VENUE: SOUTHERN MILITARIA 1976, SOUTHAMPTON. 3-4 APRIL 1226 In response to Don's initiative in putting forward the idea of a Challenge Trophy in memory of Steve Curtis, cofounder of Skirmish Wargames, we other two members of the group have enthusiastically grabbed at the opportunity to stage such an event. Neville Dickinson of Miniature Figurines (who are sponsoring the Convention) has generously offered full facilities to us to stage the Championship, and Don has offered as much publicity as possible in the Newsletter. Details of the Championship follow, and it is hoped that keen skirmishers will enter - although this will be a competitive game, it will be conducted in true Long Hair Steve fashion in a friendly and fun way with the emphasis on ENJOYMENT. ENTRY Will be open to all, with a nominal fee of 25p to cover paperwork, etc. The number of places available will be limited because all the rounds must be played over the same weekend, therefore entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis preferably by post but also at Southampton on the day of the event. RULES The Old West Skirmish Rules will be used for all games. Competitors will be expected to be familiar with the rules (copies obtainable from us £ 1.50P per set). THE GAMES As befitting a memorial game to old L.H. Hisself, the games will. all take place in an Old West township, CONGREGATION, PIMA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO. The terrain and figures will be provided by Skirmish Wargames as a large display set piece, representing the lively township of Congregation which is at the end of the cattle trails from all over the county and where the railhead is located. Congregation is at the end of many miles of dry and dusty riding for the cowboys bringing in the herds-for shipment worth on the railroad. The weary cowboys are paid off there, and seek solace and succour in the cribs, saloons and cheap dives. They like a little excitement, and are prone to shooting the place up a mite just to prove they are enjoying themselves! Trying to keep some semblance of law and order, the town marshal and his deputies walk the knife edge between the rival factions. The cowboy and cattle baron, sheep herders and sodbusters, gamblers and con men, the Army, Mexican drifters from over the border, the railroad crews, and the tradesmen and townsfolk, outlaws and gunmen after the bank, and out of town the Apaches to the West and Comanches to the east! A set up bursting with possibilities for skirmish games. All these elements, plus, will be represented on the table, and players may find themselves as any one of the many characters who people the town - and in some pretty desperate situations too! THE TROPHY Details have yet to be finalised, but we plan to have something special which will truly represent Long Hair and the Spirit of the Old West. Finalists will also receive permanent keepsakes mark their achievement. FIGURE COMPETITION In addition to the Championship Games, there will be an open competition for Personality Skirmish Wargame figures to encourage players and other visitors to bring along their own figures. CONTACT Ian Colwill, SKIRMISH WARGAMES, 24 Mill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 IHN. Back to Table of Contents -- Wargamer's Newsletter # 168 To Wargamer's Newsletter List of Issues To MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1976 by Donald Featherstone. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com