February 13th - 16th, 1998
Ramsdenvalencon is an informal, non-smoking, fun board game's weekend that starts at 6.00pm Friday 13th until 6.00pm-ish Monday. The convention is running for an extra day this year, although I cannot guarantee this will be a regular happening. Light refreshments are available all day until midnight-ish.
Ramsden Hall School, Billericay, Essex. The convention is held at a school, which is set in some lovely woodland with its own moat.
Reiner Knizia will be with us again, which will please a lot of people, a good opportunity to play test his latest games.
A quiz night on Saturday or Sunday evening. It will be a quiz with a wide range of questions and a special section on Ragnor Shaggy Brooks. There is a possibility a small Free From for about 20 people will be run on Saturday evening, If this is the case the quiz will be on Sunday evening. Hopefully I will be able to cajole Colin Smith into running his 18XX Tournament. Kevin McGowan and Mark Jones will run the Mark Stretch Event over the weekend, plus Kevin has a whole load of very silly games up his sleeve, very silly, need I say more?
A Euphrat & Tigris Tourney will be organized by Mr. Knizia.
This is going to be held on Sunday evening* from 7.00pm onwards. Sellers can leave their goods with Lucya Szachnowski & Mark Jones between 3.00pm and 5.00pm on Sunday, with viewing after 6.00pm. 20% will be donated to the School from the auction. Reserve prices can only be placed on items valued over 5.00uk pounds Look out for some very special items in this Auction, live slaves, some surprise Essen specials as well.
*The auction may be held on Sunday afternoon.
The cost is £30.00 (uk pounds) which includes three nights accommodation. If accommodation is not required the cost is £10.00 (uk pounds) for entry Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, or £4.00 (uk pounds) for one day. New gamers are always more than welcome, If you are new to the hobby, please contact me before you book in as I have a special rate for new folks to the hobby.
The rooms are large bedrooms that will be sleeping 2 to 5 people. If you know others who are coming, let me know and I can put you together, if you want. There will be Gavin's snore's room for the noisy sleepers! The rooms are basic, but adequate.
One of the reasons why the weekend is reasonably priced is because of the shared bedrooms and you bring your own bedding. I also ask you to leave the rooms exactly as you found them.
There are a few spare settees available if you are too late for a room. The settee room will have floor space as well and there may be up to three or four sleeping in these rooms. Unfortunately, it will still cost you the full whack.
Each room will be provided with a rubbish bag, on Sunday please bring it down to the reception area, you may fill it with rubbish if you wish. Steve Jones will be able to provide you with top tips on leaving your room tidy as he holds the title of Bin Monitor for Ramsdencon. Will he hold onto his title this time?
I can send you a map with directions to school if you request one. Ramsden Hall School is about 8 miles from the M25.
Road - The map should get you there. There are two entrances to the school, the one on the sharp bend of Outward Common Road will lead you down a drive at the bottom of which you bear left, and then right, past the tennis court. The entrance in Heath Road leads straight to the main school entrance. If you find you have not arrived at the above, then you are in the wrong place.
Train - The nearest railway station is Billericay and the school is approx. 3 miles from it. The trains depart from Liverpool Street. There are three an hour, taking 45 minutes. One of the trains is a fast one, taking 25 minutes. Mayflower cabs are based directly outside the station, their number is 01277 624000.
Bus - Still not recommended, but it is possible, I've heard.
Travel from Belgium - Ask Mike Eggleton, as he is the designated travel from Belgium expert.
Parking - Plenty of room to park, a car park at the front of the school and a tennis court. Please do not park on the grass.
Dave's van will be on site providing fast food. If you have any special food requests, let me know and I will tell Dave. His range includes burgers, hot dogs, spicy prawns, vegetarian food, etc.
There is a good selection of local take aways that deliver free of charge, Chinese, Indian, Pizza, Sandwich bar and a fish and chip shop.
There is a pub just down the road, which does good food and also plenty of local shops to get supplies.
Jess will be providing light refreshments, Carrot Cake and a cabaret about 17 hours a day
The school does operate a no smoking policy, so smokers will have to smoke outside the building. Thank you for respecting this.
Looking forward to seeing you all, again.
Please register me for Ramsdencon February 13th - February 16th 1998
Total cost for the weekend, including accommodation, is £30.00 (UK Pounds) or £10.00 (UK Pounds) total for day visits. Please send a £15.00 (UK Pounds) deposit per person if you are booking accommodation. Please make cheques payable to A. Shillabeer.
Residential ... / Non Residential ... Name........................................................................ Address..................................................................... ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ Telephone................................................................... e-mail...................................................................... Amount enclosed....................................... I do/do not require directions to be sent.............
Send to:
A Shillabeer
134 Ballards Walk
Lee Chapel North
Basildon
Essex
SS15 5JP
It is the responsibility of individuals to look after their valuables, Ramsdencon can not be held responsible for items lost during the weekend.
Note: Please send in the full amount by February 1st, 1998 - this really does make life a lot easier for Ms. Shillabeer if you remember to do this.
The Game Cabinet - editor@gamecabinet.com - Annie Shillabeer (shilly@smaug.dircon.co.uk)