Napoleonic Newsdesk

Weston Park Weekend


If you havn't been to Weston before it is well worth a visit to see the Park, House, and take in the reenactment at the same time. there is something there for all the family - a deer park, childrens adventure playground, stately home, and of course this weekend the full array of the Napoleonic Association. Weston Park is situated on the A5 just north of Birmingham, and about 8 miles from the junction of the A5 and the M6 motorway.

The event will feature both British and French period camps, and a full afternoon of displays on both days anding in a grand battle.

A week later the weekend of 15/16th June sees 2 events for you to choose between. At KIRBY HALL, in Northamptonshire, English Heritage are staging a multiperiod event including a reenactors fair. The 12th Light Dragoons, and Royal Artillery Band will be in attendance with no doubt a few others, and Richard Moore will have his display on view for you Sharpe enthusiasts.

For those in the North or whose interest inclines to the naval side of the period the Historical Maritime Society (HMS) are visiting and putting on displays at HARTLEPOOL HISTORIC QUAY. This dockyard has been refurbished and is now a Napoleonic period living history museum. If you havn't been to see it yet, this will be an excellent opportunity.

The first southern event, and our second major event, is at DITCHLING COMMON in Sussex -29th/30th June. This event will feature the full range of displays on both afternoons, period camps, and a battle to conclude each days entertainment. This event will be spectacular as it will feature the largest turnout of "Napoleonic cavalry" yet seen in this country. Ditchling Common is on the B2112 between Haywards Heath and Brighton. The Saturday evening will feature a "period dance, with buffet / carvery" which promises to be a splendid occasion. Admission to the evening entertainment is by ticket at the specially negotiated price to uniformed members of £3 per head. To be sure of admission apply for tickets in advance to myself. Members of La Grande Armee and other European guests expected on this occasion will be our guests of honour.

We then return north to HAWARDEN CASTLE in North Wales for another full weekend event. 13th / 14th July. Hawarden is a beautiful village set on a natural promontory overlooking the Cheshire plain, guarding the gateway to Wales. The old village is steeped in historic buildings, whilst the castle itself dates back to the bronze age. Various fortifications have been built on the site, the scene of fierce fighting between the English and Welsh over the centuries until it was eventually ruined for its part in the Civil War. The new "castle" was built in the last century and was and still is the home of the Gladstone family. Of Napoleonic interest and close by the Fox and Grapes Inn is the cottage where the young Amy Lyon lived with her grandmother.

Hawarden is situated only 8 miles from Chester, equidistant between the A55 Chester bypass, and the A494 Queensferry by pass. The event itself will feature a full weekend of period encampments, displays, marches, and battles.

The final event of the somewhat hectic 2 months between issues of First Empire is our trip to BOULOGNE over the weekend of the 20th/21st July. I have often highlighted the merits of this annual event just across the Channel. Suffice for now to say that the Old Town and surroundings of Boulogne is a must for any serious Napoleonic enthusiast. The event itself will feature a recreation of the Camp de Boulogne, with the usual excellent hospitality of our French hosts on offer to any "Redcoats" prepared to be shot before they go home.

COMPETITION TIME

Whilst waxing lyrical above I referred to an Amy Lyon. Who was she? Free admission to the "Dance" at Ditchling Common for the first two correct answers received by myself in writing.

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