So when Christmas approaches, and there is a Subbuteo exhibition going on at the Amelia Scott centre in Tunbridge Wells, the idea of bringing the Christmas pitch and No Man’s Land pitch as an interactive display dawns…
A few exchanges later and everything is arranged. We turn up on the Saturday morning, put the pitches up and wait…
…and not for long, as they attract quite a bit of attention from the visitors. Some had clearly decided to visit the centre, and some were seeking respite from the wind and rain! Loads of folks reminisced about their youth, and the small children found the magic snow on the Christmas pitch too tempting to ignore. After reassuring nervous parents that it was ok for their children to play on the pitches, the snow (which started as a perfectly prepared football pitch, with lines cleared of snow), was less perfect in seconds!
The No-Man’s land pitch attracted interest as well, with some parents calling their children to come and listen to the 1914 story, where supposed enemies recognised a kindred friendship on Christmas day, exchanged presents and played football together.
Some of the youngsters played with the figures and, with their own impromptu rules, played Subbuteo! The smaller ones could only just reach over the sides, and some of the model trees were felled by overcoat sleeves. Also, some of the figures broke. One charming young girl’s commentary explained they needed to go to hospital, which was apparently in one of the corners of the pitch. The ward was fairly full by the end of the day! In fact, the No Man’s Land pitch looked like a war zone after a dozen or so 6-year-olds had finished with it! 😲 😅
One lady mentioned her mother used to stick the figures in the bases, and that she had helped with this! She said the glue was still in the attic (Durafix, apparently - wish she'd brought it with her! 😅).
Needless to say, we’ll be passing her contact details to the Amelia team, who no doubt will be exploring some of the what, who, when etc!
The highlight of the Subbuteo action was an unexpected cameo appearance by Sarah Buckwell, daughter of the designer of the iconic Green and Tan Subbuteo Stadium, Keith Buckwell. They had popped by to check out the pitches and after a really informative chat over coffee (more of that in the next blog…) we ended up by the Christmas pitch.
...it went something like this:
Me: “OK Sarah, when was the last time you flicked a Subbuteo player?
Sarah: “Like, never?!”
Me: “Never too late to start…” (and puts a sponge ball on the penalty spot, amongst the magic snow)
Keith: “Wait a minute – let me set up the video!” (Sarah gets into flicking position…)
Me: “OK – you ready?”
Sarah: (Bosh! ‘Ave it!)
Me: 😲
Sarah: 😂😎🤣
Check out the slow-mo action replay, and let in sink in…
Here’s is a woman who has never flicked a Subbuteo figure in her life, using one of the new Subbuteo Lionesses, on magic snow, with a sponge ball, not just slotting, but smacking the ball into the bottom left. Leaving the goalie (who is fresh from winning a Subbuteo World Cup event in Tunbridge Wells) totally befuddled!
…Watch again, and notice it might be a middle finger flicking?! If we reference the legendary Peter Upton, he says on his website, explaining the updated 1950 rulebook: “The text is altered to allow for use of the middle finger in flicking (does anyone do this?)”. Peter, I think you will find the answer is “Possibly!”
Overall, a great day, with over 100 folks popping by for a look, a chat, and a play! The Friends of Old Subbuteo have committed to bringing another of the themed pitches to The Amelia in 2025. Long may the fun continue!