The I.T. Crowd (Scotland) : Retro User Computer Group Jan 2025

Event on Monday 13th January

This is a gathering for lovers of any retro microcomputers, especially those fond of the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, Atom, and Archimedes/RISC OS machines. This event is aimed at bringing together a community of like-minded individuals in a comfortable and modern setting – the Falkirk Business Hub, in central Falkirk, Scotland.

Monday 13th January 2025 7:00PM running until 10:00PM

🕹 Event Features:

This is an informal gathering for…

• – Show and Tell: Bring your own hardware to display and discuss with others.
• – Collaborative Working: Spend time on hardware, programming, or gaming projects.
• – Knowledge Exchange: Share ideas, insights, and skills with other enthusiasts.
• – Advice on Repair and Upgrade: Reviving poorly Acorn machines.
• – Socialize and Enjoy : There’s a kitchen for coffee, tea and biscuits. We’re in the town centre for bars, pubs and restaurants for potential afterwards gatherings.

🔎 Jan 2025 Focus

Acorn’s Sandbox Gaming Legacy

Celebrate the open-world and exploratory games of Acorn computers, including classics like Elite, Exile, Citadel, Repton, and The Lords of Midnight (inspired by Acorn-era gaming – I will have a simple version of this running for the BBC Micro). These games were influential for their freedom of choice and creativity, laying the groundwork for modern sandbox gaming.

Bringing in non-Acorn machines? See if you can find an early sandbox-style game for your own machine.

Ways to Contribute:

• Game Demos: Showcase these classics on your BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, or Archimedes.
• Custom Content: Share custom levels, mods, or unique strategies for games like Repton or Exile.
• Personal Stories: Talk about your experiences with these games and their impact.
• Competitions: Organize friendly challenges on Elite or Repton for prizes.
• Hardware & Swaps: Bring spare hardware, peripherals, or game disks to trade or sell.

 All Are Welcome:
While the event tends to be Acorn-centric, we could welcome enthusiasts of other retro machines as well. We’ve had Sinclair, Atari, Commodore, Altair etc.

 Date & Time:
Monday 13th January 2025 7:00PM running until 10:00PM

 Location: Falkirk Business Hub

45 Vicar St, Falkirk FK1 1LL

Access : use the side door on Vicar Street. This also has disabled access.

https://falkirkbusinesshub.co.uk/ – a contemporary venue centrally located, just a 2-minute walk from Grahamston Train Station and with seamless access to the M9 motorway between Stirling and Edinburgh. Numerous bars and restaurants are nearby for post-event socializing.
There is a car park next to the building which is free in the evenings.
Building includes disabled access and lifts.

🚗🅿 There are two recommended car parks:-

i) Weir street car park which is next to the venue. Free parking in the evenings
ii) Melville street – one street away – also free in the evenings.