PROJECTS REPORT- MARCH 2009

Hello Everybody,

I hope you have your kit cleaned, inspected and ready for the new season that is fast approaching. As some of you may have been aware, projects has had an eventful start already with a couple of events being cancelled unexpectedly, but fear not we pulled the rabbit out of the hat and we hope you are not disappointed with the replacements. We are continuing our good relationship with SOSKAN following a very successful meeting with them in February. The outcome is that they are joining us at Rockingham as our guests and they have invited us to three of their events, details at the end of this report. We are also putting a joint recruiting advertisement in the next issue of Skirmish magazine. So here is the amended events list, please note the changes:-

1-4 May 2009:

First event will see us travelling to Rockingham Castle. This is a replacement for the Call to Arms "History Fair" which was cancelled due to the current economic climate and will be held at the same location, but within the Castle grounds and not in the Great Park. Please note that we do not yet have the full itinerary, but this will be a joint event with SOSKAN.

What I can say at the moment is that it is raised fires now and no fire pits are to be dug at all. Sand is to be put under the fire to prevent damage to the sward, and is to be damped. The situation for powder is now the same as our normal events so do what you normally do. The Family camp will be in the Great Park, as well as the Car parking and the horses. Just follow the signs when you get there. You will be able to arrive on Friday 1st May from 12.30pm and you will be able to stay until Tuesday 5th May until midday. There will be a Beer Tent located in the Family Camp area, run by the same people as last year. More details will follow, please keep an eye on the Website. Displays on SUNDAY and MONDAY.

Registration fee £6

Venue details: Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, near Corby, LE16 8TH.

30-31 May 2009:

Please note that this is not the Bank Holiday!

This weekend finds us in the beautiful surroundings of Hornby Castle, as the guests of the Military Vehicle Trust, M.V.T. You will be allowed to arrive from 29th May after midday and departure is after 4.00pm on the Sunday. There will be a skirmish both days and living history. There is a village pub that does excellent meals and real ale, within a short walking distance. Raised fires please, dogs are allowed and usual rules apply.

You will find it about 8 miles east of Lancaster, Lancashire, on the A683. This is a full Society event.

Location: LA2 8JU . It is about 20 miles north of Houghton Tower.

Registration fee £6

5-7 June 2009:

Hadfield Carnival, this is a 1 day event but camping is from Friday 2.00pm through to Monday morning. The event day is Sunday with a Parade to begin the proceedings and a battle during the afternoon. This promises to be a really good event with lots going on and a huge area for us. When you arrive you will find that you will have to drive along a footpath to get onto the field. The organisers assure us that we are not to worry about damaging the grass!

Location: Glossopdale Community College, Hadfield Site, off Newshaw Lane, Hadfield, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 2AT

Registration fee £6

19-21 June 2009:

Stanford Hall, this is our yearly outing but like last year, with a difference where everything happens at the back of the house. Saturday is to be a private day we do our own thing, no woods, just a good battle and then on Sunday there will be a public battle. Please observe the wishes of the owners by NOT using the front drive. Please observe the yellow ACWS signs. Camping from Friday afternoon until Monday.

Location: Stanford Hall, Stanford-in-Avon, Leicestershire LE17 6DH. Just off M1 J19

Registration fee £10

3-5 July

Market Deeping Carnival. camping from Friday 2.00pm until Sunday midday.

The event begins at 10.00am on Saturday 4th. July and they have asked us to be on display with Living History, drill displays etc. There is to be a Carnival procession through the streets beginning at the Leisure Centre. They are supplying us with a Police escort to the start of the parade. We hope to have a number of our drummers in attendance to lead us. Roger and Gaynor are also bringing two horses. The battle will be later on in the afternoon. This promises to be a good, enjoyable event.

Location: Glebe Park and the John Eve Field, opposite Tesco’s on Godsey Lane, opposite John Eves Way. Market Deeping, Lincolnshire. Post Code to follow in next Newsletter.

Registration fee £6

10-12 July 2009

Abraham Lincoln Bi-Centenary Celebration, Hingham, South Norfolk.

Full Society event including Cavalry and Artillery. Living History with firing displays.

This is a delightful unspoilt Georgian Market town (big village really) off the beaten track and the whole town is looking forward to taking part in the celebrations, they are really looking forward to ACWS "occupying the town" This promises to be a very enjoyable weekend and you are all invited to the weekend party at the White Hart Inn (100 yds from the authentic campsite) on Friday and Saturday.

In the 1600s, villagers left Hingham to sail to the New World. Among them was Samuel Lincoln, ancestor of the 16th President. They founded the town of Hingham Massachusetts. A Marble bust of President Lincoln was presented by President Bush to the town and occupies pride of place in the beautiful 14th Century Church (The largest in East Anglia). There will be a march past on Saturday with a representative from the US Embassy taking the salute along with local dignitaries, followed by Medical and Firing displays. There is to be a Drumhead Church Parade with honour guard on Sunday afternoon, which will be attended by the whole community. We need volunteers to read the Gettysburg address or something similar at the service, and period musicians, readings and hymns are welcome (this needs to be planned in advance so please let projects or marketing know if you are willing to help) On Saturday evening there will be a Hog Roast, bar and Live Blue Grass Music in the Hall and period music is especially welcome.

Our authentic camps will be on the town green - opposite the Lincoln Hall and Harrods ! Fire pits allowed.

Full Family camp facilities with flushing toilets and showers !!!!

Can we have a big turnout for this event please, it could lead to something much bigger in the future and it will be part of a transatlantic celebration. This is a brilliant opportunity to show off your impressions from quilting to laundry and telegraph office etc.

Camping from Friday until Sunday.

Location: Lincoln Hall, Hingham, South Norfolk. (By the Church)

Registration fee £3

8-9 August 2009

Cusworth Hall, a repeat event, for those who went last year you will know that it is a fantastic setting, woods, a lake and fantastic open grounds for skirmishing. With 24 hrs surveillance so please use the loos !! Displays on SATURDAY and SUNDAY

The Museum is located 2 miles north of Doncaster, off the A638 Doncaster to Wakefield Road. It is signposted from the A1 and A638.

Location: Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 7TU.

28-31 August 2009

Norfolk Park, Sheffield. August Bank Holiday event for Sheffield City Council in conjunction with EventPlan, a multi-period event as part of the Sheffield Fayre. Full Society event with Cavalry in attendance. Living History on Saturday and Living History, drill displays and Battles on Sunday and Monday.

Location: Norfolk Park, Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield. S2 2RB

Registration fee £6

11-13 September 2009

Tatton Old Hall, this will be our third visit of the year, lets make it the best, Delightful site in the middle of beautiful Cheshire countryside. Members camping available from Friday midday until Monday. Displays SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Tatton Park is sign posted from the M6, look out for the brown signs,

Location: Tatton Old Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN.

26-27 September 2009

Spetchley Park, Worcester. We are hoping that this year the event will be bigger and better.

ACWS Living History displays at this multi-period event by Worcester Re-enactors. More details to follow.

Location: Spetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley, Worcester WR5 1RS

SOSKAN EVENTS WE ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

11-13 April 2009 - EASTER WEEKEND

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley RG7 1SP.

19-20 September 2009

Paris Western Show, ACWS Members have been invited to join SOSKAN at this event in Paris.

Parking will be in Dover at the same rates as last time. We leave by Coach early on Thursday 17th and get back to Dover on Sunday 20th late evening.

The ££75 price per head is actually cheaper than 2007, and there could even be a reduction on this sum if enough members sign up for the trip.

If interested contact Contact Roy Daines or Andy Hopwood for details, booking and to play on. More details as available.

10-11 October 2009

Bath. SOSKAN’s Annual end of season event. A really good event with Displays on Saturday and Sunday.

Location: The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath. BA2 7BD

Well, that’s it then folks, we hope you really enjoy this season. See you at Rockingham. If you have any queries ring Viv on 07828 432930

Best regards,

See you all soon

Viv Corbishley and Andy Hopwood The Projects Team