“General Whiskers” , as he is known affectionately by many wargamers here in the UK, Paul WIsken has been a wargamer for a very long time indeed, starting with the classic toy fort and Britains soldiers, until in the early 1970s he discovered Terry Wise’s Introduction to Battle Gaming that set him on a new path.
A west country boy, Paul was also lucky enough to live within a modest cycle ride of the Bovington Tank Museum, which gave him a lifelong interest in armoured warfare which he indulges to this day, playing most of his games in 1/300 or even 3mm size.
As well as wargaming, Paul has also been a re-enactor for around 40 years, indulging his interest both as a member of the English Civil War Society (apparently, becoming an Ensign is the best job to get) and in the Napoleonic Association, whose battles have taken him all over Europe. He also found himself, much to his own surprise, promoted to Captain-General of the Allied forces mustered to refight several of Marlborough’s battles in the commemoration year of 2004, 300 years after the original Battle of Blenheim.
Paul’s enthusiasm for the hobby is infectious, and it’s interesting to hear how in fact, he plays most of his games solo nowadays, which suits his proclivity for designing games and fiddling with other people’s rulesets!
Paul is also very candid about the challenges he has face during lockdown, and the brave steps he has taken to overcome his problems.
Henry
The Guards Brigade massed bands rehearsing the spin (not pin!) wheel
History of the Wargames Research Group
We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast
Note: this podcast contains occasional adult language.
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