We lost one of the circle this week. A lovely bubbly lady who was well thought of throughout the re-enactment community and who always brought a smile to people's faces, even when she was going through trials of her own.
RIP Jenny - gods be with you
20/11/2009
31/10/2009
Spend!
With the end of the re-enactment season comes the beginning of the market season, which is a chance to catch up with friends and spend too much money you can't afford on new kit :-D
19/10/2009
Robin Hood Pageant
This coming weekend is our last big show of the season - the Robin Hood Pageant at Nottingham Castle. We will be there with other groups such as Anmod Dracan and Regia Anglorum, celebrating England's greatest medieval hero! Look out for the one and only Robin Hood as he defends the people from the nasty sheriff (and I know him - he's very nasty!!!)
King Richard is away on Crusade and his evil brother John is ruling the country - this lets blackguards such as the Sheriff take as many taxes as they want from the poor people. Help Robin save the Day!
King Richard is away on Crusade and his evil brother John is ruling the country - this lets blackguards such as the Sheriff take as many taxes as they want from the poor people. Help Robin save the Day!
05/10/2009
Citius Altus Canes
We've started regular training - twice weekly in a hall in Long Eaton. Nice and warm for the winter and a good opportunity for us to get together out of season.
There are two events left before the winter shutdown - both at Nottingham Castle. Look at the events list for details :-)
There are two events left before the winter shutdown - both at Nottingham Castle. Look at the events list for details :-)
02/09/2009
Memorial quest to salute our valiant VC recipients
A £20,000 project has been launched to honour Notts men who won the highest award for valour in war...
FRANCIS Wheatley was the first Nottinghamshire man to win the Victoria Cross. It was 1854 when the ex-framework knitter from Ruddington was serving with the Rifle Brigade in the Crimea. He was with his unit in the trenches when a live enemy shell fell among them.
Without hesitation, he seized hold of the shell and tried, in vain, to knock out the fuse with the butt of his rifle.
With time running out, he managed to heave the heavy shell over the parapet of the trench. It had scarcely fallen outside when it exploded.
Had it not been for his coolness, presence of mind, and his supreme courage, the shell would have exploded among the party and caused serious casualties.
Nearly 90 years later, Robert St Vincent Sherbrooke, a 41-year-old captain in the Royal Navy, became the last man from Notts to win the VC.
Capt Sherbrooke was commanding HMS Onslow, a destroyer on escort duty with a convoy heading for Russia.
On December 31, 1942, off North Cape, Norway, in the Barents Sea, he made contact with a vastly superior enemy force — the cruiser Hipper and the pocket battleship Lutzow. Four times the enemy tried to attack the convoy but was forced back each time.
Early in the action, Captain Sherbrooke was seriously wounded in the face and temporarily blinded. Nevertheless, he continued to direct the ships under his command and even when the next senior officer had assumed control, he insisted on receiving all reports of the action until the convoy was out of danger.
His actions – and the Nazi ships' failure to neutralize the convoy were pivotal for Hitler's order to scrap the Kriegsmarine in the beginning of 1943.
In the 152-year history of the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for valour, a total of 1,356 medals have been awarded – 20 of them to men of Nottinghamshire.
Individually, they are remembered on headstones, war memorials and church plaques.
But now plans are being drawn to provide a collective monument honouring these heroes.
A group of enthusiasts have formed the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Committee, and are now beginning the task of raising £20,000 to make the monument a reality.
The committee have some experience to bring to their quest.
In 2007, they were responsible for providing a new headstone on the Wilford Hill grave of First World War VC winner John Caffrey.
Later that same year, in the General Cemetery, a headstone for Robert Humpstone, another VC winner from the Crimean War, was dedicated thanks to their efforts.
And in 2008, they returned to Wilford Hill to unveil a memorial stone for First World War hero Charles Ernest Garforth.
Committee chairman Anthony Higton said: "We believe these 20 very brave men have not received the recognition they deserve.
"We feel there should be a memorial to these men so that future generations can read and learn about their bravery."
It is expected that the project will take at least two years to complete.
As well as the fund-raising aspect, the committee will have to obtain various permissions for the design and siting of the memorial from local authorities and English Heritage.
Mr Higton said the committee hoped a location at Nottingham Castle could be found, but emphasised that nothing had yet been decided.
The monument will be made by city stonemasons Ernest Smith, and a design inspired by the Ulster Tower, which stands on the Somme, to honour the 36th (Ulster Division) is being considered.The committee is hoping for donations from regiments represented by the Notts heroes, local people and businesses.
Anyone who would like to support the project is asked to send a donation to Ben Percival c/o Ernest Smith, Sheriff House, Bath Street, Nottingham NG1 1DF, cheques to be made payable to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/bygones/Memorial-quest-salute-valiant-VC-recipients/article-946733-detail/article.html
FRANCIS Wheatley was the first Nottinghamshire man to win the Victoria Cross. It was 1854 when the ex-framework knitter from Ruddington was serving with the Rifle Brigade in the Crimea. He was with his unit in the trenches when a live enemy shell fell among them.
Without hesitation, he seized hold of the shell and tried, in vain, to knock out the fuse with the butt of his rifle.
With time running out, he managed to heave the heavy shell over the parapet of the trench. It had scarcely fallen outside when it exploded.
Had it not been for his coolness, presence of mind, and his supreme courage, the shell would have exploded among the party and caused serious casualties.
Nearly 90 years later, Robert St Vincent Sherbrooke, a 41-year-old captain in the Royal Navy, became the last man from Notts to win the VC.
Capt Sherbrooke was commanding HMS Onslow, a destroyer on escort duty with a convoy heading for Russia.
On December 31, 1942, off North Cape, Norway, in the Barents Sea, he made contact with a vastly superior enemy force — the cruiser Hipper and the pocket battleship Lutzow. Four times the enemy tried to attack the convoy but was forced back each time.
Early in the action, Captain Sherbrooke was seriously wounded in the face and temporarily blinded. Nevertheless, he continued to direct the ships under his command and even when the next senior officer had assumed control, he insisted on receiving all reports of the action until the convoy was out of danger.
His actions – and the Nazi ships' failure to neutralize the convoy were pivotal for Hitler's order to scrap the Kriegsmarine in the beginning of 1943.
In the 152-year history of the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for valour, a total of 1,356 medals have been awarded – 20 of them to men of Nottinghamshire.
Individually, they are remembered on headstones, war memorials and church plaques.
But now plans are being drawn to provide a collective monument honouring these heroes.
A group of enthusiasts have formed the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Committee, and are now beginning the task of raising £20,000 to make the monument a reality.
The committee have some experience to bring to their quest.
In 2007, they were responsible for providing a new headstone on the Wilford Hill grave of First World War VC winner John Caffrey.
Later that same year, in the General Cemetery, a headstone for Robert Humpstone, another VC winner from the Crimean War, was dedicated thanks to their efforts.
And in 2008, they returned to Wilford Hill to unveil a memorial stone for First World War hero Charles Ernest Garforth.
Committee chairman Anthony Higton said: "We believe these 20 very brave men have not received the recognition they deserve.
"We feel there should be a memorial to these men so that future generations can read and learn about their bravery."
It is expected that the project will take at least two years to complete.
As well as the fund-raising aspect, the committee will have to obtain various permissions for the design and siting of the memorial from local authorities and English Heritage.
Mr Higton said the committee hoped a location at Nottingham Castle could be found, but emphasised that nothing had yet been decided.
The monument will be made by city stonemasons Ernest Smith, and a design inspired by the Ulster Tower, which stands on the Somme, to honour the 36th (Ulster Division) is being considered.The committee is hoping for donations from regiments represented by the Notts heroes, local people and businesses.
Anyone who would like to support the project is asked to send a donation to Ben Percival c/o Ernest Smith, Sheriff House, Bath Street, Nottingham NG1 1DF, cheques to be made payable to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/bygones/Memorial-quest-salute-valiant-VC-recipients/article-946733-detail/article.html
01/07/2009
Tatton Park
This as an excellent event, well-marshalled as always by Chris Bruce and the Plantagenet Crew.
For the first time, we took to the field as "God's Company of Kutna Hora" our name when we fight as a Hussite Block with the existing Hussite group God's Company of Tabor.
The fighting was hard but fair, with the odd tasty hit lol
Despite the infrequent showers, I think the people of Cheshire and Manchester did a great job in supporting this ongoing event once more
They do have a lot of money though - on the way back between the Park and the dual carriageway, e passed a Rolls Royce, a Bentley and a Bugatti Veyron O.O
For the first time, we took to the field as "God's Company of Kutna Hora" our name when we fight as a Hussite Block with the existing Hussite group God's Company of Tabor.
The fighting was hard but fair, with the odd tasty hit lol
Despite the infrequent showers, I think the people of Cheshire and Manchester did a great job in supporting this ongoing event once more
They do have a lot of money though - on the way back between the Park and the dual carriageway, e passed a Rolls Royce, a Bentley and a Bugatti Veyron O.O
17/04/2009
First Event
The group had our first event of the season ot Nottingham Castle over two days of the Easter Weekend. It as well attended by the public - always welcome.
It was also a good opportunity to do some training and get the fighters back in the groove. Bring 'em on!
It was also a good opportunity to do some training and get the fighters back in the groove. Bring 'em on!
15/03/2009
TORM
I couldn't make The Original Re-enactors' Market this time due to other commitments but I am getting good feeback from those who did go. The usual excellent range of traders were there and of course it's always a prime opportunity to meet up with friends. I must make sure I get to the one at the end of the season. I have too much kit already but you can never have too much kit :-D
14/03/2009
The site
I have launched it properly at last!
It will be as live as possible so keep looking in for news and information updates. I intend to regularly update all sections of the site.
Dogs of War members only - PLEASE JOIN THE SITE accessible through the Members link
It will be as live as possible so keep looking in for news and information updates. I intend to regularly update all sections of the site.
Dogs of War members only - PLEASE JOIN THE SITE accessible through the Members link
10/03/2009
Dronfield 10k
On Sunday 15th March a team from Neway House will be taking part in the Dronfield 10 Kilometre Road Race in aid of Sparks.
I will be doing it in kit ("dressed as Robin Hood")
http://www.justgiving.com/dronfield3
I will be doing it in kit ("dressed as Robin Hood")
http://www.justgiving.com/dronfield3
05/03/2009
History Fayre
The History Fayre scheduled at Rockingham Castle on the early May Bank Holiday has been cancelled.
This is a disappointment to the group for a number of reasons. We have enjoyed taking part over the last two events in a well-run event in a spectacular location. Re-enactment is also a close family and we know the organisers - we feel for them at times like this. They have put so much time, effort and investment - it is a shame for things to end like this.
However, we are a resourceful bunch and the experience that Duke Henry and his team brought to the re-enactment circuit will be carried into other events.
Thank you to all concerned and our full support in the future.
This is a disappointment to the group for a number of reasons. We have enjoyed taking part over the last two events in a well-run event in a spectacular location. Re-enactment is also a close family and we know the organisers - we feel for them at times like this. They have put so much time, effort and investment - it is a shame for things to end like this.
However, we are a resourceful bunch and the experience that Duke Henry and his team brought to the re-enactment circuit will be carried into other events.
Thank you to all concerned and our full support in the future.
25/02/2009
Almost there
I'm happy with the content and the look. I do need more photos, both for the Past Events section and the Timeline.
The Members section is more problematic as it will be an ASP-based site and quite different in set-up from the main site, which is written in standard HTML.
Once I have integrated the pictures and images, I may make it available to crtain people for testing without the Members site.
The Members section is more problematic as it will be an ASP-based site and quite different in set-up from the main site, which is written in standard HTML.
Once I have integrated the pictures and images, I may make it available to crtain people for testing without the Members site.
22/02/2009
Update
I am making good progress and have been able to recycle more of the old site than I thought I would be able to. I've got to complete the members area and tidy up the rest and then we should be ready for testing!
19/02/2009
Hiatus
I am off for a couple of days so the development must hold for a bit. That's a shame - I've made some great progress over the past few days. I can't wait until this site goes live!
18/02/2009
Ground Zero
I'm currently working on the group's new website - of which this Blog is a feature. It's intended to keep our site as alive as possible and keep people up to date with what is going on in our re-enacting world. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)