30 issues and 5 years of my life! Doesn't time fly? As I look back over the past years we have had some highs and lows, fortunately mostly highs. I have had to deal with some great characters, and some who you wouldn't trust if you turned your back. But I suppose that this is all part of life.

I hope that the magazine will continue to be a diverse Napoleonic History publication. Some of you will complain that there aren't enough articles on wargaming, re-enacting, research, naval etc., and of course some of you will complain that there is to much wargaming, re-enacting, research, naval etc.! Rest assured that I will always try to cater for everyone's tastes in each issue, but that the mix and proportion will continue to vary... just to keep you on your toes.

Next issue will have some more naval, a couple of articles on Fuentes de Onoro, Wellington in India - which will see the return of Richard Rutherford Moore to these pages (for those who keep asking when he is writing again), more wargaming stuff and the regular columns.

Please keep the articles coming, and I would ask that contributors should try to realise that sometimes it is not possible to use your articles straight away.

RD Military

RD Military are a new painting service who have sent me samples of painted AB figures (15mm) Prices range from 1.00 pound for a foot soldier, 2.00 pounds for cavalry and 6.00 pounds for a gun with 4 crew. The samples are very well painted and are well worth a closer examination. Send SSAE for a sample figure and price list. RD Military have units in stock and also paint to order.

First Empire Binders

My apologies to those who have had orders in for binders for what I consider to be and inordinate time. Sadly, we are dependent upon a third party to supply these items hence the delays. The good news is that we shall have a limited number of FEB01 binders in stock by the time this goes to press, but the new binder will not be in stock for some considerable time.

Electronic FE

First Empire has gone electronic. If you have access to the Internet and a Web browser, check out the new site at www.magweb.com this is a subscription only system. Not only do you get to view First Empire and the back issues, but also the new Napoleon magazine, The Courier, Empires Eagles & Lions, Lone Warrior and a host of other history/gaming magazines.

First Empire Show

Finally, I trust that I will get to see and meet many of you at the show this year, and hopefully I will have time for a chat.