One of the island’s longest-running gaming communities is celebrating the milestone with a weekend of activities.
Founded by Phil Page in 1996, Battletec began with a group of youngsters playing their own informal games, but has transformed into the longest-running airsoft retailer site and the second-longest running war game site in the UK.
An open day will be held on Saturday at the Dam site in Le Neuf Chemin Road, St Saviour’s, with former and current players and anyone who wants to give it a go.
There is no entry fee, but donations will be collected for charity.
Mr Page said the anniversary was more about celebrating the community than marking 30 years of Battletec.
‘Over the years, we’ve had so many people come and play,’ he said.
‘It’s literally a lifestyle thing for some people.
‘Other people have escaped from mental health issues.
‘We’ve helped a lot of kids with behavioural issues just by playing and teaching them discipline and saying well done when they’ve done a good job.
‘The community side of it is massive.’
Battletec welcomes players from the age of 11 and has seen generations play over the last 30 years.
Adults who played as children are now playing it with their own children.
The origin of the group came from Mr Page, a paintball player running his shop in Mill Street, when he began receiving requests from young customers wanting BB guns.
After hosting their own battles, they asked him to set up something for them.
‘We did our first ever game.
‘I didn’t have a clue how to set up a game in a field or where you put the dead zones or the flags, so we made it up the first time and it was amazing.
‘Everyone asked when the next one would be and I suggested two weeks, and it’s been every two weeks since.’
Despite a series of set backs over the the last 30 years, the fortnightly schedule has continued.
Battletec Guernsey survived the foot and mouth restrictions in the early 2000s, a burglary which took everything, the damage from a fire and Covid.
‘I came back from the UK to a call saying I needed to get to the bunker.
‘There were police everywhere and the place was empty.
‘I had bookings for the following weekend, a lot had been stolen, but within three days people had donated masks and spare guns and I never missed a booking.’
A generator fire also broke out at the bunker during a game on 9 May 2021.
‘The 40-odd people in the bunker all made it out alive, and again the community really rallied.
‘There was a fundraiser, we had to put in new lights and a new generator.
‘People turned up one evening with brooms and hazmat gear on, giving me a couple of nights sweeping the walls down.’
While the business has been through its share of challenges, the weekend celebrations were more about recognising the dedication of its members over the years.
‘I’ve made so many good friends and so many people have pushed themselves outside of their comfort zones.
‘We’re known as industry greats. We still get people coming to Guernsey to play. Sometimes there will be 20-odd people coming over to take us on in our bunker.'
Even after 30 years, it’s still a huge passion for Mr Page.
‘At heart, I’m a big kid and I like playing with toy guns and having fun,’ he said.
‘It’s an entertainment system and a laugh. I just haven’t grown up yet.’
For more information about the weekend celebrations and how to take part, go to the Battletec Facebook page.