The Reenactors Ramble

In Part 1 of our Arnhem trip summary, we speak with Dale Davidson about our trip to Oosterbeek and Arnhem, covering the locations and areas we visited, comparisons with Normandy, Dutch Reenacting and much more.

Look out for Part 2 with War Department LHG coming soon! 

In episode 75 Richy and Lance discuss the attributes presented by our listeners, as to what makes a good reenactor.
Do you have what the the community think it takes? Do we agree? Find out now! 

We have the absolute pleasure of being joined by commercial airline and warbird pilot Sam Worthington-Leese to discuss his journey from RAF trainee to warbird pilot! A fascinating hour discussing the routes into warbird piloting, his relationship with Geoffrey Wellum, the future of airshows and the restoration project for Typhoon RB396.

@pilot396
@hawkertyphoonrb396
https://pilot396.com/
https://hawkertyphoon.com/

In episode 73 we're joined by George Mills (@george_mills88) to discuss the contrasts between WW2 Reenacting and that of the flintlock era, everything from Jacobites through to the Napoleonic era. We discuss the inspiration, availability of kit, the differences in culture, and touch on the overall availability of kit in general over the last few months. 

Join us to explore a new world, and perhaps inspire your next impression!

In Episode 72 we're joined by Jersey Reenactor Ricky to discuss Armour & Embarkation, age appropriate impressions and if it really matters, 'retiring' from the hobby and much more! 

In episode 71, we're joined by 505th_josh to discuss the Normandy commemorations. We discuss how they've evolved, what to see, plans for 2024, wearing kit, period vehicles and much much more!

In episode 70 we round up the world famous Stoneleigh militaria fair and discuss the impact of the cost of living crisis on buying and selling. 

In episode 69 we're joined by @raf.taff to discuss the rise of Cosplay within the world of WW2 Re-enacting.
We discuss the blurred lines and potential boundaries, the potential damage within to the hobby, and how to avoid Cosplaying whilst still on a budget. We debate the attitudes and stubbornness of many re-enactors to position accuracy and authenticity above personal convenience and enjoyment. 

In episode 67 we meet Matt Yates, from Chalk Living History to discuss starting the hobby in later life, discuss whether age and your impression are important and most importantly we discuss and learn all about the Glider Pilot Regiment, the involvement of the regiment across WW2, the kit, and the contrasts and similarities to Air Landing and Parachutist impressions.

You can connect with Chalk living history below -
https://www.facebook.com/chalklh/

In episode 66, Richy is joined by Jillian (@jtaylor_d) and Lance (@1940s_lance) to discuss alcohol in the hobby. We discuss whether it has a place, the opportunities to experience other sides of reenacting, the positive and negatives, the time and place for alcohol, and whether it has a positive or negative impact on the hobby overall. 

In the long awaited episode 65 we catch up with RAF reenactor, and bomber county resident Craig Paul, aka @The__history__nerdist to discuss all things RAF, Lincolnshire, and much more. 

In episode 64 we speak to British Military Veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts Lawrence Kayser. We discuss his relationship between contemporary military service and WW2 Reenacting, his passion for Military Vehicles, earning and wearing the Military Cross and his thoughts on public / immersive battles and much much more. 

In a rather poignant episode, we discuss one of the most unavoidable, emotional, and important topics on the ramble so far - what do we do, and what happens to the hobby when the last WW2 veteran is no longer with us?
Should you approach veterans? How do you approach them? Have we got enough from the veterans? Join the discussion today. 

In episode 62 we finally get stuck into a long awaited discussing about Canadian re-enacting with guest Matthew Noel.
We discuss the wide variety of impressions available, Canada's input into WW2, the nuances between British and Canadian Reenacting and much more.

You can follow Matthew @oldtimecanuck and his impressive reproduction store @Regimental_stores

In our first episode of 2022, and on the back of the world famous Stoneleigh militaria fair being postponed scene of the traditional annual splurge for reenactors, we discuss Money!

How much should you spend at an event like this? How do you justify this? How do you know you can afford something? Is it a wise investment? How do i know i'm being sensible and weighing up the options!

Find out now! And join in our WW2 Digital Pub Quiz on the 22nd February!

Please DM our social media pages for access to the Reenactors Inventory Template!

Along with our listeners, we discuss our highlights of the year, the low lights, best and worst purchases, our hopes for next year and much more! Join us to wrap up the 2021 Living History season!

As the traditional end to the Reenactment calendar closes in, we discuss AGM's and their relevance in todays living history landscape, and the alternative and ever increasing presence of end of year cross group, immersive social activity.
Join us to see out the end of the reenactment season! 

In a special Remembrance day episode, we discuss the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre Night Run, and the standards of Reenacting within Britain. We give Britain a score out of 10, and where we can improve our reenacting standards, in a no holds bar, unfiltered episode with some uncomfortable home truths.

We catch up with Sophie Green, who's passion for the USAAF and the American Red Cross provides the inspiration for the last edition of our 3 episode female reenactor series.
We talk about reenacting obsession, education over events, the best and worst experiences in the hobby and we understand more experiences of a female in the hobby with a view to pursuing a more open and welcoming environment for all.

You can find Sophie here - @sophie8usaaf

As part of our series of Female Reenactor episodes, Richy catches up with Emi Weiss - founder of the Army Nurse Corps in WW2 all Female reenactor group, and a Polish Reenactor living in the Czech Republic.

We discuss the differences in reenacting culture in Europe vs the UK, leading and establishing a group of female reenactors, research, why it's important to be passionate and visit places of history with your group. We also look back on Emi's experiences as a female reenactor, and tips for those just starting out.

You can follow Emi, and her group here!
@memphis_belle44 - Emi
@armynursecorpsinww2 

In the first of our upcoming triple episode bill of female reenactors to be featured on the podcast we speak to US WW2 Reenactor Hannah.
Sharing insight into her incredible collection, her experiences as a female reenactor, some great starter information on research for females within the hobby, Normandy trips and more - tune in for a fantastic hour! 

On the eve of the 77th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden, and what should have been a very special first trip to Arnhem for Richy sadly now cancelled, we speak all things Arnhem with Author and Battlefield Tour Guide Niall Cherry. 

In episode 51, we discuss finally being back at events - our feelings before, during and after, our reflections, and our thoughts for the year ahead. It's good to be back everyone!

In episode 50, we discuss all things WW2 alongside Robbie and Matt from the Fighting on Film podcast!
We talk our favourite movies, the impact on the community, ethics and much more!

You can listen to the guys speak about many a movie in depth with some very special guests at http://www.fightingonfilm.com

In Episode 49 we discuss the age old place of Rivalry within the hobby, between groups, within groups, within collectors and the good and bad points that go along with it.
Have we experienced it? How have we managed it? Is it conscious? And how has it evolved?

We discuss the staggered start to the season with many events cancelled, rearranged or limited capacity, and the knock on effects for individuals and groups. 

We discuss recent kit purchases, lending equipment, go fund me pages for reenacting purchased and much more!

In Episode 47 we finally show off just a few elements of Austins incredible collection, taking a look around just one part of his collection, and a closer look at 10 items which mean a lot to Austin and the stories behind them.

Learn the tricks and tips in building up your very own collection, and what goes into building such a vast and impressive historical pool of kit. 

In this episode we discuss how fatigue can affect your passion for the hobby and whether you continue in it all! The different types of fatigue, where this comes from and how to overcome it. Supporting your friends in the hobby, and those that give it everything.

Join the debate now! 

In this episode, we discuss a question posed by one of our listeners regarding portraying nations other than that of your home nation. What are the  triggers and motivations, what do your family think? What do we think about other nations reenacting our own country? Should you always reenact your home country?

Find out, and let us know your own thoughts! 

We chat to UK Reenactor Scott Allen on the eve of the 77th anniversary of Operation Overlord, D-Day. Since it remains almost impossible for many reenactors to make the annual pilgrimage, we discuss the importance of D-Day in reenacting.
Talking D-Day impressions, how to portray this at an event, visiting Normandy and much more! 

Andy and Richy select and discuss their favourite Reenactment images taken throughout their time in the hobby, recalling special images of displays, events and special moments that bring back particular memories.
Let us take you through a narrative dialogue of our very favourite reenactment photographs we've been involved with.

Best viewed on youtube for the full visual, or view the images on instagram. 

In episode 42 we discuss the fundamentals of a good (public) event for reenactors. What is it for you? Have a listen and let us know! 

Richy catches up with Andrew Panton, manager of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre to learn all about the legendary Just Jane, dispelling the myths and providing an update on its path to becoming air-worthy once again. Ghost stories of East Kirkby, the story of Christopher Panton, how the centre feel about Reenactors and much, much more. 

You can read about, or donate to the museum here! - https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/store/donation/donations/donation-to-avro-lancaster-nx611.htm

In a rather deep episode, we get into the importance of wider research. We look deeper into the meaning of the hobby for ourselves, and how our outlook on research and education in the hobby has developed over the last few years.

Expect tears, tantrums, and admissions of guilt! 

IN this episode we have a good old waffle about our week, new kit purchases, tailoring dress uniforms and much more! 

We discuss the hot topics of age, weight, vehicles and whether people just care enough in the same way we do about the hobby? Do the above things matter? Find out! 

We provide a guide and the low down to the Great British Beer tents that populate public events up and down the country. Join us on our journey through a typical evening in the beer tent, the ups, the downs, the funny experiences and why we miss them so much.

Join us for a beer!

In episode 36 we discuss weapons, the different types and the legalities behind them, value maintenance and a few from our own collection.

In this episode we discuss all things marketing, digital marketing - real world marketing. Your unit's 'brand message' and the subconscious details that go into creating this.
We discuss photography, websites, merchandise, signage, paid advertising and word of mouth.

Listen now to hear a step by step approach to marketing your group, and join the debate! 

In episode 34 we get to know Tony's incredible collection of vehicles, how he came to own such incredible items of history, his journey from MVT into WW2 Reenactment and what it's like to own a Sherman tank.

Look out for Part 2 coming soon where we discuss a basic guide to buying, restoring, and maintaining WW2 vehicles. 

In our latest episode, we discuss how to support beginners entering the hobby, and the etiquette involved on both sides for a positive outcome. 

With the light at the end of the tunnel, we discuss and forecast how the hobby might change post-pandemic, the lessons learnt and what's to come over the next 12 months of re-enacting. 

In episode 31 we chat to Stuart & Elle, an utterly dedicated Re-enacting couple who portray various USAAF impressions across the UK with staggering commitment.
We talk keeping enthusiasm throughout lockdown, reenacting at airshows, and much more. 

Follow the guys on Instagram here! - @stuey_g & @missnelly1940

In this episode - our first with video version available on youtube! We discuss the ethics of buying and selling within the hobby, the unwritten rules, selling to friends, and what to do with gifted equipment.
 

The boys are once again joined by Matthew Leitch, star of Band of Brothers to discuss a new venture for all Band of Brothers fans out there - We Happy Few 506, and to further dive into Matthews experience both during and after filming Band of Brothers. 

In this episode Richy is joined by Gary Bainbridge, founder of Old Time Design Company to discuss the uniforms and equipment used by the British Parachutist between 1940 and 1945.

On the even of the 80th Anniversary of the first ever British Airborne Operation - Operation Colossus, we discuss its inception, the development of the equipment and uniforms, along with the key details to perfect your British Airborne Impression.