GRAND HISTORICAL BAZAARHi all For a long time now I've been thinking about organising a pre-season multi-period bring and buy sale especially for re-enactors and living historians, since I'm sure you'll agree most of us have loads of stuff could sell or swap....and with the credit crunch biting, what better time could there be to turn "stuff" into cash? I've floated the idea amongst friends and everybody has thought it a good idea. In a nutshell, an event of this kind would enable re-enactors and historical enthusiasts to sell, swap, browse and buy all sorts of interesting second hand things of a historical nature including uniforms, weaponry, equipment, antiques, model soldiers & figures, militaria, pictures & prints, postcards, books, DVDs, videos, games and the like - indeed, pretty much anything historical or historically themed (certain exceptions apply, please see our web site for details). Historical traders would also be welcome if they wished to participate. Finding the right location with facilities was the challenge, as a field in the middle of nowhere wouldn't be at all ideal, whilst a re-enactor market-style hall would probably prove too expensive and wouldn't offer camping facilities. So, I'm happy to inform you that EventPlan has arranged two such events, both in first class, picturesque locations. We've carefully chosen our dates so they are after the spring re-enactor markets, but before the main event season kicks in. 18-19 April: Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire, between Royston and Cambridge, & near the A1 and M11. Ideal for those in London, the Home Counties, East Anglia and South Midlands. A superb National Trust property with restaurant, shops, etc. Full details at www.eventplan.co.uk/WimpoleB&B09.htm 25-26 April: Rufford Abbey Country Park (a Nottinghamshire County Council property), near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. On the A604, and near the A1. Ideal for those in the Midlands and the North. An excellent venue with 2 restaurants, shops, etc. Details at www.eventplan.co.uk/RuffordBB09.htm Both venues will be promoting their particular event, which we are entitling Grand Historical Bazaar. In addition we have linked up with Skirmish magazine, who will be kindly helping to spread the word. The general public will also be invited to attend and buy from the stall holders, and we anticipate around 4,000 people at each based on the average event turnout at these properties, parking capacity etc. Stall holders are encouraged to bring a period tent along as part of their stall, to sell from, or as a backdrop, and/or to sleep in. With all stall holders and hopefully many visiting re-enactors in period kit, it should prove lots of fun and a great social as well as shopping & browsing occasion. These new events have been organised for re-enactors by re-enactors, so we would like each to be a big success for everybody present...so please may I ask you circulate this email to your members and friends so they can consider taking advantage of our low pitch fees to enjoy a successful sale of surplus kit/other stuff...and a great weekend? Please see the above web pages for full details and booking forms. Or have a chat with us at the Ryton re-enactors market in March(booking forms available there). Many thanks! We hope to see you at one of our bring and buy bazaars! All the best, Howard Giles
The above article first appeared in the ACWS Newsletter, Winter 2009 |