Wells Carnival

Tonight, Friday, is the big night in the Carnival season in the West Country at Wells - Britain's smallest city. Last night was our Norton-Radstock one - not as big as Wells but it was pretty good and if I can get my pc working I will upload a few clips so you can see what it's like. Basically the season starts November 5th in Bridgwater and then does a week or so around the key Somerset towns. Originally the floats were on haycarts and were simply people dressed up but since then they have become pretty opulent eye catching affairs. They usually fall into two groups - humourous where some aspect of West Country life is lampooned or serious and these usually take the form of some people standing stock still while dressed as a futuristic warlord or Native American. People spend all year making these things and if you're not in the mood you can't help thinking 'why?' but if you in the right frame of mind it is a glorious folk art treat stacks better than anything Disney or any other corporation can conjure up. If you live in the South West get down to Wells - it's a great night out - wrap up warm and take plenty of coins. Be prepared for pumping music, glaring lights that will bleach your eyebrows and cold feet. Learn more at this Somerset carnival website

Great War in the Garden

Wargaming can be expensive - it has been estimated that a Games Workshop army big enough for a battle costs around three hundred quid and that is before you start buying terrain. And who has a table big enough? Disenchanted with the hobby I once gave my collection of tanks and figures to my then young son to play with - he and the neighbouring kids had a great time, better than I could have had, playing war with them in the dirt and among the rocks - and they brought them back pretty much intact, and then it dawned on me...why try and fight on a table when you have a garden? Wasn't HG Wells' Little Wars - the book that started wargames in 1913 ('A Game for Boys from twelve years of age to one hundred and fifty and for that more intelligent sort of girl who likes boys' games and books') all about doing it in the garden? (Read it online)
Now if that fills you with horror at putting your precious figures outside then maybe you shouldn't use them; maybe you should buy a load of 1/72 or if you have a large garden 1/32 plastics, give them a rudimentary paintjob, base them on washers for stability and use those instead. Wargaming the Great War in the garden means you can excavate trenches, dig out shell craters, and have unlimited space within reason. You can have enough room to use long range artillery fire, spotters, actually destroy trenches and troop build ups with some realism. Having cheap and cheerful armies means not spending your life modelling and instead getting outside on a sunny afternoon instead of hunched over a smokey table. Probably the easiest way is for the host to have a defensive position and the guest attack it - but be prepared for the occasional earwig or ants invasion. Whether you use normal wargames rules or ones that involve projectiles like corks to replicate howitzer fire is of course up to you. I suggest a combination of both. More about Little Wars and some great images
Harfields for plastic figures including the Armies in Plastic 1/32 pictured

The Great War scene in Russia

Some excellent snowy pics of recreated trench warfare from the era 1914-17 are on this site - mostly taken recently. As you can see winter's already arrived with scenes depicted reminiscent of the first Christmas in the trenches. Nice to see Lambs Navy Rum still has the power to keep out the cold even that far north. Apparently there was a rugby match between the Allies and the Austrians as well, between skirmishes.

Call of Duty3

Well it's nearly out - the excellent WW2 series for various consoles. What will it be like? How long will it be before I get sucked into this world? Promises even more vehicles and hand to hand options. Call of Duty 2 Big Red One was excellent and the online option very realistic - too realistic to make it a comfortable experience. If you don't have that one maybe you should get that one first as that will be no doubt cheap. Official site

World War One Action figures

Maybe you think this is in bad taste - but obviously it's the sort of thing that is prevalent for the World War Two period but we're not supposed to have toys of the Great War. Why is that? Is the implication that WW2 was nicer or is it simply more profitable - anyway check these out for an unusual gift idea for a small child relative or a deranged blogger...

These French and Germans ar made by Workshop toys - three and three quarters of an inch tall. I like them - this company's Samurai figures look good too. If you want Great War in the larger size like the German Trench Raider try these in the series Bayonets and Barbed Wire.

Lobositz reenactment pics

The 250th anniversary of this Seven Years War battle was fought this October. Pictures on this site linked Bitva u Lovosic 1756

Kilts

This is the only picture of me in a kilt so apologies for the low quality. Although it is indoors I did actually go out looking like this a few times. I am wearing Susan's Boy Jacket and some Kitsch 22 trousers. It was round about this time 79, that we recorded Shell Shock - see below.
There are some pretty cool kilts nowadays - see Utility Kilts -would I wear one now?

Great War Miniatures

A new range and a new company in 28mm - they look well sculpted - what they have at the moment is British and German for the last two years of the war. Apparently they tower over the old Foundry range but are smaller than Renegade Miniatures' line, but accuracy levels are high in equipment etc.
In 1/72 scale Hat are about to release Canadian infantry which should go down well with what's available already.

Shellshock by Animals and Men

A series of images Red and I put to our old 45 from 1980 'Shell Shock' a song about the Great War - hope you find the time to watch it.

bell tents

There's nothing more symbolic in my mind of Imperial Britain than a row of bell tents. This picture shows troops policing striking railwaymen in Wales. Also used by scouts they are still readily available.

French trench with donkey and poppies

The only photo from the Great War showing poppies.

Don't forget to wear your poppy... Remember soldiers don't start wars - politicians do - soldiers only get killed, injured, mentally scarred and ruined in wars but they don't start them.

Photo is from the excellent Heritage of the Great War site. There are some beautiful colour postcards and photos - also some interesting items on Tolkien and the Western Front.

Middle East in World War One

This is an interesting looking dvd about the area now known as the Middle East - called 'Blood and Oil' it looks worth checking out - there are trailers to watch. My Great-Grandad on my mother's side was in Mesopotamia so I am pretty interested...

Yorktown 2006 reenactment clips

Yorktown 225th Re-enactment DVD Preview

If you like 18th century warfare you might want to watch this clip - even if you don't I recommend you watch it - it's pretty spectacular - I even dragged Susan over to see it - the quality of the camera work coupled with large bodies of French, British and American revolutionary reenactors make this worth the effort of watching. I don't suppose we will get anything like this in scale in Britain but Napoleonic used to be small - this year's Jena was huge.
Anyway if you inspired to reenact the period check out my forum and if you want to build a Revolutionary period wargames army I recommend the Perry Miniatures range

Vivienne Westwood

Of course with the movie Marie-Antoinette out, and kids loving Pirates no doubt everyone is talking about the 18th century punk French revolution cross over so let's remember who started it - Vivienne Westwood - our most influential designer - she who mixed piracy and the Incroyables with walkman's and Bow wow wow. Mind you I think it was a mistake going for the Incroyables (reactionary dandies) side of thing - the sans-culottes were the true fashion radicals in my opinion- but I think the whole thing was anti-punk and that's where that was coming from...it could have taken off a lot bigger than it did but then I don't expect anyone minded - they've made enough since... anyway she is responsible for getting me into a kilt so bicorns off to her - a true original. I suppose there is still time for people to wear pirate gear on the street - pirate punk is a genre in itself now, so who knows










http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivienne_Westwood
'I can't think of any event in history that did more damage than the French revolution. Not only to culture, but also to society. Yes, I am English. It's in my bones. (Very unpatriotic and interested in French culture because although the revolution smashed so much, but nevertheless the French still had ideas up until the First World War)'. Vivienne Westwood

Schwimmwagen in a pond

there's something about amphibious cars I like - I think I want one of these...

18th century reenactment forum

I have set up this forum for reenactors across the world to keep each other informed with news of important events, anniversaries, new websites and photo galleries. Join up if that is your cup of tea and spread the word. By the way the fine artwork here of a tavern is by Sean O'Brogain all rights reserved 2004 Grand Alliance

Into the West

This big budget story of the clash between settlers and Lakota Natives looks unmissable visually - though the reviews have reckoned it to be corny and ridiculous with regards characters and story. Someone quipped on tv last night that 'this is for people who thought Dances With Wolves too short'. Very popular in America though and I shall try and tape it and no doubt moan about it. Battle sequences look good on the trailers.
Wiki on Spielberg's Into the West

Simple traditional designs

If you are the sort of person that gets excited by things like old-style stoves (Susan is) and objects like these washboards then this American store is the place for you. They have all sorts of useful things NOT IN PLASTIC - which is great as plastic is rubbish - it fades, cracks and then you have to get another - this stuff will last a proper decent length of time and look pleasant to the eye. The lawnmower is the only type I would contemplate these days, quiet, amphibian-friendly, and space-saving. Actually some of this stuff will be useful for World War One living history enthusiasts I should think.

Mitchards in Radstock

Bought an interesting map of Radstock c1902 the other day - mentions Uriah Mitchard on the council - not sure where he stands in terms of the family but an interesting genealogy link. Ican trace my family as coal miners with no exception back to 1768 - my dad broke the chain, thankfully. Try your family or if not work it out and tell me...photo of him here but I am not sure which one he is.

The Trench, a movie from 1999

This fellow Daniel Craig is everywhere - this will be his best moment for Great War movie fans - as a sergeant about to go over the top. The scene with the rum ration is priceless. I couldn't remember the plot so I borrowed this review - sorry for being so lazy...

















In 1916, the British Army suffered their bloodiest and most severe defeat ever in the Battle of the Somme; The Trench focuses on the awful prelude to the battle as seen through the eyes of a group of inexperienced soldiers. Billy Macfarlane (Paul Nicholls) is a 17-year-old boy who joined the Army to fight alongside his older brother Eddie (Tam Williams), whom he worships. As the members of their platoon wait for fighting to commence, Eddie climbs up on a hill to see what the German forces are up to. He's immediately hit by sniper fire, suffering a severe injury, and soon another man in the unit is killed. Suddenly the ugly reality of battle has been introduced to the soldiers, few of whom are out of their teens. While their commanders inform them bombing has wiped out most of the enemy troops, the continued attacks convince them this may not be the truth. The Trench marked the directorial debut of novelist William Boyd, whose books have often dealt with the First World War. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide IMdb for the Trench

Falco - Rock Me Amadeus

I bought this record today for 50p - I've long yearned for it and now I can play it any time I want. The only musician I could think of from Austria and then I thought 'Mozart - oh yeah' - I think last night's attack on some vodka may have killed some brain cells

Zvezda Swedish Army figures out!

Check out the pics - at first glance I like them...they look like they could do for French and Indian war or War of Polish Succession - they might not be perfect but the best eighteenth century plastics made to date is my verdict. The walking forward with musket pose is a bit Barry Lyndonesque but pretty interesting I reckon. Look forward to the artillery and cavalry.

Telnyashka

As you can see - I am very proud and happy with my new Telnyashka - (Russian naval and other forces shirt) - I've wanted one for ages and now I have one. Thanks. It's really warm and now I hope that everyone in the People's Republic of Radstock adopt them as a sign of solidarity with the workers and fighters against facism.

Great War British Uniforms

This company comes highly recommended for price and quality. Looks impressive.

Jack Scott - Leroy

'Leroys mind is full of hate - Leroy will never go straight' - I remember Peely delivering those lines in mock gravitas - a great Rockabilly classic

Leroy's birthday portrait

This will probably have people going for the Next Blog button - Susan did this great study to mark his 8th birthday. Notice his arse on the tv remote controls - considered by many the wand of domestic power.

Article on tunnellers of the First World War

Interesting piece that gives a good background to this generally unknown area.

Bath and North East Somerset panoramas

Some interesting 360 degree views of the 18thc city of Bath and surrounding villages including of course Radstock - which doesn't seem to be working more's the pity - perhaps it's been so popular it's crashed...

J. T. Mitchard Mine Rescue certificate

I uploaded this document for any relatives or genealogists, or Great War historians who might want to look at it.

The day my dad was on the news

Having your father on the main item of the main news is not something that happens everyday - so this event I will always remember fondly. My dad was a Labour politician - reading the Tribune and attending all the Party conferences - I have photos of him meeting Wilson, Callaghan et al but Tony Benn was a particular favourite, but anyway this year, about 67 I reckon we were watching the news on the telly and bosh! There he was! As broad as day.
Basically, notorious British Nazi Colin Jordan had broke in to the conference and started shouting a load of racist rubbish about South Africa, disrupting things but noone seemed to be doing anything so my dad, usually mild mannered got up walked to the end of the row got him in an arm lock and frog marched him up the aisle kicked open the emergency exit and chucked him out. Magic. We didn't have a phone at the time but the next door neighbours did and it went red hot! Was that our John? We think so, he is in Blackpool... eventually he rang ... yes it was him...'noone seemed to be doing anything and he was annoying'... I sort of understood and felt proud, but was more interested in what present he was bringing me back - a 7th cavalry kepi and a Britains confederate general figure by the way!

Everest panorama

Look Ma! I'm on top of the world! This 360 degree panorama is just the thing to look out on this the first morning of frost this year.

Brave Little Belgium

It's only 8 years to the centenary of the Great War. Ok that may be a long time but looking ahead to 2014 I thought maybe it would be interesting to look at the armies at the start, and where better to start than Belgium. Belgium's unexpectedly strong and able resistance threw the German invasion timetable off for good. They started the war in uniforms more suited to the Crimean war - see pic from the excellent 'Great War in a Different Light site'.
Eventually the uniform changed but not before Belgian Guides, armoured cars and the famous Civic troops forced to disarm by the German deicision to treat them as terorrists were the admiration of the British and French.
Does anyone reenact these troops? I'll search the web to find out and let you know. Here's some repro stuff that looks good.
Belgian Armoured Cars in Russia
Fort Liezele page
Belgisch Leger 1830-1914
Forts of 1914

5,000 hits

I don't know - am I sad mentioning this? I was the 5,000th visitor to my blog - bang goes my dream of hunting whoever it was down and giving them a cd or a toy Humvee - probably tells you who is the main person reading it too. I was also visitor 666 an' all. What is it like writing a blog? I hear you ask.... well imagine you are at a car boot sale on your own with your stuff, some good, some crap - some old toys, the odd video - but you're blindfolded - noones buying anything - but you hear the odd tut or maybe a chuckle as someone looks at something and maybe the sound of a teapot lid being lifted, the smell of a waft of tobacco smoke - someone familiar - then you think to yourself - Why did I do this car boot sale? Was it for money? To get space? Something to do on a Sunday morning? Am I lonely? Should I just leave all the stuff in a pile and drive home? Or maybe I should whistle a merry tune and talk to myself, and say phrases like 'lovely day' or when someone drops something 'they'm all alive!' I remember saying to Bea 'nobody visits my blog' and she said 'how many other people's blogs do you visit?' and I said 'None' and she said 'well there you go then'. So maybe I ought to. Write less read more maybe that ought to be my new motto. Now I have you feeling sorry for me listen to the Bad Detectives Yard Sale of Sorrow in sympathy.

A joke

As told by Rich this morning;
Man; 'How long can you keep a chicken in the freezer'?
Woman; 'oh about 4-6 weeks...'
Man; 'Thats funny - I put one in there last night and it's dead'.

The Radstock Mutineer?

Another piece of paper from my parents and another tale of my Granddad. It is a wage slip from 1921 for three months with the Army Reserve but from here hangs a tale. He didn't talk about his experiences much - after all everyone that mattered knew, and he had a full life raising ten children and eventually running a successful bookmaking business. But there is an interesting military postscript to his military career (see below) and now I think he his story should be told as it tells a lot about all that is brave, beautiful and bolshi about old Radstock.
Back down the mines things for Granddad and his mates had improved; state control of the industry during wartime had seen advances in conditions and pay - now control and ownership was about to go back to the coal-owners and with this move a return to a lower rate of pay - those who didn't agree would be locked out. The Miners went on strike. Including my Grandfather. But the troops were sent to the coalfields and the reservists called up, including my Grandfather. Now why a Mines Rescue and resuscitation expert would be called up in a Miners strike is a bit worrying and it will be a few years before the official papers will be released but with no choice he mustered at Chatham. Incidentally person or persons unknown planted explosives at Middle Pit in Radstock during the General Strike to blow up the head gear, but it was discovered and a police guard placed there. Who, why or what I don't know, but I mention it in passing.
Anyway one thing life underground taught you was the value of comradeship. This spirit was even more acute in Military mining. The miners of the Kent coalfield were not the enemy - they were people like them - drawn from pits all over Britain mostly there by the nature of them being considered troublemakers back home and forced to relocate, as Kent was an unpopular working environment for mining. And don't forget this was 1921. The Russian Revolution was still raging, miners were striking all over the world. So he formed a committee. Meetings were held. A decision reached. A message was passed on. 'We will obey our orders. If the order to fire on miners is given, we will fire alright - at our officers'.
Sadly the strike was crushed. After three months of starving the Miners unsupported after Black Friday , they had no choice. It was a foretaste of the General Strike of 1926 when this time my Grandfather vowed he'd rather eat grass than work underground again and he never looked back. As a postscript to all this wasn't all bad none of his family finished up working in the mines and his son, my Dad had a succesful career as a socialist politician contributing to the landslide defeat of the detested Churchill in 48 (during the General Strike of 1926, Churchill was reported to have suggested that machine guns be used on the striking miners) and standing for MP in Grandfather's much loved North Somerset getting massive support in 1970.
Images from Staffordshire coalfield from the strike of 1921

Cosplay at the London Expo

Yesterday daughters C and B (with James) went to the London expo to take part in a Cosplay competition. Cosplay is an import from Japan and it involves making and dressing up as a character from animation. My two went as Princess Mononoke and Alice in Wonderland. They didn't win but had a great time. They're used to dressing up - being reenactors since toddlers I'm really proud that they get a kick out of it. They got lots of photos taken and tv interviews - very similar to a historical event! The winner was great, apparently, dressed as Yoshi - funny as we have a cockerel called that. The Expo was brill apparently - they got a lot of toys including some cool Army of Darkness figures and a subscription to Neo magazine.
Wiki on Cosplay

Toga party

Great fun. We managed to get back to the true meaning of 'bunfight' - that is - a battle fought with baps and shields. As you can see my knowledge of the Romans' contribution to the world is pretty sketchy. The gorilla faced ancient briton is a reenactor from St Petersburg Russia - no names - no pack drill! 'Russian in a toga I know I know - it's serious'

THE NOISETTES / DON'T GIVE UP

This is pretty good - kind of PJ Harvey meets Bow wow wow - a London band supporting Muse later this year but don't let that put you off - this is the sort of band Purr club in Bath features when they're just starting out.

Radstock Field Gun Mystery

I had a visit from local historian Chris Howell to drop me off a copy of his acclaimed book on the Great War No Thankful Village. I asked him about a story I heard through the family about the post-war years in Radstock. What I heard was that a German Field Gun was placed in the square in front of Victoria Hall as a memorial but it was deeply unpopular as many widows thought it might have been the machine that took their loved ones. Entreaties were made to have it removed, letters printed in the Radstock Observer, all to no avail; the powers that be were set in their resolve, it was going to stay. So in the dead of night all the veterans including my Grandfather, dismantled it into pieces and hung them ominously on the trees lining the approach drive on the local Lord's estate. The police were brought in and an enquiry started. Noone would speak about it though all the veterans were known to have done it - who else could have? It was a typical miner's wall of silence. Anyway Chris was able to confirm there was a Field Gun memorial in Radstock and it was taken away, but the rest he hadn't heard about. I think the fact that it was there is enough evidence for me - I'll see if I can find some letters in the local paper about it. I wish I could get my hands on a 77mm now though! More about Radstock history at the Museum.
Picture is of a 77mm Field Gun from a feature on reenactors from 1st World War.com

Toga party

Is this friday come along if you're free. Theoretically it should be easy to find us - tell them Ralphadeus sent you. Actually I am going to be on spear duties hopefully not too busy spearing people who try to get in without a toga. I was planning on having some gladitorial combat as part of the activities but this might not be so good with all the rain we've been having. A vomitorium should be ready for use. I wanted the family to watch Caligula to get some ideas but noone wanted to watch it - the more I described it the more noone wanted to watch it. Funny that. I thought they liked Malcolm McDowell.

Russian comic

This is an elegantly drawn comic that seems to be an interesting item - check it out - the black and white artwork is inspirational.

Jacko Monkey

Susan really wanted one of these things (made by Chad Valley in the 60s) but never got one - they used to hang on the walls high up in Woolworths and looked to me a little frightening - if someone had told me they were made from naughty children I would have believed them. But I was young - I believed there was a crocodile living in Warminster boating lake and a giant predatory hare lived in my wardrobe too. I was more interested in the Airfix aeroplanes that also were suspended on pegs but to Susan this ape was an object of desire. You'd think she would get one now off ebay - they go for about 30 quid - but she says that the moment has passed and she can't recapture it. I still like toys and the magic they contain and can't pass by a good toy shop - most of my happiest childhood memories are connected with them. Jacko Monkeys however, still scare me. A little. Maybe that's why Susan doesn't get one.

Woodland Indian Reenactment photos

These photos are from the late 90s with me in the much travelled redcoat reenacting the French and Indian war. For more on woodland indian reenacting, links and more photos go to my webpage. Finding suitable locations for staging skirmishes in this country was not easy - but the American Museum near Bath was perfect - the woodland surrounding the museum has the right feel and the content of the insides was complimentary. My Flintlock and Tomahawk blog has some interesting features you might like.

Battle of Chateauguay

This battle between Canadian and Mohawk forces and the United States in the War of 1812 was a defeat for the Americans. Info on the uniforms here The picture of me as a Mohawk warrior (in paint) was taken at the Bison Farm near Warminster a place with woodland trails and many interesting beasts including bison, elk and racoons. Worth a visit. Try the Bison meat, it's lovely.

Ants fanzine

Interesting interviews with Lester Square and Andy Warren are the highlights of this Ant related fanzine.

Charge of the Light Brigade

Today in 1854 saw the world famous charge of the gallant 600. The poem by Tennyson written in response to the news helped and also the movie featuring Errol Flynn made this one of the most celebrated battles of all time. Who remembers the Charlie Drake hit 'I'm too heavy for the light brigade - had to have another pair of trousers made' - classic comedy record from 1964...

WW1 reenactors at Old Sarum 2006 (4)

There's a sequence of these good quality videos from an event this summer. . .this section shows German reenactors in a trench.

World War One - Tanks

footage of those lumbering behemoths we have come to know as tanks. Note the camouflage pattern.

Far From the Madding Crowd

Far From The Madding Crowd - swordplay

This scene is filmed at Maiden Castle - an Iron Age hillfort in Dorset once stormed by the Romans. Sergeant Troy demonstrates his prowess with the sword - a Salisbury Plain charge scene is inserted too - apparently this scene was extremely dangerous to film - note the flashing in front of Christie's eyes. Anyway this film just screams rural Dorset in the Victorian era though one scene is shot at Devizes Wilts - another scene is shot at Gold Hill - see Hovis ad below. If you get a chance get this rural romance - one of my favourite movies ever. Wiki

Jena 1806 reenactment

Schlachtgetümmel mit Schussalven

The fog of war - 1 minute of blackpowder action that gives a taste of Napoleonic warfare - give it a whirl...

Moby featuring Debbie Harry - New York New York

This is great - everything a hit should have - and that includes Debbie Harry

Beyonce 'Irreplaceable'

My family have been complaining about this - their objections to this are basically 1) they rhyme 'minute' with 'minute' in the chorus (could have another you in a minute matter fact, he'll be here in a minute) 2) she wears curlers in the video and she obviously has straightened afro hair and doesn't use them 3) the bit at the end with the girl band is completely naff and 4) the overall sentiment that if you could have a live-in lover who was instantly replaceable it would be nothing other than being pretty trampy. .. and my witty response? Shut Up! I like her anyway...

A visit to Radstock Museum

This week is free at local museums for residents so I popped along to Waterloo Road with Susan to see how it's getting along. Focussing on the area's Mining and farming history there are mock-ups of shops, a blacksmith, a coal shaft and local domestic interiors at the turn of the century - in effect what the inside of my house used to be like. The scullery pictured has a huge copper type bowl that we still have that was for washing clothes. Fascinating, but very weird - to be in that sort of 'Sunday Museum' frame of mind and seeing objects that we still have while foreign people and day trippers milled about. Here's also a picture of me pondering if it was on such a delivery bike so many years ago when I was about 14 that I lost my work ethic.
Anyway a great place to spend time - a nice cafe and bookshop with stacks of the educational 'Five Arches' magazine - I'm already regretting I didn't pick up the articles on the Crimean War and the Somerset coalfields. A booklet I did buy though was one on the Great War in the area but to my dismay no mention of our Grandfather!

The Long Blondes

Playing the Thekla Bristol tonight...

Hungarian uprising remembered

50 years ago the Hungarians rose up against the Soviet Union. A divided country remembers these events.

Yorktown surrender reenacted

Article plus 2 slideshows of images showing the British surrender. American Revolution reenactors are mostly heavier than their 18th century counterparts would have been. Another article and slideshow

Brumaire

Today is Pomme - first day of Brumaire (meaning mist) in the French Revolutionary Calendar. A fascinating attempt by the radical thinking of the time to overturn all the old days, months and years and put them on a decimal basis the FRC had three ten day weeks per month and instead of the year 179whotsit had year 2 or year 4, all backdating to 1792.
So here's a pic of me in French Revolutionary stuff on. I realise I look pretty stupid in this but it is linked to some of the other posts showing a stage between the white-coated French of Yorktown (and the monarchy of Marie-Antionette) and the Napoleonic troops of Jena. French Revolutionary Calendar

Hastings 2006 footage

An array of still images of the action in quick succession - excellent content and a high quality media experience - well worth the watching

Mining in the 1770s

This painting Landscape with a Mine c1775 by Paul Sandby is probably Wales but it is how Radstock's mines would have looked like at the time of the American Revolution. It's from an excellent page of Mining In Art which is well worth a look if you have an interest in the early years of mining. Pitmen at Play and Pitmen playing Quoits c1836 are interesting to me - but they're all fascinating.

Pirates!

Had an email from this group, the Pirate Brethren from the US recreating Pirates of the late 17th, early 18thc. Have a look at this society as they seem to have managed a historically accurate appearance while still managing to enjoy themselves....

The Tyning Inn Radstock

A postcard of our local pub the Tyning Inn taken by Susan. With panoramic views over Radstock the beer garden was once the home of Quoits matches - a game associated with miners and still played in parts of Britain. How about a revival 'round here?

According to Radstock Museum we won the 'world championship' in 1927 - beating Farrington Gurney in the final (FG is about 4 miles away)!!

Movie made by school children on Quoiting

The Duellists

Scott's first feature showing on ITV4 Sunday evening - a film that shows both the absurdity and beauty of conflict. Harvey Keitel is brill in it -

Hovis - Bike Ride

Ridley Scott directed this commercial before doing the Duellists - it is shot at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury Dorset. I used to do a delivery round with an old bike like this for the Co-op and it was a really heavy bike with poor brakes. I used to get 5p for every box of groceries I delivered - I used to have to get the bike to crash to get it to stop. I should have got danger money as some of the hills in Frome make Gold Hill look flat!

Army of Charles XII

Smålands Karoliner

Swedish reenactors of the Great Northern War do a display of musketry and artillery

Battle of Hastings 2006 Battle Re-enactment

Norman knights - more clips on Youtube

Ferret photos

A couple of ferret photos for you - the one on top is Napoleon and his uncle Kowalski playing but the thing to note is the sellotape around the bottom of Susan's trousers - can you guess why it's there? (Answer; flares and free range ferrets don't mix - maybe that's why you don't see many hippies owning ferrets). The other pic is Napoleon's new toy - he nagged and nagged for a guitar - let's hope he does play it - by the way if you're thinking he's a bit chubby - he's just big boned alright?

New history Blog

This is an interesting new blog devoted to historical matters - my son looked over my shoulder while I was looking at it and said 'it's a lot less cynical than yours' - in my defence I haven't ever declared this to be a history blog - I try to make it personal without being confessional and if that involves history then I put it in. If you want a history blog then get on Conan the Historian's blog - I left school after my O levels so don't expect anything clever from me.

The Duellists (1977)

This Sunday 900pm ITV 4
Directed by Ridley Scott (his first feature film)and based on the story by Joseph Conrad this is one of the best movies to deal with the Napoleonic era. Fresh from doing commercials Scott opted to avoid huge set-piece battle scenes but instead piled on the historical atmosphere and made the movie human scale but very accurate.
The story is a bit of an enigma in itself but the two main protagonists, French hussar officers played by Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine find themselves enemies and fight a series of duels as the Napoleonic wars progress. Lots of interesting characters abound, played by acting luminaries like Edward Fox and Albert Finney. A real sense of history is achieved as the fortunes of the French army decline - but don't let that put you off - this is not a military history film - more a cinematic treat. Pour yourself a glass of red wine and sit back and enjoy a beautiful film, obviously influenced by Barry Lyndon and if you don't enjoy it you can call me Napoleon.
Wiki on the Duellists

Youtube faces violence purge

Adam Ant NOT going on Big Brother

"In response to recent tabloid claims and various websites, adam-ant.net would like to deny all claims that Adam is to appear on a celebrity reality show, here in the UK. Adam's agent and manager said "Adam will definitely not be appearing in any celebrity reality TV show either this year or next. There has been no approach from either of the shows in question and we would not welcome any approach either." best wishes, Marco

Radstock in the late 18th century

With all this talk of Yorktown and battles that took place far away I am sure you are now asking what was going on in Ralph's neck of the woods - in North Somerset at the time of the American and French Revolution? Well quite a lot but I tend to ignore it as I am an amateur military historian and industrial history isn't my bag but to add a global perspective I'll fill you in on what was happening here at the time of Yorktown's surrender and beyond.
Coal was discovered in Radstock in 1763 at the end of the Seven Years War but difficult conditions meant that it was slow growth but a boom was in place by the end of the 18th century when one of the engines of Jonathon Hornblower was installed in 1782. A poor transport infrastructure meant most of the coal only went to local markets - nearby Bath was in its heyday as a British Las Vegas and the world famous Royal Crescent had been recently built. In 1795 during the French Revolution the Somerset Coal Canal was commenced - at the bottom of our garden - by French prisoners of war - . In 1760 Stoney Littleton Longbarrow was discovered when stone was being excavated for road mending. Later in 1816 it was explored by the famous Reverend John Skinner but it was raided by riotous colliers who helped themselves to bones and other objects. I wonder what went missing? Skinner is pretty famous and his diaries Journal of a Somerset Rector 1772-1839 are still widely read. Skinner seemed to consider the local miners as the worst kind of humanity and eventually shot himself, depressed. His observations are priceless, though gloomy ‘I was not a little astonished, as I walked through Bath, to observe the streets so crowded with prostitutes, some of them apparently not above 14 or 15 years of age’ or "I drove to Priston [Rectory] to dine with Mr. Hammond . . . and had an entertainment better suited to Grovesnor Square than a clergyman's home - French dishes and French wines in profusion. I hope such feasts will not be repeated often, or I am sure I shall not be one of the guests."
The Scots Greys bivouaced at Radstock in 1815 on the way to Southampton eventually giving the road Waterloo Road. My house was built about 1840 for the workers of the newly opened Tyning Colliery and within a decade or so the railways replaced the canal which interestingly was in its turn replaced by a cycle path.
Mining ended in the 1960s in Radstock but an excellent museum keeps the period of boom in focus with excellent displays.
There is a story from the 18th century in Radstock where a soldier commenced an illicit affair with a clergyman's daughter - thwarted they enacted a suicide pact but the soldier managed to back out and survive. At least men haven't changed.
Wiki on Bath in the 18th century

French and Indian war in the UK footage

Here's a little movie of the reenactment society New France and Old England I started back in 96 - still going strong - here it is back in the spring of this year. It used to be a lot bigger when I was running it but it was a bit of a craze back then. I was going to go along but my lift fell through so I decided to knock reenactment on the head unless I could cycle or use public transport to get there. My feelings are now that I would like to start something or other but something local and that would appeal to young people of my kids age group. Gun-based reenactment is doomed in this country in my opinion. Maybe something from Dark Ages or Roman is best where all you need is a spear and a shield. Anyone have any thoughts... other than 'you're mad'?

Yorktown

Today 4 days of reenactments commence in Virginia celebrating the anniversary of the British defeat which led to the loss of America as a colony. French assistance was vital in this victory and the French defence minister is guest at the proceedings. Maybe we in the UK should have our own private celebrations about how glad we are to have got rid of them. Whatever we feel over here, it should be a pretty exciting event with tall ships and shuttle buses for the participants - best of all - admittance is free. The image is from the bicentennial in 81 and is the French regiment Saintonge.
Siege of Yorktown wiki Event website

The Game Feat Junior Reid - It's Ok ( One Blood )

the grumpy old Game - G Unit's fly in the ointment

Gun crime in the UK

Lots of stuff on the news about crime with replica or toy guns. I suppose it won't be long before the things will become illegal.

World War One in 1/32 scale

As Armies in Plastic have just issued some Great War Russians and Emhar are about to do a Schneider I thought it might be interesting to see what's out there in this scale, (which is the large toy soldier scale by the way).
Armies in Plastic do a comprehensive range of WW1 figures both early and late - the poses traditional - ideal though a little expensive - available in the UK from Steve Weston and others.
Scale Link do an excellent range of parts and accessories for most nations. Heads, torsos enable you to build your own figure.
Emhar do a range of '1/35' scale tanks and figures - including a Whippet fast tank, available from ebay and Hannants. A French Schneider tank is due for release which is pretty exciting. Also useful 77mm Field gun and 18 pdr. Figures are OK.
Irregular Miniatures do some interesting metal 54mm figures and pieces (see image) which look great in the traditional toy soldier style and relatively inexpensive. Traditional toy soldiers abound in this scale - newest and cheapest are made by Corgi.
ICM also do later period British and German infantry in kit form. Also their Franco Prussian war figures might be good for early Germans and include a mounted officer. Polish company RPM do some kits like the Renault FT-17 and Ford Model T trucks.
So who knows? Maybe I might get to live out my fantasy and have a Great War trench system in my garden - if only someone did a remote-controlled tank in this scale...
In conclusion I think it would be difficult to do the early war period in this scale due to the lack of cavalry available but tanks and artillery make it possible to do 1917-18 easily. Barbed wire, emplacements and ruins are readily available for WW2.

Adam Ant to go in Big Brother House?

Desperate but not serious? More here I don't think this is a good idea at all considering his bipolar illness and his desire to be front page news again.

Marie-Antoinette

Come on - this actually looks a fun movie and anything that celebrates the 18thc AND Bow Wow Wow has to be good - I might go to the cinema for this... from the vague things I've read it sounds more like a pop video than a movie but that sounds alright to me...based on Antonia Fraser's biography apparently and starring Kirsten Dunst, the settings and general look seems pretty ok in a pop video sort of way...maybe it will appeal to the Pirates of the Carribean audience and start a fashion for the period - maybe I ought to launch a French 18th century reenactment society...actually that's probably not such a good idea.
Real life Marie Antoinette Wiki. Movie Wiki

Marie-Antoinette Soundtrack

Sometimes an interest in the Age of Reason and post punk collides - only very occasionally and usually I don't like it but this new biopic of Marie-Antoinette features an interesting soundtrack featuring Bow Wow Wow, Adam and the Ants, and the Gang of Four. So I CAN go on about the French revolution and Punk Rock in the same blog.

The Rapture: Get Myself Into It (Final Version)

The Rapture