Mind Over Minis — A Morning Well Spent

This past Sunday, we held our second Mind Over Minis morning here at Bay Games in Whitley Bay — and honestly, it was everything we hoped it would be.

From 10am to 12pm, we had a lovely group come down, some with brushes in hand, some just there for a brew and a natter. And that, right there, is exactly what Mind Over Minis is about.

A Space to Paint, Talk, and Just Be

There's something really special about sitting down with a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, and the freedom to either focus on your models or simply talk. No pressure, no agenda: just people. We had some brilliant conversations on Sunday, and it was genuinely moving to hear people opening up, sharing how they're doing, and recognising how important it is to simply have a space where that's okay.

Bay Games is an incredible venue for exactly this kind of thing. It's warm, welcoming, and feels like somewhere you can genuinely relax. And Kieren, who owns the shop, popped in to share a cuppa with everyone, which meant a lot. That kind of community spirit is what makes this work.

Why There Are No Photos From the Event

You might notice there are no photos from the morning itself: and that's a deliberate choice. Mind Over Minis is an intimate space. People come to feel comfortable, not documented. Shoving a camera in someone's face while they're having an honest conversation or a quiet moment with their paints isn't in the spirit of what we're doing. The value of these mornings doesn't need to be captured on social media to be real.

Instead, the images in this post are from our wider library , a nod to the hobby and the community we love, rather than a record of a specific moment. They represent the world that Mind Over Minis sits within, and you're welcome to swap them out for anything more fitting.

What Comes Next

Following Sunday's session, Kieren and I have agreed that we'll be running Mind Over Minis every other month here at Bay Games. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

If you came on Sunday: thank you. Whether you painted, talked, or just sat quietly with a coffee — you were exactly what that morning needed. We hope to see you at the next one.

Keep an eye on the events page for the next Mind Over Minis date. Until then — paint something, talk to someone, and look after yourself.