KELMARSH HALLThrough my contacts with English Heritage with the 19th Foot Crimean group, I have been asked if ACWS members would be interested in re-enacting at English Heritage's (EH) Festival of History event at Kelmarsh Hall on the weekend of July 25/26th 2009. This does not clash with an ACWS event and there are no plans now to book any for this weekend. Festival of History is English Heritage's highlight of the year with most periods of history (except ACW) represented. EH are looking to increase the numbers of Boer infantry in the "Blood on The Veldt" display. They are looking for 40-50 Boer infantry re-enactors, and will equip them with Boer war weapons, ammo and bandoliers under the supervision of a professional Armourer. Costumes need to be provided by individuals and can consist of late Victorian drab civilian attire. Insurance would be provided by Alan Larsen's group, The Troop, and ACWS members would be participating as their guests and NOT under ACWS Insurance or rules. There will however be a small donation to ACWS for facilitating this. There will be no extra cost to ACWS members taking part in this event, although you will of course have to pay for your personal travel and subsistence costs. There is a video of last year's Boer show on the web at
The following websites should give you some idea of the dress requirements:
So far, following a posting on the ACWS Web Forum, there has been sufficient interest shown by members to make this worthwhile. Kevin Holden (former Communications Director and Editor) has volunteered to act as the ACWS co-ordinator with English Heritage. He can be contacted through the ACWS P O Box or via email at kevin-h@blueyonder.co.uk. We will also need further volunteers to act as local co-ordinators and officers, as there will be a lot of detail to organise in advance. EH will need to know numbers of participants and tentage in order to obtain the necessary equipment and ammunition and plan the living history camping area. If you are interested in this little venture then please contact Kevin Holden directly and he will register your interest. It is likely that registration in advance will be needed in order for E.H. to organise the equipment and camping area. Mike Bussey, Chairman ACWS Ltd The above article first appeared in the ACWS Newsletter, Winter 2009 |