I know, I know—podcasts are likes buses, there are none for ages and then several come along at once!
Well, don’t blame me, it was m’guest who requested a last-minute change because other duties had come along that fouled our scheduled recording date. But never mind, in fact it’s worked out well because it looks like I might have managed to get this show edited and out before the next Oddcast!
So, why is the lovely Nick Skinner on the show again? Not just because he’s a patron, no; and not just because he’s half of one of the most successful independent wargame publishing companies, TooFatLardies (and folks, please pay attention to how it’s spelled!).
No, the main reason that Nick’s dulcet tones are gracing the Battlechat airwaves yet again is because of his recent participation in the hugely popular We Have Ways Fest that took place in Northamptonshire recently.
At this event, Nick, Rich (who was also dashing back and forth to Colours) and a bevy of Lardy veterans showcased the hobby in a huge marquee on what turned out to be one of the hottest weekends of the year. The audience was a broad mixture of folk interested in WW2, ranging from those who had no clue that wargaming even existed, through those who had maybe dabbled with toy soldiers and model-making when they were younger, to ‘closet’ wargamers who surprised their friends by suddenly breaking into wargame-speak around the table, to dyed-in-the-wool wargamers who can also be found attending regular wargame events.
Perhaps some of the most interesting responses, as you’ll hear, came from people who had either been in the armed forces previously, or were even currently serving personnel, including members of the RAF, an RSM and a Guards captain.
As ever, Nick gives a highly intelligent and erudite assessment of the event, how it was organised and the part the Lardy games played, and most importantly gives his reflections on the presentation of wargaming to the public.
So relax, sit back and enjoy one of the hobby’s heroes revealing how our hobby was displayed at one of the biggest military events in the country.
Henry
P.S. Because this podcast has topical relevance for the entire wargaming community, especially fans of Lard, I am making this episode public immediately.
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