This year we had another very successful weekend with our stand at the Festival of History at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, run by English Heritage. We were delighted with the response from the volunteers and members, from the Northampton, Essex and Milton Keynes branches, and from the public.
There was again a free campsite utilised by some of our team and there was a great feeling of comradeship - the life-blood of our Association after all. The Festival of History is renowned for the juxtaposition of real people from all periods of history. If you haven't been there then please put it in your diary for next year. The timing is always the same - the weekend before most schools finish for the summer. We will post the date for next year as soon as we have it. Enjoy the photographs - let them whet your appetite!
The Festival of History remains the same feast of activities, trade stands, and parades. This year we provided a badge-maker which proved very popular with children and adults alike. More children's activities are being devised for next year to appeal to the younger historians. The Young Archaeologists had an intriguing thread-maker which took over their entire stand.
History, as promoted here, is a vibrant and exciting pastime and many are attracted to see what is out and about. We made a good, attractive stand, especially in the rain, and there were many other related exhibits, notably The Trench and the CasEvac tents. History truly comes to life.
We were part of the Trench Project with Andy Robertshaw because we provided letters, research and interviews for TV, some not shown because of the journalists' strike on 15 July. Please remember that Andy will be speaking at the Regional Seminar on 15 October in Milton Keynes.
Our member John Stanyard, has diligently researched his Great Uncle Fred and it was most poignant to see him, in his WFA uniform, searching a shell-hole in the mock-up trench system. The excellent story of Grandpa, recently published in The Bulletin, The Sapper's Story, also superbly researched by WFA member David Craigen, was also available on our stand.
Our formal ‘Aims and Objectives' policy, set out for all the volunteers included:
- raising the profile of the WFA and spreading the word, what we offer in terms of journals, research, comradeship and remembering, as well as other benefits;
- raising the profile of the circumstances of the First World War in its historical perspective;
- encouraging new members to join us;
- explaining the maps facility as part of the rescuing documents work we undertake;
- informing the public about what we do - comradeship and remembering, of course, plus: educating all, researching and sharing, saving materials for posterity, working closely with other organisations, showing slide-shows of past events eg 11 November 2010, twinning, battlefield visits;
- providing information and answering queries.
But in the end it all hinged on the comradeship of a group of dedicated and knowledgeable people working together to further our work: Education and ‘Remembering'.
And the big question: ‘Do you know about us?' Many didn't - but they do now.
One person even thought we were like another formal group of historians and all old! At that point Andy Lonergan was demonstrating with a rifle to a group of enthralled children and parents and some children were making badges. We had some items such as a Death Penny, rifle, bayonet etc. as well as much information and chat. More will be available next year.
My heartfelt thanks must always go to Andy, whose tent again gave a home for the weekend to several, so assisting with camaraderie and mileage costs, and also for his irrepressible knowledge and dedication.
The Northampton, Essex and Milton Keynes branches provided a very trusty team.
We were as always supported by the WFA Commodities Team - Mark and Fiona - although this year they had to come as advisors and spectators.
Also, of course to Roy for loads of pictures - see these here. For more information and pictures, then please get in touch with me (Jane Backhouse) on the usual contact points.
Next year please come along and visit. You won't be disappointed.
You can view a slideshow of photographs from the weekend below. Please use the "expand" icon to view in full screen. Press "Esc" on your keyboard to to return to this page.
Article submitted by Jane Backhouse.
Photographs kindly submitted by Roy Backhouse.
