Guild of Gaming Community Tabletop Open Day

New Tabletop Gaming Club Launches in Dumfries with Exciting Open Day

Dumfries – A new community club, Guild of Gaming, is set to open its doors at Noblehill Community Centre on Saturday, 11th January. This not-for-profit organisation, founded by local teacher Danny Bennet, aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for young people and adults to explore the exciting world of tabletop gaming.

Thanks to generous National Lottery funding, Guild of Gaming is able to offer free membership, ensuring accessibility for all. This funding has been instrumental in covering venue hire, gaming resources, and hobby supplies, creating an outstanding space for the community to connect and engage.

The club’s mission is to tackle social isolation, promote inclusivity, and inspire creativity through hobbies such as Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and a wide range of board and card games. Guild of Gaming also supports youth development by encouraging Duke of Edinburgh Award participants to join. Tabletop wargaming can meet the requirements of the Skills section, while volunteering at the club helps fulfill the Volunteering section of the award.

Guild of Gaming’s open day will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and will showcase everything the club has to offer. Highlights include:

Gaming Demonstrations: Explore games like Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, and Dungeons & Dragons, with volunteers on hand to guide newcomers.
Hobby Station: Visitors can paint their first miniature and take it home as a keepsake.
Board Games Galore: Discover favourites like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic.
Community Showcase: See stunning armies and models from seasoned hobbyists.
Youth Opportunities: Learn about how gaming can meet the requirements for Duke of Edinburgh awards in both the Skills and Volunteering sections.
Following the open day, the club will run regular Thursday evening sessions at Noblehill Community Centre. These sessions alternate between introductory gaming nights, offering structured tutorials for newcomers, and free play evenings, where members can book tables to enjoy the games of their choice in a relaxed and supportive environment.

As a member of Youth Scotland, Guild of Gaming is committed to providing a safe environment for all members. All volunteers are PVG-checked, and under-15s must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Founder Danny Bennet, who has been using tabletop gaming as a teaching tool for the past five years, said:
“Through my work with care-experienced young people, I’ve seen how these hobbies can foster creativity, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. Guild of Gaming brings this ethos to the wider community, and I’m thrilled to welcome Dumfries and Galloway residents to our club.”

The club also boasts state-of-the-art resources, including 12 fully equipped gaming tables with UKTC/WTC-standard painted terrain, a 3D printer for community use, and a fully stocked hobby station with over 300 paints and tools.

Guild of Gaming is already building strong ties within the local community. Several Dumfries Gamers members have stepped up as committee members and volunteers, supporting the club’s goal to foster collaboration and inclusion.

Future Events: The club is planning its first Warhammer 40,000 RTT (Ranked Tournament) for May 2024, which will accommodate 24 players on professional-level terrain, further solidifying its presence in the gaming community.

Follow Guild of Gaming on Facebook at Guild of Gaming Dumfries for updates on the open day, competitions, and ongoing activities.