Welcome to the BRITCON OLYMPIAD and to UMIST. This is your information pack, which will provide you with all of the information that you require to help make your stay an enjoyable one.

WEB SITE
All information relating to BRITCON OLYMPIAD and to other BHGS events and news can be obtained by visiting our Web site at WWW.BHGS.CO.UK.  

DIRECTIONS
Wherever your starting point, you will find travel to Manchester is quick and easy. UMIST is conveniently situated close to the motorway and is served by Piccadilly and Victoria train stations (London is a mere two and a half hours away by train). Manchester airport, one of Europe's biggest and fastest growing international airports, is also on the doorstep. Within the city, getting around by bus, Metrolink (Manchester's tram service) or taxi is straightforward. UMIST is within easy walking distance of Piccadilly and the city centre. HOW TO GET THERE

CAR PARKING FOR ALL TRADE & DISPLAY DELEGATES
Car parking has been arranged for all Traders and Display Gamers (one Vehicle Only) and is free of charge. On arrival you should report to the main Security lodge on Sackville Street and enter at the right hand side. Security Staff will then direct you to the parking area. You must park in this area at all times. After you have located the parking area make your way to the unloading bay at the Harwood Room to unload. After unloading you must return your vehicle to the parking area. Note that the Security Lodge is shown as 6 on your map.

PARKING and ACCESS DISC
This has been sent to you separately. Do not forget it or lose it. The pass is a white disc and you should enter the required information on to it, including the dates of access, your name and vehicle index number.

Days Inn, ARRIVAL / ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN PROCEDURE
On arrival at the main entrance on Sackville Street, please report to the reception desk and inform them that you are booked through the BHGS.  Normal hotel registration will then follow. All rooms are available from 2pm on the day of arrival.

CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES, ARRIVAL / ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN PROCEDURE
Please make your way to Chandos Hall Reception (see attached map for location) to register for your accommodation, from here all accommodation is within 200 yards. All rooms are available from 2pm on the day of arrival, and are supplied with towels and soap. Tea/coffee making facilities are provided in the en-suite rooms and in the adjoining kitchens for standard packages. Delegates are advised to bring adapters as not all rooms have shaving points. 

CHECKOUT.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ACCOMMODATION MUST BE VACATED BEFORE 9am. A left luggage area will be provided at the Renold Building and also in each hall of residence and note that the University will levy a charge of £25 for any keys/key cards that are not returned

REGISTRATION.
The registration desk will be situated in the Barnes Wallis Restaurant. At check in you will be allocated your delegate number and badge, which you should wear at all times and you will receive any last minute instructions and be given your copy of the BRITCON JOURNAL.

PRACTICE DAYS
The practice days are intended to allow any gamers who can make it, some extra days gaming or simply to chill out in the wargamers bar. Traders are welcome to attend these days free of charge. For early arrivers a left luggage area will be provided at the Renold Building until your room is available.

JUNIOR COMPETITORS / CONCESSIONS
In order to encourage our junior players the BHGS has adopted a policy of free entry including free Budget accommodation for all 18 year olds and under, who are taking part in an historical period.  If under 16 years of age they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Additionally full time students are eligible for entry at half price if taking part in an historical period.  Upgraded accommodation is possible by payment of the difference between the upgrade and the budget price. All offers are restricted to BHGS members

THE WARGAMERS BAR(S)
There will be two bars this year, The Barnes Wallis Bar adjacent to the gaming area in the Barnes Wallis Room, which will be available for drinks as follows: -
Bar from 11.00am on Friday/Saturday and 12.00 noon on Sunday
Harry’s Bar below the main gaming hall will be available for drinks each evening.  The Barnes Wallis, Common Room and Renold Rock Café will also be available for hot food on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes as well as a BBQ on Saturday evening. There will also be a can and confectionery bar in Renold Building. Don’t forget the PUB QUIZ that is scheduled for Saturday night and once again there will be valuable prizes. In addition presentation of the YELLOW JERSEYS will be made to the successful players at this stage of the competitions. PLEASE NOTE: that bringing your own snacks / refreshments into the halls is not permitted.

THE YELLOW JERSEY
The Period Leaders in the clubhouse on Saturday Evening will be awarded this coveted item of Sartorial elegance in recognition of their achievements so far. They will also be rewarded with a drink’s voucher for £5, so that they can buy the organisers a drink. All PREVIOUS YELLOW JERSEY WINNERS are invited to wear their prized jerseys on this occasion. MAKE IT YELLOW JERSEY NIGHT! 

BREAKFASTS
Please wear your badges at all times but especially when arriving for breakfast. Staff will request payment from any delegate not wearing the appropriate badge as breakfasts may be purchased by none residential delegates. Residents staying in the Weston Hall of Residence or the Days Inn will take breakfast in the Days Inn Restaurant.  Residents staying in the Chandos, Wright Robinson & Lambert Halls should take breakfast in the Renold Cafe
FRIDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.45am till 9.00am
SATURDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.00am till 8am. Remember those taking part in the competitions must be at their games by 8.15am
SUNDAY ~ Breakfast will be served from 7.00am till 9.15am. This will allow those not involved in the competitions more time to recover from last nights debauchery. Remember those taking part in the competitions must be at their games by 8.30am irrespective of their condition.

DINNER
We have made no specific arrangement for dinner, believing that Delegates may want to sample the Culinary and other delights available in Manchester. However as previously mentioned there will be food available in the locations detailed, and don’t forget to allow time for the PUB QUIZ on Saturday night and the presentation of the YELLOW JERSEYS.

FANTASY WARGAMES
At registration you will be given a copy of the BRITCON JOURNAL containing an entry form for FANTASY WARGAMES (no it’s not Warhammer), it’s a bit like fantasy Football but wetter. Pick a team of players that you think will do best this weekend, there is a prize for the best and the worst entries.

BEST DISPLAY / DEMONSTRATION / PARTICIPATION GAME
An award will be made to the best Display / Demonstration / Participation game at this years BRITCON. The judges will take into account all aspects of the game and the presentation team.  If you have a view and want to try and influence the judges make sure you spend plenty of time in the Wargamers Bar.

TRADERS AWARD
A trophy and a prize of free 6 foot Stand at next years BRITCON will be awarded to the "BEST TRADER" at this year’s show. The judges will take into account presentation, stock, personality and any other relevant issues. They are of course open to" bribery". .

FIRE PROCEDURES
All Delegates must make themselves aware of the fire procedure notices, which are located throughout the campus. These notices contain information as to the action to be taken in the event of discovery of fire, hearing the fire alarm sounders and with regards to the designated areas of assembly after evacuating a building. Please ensure that you are aware of the fire procedures for each building used.

LIABILITY
Neither the BHGS nor the University will accept any liability whatsoever for loss or damage occurring to any property equipment or motor vehicles whilst on University property, delegates are advised to arrange their own insurance where this is required. No animals are allowed.

MEDICAL
The UMIST Occupational Department is situated on the ground floor of the Chemical Engineering Building and is open between 0800-1700, Monday to Friday for delegates who require medical attention for accidents, injuries or other illnesses.Outside of these times emergency cover is provided by telephoning the Security Lodge on extension 62444.The nearest hospital with an accident and emergency department is The Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Oxford Road, Manchester: Tel: 0161 276 1234 The nearest Chemist is Cameolord, 7 Oxford Street, St Peters Square, Tel: 0161 236 1445 (Open every day 8am-midnight)

SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited within all University buildings with the exception of bar areas where food is not served. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER WILL SMOKING BE ALLOWED IN THE GAMES HALLS.

TAXIS
Local Taxi firms include Radio Cars ~ 0161 236 8033 & Mantax ~ 0161 230 3333

LOST PROPERTY
Lost property will be retained for a period of 28 days after BRITCON. Telephone the conference office on 0161 306 4066 to make any enquiries. Payment for the cost of postage to return lost property must be made in advance. 

ITINERARY

THURSDAY

EARLY ARRIVALS & PRACTICE DAY
In order to extend you stay even longer it is now possible to check in on Thursday allowing you time for that extra practise game or just soak up the atmosphere in the Wargamers Bar. Tables will be available from 10am

FRIDAY

PRACTICE DAY
The extra day has proved to be very popular in past years and will allow you time to fit in a few practise games, try out another period or simply chill out in the Wargamers Bar before getting down to the real business of the week-end.

1^st ROUND COMPETITIONS FRIDAY EVENING
The start and finish times for the first round games are flexible, however they will not start later than 9pm. Nor finish later than Midnight. After a minimum period of 3 hours has been played (this may differ for individual periods) the game will end when one player has defeated the other, or by mutual consent.  In any event no bounds or game turns may be commenced after 11.45pm. (Variable Game duration) 

SATURDAY

2^nd ROUND COMPETITIONS SATURDAY MORNING
Start Time 8.15am or earlier if players wish. Finish 11.45am. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3½ hour approx. game duration)

3^rd ROUND SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 12.30pm or earlier if players wish. Finish 4.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3½ hour approx. game duration)

4^th ROUND SATURDAY EVENING
Start Time 4.45pm or earlier if players wish. Finish 8.15pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3½ hour approx. game duration)

PUB QUIZ SATURDAY EVENING
Start time 10.30pm. Secret viewing of tomorrows draw. Followed by the presentation of the Yellow Jerseys. After this you are free to explore the late night delights of Manchester.

SUNDAY

5^th ROUND SUNDAY MORNING
Start Time 8.30am latest. Finish 12.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3½ hour approx. game duration)

SHOPPING FRENZY
Extended lunch break from 12pm till 1.30pm to visit the trade stands and pick up all your wargaming needs. It is advisable to place your orders earlier and use this time for collections.

6^th ROUND SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 1.30pm latest. Finish 5.00pm. Last Bound as per the period rules. (3½ hour approx. game duration)

PRIZE GIVING SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Start Time 5.45pm approx. A prize draw using delegate's badges to win a free En-Suite package entry to next years BRITCON will be held at the end of prize giving. The winner must be available to receive the award or the winning badge will be drawn again. IT HAPPENED in '97 ! (This prize is non transferable and cannot be carried forward to future years, nor will money to the value be paid).

SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE COMPETITION AREAS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Please remember to supply a S.A.E. when not corresponding by e-mail

We hope that your weekend will be an enjoyable and profitable one and if you have any suggestions to help us improve the show let us know.