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Derby Show Report 2003
by Steve Crofts.
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Looking back on the show I feel it was a shame that I couldn't have spent some more time at the show this year but unfortunately both myself and Dave T, had promised the wives we’d be back around 1ish as both had threatened to relieve us of our hurty bits if we didn't comply and not wishing to have an eye watering experience we had to leave in plenty of time! This is the reason for the report not being as detailed as I’d normally wish, (what women will promise to do to you if they can't get their bit of shopping done is very unreasonable to say the least!).
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Previous shows that I have ventured to at Derby which were held at the Assembly Halls, were for the most part dull stuffy and very boring once you had done your shopping!, all this changed last year when the show was moved to its new venue, and my oh my what a difference that has made!
Instead of the Dark, stuffy and how can I put it crypt like? Experience of the Assembly halls, the new venue is clean airy , bright and cheerful.
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As you can imagine the only reason I used to go to derby was to do my last bit of shopping at the end of my personal show season and zip off home ASAP!, their was very little to keep me there.
The new venue has it seems changed all this!
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I've noticed since the change that for one the atmosphere is not oppressed and there is not only a great wealth of traders but also quite a few demo and participation games, something to keep you interested!
All the games were of various periods and of different, how can I say without sounding nasty, "calibers", this to me is just what a show needs, its ok having loads of perfectly sculptured demos
etc..., but without the simpler efforts, people coming into the hobby can be awestruck by the site of all this lovely eye popping terrain and beautifully painted miniatures and think to themselves, "pointless trying to get into this hobby, I can't make that or paint like this!", and bye bye! another prospective gamer has gone to the dogs, all shows need this mix so that this sort of thing can be avoided and I think the Derby lads have the balance just nice, all the games put on were excellent in their own right, from the game with the cardboard hills and trees, (yes you read it correctly first time, cardboard), to the to the Lance and longbow societies game and the lovely WWII game that was put on.
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A very nice looking and simply ruled participation game involving vampires seemed to draw the attention of all ages, and to be honest they were having so much fun if I’d had the time I’d have played it myself!
The bring and buy was well set out although some of the things on sale were difficult to see, but the staff were willing to pass them to you for perusal, I did incidentally by some figures to paint and add to my growing AWI collection! Their were other items their on show which made me wish I’d fetched more money but alas they had to stay to be purchased by someone else as I’d other buying to attend to!
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Traders, well as with all good shows their was a wealth of these and all seemed to be cheery faced and willing to help. The variety of the trade stands is inspiring to say the least and well worth the trip!
The atmosphere within the show is friendly and cheery, and I enjoyed my few hours their very much, maybe next year I'll try to get a day out!
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The show is definitely on the up and I feel that for me that its importance on my calendar will grow if the standard of the show in general carries on growing at this pace!
Yes I enjoyed it, and yes I will be attending next year for definite.
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