CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The season is now well and truly underway and we have now had our first self sponsored event, and as expected we had a great number of things to learn. We expected to have teething problems. We did, but most were put right the next day.

The trouble with Hoghton Towers is its layout, if you have heavy rain you have problems with vehicular access (getting bogged down etc.), And this proved to be the case. However thankfully the weather improved which helped a great deal

This won't be a problem with our other two self sponsored events as the land area is far bigger and more even, and of course the other attractions will be much further away from the period camps.

I thought the battles at Hoghton Towers were very spectacular, with the Cavalry giving it that extra dash, with both armies doing their bit really well. Once again well done to the pyro team, I could hear gasps from the crowd as some of the ground charges went off!!

Another success story is the Hospital set up the 69th New York put on after the battle, this is now attracting a great number of people, and they are looking to expand it even more.

I will end now by giving a Special Thank you to all the backroom staff who worked their guts out during the weekend.

It was a learning curve for all of us and many of the things learnt will be put in place at Weston Park and Cornbury Park.

Take Care

Nick Richards, Chairman ACWS Ltd