During the 1950's and 60's Hollywood produced numerous Western films, and popular though they were, they portrayed the Old West in a glamorised fashion intended more to increase box office success than to portray the history of America in the latter half of the 19th century. This has resulted in whole generations of UK people accepting the Hollywood version of important events like the OK Corral gunfight, Custer's Last Stand and so on. Americans of course learn their own history in school; we British by and large learned it from Hollywood.

In the UK there are many people who are interested in the Old West, some whom are happy to go along with the Hollywood version. There are many people however who are dedicated to researching and portraying the characters from the West as it really was during the discovery, settlement and creation of many of the present day United States.

Open Range is a new association committed to uniting these 'Westerners' under one umbrella, in order to gain credibility and respect from the general public who still think of the old 'Cowboy and Indian' games they played in their schooldays. To this end we will promote historical accuracy and members will be expected to conform to a high standard.

We aim to publicise UK Western re-enactors and help them as far as we can by giving them a single 'voice' to speak to those who govern us. Guns and knives were necessary tools during the era, the current legislation on these items means there is a real danger that even the replica ones used by re-enactors may be prohibited.

If you are a UK Old West living historian or re-enactor and are interested in the real history rather than the Hollywood version then join Open Range, and you will be part of a growing group of like-minded individuals helping to keep our hobby alive and kicking.

To download an application form Click Here
For more information, email Click Here,

or phone Allen on 01274 560286 or Judge on 01293 783141

Open Range Committee: Chair Robert Lewis (Bat); Secretary Diana Harman (Hot Kettle Alice); Vice Chairman and Treasurer Mike Harman (Judge); Committee Allen Ambridge (Trooper) Committee Nick Passey (Boot)

Page 2 - 2006 Committee Statement