2003 Events
The first event of 2003 was at Elizabeth Castle and turned out to be a great success for the ladies. This year we have had a room made available to us in the Ordnance Building erected in 1746 and situated on one end of the Castle main square. This has provided us with an eating and demonstration room. It comes with a pine table and bench seating with other bits to be added into the room later in the year. On this occasion the ladies displayed half-made stays and books on textiles and lace of the 1780's. The stream of people coming in to listen to them kept them going all day, some coming back for more information. Meanwhile the men of the Militia were giving displays of musket drill and cannon firing. Lunch was taken in the new room with visitors coming and going as we ate. Des Crafter, wheelwright, joined us based outside the building demonstrating the making of his 18th century style wheels.
The 1746 Ordnance Building The Distaff give their talk Our table It's been a good day
Cannons on the green Des Crafter and Militia
Sunday the 1st June was a special day. We had a visit from Ted Cook and Richard Stribling both of 37th Foot, and Brian Miller of Shrapnel's Battery. It was also the first time out for our Regimental colour and the Kings Colour. A proud moment for us all. The ladies did well and were kept busy throughout the day either doing housework or demonstrating textiles . Our new room continued to play it's part and lunch was more of a feast than a snack. Ted Cook was said to be pleased as he perused his skills in the form of our uniforms. Ted is one of our two regimental tailors (Ian Dellar-Crone being the other) having made the majority of our uniforms and was seeing them press into service.
Ted Cook & Richard Stribling Kings Colour St Lawrence Battalion Colours Brian Millar
A good table A women's work is never done Through the second gate
Firing on the Green
For our mid summer event we tried a new canon position in the 18th century bastion at Elizabeth Castle. The crowd liked it but it was a bit hard on the ears with a stanch echo off the walls. Des Crafter was out with one of his cart wheel hubs and his good lady tried her hand at lace making.
The Colours on display The 18th Century bastion
"Privateers" in July was a family event organised by Jersey Heritage and sponsored by Jersey Tourism. Professional actor Mark Griffin staged the event helped by fellow actors Jeff Baker, Wayne D' Strete and Abs Wisdom. We were in support, so for us it was threes days of drill, cannon firing and chasing prisoners. We were heavily rained on four times the first day but the sun came out for the next two and dried us off. It was the first time any of us had been exposed to the acting profession linked to living history and it was great fun and we learnt a great deal. The following photos were kindly lent to by Margaret Mildren and remain her copyright.
Kevin Lees A young guest Mark, Abs, Jeff and Wayne
A good table was laid for the three day event. Ali Lees budgeted for six people and ended up feeding fifteen.
On Saturday 13th September 2003 the RAF moved Le Vier Marché back to it's original home in Royal Square, St. Helier, and 1781 Militiamen joined them on the site of the Battle of Jersey to assist in collecting for Battle of Britain week.
(Secretary) Allan Blythin Manning the table Collecting table
26th October 2003 was our last event at Elizabeth Castle of the season. Blessed with good weather for the time of year, three guns were pressed into action before a good crowd. Two displays were held, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The ladies provided a splendid meal of vegetable soup and local moules fortified with wine, cream and oodles of bread for lunch. So after a good day the Jersey Militia, wives and children marched out for the last time this season.
29th November - Mermaid Tavern
The Battalion once again held its Christmas dinner at the18th century Mermaid Tavern. It was a wonderful evening which both members and their guests enjoyed. Good food including roast suckling pig and a decent helping of wine for all.
Pre dinner drinks A good table Everybody enjoying themselves
email: <dale@itl.net>
