Western
Re-Enactment In The United Kingdom
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Western Clubs:
Having an individual interest in Western re-enacting is great, however if you can get the chance to share idea's and knowledge with other like-minded individuals, you can enjoy the benefits of a "club" atmosphere.
There are a lot of clubs , groups and Show Teams out there, so I won't name them all - if you'd like your club listed then please contact me to let me know! Thanks to technology, you can participate in clubs that exist in cyberspace as well as the more conventional club meetings.
The Boys From Bitter Creek are a small outfit who have a passion for the Old West as it really was. They take their inspiration not from story lines used in Hollywood but from true historical facts. The Boys from Bitter Creek portray typical cow camps from the 1880's as accurately as possible down to details like saddles, hats, guns, coffee pots and cutlery. This website is packed with information about the cowboys of the 1880's, and is well worth a visit.
For more information email andy-bradly-uk@yahoo.com or telephone 01904-760193.
The Boys From Bitter Creek are all members of Trailblazers Living History Society.
The group formed in 1981 and have staged Performances and Living History all over the UK. Two of our members were on set for the making of the film Tombstone and appeared on Central TV as a result. We have worked along side Anthea Turner, Fred Dibnah and Mel Scholes
We have our own portable town and memorabilia and a very large wagon to transport it all in. None of the members receive payment for the performances, all money that is earned is used for the maintenance of the wagon and town with any surplus being donated to charities.
The group dress in 'Authentic' clothing as can be seen in the photos. All tents, cooking hardware and dress accessories are also authentic. The hand guns are held legally and most are collector's items which can be looked at at the end of the performances, when audiences get a chance to talk to us about the west. At all times gun safety is a 'priority' as is animal welfare.
We have Public Liability cover , 4 qualified first aiders. We also have our own PA system.
Fees vary depending on the distance and references are available on request. Email info@lincolncountyregulators.org.uk for more information
Formed in 1999 as an offshoot of another group that dates back to the 1970's the Arizona Rangers are a long established and experienced Living History Re-Enactment Team whose credits include many TV appearances, Royal Armouries events, and Multi Period events across the country.
With connections to and the support of the present day Arizona Rangers in the United States, they have a firm background and footing, and being registered with the National Registry of Living Historians they are recognised and established as an historically accurate and authentically correct group.
As a responsible group they recognise the need for the necessity of paperwork in order to be able to fulfil vendors requirements and in that respect they are full members of NaRES (The National Association of Re-Enactment Societies); Have a Health and Safety Policy and Procedure, First Aid and Health and Safety trained members, and a written Constitution; They also carry up to £5 million PLI (Public Liability Insurance).
For further information please visit our website at www.arizonarangers.net
or e-mail at azrangersuk@yahoo.co.uk
The Alamo
The Alamo started in the early 1970s at Marlow, Bucks where a log cabin
was built in the woods, and at one time we had over 80 members. The Alamo is now being re-formed and welcomes enquiries from prospective members.
Contact details ~ Cody, Drifter or Shane 0208 707 5825 or 01784 881247.
A web site is being built and a link will be posted here when it has been completed.
The Buckaroos UK are a group based in the North East of England and have been formally established since 2003 to preserve our Western hobby and way of life. The group are Western enthusiasts who like to portray and re-enact periods from the American West circa 1860s - 1900s. Some of the members have been involved in other period re-enactment groups and they try their best to dress and relive the character / era they are portraying
We are a collection of enthusiastic people with like minded interests in the history and romance of the Old American West. People who like nothing more than dressing up in period costume of this era portraying their heroes and re-living history.
We meet up and down the country at the many Country & Western Clubs or in season, Spring to Fall, at round ups and festivals where Westerners with similar interests gather to listen to "live" country music, take part in competitions or top up their Western wardrobe at the numerous trade stands, and generally have a good time.
A small group of wild west enthusiasts are constructing a wee wild west town near the Glendronach Distillery. The Saloon was the first building to be completed in early 2006. The second building, the Marshal’s Office was completed in April 2007.And the third building, the Bank was completed in September 2007. Currently the town also boasts a small corral, a well & a cemetery (which is filling up nicely). We hope to complete the General Store before the end of the year. In total the town, when finished will comprise eight proper buildings & perhaps some additional false facades.
The town will be a place where members can meet to rehearse for upcoming events, hold Round Ups twice a year (where members & invited guests can test their skills in old west sports such as shooting, knife & axe throwing, horseshoes etc. and socialising in the evenings around a campfire or around the card table). Additionally members may from time to time organise film making projects & skirmishes.
I want to make contact with other western enthusiasts in this area who might be interested in joining our group. So if there are any prospective westerners out there, be they cowboys/girls, outlaws, lawmen, drifters, Indians, pioneers or soldiers then please get in touch.”
The members of Tranquillity have also formed a re-enactment team (the Northern Rough Riders) to educate & entertain audiences with the reality & myth of the Old West. We have performed at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival two years running (at Portsoy); we’ve entertained handicapped groups & been hired for corporate events.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the construction or wish more info about joining the group can visit our website at http://www.geocities.com/tranquility_wildwesttown or contact JohnnyB as follows:
Email to tranquility_town@hotmail.co.uk or
Telephone: 01466 730265
Trailblazers Western Re-enactment & Living History Association:
Trailblazers was formed in 1994, and have 40+ members. They are a Living History Association, and put on Living History camps, do talks and displays at schools and colleges, and are the resident Western group at Yorkshire Museum of Farming (this is a multi-period re-enactment site). Trailblazers are members of NaRES, they carry full PLI and have all the relevant Health & Safety requirements.For more information please contact Helen Booker (Secretary) 01423 858118 or email howard1.booker@btinternet.com
Pioneers Living History GroupThe Pioneers portray varied periods of American history ranging from the 1750's to around the 1880's. We try for realism and authenticity and at the same time enjoy ourselves, our aim is to bring a little history to you. our display's are static but try to give you an insight on how people used to live, depicting day to day skills of every day life in the Old West !
During the Spring and the Summer we spend weekends camping as an authentic living history group at different venues. Steam Rally's, Festivals, Re-enactments, Country fairs, Western Camps and so on…………….
All members carry full Public Liability Insurance.
For Any Information about the Pioneers or booking enquiries please contact: Andy Chapman
andy.m.chapman1@btinternet.com Tel: Andy 01858 432914
The Victorian Westerners:
We are a West Midlands based Show team. We put together small Vignettes, depicting three main periods. These are: Victorian, Western (1870’s) & the 1940’s.We have all our own costumes, some of which are custom made, specifically for the team. We also have Blank firing revolvers for the Western shows (which are LOUD!) We have performed at: Chasewater Light Railway, Shrewsbury Castle, Haden Hill House, The Severn Valley Railway.
If you have any questions about our shows, or you wish to enquire about an event that you would like us to perform at, please contact us.
victorianwesterners@blueyonder.co.uk
The Lonestar:
The Lonestar was formed in 1997 and is based in the North East, our headquarters are in Darlington, County Durham.
The group has over 60 members and it's mission is enjoyment, authenticity, education and helping put the North East's Westerners on the map. Over the years we have performed many shows and educational workshops for schools and local groups. We have also raised vast amounts of money to actually buy life saving equipment for local hospitals. In 1998 we were voted the "premier western group in the north " by the local councils and media, which we are extremely proud of. The group has several round-ups each year with our wagons as great scene setters. We are all volunteers and love to strive to learn and bring to life the history of the 19th century American West.
The head honchos of the group are:
Wyatt Tel: 01325 460667
Pat.G. Tel: 07941 420984
Ringo Tel: 07816 183007
The Redditch Westerners Association, now in its 10th year, is a successful club run by an annually elected committee, and one with many facets.
A popular Country & Western music club held monthly at Stoke Prior, Worcestershire, where patrons enjoy quality live music, dancing and the traditional fast draw (held in a different room)
A thriving Show Team, whos sketches and skits include historical pieces such as OK Corral, as well as humorous skits to please the audiences. The List of assets of the Show Team include 100’ western town, full size palomino with all the equipment, 1866 chuck wagon, travelling medicine show wagon, mobile cabin various tents camps etc.
All transported on our 45’ trailer.
The Redditch westerners are also the Organizing body for the Blue Rodeo, a popular Country & Western Festival held annually
The Pioneer Living History Club: (no website listing as yet)
Based in Doncaster. The Pioneer Living History Club is run by Midnight and Cody, and has about 40 members.Contacts: call 01302 843106 for more info.
The American Civil War Society (UK):
Formed in 1975, the Society has close connections with ACW re-enactors in the USA and across Europe. This time period is one of the most popular ones out there, there are countless groups, societies and publications related to nothing other than the re-enactment of the ACW.Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion UK:
Formed in 1995, this group performs at shows and parades around the South West UK. These Rangers have an extensive library for research, and they pride themselves on authenticity. Lot's of pictures, info and links make this a great site.The Wyoming Raiders:
Based in Middlesex, the Raiders perform at carnivals, fetes shows and parades. With around 40 members it's big enough for a decent-sized posse! I have no site listed for them, but I do have contact details.
Call Mick Slark on 01932 761212.Dawn Riders:
We are a Country & Western Music Club and we raise money for charity, more so for children with special needs or disabilites. We have a live artist / band on every Saturday night and hold raffles and western auctions etc. For membership or any other queries, please visit our website or contact the numbers below.
Address:Bury Bridge W.M.C, Lower Woodhill Road, Bury, Lancashire. BL8 1AA
Contact: Dave - 0161 797 7019
Missouri Raiders:
Based in Lincolnshire, the Raiders are an authentic action-packed team.
For more information call John Bouch on 01469 532671.
Address:
Copper's End,
Peploe Lane,
New Holland,
Barton-on-Humber N.E. Lincs.
DN19 7PS.
The Lawmen:
Based in Bristol and district, The Lawmen were founded over 30 years ago. Dedicated as any you'll find, they're available for re-enactments, fetes, galas, carnivals, barbecues, Western theme days, advertising, tv or even film! Performing mainly within the South West of the UK, but catering for extended trips too.The Smokewagon:
"Every club has a story.... The Smokewagon has many legends". This is a great site, run by a Western Re-enactment team that spans both the UK and Belgium! Priding themselves on performing acts that are well-researched and based on true events, this looks like one heck of a group! Treat yourself to it, what a fine picture gallery too.Whisky Creek Western Club:
Based in Pulborough, West Sussex, The Whisky Creek Western Club was formed in 1992 and consists of men and women who depict life in the Old West in authentic living history camps. They put on public displays and Ron (the boss) holds roundups in Alfold, Surrey.
For information, contact:
Mr.Ron Symonds,
12a Rectory Close,
Pulborough,
West Sussex.
Tel 01798 872836The Blackfeet Lodge Western Society:
Run from Southampton in Hampshire, we are a group of friends from all over the South who share an interest in Native Americans and the fur trade era of American history. We meet at rendezvous & powwow's and get asked to do shows, schools, steam rallies etc. At our camps we live in tipi's and various period tents, cook on fires and wear period dress as a living history display. We show artifacts, weapons, beadwork and clothes and we talk to the public. Turnout by our members depends on their situation, health or wealth and can range from two to fifty. We like to assist charities, Gratis, our costs are born by each member, every member is a free person who will travel as they please and as such are not obliged to turn up anywhere. If they do, they abide by our camping rules, respect for your environment, your neighbour and yourselves.Contact:
Phone 023 8089 2197
E-mail: walksslow@blackfeet-lodge.co.uk
The Searchers Old West Re-enactors:
Based in Cornwall, The Searchers are a group of Western enthusiasts dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Old West alive. With over 50 members and in constant demand for performances, they reckon they're the biggest and best team in Cornwall! With sponsored charity rides and their homegrown Western videos to boot, sounds to me like a site you can't afford to miss!
HAVE A SITE YOU WANT LISTED, YOUR CLUB MAYBE? LET ME KNOW!
