Buy an army and fight a battle this Christmas! Ancient Egyptians used to fight mock battles on a table with wooden soldiers and even in the Second World War generals would manoeuvre miniature figures on a table and plan major tactics. These tables would have sand, hills and valleys model houses etc. and, of course, model soldiers.

Does anyone remember Airfix soldiers? These were plastic soldiers and well within anyone’s budget. However, more serious collectors buy metal models. Humbrol paints are used to paint the lead soldiers. Many a would-be general painted his models so they appeared much more realistic. In Britain there are quite a number of clubs where mock battles are fought on tabletops with people of all ages.

Collecting and making model soldiers is enjoyed by children from nine to ninety. There is a small shop beside the Kilkenny Design Centre in Nassau Street which has some wonderful models. If you are good with your hands, kits can be obtained from a company in Cork via www.priceaugust.ie/soldiers so that you can make your own.