, which had long been rumoured to boast a pie shop of distinction. As we had time to do so, we made a short detour, and were overjoyed to find said pie shop, on the southern part of the town, just over the swing bridge and on the right, next to a useful & spacious car park.   

Outside, it looks the very picture of one of those 'happy places' that you come across from time to time, whilst inside, though small, it has bags of local & nostalgic character, helped along by the pleasantness of the staff, who clearly enjoy their work.

And here it is - the steak pie version, with lashings of mashed potatoe, peas, and a goodly ladle of gravy, supported by a decent mug of tea. It was, I have to say, a sheer delight, and if you're ever in the area, make sure you call in. You won't be disappointed. If you like pie, that is.  

Regards, Peeler

Merry Christmas.

Well it's been one of those busy times again lately for me & mine, and I haven't had time for much Blogging at all really, which is a great shame. I have managed to fit in some rather good DBNapoleonic and DBColonial games, as well as a really good weekend game at Chez Alex, and a day at Chez Tim's too, as well as Smoggy & Recon, so it hasn't all been bad, and ... and ... I have also finished decorating the two boys rooms, so after a quick paint the wall job in the spare room, I reckon that the new year will usher in some serious spare time to enable me to paint & base a lot of stuff. And I have lots of it to catch up on.

I wish a Merry Christmas to you all, I hope it's a good one for you, and a Happy New Year too.
Best Wishes,
Peeler

In Remembrance.

This photo was recently taken on a wander nearby to Ayton, by David Wright, one of our gaming chums.


When you see a field like this, it does make you stop & think for a moment or two, in remembrance of those who have gone before, and for those who are still serving. God bless them all.

A damp week in Scotland.

Hi up there. Needless to say, but it's been a while .. again. Been busy, computer was very ill & then I couldn't get onto my own Blog. FGS! Well, now I'm on but the posting side seems to have changed - I really must try to keep up. What with extra shifts at work over the summer months, I've missed out on Newcastle & Derby shows sadly. My thanks to those new Followers who've registered despite my lack of posting recently, it's much appreciated.
As is usual in the summer months, my gaming has been a tad slow, (people are busy, on holiday, or working long hours), though a few of us have been able to work on a set of DBx rules for our Kallistra 10mm figures, which are coming on nicely & with a few more playtests & input from our other gaming chums, should be finished soon.
I thought I'd post about our damp week in Scotland - we had a pleasant enough time, staying near Dunbar, just south of Edinburgh, the only downside was that it rained. Pretty much all the time! Though it could have been worse, as there was flooding the week after we left. And it was that week in which those riots were on in London & other places too. Disgraceful behaviour I thought, which deserved a much more harsh response from the police & others, but hey - lets not get into that on here eh!
So, Scotland - a pleasant place to go, friendly people all round, and the food & beer was good & not too expensive either overall, which is worth noting in these difficult economic times. Which, however difficult things are, does not excuse rioting!! There, I've gone there again, I must stop that. Worth noting too that there was no such trouble in Scotland, as far as I know.
Here's a picture of a 25pdr, which for some reason was overlooking the bay at Dunbar. I don't know why it was there, but it was in good condition and my boys wondered if we could take it home on our tow bar. It would look good in our front garden I think.
An older artillery piece in a rare dry time at Edinburgh Castle, a marvelous place to visit. Whilst Mrs Peeler plans where to go next, Peeler Jnr keeps an eye on the nearby cafe ... as always, thinking of his next meal. Or snack. Or in between snacks snack. There are some good Regimental Museums here, which are well worth a look.

Good old General Haig, a much maligned fellow these days, looking very up for it.

There was a pretty good waxworks display of various events, this one caught our attention -

.. as Mrs P's late Father was called Alexander Stewart! It did make us chuckle as he'd probably quite like to wear that get up himself. And he'd probably claim some sort of ancestorship too, knowing him!

I can't quite recall if this next one was in the Castle or the nearby 'Edinburgh Dungeons', which were really good, but Peeler Jnr, being dressed in black, curled up in a dark corner & pretty much nearly killed me off as I turned the corner whereupon he unravelled himself and gave out a scary zombie like screech. It was a good job I wasn't armed, or he'd have been history on a reflex, I can tell you.

As you do, we went for a drive out over the countryside, and came across this - which looks like an entrance to an underground area. I presume it was something to do with drainage or perhaps an underground reservoir, or maybe a basement as in a recent dire Danny Dyer film I've seen.

Whichever it was, it was locked, and as we pondered it, the mist began to roll on in. We made our excuses & left swiftly, before anything bad could happen.

So there it is, not too many photos taken really, due to the poor weather. Did I mention it rained all damned week? I think I did. It's raining as I post this up, hopefully the weather will improve for this coming weekend, as it's the nearby Pickering War Weekend - large hurrahs, it's always a good do & seems to kickstart our autumnal wargaming period.

Regards,

Peeler

Armed Forces & Scarborogh WarTorn Show.

Well it was Armed Forces Weekend again in sunny Scarborough, this last weekend 25th-26th June, and as you can see, it was a good weekend to have it, indeed the Peeler family suffered from sun burn bordering on sun stroke just from the Saturday afternoon. Here's a view from The Spa, over the seafront toward the castle and harbour, it's a good view even on a damp squib of a day.

The Main Events were on the Saturday afternoon, and after a look round the various stalls & shows, it was parade time, led by a very smart Army band ..

.. followed by more serving soldiers ..

.. followed by retired soldiers. Needless to say, everything else came to a halt at this time, and people flocked to line the roadside and applauded as they passed.

Now I appreciate that this is a mere training aid for the sea cadets, but frankly, I want one. Preferably in my front garden.

Peeler Jnr spotted some of those sandal wearing smelly hippy anti-armed forces types in the near distance, and swiftly took positive action ..

.. actually I'm joking, there weren't any protesters this year, thankfully. They got short shrift the last time they bothered. All in all, it was good weather, a good event, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. It also reminded the Armed Forces that we do actually care, and that we do support them.

Onto the WarTorn Show, organised by Scarborough Wargames Club & Richard Jackson of the Loughton Club, both of whom I've known for some years, on and off. I have been a member of both, and originally got into the Loughton Club, in my 'down south' years, by meeting up with Kevin Brazier, which led to a renewed interest in Napoleonics & the rather good GdB rules written by fellow member Dave Brown (yes yes, I know, I'm name dropping ..). They were attending & putting on a very nice looking 28mm game, and also, a fair amount of beer & curry was to be had ... oddly, we met up each evening in The Cask, a pub I haven't frequented since my youth, so it was quite a nostalgic weekend really. I think the curry house was The Eastern Promise, opposite the Market Place, and a fine meal was had. With beer, obviously. Then more beer, back at the Cask again. Myself & Norman managed to fit in a visit to the Forge on the Friday too, just for good measure. I did forewarn them, and the cat was ready for him. Thinking on it, beer seemed to be quite prominent over this weekend.
Now, a couple of years ago, for various reasons, some of us local gamers departed after some years, from the Scarborough club, and have 'done our own thing' since then as the 'Yorkshire Coast Wargamers', and a happy time we've had of it too. We did wonder, in that soft fluffy concerned sort of way, if we should go to this show or not, as in would there be tears & tantrums, faceslapping at the door, harsh stares , giving of the evil eye and so on .. and we decided that we'd be daft not to go, as it's on our doorstep and heck anyway, like we're all grown ups aren't we? (Well, some of the time at least!). I'm happy to say that there was no daftness. Or if there was, then I missed it...
So several of us went along, merely as punters, and I have to say I'm glad that we did - it was a well planned, decent quality show, with a number of decent games on, and enough traders to fill the two halls. There was also a bar - which served a very decent Wolds beer - and we had two good lunchtime nattering sessions with Andy of Old Glory, Brown, Richard, Norman, Kevin, Alex et al, during which I think we almost put the world to rights. I don't know what the door numbers were, it's maybe fair to say that it wasn't exactly heaving (not a bad thing though), but these things can take a while to really take off, and given the right support we're hoping that it becomes an annual event. For a first show, I'd say they did well enough. If you can get to next years show, as a gamer, trader or punter, then I'd suggest you make the effort - it's a right good weekend, though I can't say that we can grantee the same decent weather!
An early port of call for me was to have my 'Complete Victoria Cross' Book signed - in person - by the Author himself, the good Mr Kevin Brazier. I have to say Kev, it was an honour!

Meanwhile, poor Gary showed the effects, to put it politely, of a Southern chap overindulging in far too much Northern Ale. And other alcoholic beverage besides, I reckon. This was several hours after his recovery began, and he still wasn't his usual ambient self. He did, to be fair to him, recover during the Saturday evening curry, during which he drank some milk.

The Loughton game, Basauco, in 28mm. The boards were put together by Richard Jackson, and here we can see Mr Brown affecting to be not at all bothered whilst Derek does his best to blow his columns away. The table was really effective & made to a modelling standard, rather than just the usual boards that we all generally use. The photos don't do it justice.

A general shot of the lower hall. As said, it wasn't really busy, but I think there was enough at a first show to say that it was worthwhile and bodes well for the future. In some areas, the lighting could have been better, but hey, you can't have everything eh.

An interesting Roman Warlord figures game, lots of beastly Britons erupting from the woods on the unsuspecting columns.

One shot of a small part of the spectacular game put on by Mr Rob Ringrose, this was an absolute joy to see.

Scarborough Wargames own game, stacks of 28mm Naps on there.

And last but not least, Kev Braziers Alamo game, a marvelous model, stacks of Mexicans, and individual defenders too. It looked & played well, and had clearly been well researched.

Purchase wise, I only really wanted a few more of those Blue Moon 15mm Marlburians from Old Glory, but, whilst naturally I would hesitate to label Andy 'a temptress', he did in fact push a box of AWI under my nose - so I had to have some of them too. Just enough for a DBx type game you understand .. and I hear that Blue Moon are soon to release Napoleonics too. So many figures, so little time ..

Overall, a right good weekend was had, it was good to meet up with my local chums, me old Loughton bunch, Norman, Andy and others besides. Oh, and Gary & Glynis! And the beer intake was pretty darned good & manly too. Now, I really need to get painting. Marlburians first I think.

Regards,

Peeler

Peeler Family Holidays.

The Peeler Family enjoyed a couple of weeks away this summer, firstly in not so sunny Scotland, near to Dunoon on the Clyde. Twas a generally rainy place, but the pleasantness of the people there more than made up for that.
The view as we crossed by ferry, which was pretty good fun really. There was an awful lot of low cloud around at the time.

We cycled .. yes, me too .. around Holy Loch, for around 14 miles. Although enjoyable, it also hurt, and I decided to take the car next time.

I can't remember the name of this Church, but we made a point of climbing the slight hill to have a look at it.

I think this was Largs, wonderful Memorial, and a really nice place, with a great ice cream shop too.

This ship was on the Clyde, Mrs Peeler reckoned it was French.

The Peeler Family at War .. laser guns in the woods sort of game, right good fun with around twenty people involved. We came out tops, the organiser was impressed with our game plans and flanking movements, but was less impressed with myself for having a fag whilst hiding in a bush during the Evasion game. They still didn't find me though. The way the games went to close quarters, I was just relieved that Mini-Peeler didn't have a bayonet attachment.

The week in London had better weather, and having gone there most years recently, I have to say it somehow just seemed a happier more contented city this time. People were more at ease and less rushed. We did the usual sites, Horseguards & St James etc. The Household museum was a useful place to see, and the Household Division "Mission Statement" was a joy to read .."To protect the Sovereign from all enemies foreign and domestic" .. none of that modern pc rubbish there!

This Monument always gets to me, I don't know why.

And this lot get to me too, I do know why, but I'd best not say so here. I'm all for democracy and free speech and so on, but right opposite Parliament for goodness sake .. Clear off you scruffy looking lot! Get a job! And so on..

I did notice that there were a lot more Union flags around, perhaps due to the new Coalition Government we have now. It certainly made the place look better, and I for one applaud it. I can't even estimate the size of the flag flying over Parliament, except to say that It Was Big, and was probably a hazard to low flying helicopters and suchlike.

I won't bore you with all the other photos, suffice to say that we had a jolly nice time each week, which was especially good as with Junior being 17 now, it could be the last of such holidays that he comes with us on, as he hopes to join the Navy next year.
So, we're all home again, had a few weeks back at work, and these two weeks are already becoming distant memories. Still, I am on with sorting my gaming room out, so normal gaming type posts should resume shortly.
A welcome to Sean, latest Follower, thanks for joining, hope you enjoy the Blog.
Regards,

St George's Day.

Once again, the Flag of England was raised above Peeler Mansions, in celebration of Englands Day. Seems a shame to me that whilst other parts of the UK can have their own day, England seems to get left behind, and that some political types have hijacked both this flag and the Union flag for their own ends, particularly as it's election time at the moment. All that shouting and yarping and arguing on, there's just no need for it really, it's all just hot air, like you get from a volcanic eruption... a nice pleasant gentle discussion is all thats needed, in a good old genteel English way.

Here's a Link to The Royal Society of St George, an admirable and pleasant Society to be a member of.. http://www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com/index2.htm

A Happy St George's Day to you all, and God Bless England, Harry and St George!

Regards,

Merry Christmas to All..

Well it soon comes up doesn't it eh! We only have all year, every year, to get organised and then all of a sudden it's here. Well, thanks to MrsP we are almost sorted, I've been on nights lately so haven't been much use really, and the MiniP's just haven't quite got round to sorting their music out for the Church Carol do... which is tomorrow. That's teenagers for you. Grump Grump from a Grumpy Father of two of them.
Anyway, I just wanted to say a Large Thank you to you dear gamers, posters, readers, followers, Blog writers and such like, for the gaming, advice and enjoyment you've given me through this and other Blogs. It's much appreciated, and has enhanced my enjoyment of our hobby. Thank you.
Here's a shameless plug .. one of our local gamers, Davey Nicoll, through the extensive studio facilities of Hairy Dave & Chums, has recorded a Christmas Song, festively entitled "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!" When you have a few minutes spare, have a click on here.. www.myspace.com/davynicoll .. click on the song list on the right, sit back and have a listen.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all,
Regards,
Peeler

SmoggyCon Show.

A bit late I know, but we've done two shows and a few games recently, painted and based lots, and what with work, home, pub etc, it just ain't left much time really. Hey ho.
Here's some really good news though.. my local has started serving hot pies at the bar, all day long, and half price after midnight...just goes to show, as you start getting the winter blues, something wholesome comes along to cheer you up.
So, Nov 28th we went along to SmoggyCon in Middlesborough, (Post Title is Linked), I think this show has replaced the now sadly defunct Stockton Show, and I have to say it's made a good start, and I for one hope it goes from strength to strength. I'm sure it will, as a good and pleasant day was had.
On the way up there, we stopped off to dine.. there really is nothing better than a bacon bun and tea feeding frenzy.

Here's some of the games, there was a nice variation and spread of periods.

A Fantasy Hott game, very nicely done, good to look at, and great fun.

And onto our Naval game that we played, under the banner of "Yorkshire Coast Wargames", (all put together very well by Richie), being the Battle of Trafalgar, the game went well once we got into it, the "Grand Fleet Action in the Age of Sail" rules were easy to apply, it flowed well and it made a pleasant change to play a Naval game.

Oh, and the Brits won, rightly so!

The Royal Navy sails forth, in two lines, full of hearty cheers..

Boo! The enemy approaches and our chaps head them off, giving them a swift broadside for good measure.

Both sides start to mix it, with close range gunnery and boarding parties too.

The British Fleet pretty much out gunned and out shot the French & Spaniards, and blew large holes in their ships, until they started to sink beneath the waves.

Gotcha!

And so thankfully, Britannia rules the waves again. Large Hurrah's all round!

The rest of the Show was good, and well worth another visit next year. It was good to meet up with ANDY McMASTER finally and have a natter, as well as others too. Purchases!.. two boxes of "Blue Moon" Zombies from Old Glory, a box of 1/72 Colonials, some 1/72 thatched huts and a couple of books. Nice.

A stop off at Whitby for fodder on the way back rounded the day off nicely, we found my absolute hearts desire of a place... The Pie Shop.... everything you could want, in a pie... unfortunately one of our chaps has an aversion to pie, and so we went to a fish & chip cafe instead, where, luckily, they did serve pie too. I will not name said chap on here publicly, suffice to say I have bought him a ticket for remedial pie therapy. (It's in the post, you know who you are!).

Thankyou to Richie, Doug, Alex, Jordan, Jonathon and David for an enjoyable day.

A quick Witter, just to say Hello and Welcome to Mad Carew, Maximilian and Young Stan, thankyou for joining, hope you enjoy the Blog and look forward to any Comments you wish to post.

Regards to all,

Treasure Island Board

Here'a few photos of the Treasure Island Board, it's a simple layout, so that at the school fete the kids can stick pins in the islands, in a bid to pinpoint where the treasure is hidden. I've no idea what the prize will be, but no doubt it wil be something to do with chocolate and eating. The water parts do actually look better in reality, a bit more sea-like and covered with a gloss paint with glitter in it. I didn't think this would work, but on seeing it dry, it does look pretty good and sparkly. (Honest!)

Together with a few pirate ships, it should be ok. And it made me think of a naval game we could play, so I may have to ask to borrow it back sometime..

As said below, islands were supplied by TSS, and they donated the volcano, so thanks again to them.