Colchester 2005

Event Report

Da da, da da, da da, da da, daaa daaa; da da, da da, da da, da da, daaa daaa.....

Oh yes, the good old 1812 once again, but this time we were prepared for the final parade and somehow it was not quite as bad as last year. The highspot being the ability to watch the Australian Light Horseman, Andy Smerden (riding Mack), effortlessly get his horse to travel SIDEWAYS into position in front of us in the final parade. The only horse fully in control. A treat in itself and an excellent display of skill.

As to the event, well this year the sun and, perhaps, a little more promotion brought the crowds in droves and we were as busy as ever meeting and greeting the public.

Congratulations to all, by the way, not just on the hard work but also on the display. We received many (very many) comments on the quality from public, re-enactors and organisers alike.

For a one day event where we had to manage everything for the display in cars, this speaks testimony to the hard work put in by one and all on the attention to detail in equipment.

Just the one arena display.... and guess when the microphone decided to die for 30 minutes! The practice at Cosmeston shouting to the crowds paid off though and we survived, but perhaps we are owed a few favours for keeping the show going regardless?

Paul continued his recruitment attempts but I swear some of them are getting even smaller (see photo right) and the knowledge of some of the public never ceases to amaze. We are used to being called 'Romans', some of the Scythians have also had to cope with being called 'Redskins' but this weekend was a first. Sev, apparently, is from the English Civil War!

One final thing... we need to make the archery drop targets smaller. I watched Tracy - draw, hit, draw, hit...., I watched Adam, draw, hit, draw, hit, ... I watched... well you get the picture. Can we make the Hawk target the size of a sparrow and at least give them some contest???

The shortage of equipment continues to be a problem. Despite best efforts though and plenty of enthusiasm, Ash has still not quite got the hang of scalling up illustrations from books....

Potential recruits, however, pose no problems at all, and we never cease to be impressed at the speed with which the children pick up the discipline of drill...

... their battle discipline, on the other hand, still needs some work .....

.. but some continue to impress and this little charmer finished the day the last one standing!

Having to display with no barrier led to placing some kit on the ground, and that formed an effecive barrier to the adults, but an invitation to those a little smaller! Constant vigilance resulted in guards everywhere. Next year, I am assured, we can revert to our usual format.

More pictures can be found on the event photographers site at:

www.images2view.co.uk