2005 Events so far
10th April - Elizabeth Castle
The first event of the year and the weather was dry but windy. The Castle however had been festooned with large red pyramids as picture holders for the 60th Liberation celebrations throughout this season. They do nothing for the classic 18thC look of the Castle and our pictures.
21st April - 21 Gun salute - The Queen's birthday
Better weather this year to celebrate the Queen's 79th birthday and 21 shots plus a volley with 5 cannons went well, with only one misfire. It's likely this event may move to the Queen's Official Birthday next year which occurs on the 3rd Saturday in June.
Photographs by Alan Lagadu
24th April - Elizabeth Castle
April showers did not deter all visitors and apart from the last cannon fire we managed to keep our powder dry. Lace making and spinning were the main attractions for the ladies. No pictures were taken on this occasion due to weather conditions.
1st May - Hamptonne Country Museum
The Militia at Home
The Langlois House was the setting for our first event at Hamptonne. The house has been furnished in the style of the 18th century and the Guardienne was kind enough to ensure our first venture into civilian mode was comfortable by lighting the log fire to welcome us. The venue is popular with locals and visitors and proved to be so on this lovely sunny day. 11.45 saw a visit by the Jersey Lilies and Morris Men who were dancing their way through all 12 parishes.
David cleaned his musket after attending the weekly militia drill. He explained the mechanism of the Brown Bess and cartridge making. Polly explained her 18th clothing and textiles and gave demonstrations of bobbin lace making.
May, June and July events at Elizabeth Castle
Mixed attendance both from members of the unit and the crowds over these three events but all were very enjoyable nevertheless. The unusual large red pyramids are still with us until the end of the summer season and tend to creep into every picture taken - we will be pleased to see the back of them as they do nothing for the 18th century look of the Castle. The introduction of a duel between two of our members over a matter of honour seems to go down well and is likely to remain a feature of our events.
Gunner Blythin directs the crowd going through the various stages of the duel from the challenge, the pacing of the duellist by drum beat, to the firing on command. After two rounds are fired one of the duellists falls, struck in the head, and the Doctor in attendance rushes forward to see the worst. Our man lives with a scar to show for his trouble and the wound is dressed. Honour satisfied, the men shake hands.
The cannons roar, smoke hangs in the summer day air and all on the stroke of noon.
September 2005
Greve de L'Ecq Barracks & Fort Catel
The National Trust Open day on 10th September drew record crowds to see the Militia mustering for demonstrations of musket fire at the Barracks. Martha was there too demonstrating her herbal remedies.
Many people braved the walk up the hill in warm sunny weather to Fort Catel and there the cannon crew fired every hour throughout the day at the gates of the Fort. Polly demonstrated bobbin lace making within the Fort walls admiring the magnificent view and Elizabeth made Welsh Cakes on the open fire in the guardhouse - they were so delicious they literally went like hot cakes and it was difficult to ensure the soldiers had their fair share.
18th September - Elizabeth Castle
This was our last event at the Castle this year and was equally as popular as the others with the visitors who enjoyed the roar of the cannon and unique smell of black powder.
Martha mixed her potions in the Militia Room, Nell made cord with her lucet and Polly lace with her bobbins. Elizabeth lit her fire in the Captain's House and produced another batch of her delicious welsh cakes and Martha later joined the ladies in the warm sun outside the Militia Room to knit socks for her soldier. Margaret, one of the Castle Guides, visited later in the day to enable the ladies to see her dressed as the Captain's wife.
Martha
Nell
Margaret
12th November - King Street, St. Helier - Collecting for Poppy Day
Sheltering from torrential rain in the doorway of the Royal Court Building, Royal Square, in our 4th year of collecting for the British Legion.
Whilst the weather had been colder in previous years we spent more time dodging the showers this time.
Militia Christmas dinner - Mermaid Inn
The Battalion returned once again to the18th century Mermaid Tavern. It was a wonderful evening which both members and their guests enjoyed. Good food Great company and a decent helping of wine for all.
This site was updated on 15th January 2006
e-mail: Dave Dorgan <dale@itl.net>