Kirby Hall

August 11/ 12th 2001

We were hoping to have been able to show you a wonderful set of pictures of this amazing annual re-enactment spectacle, but those of you who were there will know that bad weather almost ruined the weekend. Thin Red Line was represented amongst the "authentic" traders and I still ache after putting up our small marquee at the top of a hill in howling winds ! Unfortunately our planned display spent most of the weekend "under wraps" as you will see from the picture below. For more pictures of the whole event taken by Martin Coulbert visit www.images2view.co.uk - no prizes for guessing the identity of the Royal Welsh Fusilier and his lady!! As well as Living History displays and other historical 'sideshows' there were battles re-enacted by opposing armies through the ages to demonstrate the development of firepower and battle tactics. Displays started with the amazing Romans and ended with a mind-blowing WW2 battle complete with Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber fly past. Our own Victorian period, although extremely rich in potentially colourful campaigns, suffers at the hands of 'Political Correctness' and was only represented by the Diehards in khaki uniforms fighting the Boer War. Political Correctness does not have the same effect on the Napoleonic re-enactor who is free to fight another European - the Frenchman - and the Napoleonic Association put on a wonderfully colourful spectacle complete with cavalry and artillery on both sides. The Diehards are a very professional group and put on a good display, but I felt that the khaki Boer War uniform was not a good choice as the only uniform representing the Victorian period. What a pity no other Victorian re-enactment groups attended in the scarlet tunic!!