DBMM at the Hutt Club: shades of Hogwarts or Cluedo? From Mike Stonyer, 14 September 2026

Shades of Hogwarts or Cluedo? The Hutt Valley Wargaming Club meeting on Saturday was moved from the auditorium at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream to the school library - Quintus, library, dagger! Michael Stonyer was there and sent these great pics and ended his report with a cliffhanger.

Craig Ellison (early Germans) vs Graham Starkey (ancient Spanish): The Spanish flank march of their Roman friends had arrived and was advancing to the rear of the German army. Germany cavalry was massing to counter. Out flanked and, in a vulnerable position, the German assault on the Spanish front goes in. Then? Mike had to leave! Craig and Graham, what happened!? 

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The library at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. Shades of Hogwarts?

A view of the DBMM table through the library doors.

Richard Mason offers a toast. Well, coffee. No toast. Craig (Early Germans) and Graham (ancient Spanish) are getting into it. John van den Hoeven in the background on a table with clouds of smoke. The consequences of one of his horse armies or World War 2?

John van den Hoeven

 ·

WW2 Vince,lots of burning vehicles 

Kaumātua Mason offering words of wisdom.

Graham, pensive

Graham and Craig: Apparently a game of puns and dad jokes - one had been delivered 

Early Germans vs Spanish 80BCE. Notice the absence of the Roman legionnaires from the Iberian side.

The Spanish flank march arrives. It includes their Roman friends.

Graham’s flank march in all its glory.

Graham: “Now what is Craig doing?”

Graham: “So that’s what Craig is doing!”

A great action shot of Craig and his early Germans 

The German cavalry form up to meet the “Spanish” legionaries as Iberian Ps(s) move past the German cavalry’s flanks

A six! My kingdom for a six!

Phil Malthus

 ·

umm.... how big a kingdom are we talking ? (if it's Scotland, hard pass)

The German army is now in a difficult position as their frontal assault goes in and the Iberian flank attack advances into the rear of the German army

The Germans are coming!

The German cavalry counter attack the legionnaires coming in from the flank.

Out flanked and in a vulnerable position The German assault on the Iberian front goes in.
Final message from Mike: “Hey Vince, I had to leave the club at this point so I don’t know how this tale ends …” Craig and Graham, help!

A spot of humour: My Lord, the outer wall has fallen! Shared by John Dods, 13 September 2026

Medievalistmatt

 

5 days ago ·



Under the Boardwalk  · The Drifters ·

Happy Wednesday

Image source: Bellifortis by Konrad Kyeser, Kongelige Bibliotek, Copenhagen, MS Thott 290, c. 1459

#medieval #medievalmemes #medievalmeme

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Gripping Beast considering its future and looking for new owners - shared 12 September 2026

 

Gripping Beast

3 days ago ·

Well, this isn't the sort of announcement we particularly wanted to be writing.

Gripping Beast has been around since 1996, and it's been quite a journey. Over the years, we've built up a collection of more than 6,000 historical and fantasy miniatures, while also taking on Front Rank and Lurkio and continuing to run their ranges alongside our own. We've also had the pleasure of supporting guest ranges from Calpe Miniatures and Ragnarok Miniatures and many others.

Most importantly, we've had the support of thousands of fantastic customers over the years. Many of them have become friends and fellow gamers, and we've been lucky enough to meet and share the hobby with people from all over the world. Their enthusiasm and support have been a huge part of our journey, and we're incredibly grateful for it.

Sadly, the time has come for us to admit that we unfortunately aren’t getting any younger, some of us are getting considerably creakier, and our small team has been reduced by recent retirements.

So, after a lot of thought (and not enough tea), we have decided that it is time for us to close the doors at Beast Towers.

However, we're not disappearing just yet.

The online shop will remain open for the time being, and we promise to fulfil all orders that come in. Eventually though at some point, we will have to turn sales off so that we can finish everything outstanding and get the last parcels out of the door before we turn off the lights.

We would very much like to see the business continue under new ownership. There is a huge amount of history here, a substantial established collection of ranges and a loyal customer base around the world, so we would be delighted if someone came along and decided that they fancied taking on the rather enormous pile of miniatures we've spent decades creating and looking after.

Whether that happens or not, we simply don't know yet, as this is just our initial announcement and we will provide further updates along the way as we have them.

For now, we're still here, still packing orders and still doing what we've always done, however please do bear in mind that orders can take a while to be despatched as we’re running production to a minimum.

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us, bought our miniatures, painted them, played games with them, stocked them, recommended us or simply stopped by over the years.

It's been one hell of a hobby.

Thank you for a wonderful 30 years.

The Gripping Beast Team

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