Visual
*Marcel Duchamp
::"L.H.O.O.Q."
::"Bicycle Wheel"
::"Fountain"
::"Prelude to a Broken Arm"
*Man Ray
::"Emak-Bakia"
Musical
*Erik Satie
::"Relâche'" (www.allclassical.com, Alan Gillmor, Robert Orledge)
*Marcel Duchamp
::"L.H.O.O.Q."
::"Bicycle Wheel"
::"Fountain"
::"Prelude to a Broken Arm"
*Man Ray
::"Emak-Bakia"
Musical
*Erik Satie
::"Relâche'" (www.allclassical.com, Alan Gillmor, Robert Orledge)
Fire and Steel Dark Age Re-Enactment Society is a re-enactment group based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Fire and Steel is a group with its primary focus on the Dark Ages, but has two secondary or sub-groups: Kingmakers (15th Century Re-Enactment as men-at-arms and soldiers under Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick) and Collonel Manus O'Cahan's Regimente of Foote (17th Century Irish troops during the Civil War in England).
It is part of the Australian Living History Federation.
History
Fire and Steel was formed in 1989 by people who had found the local alternatives unacceptable. This was primarily the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Shortly after formation, a member from another, Sydney based group (1066) joined and became the training officer, injecting the club with experience.
The club grew and expanded, but a schism saw some members leave to join The Huscarls, also Newcastle based. A later disagreement saw the split of more people to form another group in Maitland that called themselves, Samildanach.
Since that time the club has remained stable in politics, but growing in numbers. A lull in the mid-nineties became a growing club that maintains close ties in order to retain a small, friendly group feel.
About Fire and Steel
The club maintains close ties with nearby Sydney groups, the New Varangian Guard: Miklagard Garrison and the New Varangian Guard: Mountains Garrison attending numerous events together and participating in many interclub activities and training days.
The club attends a number of multi-club events including the biannual New England Medieval Arts Society (NEMAS) Easter Gathering in Armidale in northern NSW (referred to as simply Armidale) and the Australasian Medieval Conference/Convention (usually referred to as Conferention) which location changes every time it is held (on the off year for Armidale).
Attitude
Fire and Steel maintains a firm belief in the idea of taking re-enactment, but not themselves, seriously. Members have various talents and skills, ranging from the musical or martial to the craft or artistic.
Members are encouraged to pursue their own interests in the group, be it simply combat of producing gear and equipment of high standard, and efforts are rewarded within the group with encouragement and praise.
A sense of fun is invoked by the group, and the club is more concerned with keeping re-enactment fun than expanding.
Despite being relatively uninterested in doing many shows, the group does participate in shows every year, either singly or with other groups, and members have participated in film and TV projects to varying degrees.
Combat Rules
Fire and Steel's combat rules were derived from the ones used by 1066. As such, Fire and Steel are one of the few remaining non-head blow groups in Australia.
They have held true to this tradition in their own training and only break it when, doing shows (displays) and for major events. For these events they train before the event to refamiliarise themselves with the technique. Fire and Steel, in this situation, will only deal a blow straight down to the top of the head and never from behind.
Even when doing head blows, Fire and Steel does not substitute blows. Blow substitution involves dealing one type of shot to simulate another due to that blow being too dangerous under their combat system. E.g. A Wrist flick shot to the top of the helmet which is supposed to represent a slash to the face.
Other blows not used include the 'wrap' used by some groups. This blow involves a step up to a person and flicking the blow around the back of some to land on the back or helmet, and shots to the forearms and lower legs, as well as shots to the joints. In addition the group limits thrusts from armpit to just above the knee (excluding the groin).
Fire and Steel is a group with its primary focus on the Dark Ages, but has two secondary or sub-groups: Kingmakers (15th Century Re-Enactment as men-at-arms and soldiers under Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick) and Collonel Manus O'Cahan's Regimente of Foote (17th Century Irish troops during the Civil War in England).
It is part of the Australian Living History Federation.
History
Fire and Steel was formed in 1989 by people who had found the local alternatives unacceptable. This was primarily the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Shortly after formation, a member from another, Sydney based group (1066) joined and became the training officer, injecting the club with experience.
The club grew and expanded, but a schism saw some members leave to join The Huscarls, also Newcastle based. A later disagreement saw the split of more people to form another group in Maitland that called themselves, Samildanach.
Since that time the club has remained stable in politics, but growing in numbers. A lull in the mid-nineties became a growing club that maintains close ties in order to retain a small, friendly group feel.
About Fire and Steel
The club maintains close ties with nearby Sydney groups, the New Varangian Guard: Miklagard Garrison and the New Varangian Guard: Mountains Garrison attending numerous events together and participating in many interclub activities and training days.
The club attends a number of multi-club events including the biannual New England Medieval Arts Society (NEMAS) Easter Gathering in Armidale in northern NSW (referred to as simply Armidale) and the Australasian Medieval Conference/Convention (usually referred to as Conferention) which location changes every time it is held (on the off year for Armidale).
Attitude
Fire and Steel maintains a firm belief in the idea of taking re-enactment, but not themselves, seriously. Members have various talents and skills, ranging from the musical or martial to the craft or artistic.
Members are encouraged to pursue their own interests in the group, be it simply combat of producing gear and equipment of high standard, and efforts are rewarded within the group with encouragement and praise.
A sense of fun is invoked by the group, and the club is more concerned with keeping re-enactment fun than expanding.
Despite being relatively uninterested in doing many shows, the group does participate in shows every year, either singly or with other groups, and members have participated in film and TV projects to varying degrees.
Combat Rules
Fire and Steel's combat rules were derived from the ones used by 1066. As such, Fire and Steel are one of the few remaining non-head blow groups in Australia.
They have held true to this tradition in their own training and only break it when, doing shows (displays) and for major events. For these events they train before the event to refamiliarise themselves with the technique. Fire and Steel, in this situation, will only deal a blow straight down to the top of the head and never from behind.
Even when doing head blows, Fire and Steel does not substitute blows. Blow substitution involves dealing one type of shot to simulate another due to that blow being too dangerous under their combat system. E.g. A Wrist flick shot to the top of the helmet which is supposed to represent a slash to the face.
Other blows not used include the 'wrap' used by some groups. This blow involves a step up to a person and flicking the blow around the back of some to land on the back or helmet, and shots to the forearms and lower legs, as well as shots to the joints. In addition the group limits thrusts from armpit to just above the knee (excluding the groin).
The Pike and Musket Society is a historical re-enactment and Living History organisation whose main focus is reenacting the Green Band of the Trayned Bandes (Trained Bands) of London at the beginning of the English Civil War in 1642. They are based in Australia. Most members live in or near Sydney, and some in Melbourne and Newcastle.
Even though their main area of re-enactment is military, they also reenact the finer parts of Stuart culture. Some members of the Pike and Musket Society have branched out to form the Stoccata School of Defence, dedicated to the study of European Swordsmanship. Others are interested in dance, needlework, and much finer cookery than the average soldier's rations.
17th century military encampment life was a little different than today's military. Women and children often accompanied the soldiers, the richer members of society brought along quite an encampment indeed. According to 17th century documents, some of the soldiers were cleverly disguised women. The Trayned Bandes of London's weapons were the Musket and the Pike. The musket is a black powder weapon with a lead ball of 52-58 calibre. The gunpowder was held in the 12 'apostles' or 'charges' carried on a bandolier. The pike was a 17 foot long length of wood with an 8" steel head. These don't seem very effective compared to today's weapons, but were the height of military technology for the period.
Origin
As legend has it, the Society was formed from a discussion in a car on the way back from a re-enactment event in 1985, where historical authenticity was noticed to have been sadly lacking. The Founders resolved to stem the burgeoning influence of fantasy-oriented groups like the SCA by creating a re-enactment society where historical authenticity would be the primary goal, setting an example for others to follow. They have been very successful, and "The Routiers" are now acknowledged throughout Australia as a shining example of historical accuracy and authenticity. They are also well known for singing, carousing, and ability to have a good time - proving that "authenticity" and "fun" are not opposing concepts, despite what many in less enlightened groups will claim. Some members have been heavily involved in the creation of the umbrella group The Australian Living History Federation. Contrary to some rumours, the founding fathers of the Routiers were not members of the SCA.
Events
They sporadically practice marching according to Drill Manuals published in the late 1630s. This usually occurs once a month, according to the Trained Bands of London's regulations.
Every year they hold a couple of living history weekends. Setting up an authentic soldiers' campsite, living in period-style tents, eating and drinking appropriate food, and fireing muskets on a range (if available). Fencing, shooting and archery competitions and skirmishes add to the ambiance.
One of these events per year is designated as a General Muster, where Routiers must present their kit for inspection, to ensure that everyone is up to their ever-improving standard.
Even though their main area of re-enactment is military, they also reenact the finer parts of Stuart culture. Some members of the Pike and Musket Society have branched out to form the Stoccata School of Defence, dedicated to the study of European Swordsmanship. Others are interested in dance, needlework, and much finer cookery than the average soldier's rations.
17th century military encampment life was a little different than today's military. Women and children often accompanied the soldiers, the richer members of society brought along quite an encampment indeed. According to 17th century documents, some of the soldiers were cleverly disguised women. The Trayned Bandes of London's weapons were the Musket and the Pike. The musket is a black powder weapon with a lead ball of 52-58 calibre. The gunpowder was held in the 12 'apostles' or 'charges' carried on a bandolier. The pike was a 17 foot long length of wood with an 8" steel head. These don't seem very effective compared to today's weapons, but were the height of military technology for the period.
Origin
As legend has it, the Society was formed from a discussion in a car on the way back from a re-enactment event in 1985, where historical authenticity was noticed to have been sadly lacking. The Founders resolved to stem the burgeoning influence of fantasy-oriented groups like the SCA by creating a re-enactment society where historical authenticity would be the primary goal, setting an example for others to follow. They have been very successful, and "The Routiers" are now acknowledged throughout Australia as a shining example of historical accuracy and authenticity. They are also well known for singing, carousing, and ability to have a good time - proving that "authenticity" and "fun" are not opposing concepts, despite what many in less enlightened groups will claim. Some members have been heavily involved in the creation of the umbrella group The Australian Living History Federation. Contrary to some rumours, the founding fathers of the Routiers were not members of the SCA.
Events
They sporadically practice marching according to Drill Manuals published in the late 1630s. This usually occurs once a month, according to the Trained Bands of London's regulations.
Every year they hold a couple of living history weekends. Setting up an authentic soldiers' campsite, living in period-style tents, eating and drinking appropriate food, and fireing muskets on a range (if available). Fencing, shooting and archery competitions and skirmishes add to the ambiance.
One of these events per year is designated as a General Muster, where Routiers must present their kit for inspection, to ensure that everyone is up to their ever-improving standard.
Valhalla Herred is a sub group of The Vikings re-enactment society. It is one of the oldest continuously operating groups within the Vikings.
Origins
It was initially founded in 1984 by Mike Haywood from a small number of members of a group called "The Fantasy Army", a Live Action Role Play (LARP) group operating out of Peckforton Castle and using the Treasure Trap system.
LARP is normally conducted with rubber swords but the members of TFA were trained in the use of steel weapons as well, and as well as emgagimg in 'Steel' dungeons at Treasure Trap, they often attended other non-Treasure Trap events where they staged steel combat for a public audience. This included attendances at Games Day 1983 and 1984.
In the Spring of 1984 the group was told about the Battle of Hastings re-enactment which was in planning for that October. Since the event was being organised by FODAS (Federation Of Dark-Ages Societies) an invitation was sought by Mike Haywood on behalf of the members of TFA. An invitation was received, on condition that the warriors attending were members of the NFPS (Norse Film & Pagent Society)and were trained to their standards. As a result about 10 members of TFA joined the NFPS in July/August 1984 with Mike Haywood as their nominated group leader. Since they had previously been billed as Valhalla Vikings as part of TFA, they chose Valhalla as the group name for use within the NFPS.
The Early Years (1984 - 1989)
The Battle of Hastings event proved a turning point in the group history. Just as Treasure Trap began to fall apart, a whole new realm of events opened up and members of Valhalla were soon travelling all over the country to be part of the NFPS event schedule. Despite the growing split between FODAS and the NFPS, and the departure from the NFPS of the Wessex Sveiter (Regia Anglorum) Valhalla remained friends with members of these other organisations, and continued to attend events on both sides of the political divide.
First European Trips
During the early period group members travelled to the Dublin Viking millennium festival, as well as a number of events in Denmark. Contact with Danish and German re-enactors who's events had previously been mostly craft fairs, led to the growth of combat oriented groups and in time, Valhalla would grow sub groups in both Denmark and Germany. This culminated at the Moesgaard festival in 1994, where Valhalla alone fielded about 30 warriors led by Mike Haywood.
The Middle Years (1990-2000)
The early 1990s saw Valhalla participate in a number of major historical re-enactments including :
1990 - Battle of Hastings
1991 - Millennium Anniversary Battle of Maldon
1993 - 1200th Anniversary of the Viking attack on Lindisfarne Abbey
1995 - Battle of Hastings
2000 - Battle of Hastings
New Millennium - New Horizons
A the large Hastings 2000 event a number of friendships were struck up and the availability of email and internet access allowed Valhalla to spread it's influence well beyond Europe.
In June 2003, three of Valhalla's Steel Training Officers travelled to Kansas City, Missouri to begin a training program with Canadian and American Viking enthusiasts. The three years since then have seen The Vikings NA mushroom to a dozen groups with members from Florida to California and Toronto to Texas.
Origins
It was initially founded in 1984 by Mike Haywood from a small number of members of a group called "The Fantasy Army", a Live Action Role Play (LARP) group operating out of Peckforton Castle and using the Treasure Trap system.
LARP is normally conducted with rubber swords but the members of TFA were trained in the use of steel weapons as well, and as well as emgagimg in 'Steel' dungeons at Treasure Trap, they often attended other non-Treasure Trap events where they staged steel combat for a public audience. This included attendances at Games Day 1983 and 1984.
In the Spring of 1984 the group was told about the Battle of Hastings re-enactment which was in planning for that October. Since the event was being organised by FODAS (Federation Of Dark-Ages Societies) an invitation was sought by Mike Haywood on behalf of the members of TFA. An invitation was received, on condition that the warriors attending were members of the NFPS (Norse Film & Pagent Society)and were trained to their standards. As a result about 10 members of TFA joined the NFPS in July/August 1984 with Mike Haywood as their nominated group leader. Since they had previously been billed as Valhalla Vikings as part of TFA, they chose Valhalla as the group name for use within the NFPS.
The Early Years (1984 - 1989)
The Battle of Hastings event proved a turning point in the group history. Just as Treasure Trap began to fall apart, a whole new realm of events opened up and members of Valhalla were soon travelling all over the country to be part of the NFPS event schedule. Despite the growing split between FODAS and the NFPS, and the departure from the NFPS of the Wessex Sveiter (Regia Anglorum) Valhalla remained friends with members of these other organisations, and continued to attend events on both sides of the political divide.
First European Trips
During the early period group members travelled to the Dublin Viking millennium festival, as well as a number of events in Denmark. Contact with Danish and German re-enactors who's events had previously been mostly craft fairs, led to the growth of combat oriented groups and in time, Valhalla would grow sub groups in both Denmark and Germany. This culminated at the Moesgaard festival in 1994, where Valhalla alone fielded about 30 warriors led by Mike Haywood.
The Middle Years (1990-2000)
The early 1990s saw Valhalla participate in a number of major historical re-enactments including :
1990 - Battle of Hastings
1991 - Millennium Anniversary Battle of Maldon
1993 - 1200th Anniversary of the Viking attack on Lindisfarne Abbey
1995 - Battle of Hastings
2000 - Battle of Hastings
New Millennium - New Horizons
A the large Hastings 2000 event a number of friendships were struck up and the availability of email and internet access allowed Valhalla to spread it's influence well beyond Europe.
In June 2003, three of Valhalla's Steel Training Officers travelled to Kansas City, Missouri to begin a training program with Canadian and American Viking enthusiasts. The three years since then have seen The Vikings NA mushroom to a dozen groups with members from Florida to California and Toronto to Texas.