Meet a face of Manchester’s: Pikeman Dave
We spend our summers battling as a team and spending time as a family – but who are the people who make up the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote? With Manc’s Mugs we introduce you to a face of our regiment using some of their favourite photos, as they explain why each image is special and why they love reenacting as part of Manchester’s!
This time it’s the turn of Dave, one of our pikemen (that’s him on the right of the first image below). A regular on the front row of our pike division, he’s the bearded wonder who takes the team into a push and has been a much-loved fixture of the regiment for well over a decade!
So take it away, Dave!
“Well aren’t these people strange eh! I know what you’re thinking, but I’ve always thought ‘a mind is like a parachute, best if it’s open’. That’s how I found myself in a muddy Wetherby field in 2006. Frankly, a few university mates knew a guy who was involved in Manchester’s and he told of the many dating opportunities. So that was me, signed up for a temporary pass and marching in the army of Parliament… . “The first day, I’ll admit, wasn’t very fun. With a pike block full of rookies, we got a lesson in how to fight. The second day, well that was something else! It was like fighting in a movie scene. We worked as a team and got out tactics in order. So that was me hooked on the fighting.”
This photo is of our now-veteran pike block when they were but a gang of callow youths (and Eric): “A few events passed and, although I didn’t turn into a 17th century Casanova, I came to realise that the people of Manchester’s are pretty great. We have a mixed bag from all walks of life… a Doctor, Plumber, Binman, Teacher, Computer Engineer and PR Consultant to name a few. I’ve not experienced such a mix of people getting on as we do.”
For Dave, there are deep personal reasons why Manchester’s is more than just a hobby, it’s a family too: “Soon after my first few battles I suffered a bereavement in my close family which was very hard to come to terms with. I pressed on with the weird hobby and found that it helped me escape life and be myself. I found that my friends in Manchester’s where actually my family. I didn’t even have to discuss things and just by being part of this fantastic group of people gave me a sense of being at a time when I needed it most. Where I live has changed, where I work has changed, but when I’m with Manchester’s I’m home.”
“We’ve had many great events but one of my personal favourites was a march through my hometown to mark the anniversary of King Charles I being turned away at Hull. I believe we educated many people to be proud of their heritage and ask themselves questions, such as ‘Why is that street called that?’ and ‘Who built that building?’. Same can be said for me, although I joined with a less than noble intent, I actually have learnt a lot about history.”
“Anyone who enjoys a bit of contact sport will love the pike block,” says Dave. “We keep each other safe, of course, but there’s great fun to be had knocking each other down. We compete with friends in other regiments to be the best each season and I love every second of it. Here’s a final picture of the happiest soldier you’ll ever see! For me, spending time with this bunch of lunatics in a field somewhere, is when I’m at peace.”
That’s all from David – thanks so much to him for taking part and we hope you’ve got a glimpse of just some of the things we get up to at events!
Make sure you follow the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote account on social media for daily updates of our adventures on and off the battlefield!