Sadly, as an aftereffect of Brexit, the Belgian wargaming convention scene as we knew it has more or less collapsed (Crisis gone, Warcon gone, ...). So it's back to small scale club days.
One such event took place yesterday. Tin Soldiers of Antwerp organized a "Bring and Sell" event, an ideal opportunity for everyone to dump their old stuff.
The clubhouse was packed, a lot of people showed up (more pictures here).
I also met some of the old Belgian wargaming guard (going back to the late 60s or early 70s), which triggered me into making a blog or something about the history of wargaming in Belgium. We'll see.
Wow Phil. That is an awesome haul of books!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Funny things, when I came home I discovered I owned some of them already ;-)
Deletelol! Just the reason you need to go back next time (and buy something else)
DeleteIm really surprised that the scene has gone. One would have thought it would have followed the UK pattern and really come back with a bang.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that mainland EU shows also depended in large part on UK traders. According to show organizes, UK traders can't make the trip anymore -- too much hassle in exporting product across the channel for a one-day show. It will take some time before shows can bounce back (more EU traders), but I'm afraid Brexit has disturbed the wargaming hobby in the EU quite significantly - or at least in those countries that were mostly UK oriented for their goods.
DeletePlease no comments with political opinions about Brexit ... I am deleting them. Discussing the effects of Brexit on the wargaming hobby is fine, but if you want to start a discussion about the "corrupt EU" as an anonymous account did, then please take your discussion elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteBut the EU is corrupt, have not MEP’s not been arrested for corruption? Simon
ReplyDelete"Dumping old stuff" ??? from my pov I bought a lot of great old stuff - boardgames mostly - spend the whole week going through them, organizing, and having a great time :)
ReplyDeleteYou picked up a fine collection of classics.
ReplyDelete