CAMPFIRE GOSSIP

Greetings to all my ACWS colleagues.

My name is Derek Philips and you may have met me or seen me as a staff officer (2nd Lt) attached to the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

I joined the UK re-enactors two years ago after having been at Gettysburg as a keen historian and tourist.

During my visit there I met Mike Riley aka General John F Reynolds. He later emailed me offering a commission on his staff within the Confederation of Union Officers in Pennsylvania.

My commission was granted (27th May 1863) and documents issued by the War Department. I shall be at Gettysburg on the 1st 2nd and 3rd July on active duty.

I fully appreciate and enjoy my membership of the UK ACWS and hope to meet with my fellow re-enactors at Sheffield in August.

Best wishes

Derek Philips

How Appropriate

While waiting patiently in my car for one's wife to reappear from the local store, I found my attention drawn to the approaching jangle of an ice cream van belting out Yankee Doodle. But it did draw a smile when the vehicle came into view as across the cabin were written the words "Northern Ices!"

Christian Sprakes, Regimental Musician, 19th Indiana

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Dear Viv

I am writing to express my thanks to you and those who took part in the American Civil War event this weekend for a most impressive and enjoyable re-enactment event. Fortunately the weather was good and we have had some very good feedback already.

I welcome your comments from the Society's point of view and any thoughts for 2008.

Facility Manager, Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Bridlington