As usual RECON took place on the first Saturday of December at Pudsey Civic Hall. It is a small show with the usual trade and games by local clubs, a tabletop sale, bring and buy and HOTT tournament. In addition to our Welsh Wars of Edward I battle, the medieval period was also represented by a "Baron's War' game put on by Leeds Night Owls. This featured some very eye-catching winter terrain.
Next to them were Bramley Barn Wargames Club who had a "Midgard" participation game game.
It was a fantasy scenario but it gave a good flavour for the rules and chatting to one of the club members the rules were easily picked up by the members of the public who tried them. As with our group, the show was seen as a way of inviting new people into trying the hobby. Indeed, virtually all the games I saw were participation games, varying from Snoopy and the Red Dragon to scientists battling raptors via Space Marines.
There were a reasonable number of traders and I was particularly pleased to see Instant Armies who can usually be relied upon to have the few figures needed to round off a unit or that extra general for a larger force.
We only played through our game once, but we did have three willing participants in Jim, Charlie and Paul. The result was an English victory, though it was hard fought.
I was very pleased with the Wargames Designs flags for the Welsh units; a bit larger than the Freezywater ones, but they certainly added to the spectacle. My thanks to Steve and Will for helping with the game and also Dave for providing some very welcome refreshments.
The organisers (Pit Gaming) may have been disappointed with the numbers of public attending. It was fairly busy up to 12 o'clock. but after that dropped off quickly so I am not sure if there will be a Recon 2026.
