69th New York (UK)

Well not much to tell really. Thanks to those who came to the event:- Pete, Val, Andy Charlton & friend Anna, Ian, Sue & Moi, and Guy on Sunday.

We arrived there early afternoon, we got the caravan sorted for mum & dad & then the heavens opened. Torrential rain for a couple of hours with added thunder & lightning - so decided to send Ian to the local chippy for tea (best fish and chips in UK outside Tynemouth!)

Eventually got the A frames, and the wall tent shelter up after a slight lull in the rain. Spent Friday night huddled in the shelter trying to keep dry and relaltively warm. I've not felt so cold and miserable at camp in a very, very long time.

The area was quite nice just inside the peak district, and we had great views once the clouds did break. But sadly this was few and far between.

Saturday was quite bad as well. Heavy rain for most of the day, so time was spent making tubes, and repairing kit. The wind and rain died down enough for us to sit outside after tea and chat round the campfire.

Sunday morning we all gathered for the parade through the small town of Hadfield. There was quite a bit of interest from the locals until the heavens opened again.

As the numbers were tiny on both sides (approx 30 on the field inc artillery), we all went as one company with Major Davies dropping down to Sgt for the day. The heavy rain continued through the battle. I'd actually forgotten how horrible a very wet battle can be, especially when you "die" in the first few minutes....ewwwwwwww. It seems as though the Confederates won what was a pretty poor skirmish. The frequency of artillery fire, coupled with lots of pyrotechnics seemed to make it much more of a spectacle for the public. Many of which were very complementary afterwards.

We finally got home about 9.30pm Sunday night, after having to be towed off the field with a landrover.

Ahhh well onwards and upwards to Stanford Hall, which is always a good turn out.

Hope to see many more of you there.

Cheers
Claire