Heritage and History in Hampshire Weekend August 28/29th 2005
The Heritage and History weekend, Sunday and Monday 28th/29th August 2005 is billed as the most exciting historical entertainment weekend planned in the south of England during 2005. It promises to be an outstanding weekend with various military history displays, rural activities, craft shows, stalls and entertainments of all kinds. With several thousand visitors anticipated over the weekend, we are delighted to welcome you to join us in fantastic rural Hampshire.
The weekend kicks off each day at 11.00am, with non-stop entertainment throughout the day, climaxing with the battle re-enactment at 3pm. Thousands of Civil War soldiers, dozens of cannons and over one hundred cavalry will create a spectacle not seen since the seventeenth century. A full scale model of the battle, the only one of it’s kind, will help you visualise and understand what happened and why.
Supported by soldiers from across one thousand years of our history, you will be taken on a journey through time. Authentic camps will enable you to see what life was like hundreds of years ago. And our modern-day heroes, the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment will be on site to demonstrate how things have changed over a thousand years.
In the arenas the soldiers will display skill at arms and our visitors will have the chance to try out the weapons and tactics of those bygone days.
It isn’t all military history. There will be craft and commerce tents offering a variety of interesting products and outside stalls. There will be have-a-go archery and treasure hunting, an inflatable assault course, all manner of attractions and hawking demonstrations to keep you entertained, along with a mini fun fair and various rides.
For refreshments, why not sample homemade cakes and fresh coffees at the best tea tent ever, traditional spit roasted meats at the rotisserie or local burgers and hotdogs. Fresh sandwiches will be available along with ice creams and there is the renowned Itchen Valley Brewery beer festival. Alternatively, bring along your own picnic.
Directions
The event will be taking place on Scrubbs Farm, Bishop’s Sutton. This is about 1 mile from Alresford, itself 5 miles north-east of Winchester. The route will be AA signposted from the A31. Travelling distances (under good traffic conditions) are Basingstoke 20 minutes, Winchester 10 minutes, Southampton 25 minutes, Bournemouth 40 minutes.
The public car park is close to the showground. A dedicated area for disabled car parking will be signposted separately.
Duration
The show is open from 11.00am until 5.30pm both days. There will be entertainment and activities throughout the day.
Just some of the Confirmed Attractions
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The Purbrook Bowmen
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The backbone of English armies for over three hundred years – the longbow is demonstrated in all it’s glory by a company of English bowmen. Join the south’s most authentic and skilled bowmen to see how devastating the longbow was during three demonstrations throughout the day. Afterwards, why not have a go yourself. The Alton archers are situated next door, ready to help you try out this awesome weapon. |
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The Sealed Knot
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Recreating the Battle of Cheriton, 1644 will be the highlight of the day at 3pm. Come along and watch the drill displays throughout the day and even have a go yourself. The authentic camps will give you a real feel for life in these turbulent times. If the hobby interests you come and talk to the host regiment at the recruiting tent. |
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The Footguards
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In the late 1680’s, England is yet again plunged into civil war. James Duke of Monmouth’s bid to overthrow his catholic brother King James comes to a bloody end at the battle of Sedgemoor in Somerset. The first foot guards demonstrate the skill at arms, discipline and training that overcame the rebellious troops in the west. Enjoy the spectacular end of Wade’s red regiment of the rebel army as the battle of Sedgemoor comes to its bloody climax. |
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New France Old England
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Bringing to life the French Indian Wars of the mid-eighteenth century. Indian scouts, English redcoats and French regulars will demonstrate military and civilian life in the encampments throughout the day, the development of English regular infantry and an exciting skirmish. |
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A unique display showing the development of the British cavalry from Cromwell’s Ironsides, the first disciplined cavalry, to First World War Lancers, the last British cavalry mounted on horses. This action packed display will demonstrate the development of weapons and tactics allowing our riders to show off their skill at arms. |
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With twelve medals awarded to our local regiment during their recent tour of duty in Iraq, we are delighted to welcome the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment to the show. The youngsters will be able to try their inflatable assault course. If you are interested in a career in the army, they would love to talk to you or just feel free to pass on your best wishes. |
Horse
through the Ages
The
Princess of Wales Regiment
Other Attractions
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The Produce Tent Sample fresh local produce and track their journey from field to table. Live farm animals and their relationship to the food we eat. The origins of beer – from yeast and hops to our unique Battle of Cheriton Ale. An educational opportunity for children to learn about our relationship with the land. |
The Treasure Hunt Your chance to dig for buried treasure. Using metal detectors, youngsters are invited to search for buried artefacts – e.g. musket balls and coins. **
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Mini Fun Fair A little relaxation – enjoy a go on the bouncy castles and rides. ** Have a go on the coconut shy or outdoor skittles. Win a prize.
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The Alton Archers Your chance to learn the ancient skills of using the longbow through our resident experts. Three arrows under close supervision. Great fun. **
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Stalls A selection of stalls selling a wide variety of products. |
Hawking A selection of birds will be on show with an exciting display in the early afternoon. |
** There will be a small charge for these activities.
Food Outlets
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The Tea Tent Offering a fantastic selection of fair trade cappuccinos, lattes, coffees and teas with homemade cakes and biscuits. A selection of fresh sandwiches, baguettes and wraps with crisps and snacks. |
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Hog Roast Delicious local pork served in soft rolls with stuffing and apple sauce or beef with horseradish or mustard. The BBQ Fresh burgers and hotdogs served with fried onions and a selection of relishes and sauces (vegetarian options available). |
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The Beer Tent A fantastic selection of real ales, ciders and soft drinks from our local partner the Itchen Valley Brewery |
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Ice-Creams A selection of ice-creams and lollies. |
