A new non-profit organisation dedicated to improving social, spiritual, emotional and mental health through the power of in-person gaming has come to Porthleven.
David Rayner and Rev. Matthew Fugill co-founded Roll the Dice Cornwall CIC in January 2024. Its journey began as an after-school Warhammer club at Breage CofE School in 2023, a project initiated by students eager to connect and escape post-COVID life.
When David moved on to a new role, the club faced closure. He and Matt decided to establish an independent, free children’s gaming club open to all. This commitment to accessibility ensures that no child would be excluded due to financial constraints.
The first Roll the Dice children’s club launched in January 2024, welcoming six eager participants. The club quickly grew through community donations and fundraising efforts, providing free models, paints, glue, gaming mats, terrain, drinks, and snacks.
A ‘tuck shop’ offering affordable second-hand models further reduced financial barriers and fostered discussions about financial planning among the children.
Beyond the initial children's club, Roll the Dice has expanded to include a wide range of programs for various demographics.
David explained that the therapeutic aspect of Roll the Dice is incredibly important to them both, and something they are working hard to expand.
“As far as we know, we are the only provider of this offer in Cornwall,” David told the Packet.
“Our training allows us to work with schools, community organisations and other groups to improve social skills, deal with trauma, and help find coping strategies for those with neurodivergence.
“Finally, we never expected to go into ‘events’ as an organisation, but it is something that has happened organically.”
David added: “After the success of our family gaming sessions over the summer, and our Beer and Boardgames event held in the Porthleven Shipyard Market, we are looking forward to a growing calendar of community events.”
Currently, Roll the Dice has around 50 children on roll and nearly 30 adults. These are spread through a range of sessions including:
- Home Ed sessions – 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Kids Club – 4pm to 6pm on Tuesdays and Fridays
- D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) sessions – Tuesday evenings from 6pm
- Table bookings for people who want to rent tables to play large games on
- Fortnightly adult gaming sessions on Fridays
- TCG nights on Fridays – a chance for players of Lorcana, Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon and other games to get together
- Free game demos on Saturdays, and a rotation of events on Saturday evenings.
In November Roll the Dice is hosting its first-ever Warhammer 40,000 tournament, which is aimed at new players and new-to-tournament players.
It is also hosting its second Beer and Boardgame evening with the Porthleven Beer Seller.
David said: “The event we are most proud of organising is our ‘South West Cornwall Gaming Expo’.
“We intended to bring together local businesses who worked in the analogue gaming space and celebrate the creativity that we have in our part of the country.
“We have had a great response to this and currently have 14 different vendors signed on to participate at the Epworth Hall on November 30.”
Vendors confirmed include:
- Dice makers
- D&D groups
- 3D modellers and printers
- Authors
- Gaming groups putting on demo games
- Terrain makers
- Scenic and basing makers
- Drink sellers
- Board game designers
- Board game playtesting
- A quiet space where our board game library will be free to play
- Some D&D one-shots to be played for free
More information about Roll the Dice can be found on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here