Re-enacting - a teenage student’s view...

Re-enacting - a teenage student’s view...

I’m Kirsty Merriott, a re-enactor with the KGL and KGA. I’ve been re-enacting for about three years now and absolutely love it. The worst part of the weekend is packing up camp and saying goodbye to my friends. If you are thinking about joining the KGL or KGA and have teenage kids, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that they’ll hate it. I’m only 17 myself and my sister, Chloe, is 15. We both love the cheerful and exciting atmosphere of the whole Napoleonic Association.

Firstly, there are so many opportunities for making new friends and meeting new people who are interested in history, drama, camping, music and weaponry. Everyone is from different walks of life, everyone has a story to tell and everyone makes you feel welcome. There are many other teenagers, children and students in the Napoleonic Association, who are always happy to make new friends. The camaraderie is one of the best things about the KGL and KGA. We are all friends and, for the weekends we spend together, a huge extended family. There’s no problem with safety of younger members either as we all keep an eye on each other, make sure no one is dehydrated or sunburning! In the mornings, it’s a fact that we feel perfectly happy wandering around in our pyjamas!

Another thing that is fantastic is the travelling. We go all over Britain and also re-enact in many places on the continent. Recent re-enactments have been in France, Germany, Holland and Spain. I can’t wait until July’s re-enactment in Corunna, Spain. Sun, sea, sand, history, great friends plus I’ll have my own carbine by then and will, hopefully, be able to take part in the battles! It’s also another great opportunity to learn about foreign history, culture and most importantly food!

One of the things that I like best is the complete escape from the monotony of everyday life. No teachers, no homework, no deadlines! You don’t have time to worry about those things when you’re reenacting; you’re too busy having fun and relaxing! Being outdoors, cooking on an open fire. It’s so uncommon these days, in a world of computers, electric cookers and video games that it feels like a little piece of freedom. Then there’s the night life: sitting around the campfire, eating dinner, telling stories and jokes, stargazing, the beer tent for the adults. It really is wonderful. There’s nothing else like it on the planet.

Reenacting truly is something that all ages can enjoy. With the KGL and KGA you cannot fail to feel welcome. There are so many opportunities to make friends, learn, travel, be creative, and escape 21st century life and most importantly to have fun. Join today and give yourself and your children a fantastic summer every year.

By Kirsty Merriott, June 2004.