A New Year means one thing – a new reenactment season! And the members of the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote got an early start by travelling from all over the country to attend our annual training event in deepest, darkest Yorkshire.

This was a chance to shake off the cobwebs, see our friends, have a great time, and prepare for the season ahead.

It’s also the time of year when we look back at the previous 12 months and reward those members  who have made important contributions to the life of the regiment, and who deserve recognition for making this hobby of ours so much fun. So, it’s congratulations to the 2019 award-winners:

Musketeer of the Year 2019: The Entire Manchester’s Musket Block

Aside from getting together for a fun shindig, this annual event gives us the chance to dust off our kit and get back into the reenactment habit in time for the Battle of Nantwich on 25 January. This is the first proper event of the season and a favourite of ours; last year Manchester’s won the Rosebowl, which is the award for ‘best regiment’, and so last weekend we were back in kit to train for the occasion. We were joined by three of our youngest members – Henry, Harry, and Ellis – as we marched down to the training field, where members tried to remember their drill manoeuvres and get back into the swing of things.

We even had the chance for a rare bit of firing muskets at night, giving our musketeers a bit of practice of loading in low light and for us to get some really dramatic footage and photos!

Photos and video by Michael Molcher

Photos by Rob Jones

Once training was over it was time to kick back and have some fun – there was food, drink and games aplenty, plus our usual fancy dress. This year’s theme was ’40s’ and we had everything from the ‘Forties’ of the shipping forecast to an alternative Captain America and Peggy Carter, from some of the cast of ‘Allo ‘Allo (fortunately there were no stockinged legs on show!) to ‘Four Teas’ (Lady Grey, Green, Builder’s, and Yorkshire) and even our former CO dressing as himself from 40 years ago!

After a few party games with the regiment’s kids it was time for some shenanigans inspired by the TV show Taskmaster, with teams competing to complete complex tasks set by the regiment’s own Taskmaster. No photos of the teams’ efforts – they’re far too shocking! – but here’s a photo of the winning team after their victory. Well done to Monika, Martin, Alan, and Lee!

Another great weekend with amazing people, filled with laughter and fun. We’re now all back home and recovering but can’t wait to head to Nantwich on 25 January. Make sure you check out the details for the Battle of Nantwich 2020 and, if you want to be a part of this fantastic gang then visit our website and drop us a line on earlofmanchesterspr@gmail.com!