Hey guys
I've been considering attempting to arrange a UK event for Dakka Dakka members. I currently attend the University of Kent in Canterbury, and they have ample space and tables that I should be able to book as a student.

I would imagine we'd hold a 40K tournament, a painting contest, and an auction similar to what Mikhaila does at his shop. Then, there's plenty of pubs and bars about Canterbury.

How many of you guys would be interested in something like this?

Since im in london its not too far from me.

also, it would depend on the day since my shifts change more than the warp.

Way too far for a casual visit, I'm afraid. And trains are not cheap

I would imagine we'd hold it on a Sat or Sun.

And no, I'm afraid it is a tad too far for our American brethren!

As for coming from London, there are regular trains, and hourly coaches for the cheap option.

Hey hey, I'm from the North, nevermind what the bloody flag says!

And here's the bad news...I might be moving to Canterbury in the next few weeks......

You can get a coach here and back from London for a tenner, so it's not quite as expensive as it seems. If you're prepared to travel late and early.

It wouldn't be the same without you Mad Doc! If you end up down here, we should arrange to have a game at some point!

Well, I'd be available in a certain type of gaming store, 40 hours a week every week if my interview goes well....

Sounds like fun. You should also look into local acomodation, like travelodge or the like?

Which one Grotsnik? There are two gaming stores, and three comic book/rpg shops here.

There's actually a lot of hotels and B&B's around here for people wanting to stay a night.

A well known Global Brand matey....GW itself!

So you're getting a transfer down to Canterbury then? That'd be cool.

Good grief, I only just saw your mention of this in the OT board.

I shall have to get you fired and Mr. Ketara thrown out of University then.

You should swing by the Business School sometime Mr. Ketara, not this week though.

DEpending upon time of year it might be possible to stay at the Uni itself of course.

huh? I no follow!

Sounds like you'll fit in perfectly with the Canterbury store then.

I frequent that particular branch quiet often. I don't know if you'd fit in with the frequent trips to the pub me and the staff make.

I'll see you under the table...


When I deign to join you!

Hobgoblin or Lady Luck?

P.S. You wouldn't happen to know anyone with a spare room that could put me up for a month or so do you? Main hurdle right now would the relocation itself

If you're wearing that dress you'll be on your own table.

Besides on GW wages you won't be able to go out that often anyway.

Not top of my head anyway, I'll keep'em peeled and let you know if anything comes up.

Well indeed. The dress was a one off Halloween outfit!

Wages should prove enough. Found Flatshares for around £380 a month all in, and there is nothing preventing me taking on a couple of bar shifts of an evening. Industrious is my middle name!

And cheers!

You want to come with ..err... Ramon ( ? sp ?) --the Dutch guy..I take it then ?

...I know it's the same job, but it'a a bit of a big step up % sales wise... hell, this store runs at a profit and doesn't miss target by 40 odd % ?

Plenty of bar work in Canterbury.

Are you in Canterbury then Reds8n? Otherwise I'm afraid the reference to the Business School just went right over my head.

But in even better if there's more players locally!

You can get accommadation at the uni during the summer, but ideally we'd have this before then, as with any luck, I'll be able to get us the room free, sicne I'm a student there. However once we start talking about accommadation and stuff, they'll probably treat it as a conference or the like, and start charging for the room use.

Which , as a trusted employee of the Uni I might be able to help out with.

If the room is not in use I'm reasonably certain I could swing us either Darwin conf, suite or maybe the Missing Link building free for a day, especially if we can say that X number of people would therefore also be going into Origins and so forth.

I was thinking the big Keynes lecture theatres upstairs. If we could pull two of those that are roughly next to each other, that gives us plenty of room to play on tables, not to mention a seated area we can give out painting awards and do the auction on. I measured out the tables earlier, and if you shove two up together, it makes the standard board size. Then we just have to add terrain. You've got K-bar and the toilets just down the stairs for convenience as well.

Darwin conference suite is the one right next to the front isn't it? If we could shove some tables of the right size in there, that would be ideal as well (assuming there aren't any there already). The uni tends to to take a narrow view regards to shifting furniture between rooms though.

I'm not familiar with the Missing Link building. Is that up near the Biology and Business buildings?

EDIT: Just out of interest, are you one of the Business lecturers there then? If so, you probably teach one of my housemates.

I may well be up for that, assuming work doesn't get in the way...

If I can make it, then I'll take part

I would go to Canterbury.

Kent hey...

I'd definitely consider it, I've applied for that Uni as it is, so fingers crossed and all that! Put in a good word for me guys, hey?

I will, like, totally be there.

Oh, and be aware I will expect at least one night on the piss with all attendees....

Sounds like it could be cool, if you don't mind a rather inexperienced player mooching around that is

I'll chat it over with Reds8n then, and we'll see what we can arrange. If you'd be interested, please continue to chime in, as it helps confirm how many we could expect in the event of this going ahead.

You should not have mentioned that they're a pub nearby. Do you really want a bunch of drunk Dakkaites in the same room together?

Everywhere in the UK is near a pub. IT's a legal requirement left over from the Victorian Public Safety and Clean water act of 18nearlyhadyoutheretheneh?

Count me in!

That's roughly 13 people so far then. If we could raise at least 20, it should probably work. If necessary, I guess we could open it up to the locals to make up the numbers.

I was expecting a trip to the pub, hence the request for hotel info, it'd be rude to have a gathering without a pub trip after all.

When in 10?

Any more news on this?

Depending on the date, I might be able to make it. It would need to be in summer or autumn though, to allow me to drum up the needed funds.

I'd be up for this. Its not that far.

Yea im up for it but is this event ready for me........So if its a Tournament is a rules pack going to be sent out??

Oh Oh is there going to Apocalypse then yes...Im In

Pah! You bloody poms go have your fancy tournament up there. We Aussies will get a better one going here down under.
























AND THERE'LL BE BOOOOOOOOOOZE!!!

Hey that sounds liek real fun but I don't think i could make it !! I'm alll the way up in the north east would be pretty damned expensive for me

So what time of the year are we all thinking??

The Dreadnote wrote:And trains are not cheap

That reminds me of this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8340561.stm

It's a 3 hour drive to Canterbury, from the Midlands, thats if the M25 is OK.
Still make it interesting and I would be interested.
You know Beer and strippers (Ok just the Beer)

I reckon me and mattyrm might be up for a road-trip dahn saaaahf, like.

Sounds cool.

I'm interested in this, not too far over the Thames and into bandit country for me.

I second the request for possible dates [*hint hint* not half term or before April].

Any chance of playing RT or 2nd edition rules, this would save me buying a new book .

I'd be up for this. I drive so would be happy to give anyone from Bristol a lift if they chip in with the petrol

To Make this worth most peoples while it would have to be a full weekend event as well you will find the distanse would hamper people.

I for one would like to but as up in scotland and it seem like it will be one day i wouldent make it if it was a full weekend im sure people would all chip in to get a venue and crap i now i would

Again, WHEN in 10?

yeah,
I'm up for this.
I Just need to know the dates a couple of months in advance to ensure I can book time off work.

I should be able to convince a couple of others to come along too. And if I can arrange transport I can bring some terrain.

Panic....

I love the idea, but its a bit far for me (the missus is due to give birth to our 2nd in a few weeks time, too!!!). Good luck and have a good time!!

Just a thought, though. If people like the idea and if the canterbury event goes well, how about a second one later in the year?

We could do a northern version, or even just book out enough tables at Warhammer World (its pretty central, easy to get to, has Bugmans beer and burgers and there's a travelodge 10mins walk away). What do people think??

yeah,
A Dakka Uk meet up would be awesome and the warhammer world idea also sounds great.I've never been.

It'll have all the tables ready too! Sounds like it will make the planning sooo much easier.

We could even try to spread the word of dakka at the heart of GW!

Panic...

get really drunk with people I've never met...sounds fun, I'll come

Lack of planning is the best thing about it.

All we'd need to do is say we're a club wanting to have our own mini-tourney and book out the right number of tables. Give them enough warning and they might even have a couple of extra staff in bugmans for when its lunchtime (it would be worth it for them if we turn up with 20 or 30 hungry gamers!!)

If people like this idea do they want to suggest some dates and I'll be happy to organise it. Let me know. C_C

Yup, Warhammer World or Canterbury are both great ideas. Canterbury is very easy to get to from London, and Warhammer World I guess is good for the rest of the country.

I'm in. Sure I can rustle up a couple more too.

What do you think would be the best format? One day of gaming, try and get in four games or something (bearing in mind that people will have to get really early trains to get there in time) or split over a Sat/Sun, with people travelling both days but not as early/late?

Oh, and since someone has to start the debate about dates...

THE WEEKEND OF THE 20th/21st MARCH?

Two months to organise, enough time for Calvin to have a sprog and Panic to book some time off?

The baby's due on march 14th - I think my wife would terminate my gaming activities with extreme prejudice if I told her I was gaming the week after

Seriously, my thought would be to have the canterbury event whenever its convenient for people and then run a Warhammer World event a few months later. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to organise 2 (maybe 3) Dakka UK events a year.

I love the idea of doing it at Warhammer World - I've not been either, and it would make the logistics waaaaay easier for most people (in terms of accomodation, tables and most importantly, beer).
I reckon that Idea has the most chance of success like.
Me and mattyrm would probably come on the friday night and stay for the weekend, I think. Just imagine the Apoc game we could have!
How about april?

The only problem with apoc games (unless we arrange an event one day and have 'free play' the other) is that Warhammer World does not open late on either saturday or sunday (I think its 10-6 on sat and may be less than that on sun).

By the time you've corralled everyone and got in the requisite 3 games you're close to maxing out your time. I'd need to look into whether for a more fully organised event they'd stay open longer - but they may well charge for the priviledge...

I think APOC games are out for tournaments, generally. Maybe some people who don't want to be in the tourney could play one over both days?

Warhammer World makes it easier in terms of logistics. They already have the tables and a good stock of terrain (though I think we'd need more for a decent lot of games, maybe players could bring some?) plus parking.

Nottingham as a city is easier to book for hotels and to reach for most people, although Warhammer World itself is actually a lot easier to reach by car - it's a cab into town for everyone coming by train.

Maybe we're looking at a Canterbury 'tester' around Spring followed by a real Dakka Tournament at WW in Autumn?

If your talking Warhammer World count me in! We are there every sunday at the mo anyway getting some sculpting done so works for me! They are still open after 4 on sunday, but technically its just for the kids in the academy thingy, but if you contact Brian the Warhammer World manager, he is a good guy and tries to be accomodating!

Does it need to be a tournament though? I quite like the idea of everyone just getting together and having a bit of a laugh - just playing a few games like. Plus, a tournament would require refs, prizes, structure... and just general 'admin'.

Might be a bit of a pain in the arse to organise, is all I'm saying.

It doesn't have to be a tournament, but in some ways its easier if it is because of the structure.

Everyone is guaranteed to get games in so no-one ends up feeling 'left out' and organisation is a piece of cake! If people are up for a full-on tournament I'm quite happy to organise it (I used to work for GW and have run a couple of events - I've probably got a whole bunch of stuff I can recycle).

Prizes would only work if people paid, but I don't think it needs to be any more serious than a certificate and the pleasure of saying A'M DEE BESSST!! on dakka a lot...

Let me know if there's interest in an Autumn tournament and if there is I'll get the ball rolling on the arrangements.

Chimera_Calvin wrote:It doesn't have to be a tournament, but in some ways its easier if it is because of the structure.

Everyone is guaranteed to get games in so no-one ends up feeling 'left out' and organisation is a piece of cake! If people are up for a full-on tournament I'm quite happy to organise it (I used to work for GW and have run a couple of events - I've probably got a whole bunch of stuff I can recycle).

Prizes would only work if people paid, but I don't think it needs to be any more serious than a certificate and the pleasure of saying A'M DEE BESSST!! on dakka a lot...

Let me know if there's interest in an Autumn tournament and if there is I'll get the ball rolling on the arrangements.

I agree - you'd hate for someone to come all the way from Scotland or something and get less games in because of who they know/what army they play/odd numbers.

I think a tournament is the way forwards, but as a useful organisational tool. The atmosphere should be like a big Dakka pint... No charge & no prizes sounds like a good idea.

Maybe we don't try and squeeze in too many games a day? Three per day, so everyone can socialise as well? Is this a good reason for slightly smaller armies than is usual at tournaments? So that people have a day of playing, without being rushed, plus enough time for lunch and stuff, and a bit of time in between games...

Could be fun!!

Don't do a tournament, just do a 500 point fun get together.

I'm kinda with KK on this one, although you chaps make a good case! At the end of the day, I'd still come even if it was a tournament really. As long as it's fun, I don't care!
Some sort of Dakka Casual Gaming Mafia (UK Division) Championship would be cool, I suppose.

Whatever the plan is, count me in.

Druidic wrote: but if you contact Brian the Warhammer World manager, he is a good guy and tries to be accomodating!

He is indeed. The whole WW team are sound lads and lassies.

With regards to dates etc : this will be of help.

OK, how about this then.

We run a 1000pt tourney on the saturday (that should let us get 4 games in). Free to enter, no prizes other than bragging rights. Over a pint on saturday night people can then arrange their own games for free play on the sunday.

This covers all the bases, allows for people who can only come for one day (saturday would let them meet more people) and lets people chill out and play whatever they fancy, including apoc games.

What do people think?

Sounds good!

Me and Red are still looking to arrange something for later on this year. We should hopefully be meeting up sometime soon to start ironing stuff out. So watch this space.

Ketara wrote:Me and Red are still looking to arrange something for later on this year. We should hopefully be meeting up sometime soon to start ironing stuff out. So watch this space.

Cool. Looks like two events then - are you still planning for Canterbury?


1000pt 4 game tournament is a good idea. Although, it wouldn't be much of a tournament! I guess this is the point, though.

Or we could organise a more 'tournament' thing, but just book extra tables for casual gaming as well? So, enough for a tournament, plus a few drop-in tables, plus a few knocked together for Apoc?? How many tables ARE there??



So, we need to get in quick. Lots of yellow squares, which means events are booked.

Open weekends seem to be 7/8 August and 4/5 September. The August one happens to fall in the middle of something called 'Hobby Camp' which might mean it's gonna be full of lil kids. Not sure....

Every date after that is booked or already has an event going on, it's GT time!

There's also 12/13 June if that's not too early. So

12/13 June
7/8 August
4/5 September

WHICH ONE? We need to book this quite soon from the looks of things...!

My preference is for June. I get really busy with work in September!

Someone should take the reigns and set up a dakkakon here in the states!!

My vote is for June.

@Empchild - You guys should crack on and do it! Although it might be tricky, given the size of the USA. If it gets organised on the west coast, given that you're in Boston you might as well just fly over to the UK!

Now THERE'S an idea....

Let keep it simple, I for one paint more than I play so I not the sharpest on the rules, tournaments suggest good understanding of the rules.
A relaxed gaming approach may encourage more UK Dakka member to come along.

12/13 June would be great for me, time to buff up on the rules if necessary

Okay, count me in. I can go for any of those dates. I enjoy this sort of thing a lot, and english ale is awesome.
First time going abroad to game! (I intend going to Adepticon when I have a steady job).

June is sounding good, then?

ChimeraCalvin, 5 months is enough organising time?

I'll call Warhammer World in the morning

yeah,
June is good for me.
Might paint up a new army for it! I'm thinking of doing some necrons this year once I get grots out of the way.

Panic...

Just a question-would you guys prefer a straight up and down 1000/1500 points tournament, or a tournament with some twists?(so maybe one doubles match with a random partner, etc)

Empchild wrote:Someone should take the reigns and set up a dakkakon here in the states!!

Should totally try to get something going at mikhalia's new Battle Bunker.

Jin wrote:

Empchild wrote:Someone should take the reigns and set up a dakkakon here in the states!!

Should totally try to get something going at mikhalia's new Battle Bunker.

To do it right it should either be near the original store in Manchester, NH or in LA.

Albatross wrote:

@Empchild - You guys should crack on and do it! Although it might be tricky, given the size of the USA. If it gets organised on the west coast, given that you're in Boston you might as well just fly over to the UK!

Now THERE'S an idea....

Platuan4th wrote:

Jin wrote:

Empchild wrote:Someone should take the reigns and set up a dakkakon here in the states!!

Should totally try to get something going at mikhalia's new Battle Bunker.

To do it right it should either be near the original store in Manchester, NH or in LA.

hrmm agreed to both of you, but several things. One I would love to do it but I am already scrambling on my own tourney and thats in may, 2 can the origonal store house the people, because we all know miks can. Three why not talk to mik or the store see if it would work out. 3 days of all sorts of tournies games, and cough drinking cough would be a blast. I must agree though I would love to see joly old england!

@Platuan4th - good point.

Could have Dakka West and Dakka East. And Malf can host Dakka central within his Manpurse.

Empchild wrote:
hrmm agreed to both of you, but several things. One I would love to do it but I am already scrambling on my own tourney and thats in may, 2 can the origonal store house the people, because we all know miks can. Three why not talk to mik or the store see if it would work out. 3 days of all sorts of tournies games, and cough drinking cough would be a blast. I must agree though I would love to see joly old england!

The original store no longer exists. I suggested it as a way to spiritually re-live the store(even for those of us who never got a chance to go).

Platuan4th wrote:

Empchild wrote:
hrmm agreed to both of you, but several things. One I would love to do it but I am already scrambling on my own tourney and thats in may, 2 can the origonal store house the people, because we all know miks can. Three why not talk to mik or the store see if it would work out. 3 days of all sorts of tournies games, and cough drinking cough would be a blast. I must agree though I would love to see joly old england!

The original store no longer exists. I suggested it as a way to spiritually re-live the store(even for those of us who never got a chance to go).

...ummmm yaaaa PUT THE BROWNIE DOWN MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Panic wrote:yeah,
June is good for me.
Might paint up a new army for it! I'm thinking of doing some necrons this year once I get grots out of the way.

Panic...

Not a chance, it'll take you until June to get the Grots out of the way anyway!!




Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ketara wrote:Just a question-would you guys prefer a straight up and down 1000/1500 points tournament, or a tournament with some twists?(so maybe one doubles match with a random partner, etc)

I think 1500 is a good number for a tournament. Not incredibly small, but fast enough to finish without horrible rushing. Is this for your Canterbury plans? Do we have two dakkathons this year, then! Hope so!

I've had good experiences with doubles tournaments, as well. Small doubles are a great excuse to start a new army...

Ketara wrote:Just a question-would you guys prefer a straight up and down 1000/1500 points tournament, or a tournament with some twists?(so maybe one doubles match with a random partner, etc)

yeah,
I think it's best to keep things simple at first... if successful build on that.

I'd like to see a straight up tourney with players rolling for missions prior to the game.
Although by the time it happens we should have the battle missions book which along with all the new senarios is reported to also have some more basic missions... if it's good we could use that.

Can we get a idea of numbers who think they will attend... If Dakka UK Events happen I'll make the effort to be there.

Panic...

Empchild wrote:

Platuan4th wrote:

Empchild wrote:
hrmm agreed to both of you, but several things. One I would love to do it but I am already scrambling on my own tourney and thats in may, 2 can the origonal store house the people, because we all know miks can. Three why not talk to mik or the store see if it would work out. 3 days of all sorts of tournies games, and cough drinking cough would be a blast. I must agree though I would love to see joly old england!

The original store no longer exists. I suggested it as a way to spiritually re-live the store(even for those of us who never got a chance to go).

...ummmm yaaaa PUT THE BROWNIE DOWN MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funny, true story: I'm actually allergic to Marijuana.

Platuan4th wrote:Funny, true story: I'm actually allergic to Marijuana.

Had to find that out the hard way, eh?


Wonder how many Dakka US East Coasters would join in on this (Dakka meet-up, not the brownies ).

ArbitorIan wrote:[ Not a chance, it'll take you until June to get the Grots out of the way anyway!!

yeah,
The grots are progressing at a steady pace... I think once I find the time they will be at 1500 before you know it!
Panic...

To get an idea for numbers, perhaps someone should set-up a poll thread for this?

Any chance of a mixed singles/doubles tournament? I think I might me hard pressed to get 1000/1500pts together, but could make half of a force (500/750pts) with a friend or random other half... Not thinking of two separate tournaments - just one with the option of playing singularly or as a team...

Arrrgh!!!!

I've just checked the calendar and I'm away 12th/13th June.

August 7th/8th I can do and I'm still willing to organise it but if most people would prefer June someone else will have to take the reins...

If August is ok with everybody let me know by about 3ish tomorrow afternoon (15th Jan) and I can book the event this weekend. I can only currently get on dakka during working hours as I'm waiting on a phone line at home so if it's not sorted by then we'll have to take another look next week.

Sorry for the messing about but I really like the idea of doing this and would like it to happen one way or the other (even if I'm not there... )

As for the doubles event its a good idea but does rely on everyone being able to bring a partner - at least a singles event everyone can take part from an odd numbered group or if people come on their own. Plus if we do a two-day event people could always arrange doubles matches for the free-play on sunday.

In any event, let me know what you guys want to do and we'll take it from there.

Shame about 12th June, its my birthday and I was looking forward to some of the hash cake the yanks were talking about. Ah-well!

@Chimera_Calvin - You can put my name down for August.

@Ketara - Do you have a date yet for the Canterbury event? As already posted I'm interested in this event also.

August - Yep, no problems with that.

August is fine.

My recommendation would be a simple, 1500pt (so slightly smaller scale) tournament, single players, basic missions, split over the two days, but with spare tables for casual pickup gaming/apoc/specialist/whatever

Basically, nothing too weird or complex for this first year!

I'll happily start a poll thread, but maybe wait until it's booked first...!

I'll book for august, then and let you know if there's any problems.

I'll also probably start a new thread in 'Schedule a game' when things are sorted and ask a mod to sticky it so that people can express an interest in going.

I'm hoping to have a date in a fortnight or so. Once that's sorted, I'll begin arranging all the admin stuff.

Good Luck Ketara, make sure you write a Canterbury report for us!!

Fantastic. At least I'll get two new armies finished this year, then....

August is even better for me. Really looking forward to this!

@Da Boss - Uh...dunno how to tell you this mate but, um, it's kind of only for UK Dakkaites.....sorry.




Just kidding DB! See you there matey!

Phew, getting citizenship that fast would have required some major grease, and I don't have that kind of money!

If this is still going ahead someone let me know i'm in, might give me an excuse to try 40k out again!

August's no good, kids are off school and I away on holiday.
June any times great

August is cool I am no longer in Oranges employ from April 15th onwards so anytime after that is cool...

with the exception I end up getting another Nazi dictator job again.

Any progress? Have we booked it? Shall i book it?

yeah,
Dude book it for about 12 players or more?

Panic...

Can't make June 5th-13th - wife has other holiday arrangements. Any other time (including August) should be fine for me

Yeah, book it! Which dates, again?

Doesn't seem to be a phone number so I've sent them an email asking for 12 tables on the 7th/8th August...


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ok, we have a booking!

It turns out that 'open gaming' on the form is the weekend they DON'T allow any bookings, so that people can walk in and play. I went through possible dates with Andy Joice and, although summer is very busy, he managed to find space for us on......

AUGUST 21/22

Hurrah! I really hope these dates are ok for everyone, it seems like the only option before october or something.

I've booked 12 tables, so, leaving one table aside for painting/marking/something else, this means we have 22 spaces available. There will also be a Blood Bowl tournament happening on that day and they've booked a load of tables too. The good thing is that they won't need any scenery...

Calvin seems to have disappeared for a bit, so I'll PM him the details and see how he wants to divide up the organisation...

Count me in!

OK, this has now been booked!!

Weekend 21st/22nd August has been confirmed. To sign up please do so in the thread on the schedule a game page.

Thanks to ArbitorIan for his help!!

A link to the thread for those too lazy to go and take a look.

And I have to say that I am quite happy this is in the middle of the country

Any US/Canadian users who want to plan a little US based Dakka Con should start a new thread to avoid confusion.

The Canterbury event is now scheduled and detailed here:- http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/275792.page