History buffs will note that the upcoming Trumpeter game night of Sept. 13 coincides with the anniversary of Canada's most famous battle.

And yes, Colin will host a Plains of Abraham game with his fine collection and playing a modified version of the Age of Reason rules. It's your opportunity to help decide the fate of North America and discover if Montcalm can trump Wolfe' steady red line.

Fighting the trend of bricks and mortar hobby shops closing down, a new game shop has opened in North Vancouver.

Hammertime Hobbies is located at 146 B 3rd Street, just off Lonsdale - that's just block's away from Drew's old Checkpoint Charlie shop. It's operated by Michael Tong, formerly a manager with Games Workshop. The store offers space to play and will provide discounts to Trumpeter members with valid membership cards.

You can get more info here.

Trumpeter Prez Ed Beauregard forwards this report on the upcoming convention in Spokane:
In just over a month, it will be time for Tactical Solution, a small convention held since 2007 just outside Spokane, Washington on the Columbus Day (Canadian Thanksgiving) weekend. This is a low-key but very enjoyable meeting of grognards who take part in a wide range of historical miniatures gaming.

The organizers are regular Enfilade attendees (and some have attended Trumpeter Salute) and are very familiar with how to arrange good historical gaming. I attended for the first time last October, and had a great time. I hosted two naval games, and it was very noticeable how the experienced players quickly picked up the rules system and in a few turns were running all the mechanics of the game with no need for my assistance.

The atmosphere is very friendly, and the first-rate facility includes a large gaming area and snack bar run by the convention staff, similar to our arrangement at Trumpeter Salute. It is a couple of miles to nearby motels and hotels, but there is a good price range from Super 8 on up.

If you're looking for a scenic drive and a fun-filled gaming weekend, Tactical Solutions is just around the corner (October 11, 12 and 13).

More information at:

http://tactical-solutions-gaming.tripod.com/ or on Facebook

Sad to hear that one of the fathers of wargaming, Donald Featherstone, died last Tuesday following a fall. He was 95.

Featherstone served in the Royal Armoured Corps during World War II and discovered our hobby after reading H. G. Wells' Little Wars. He started becoming a leading advocate for wargaming during the 1960s and published over 40 books on the hobby and military history. Many veteran Trumpeter gamers remember reading those volumes - and many of the books are still available in local library systems.

He will be missed.


(Picture: Donald, on the right, explains the hobby at an English photo-op.)