PROJECT DIRECTORS REPORT

I'm sure most of you have dusted off your uniforms, polished your brasses, cleaned you guns and are ready to go into a new season. It's been a strange year this year, with a lot of enquiries that have come to nothing and quite a few small events for limited numbers and nominal fees, most just enough to cover the cost of the insurance. However here is the list of events as we go to press:

Rockingham Castle, Northants 2nd-6th May
A Multi Period event in beautiful surroundings. This is the second year this event has taken place and could be an annual event if it is successful. The sponsor is supplying us with Black Powder and the clear message is DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN POWDER as you will bust their licence. We still have to pay the outgoing costs for this event including the Insurance and transportation of the canons and of course the Insurance. Both Union and Confederate Artillery will be at this one and the Cavalry will be there as well. If you have any queries regarding this event please contact Andy Hopwood. Camping from Friday until Tuesday. You may camp from Thursday, but expect to be asked to help set-up.
Postcode LE16 8TH

Sewerby Hall, Bridlington, North Yorkshire. 23rd-27th May
This has become a great favourite with most of you. The camps will swap around again this year so the Confederates will be nearest to the pub! The scenario is Picketts Charge. A lot of planning has gone into this event an should be better than ever before. We will have 4 horses present this time. The Union will be in charge of the house and any of the ladies and civilians are welcome to join in with the living history. Camping from Friday until Tuesday.
Postcode YO15 1EA

***NEW EVENT*** Hornby Castle, Lancashire 30th May and 1st June
This is held in beautiful surroundings 8 miles east of Lancaster on the A683. This is a small event requiring approx 40 people (20 per side). Organised by the South Cumbria and North Lanes MVT. They would like us to do living history and a small skirmish on each day. On Saturday evening there is to be a Swing Band and Dance in the modern hall. I have it on good authority that this is a really good, enjoyable event, and one of the organisers is an ex ACWS member. Camping Friday to Sunday. Registration fee TBA.
Postcode LA2 8JU

Stanford Hall, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire 27th-30th June
This is our own event for doing our own thing. However, as I told you in my previous report, it has all changed. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN GATE. Follow the signs that will take you to the rear entrance. We are at the back of the house, that is, everyone, Authentic Camps, Family Camp, Powder Store and Car Parking. Those of you Who do the campaign will know the area well; it's where you usually finish the Saturday campaign. We also have the use of the original woods again, due to the other
I must state here and now, if anyone wants to camp in the woods, I first have to get permission, and secondly, NO FIRES. This message did not get through to everyone -last year and the management were not pleased at all that fires were lit in the woods. Regrettably this will probably be our last time at Stanford due to management changes. We now have to pay £750 (an increase of £250) this year and they want £2,000 in future which we are unable to afford. Camping from Friday Lunchtime until Monday. Registration fee £10.
Postcode LE17 6DH

The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex
Another regular and most enjoyable event. Camps will swap around again this year, so the Confederates will be at the bottom and the Union at the top. Camping from Friday until Monday. For anyone who hasn't attended this event before, give it a try, it's a very interesting site and always an enjoyable weekend. Registration fee £6.
Postcode EN9 1JY

Norfolk Park, Sheffield. 23rd-25th August Bank Holiday Weekend
Hosted by Sheffield City Council, this is a Multi Period organised by Howard Giles at Event Plan. Battles etc. are on Sunday and Monday, Always a most enjoyable weekend and very popular with our membership. Camping from Friday afternoon until Tuesday morning. Please note that the Toilets are always removed very early on Tuesday morning. Registration fee £6.
Postcode S2 2RB

***NEW EVENT*** Tatton Old Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
This is a lovely site which a number of our members attended last year as a taster. Camping within the walls of the Old Hall, camp layouts will be different to our normal layout. Battles Saturday and Sunday. Registration fee £6.
Postcode WA16 6QN

All these events are confirmed. We have had a further enquiry from Cusworth Hall, Nr. Doncaster for the weekend of 19th and 20th July, but as yet, we have received no further communication from them. Andy Hopwood had a site meeting there last weekend with Christian Sprakes and the site manager. If it is to be an event I will announce it at the first opportunity at colours, will also be on the web site as soon as I know.

Please remember, authenticity at all times as I stated in my last report, but especially at Rockingham Castle and Sheffield as the Sponsors are sticklers for it even down to ice creams. If you are in uniform and you buy one, put it in a suitable container. Do not be caught walking along with a cornet in your hand or worse still a cornetto! No modern glasses, wristwatches or unsuitable footwear especially trainers. Ladies, please do not be seen with a cigarette, if you must smoke, hide.

Well, that's all for now folks, I look forward to seeing you at Rockingham Castle and a brilliant 2008 Season.

Best regards,

Viv Corbishley
Projects Director