Workshops

Run By: Wayne Robinson (AKA the Reverend). Wayne Robinson started re-enacting sometime shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire, and is still trying to get it right.
Aim: Hosted by the Routier Crack Brewing Squad, the discussion group will explore some of the practical concerns with brewing beverages of an historical type. Some time will be spent pontificating on the original Tudor/Stuart methods and the applicability to earlier periods, before veering wildly on to short cuts, cheats and modern workarounds. Attendees are invited to bring samples of their own brews, or failing that, an empty mug. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, even if it's just a Cooper's Kit. Notes will be available for download from an arbitrary website at some indeterminate time after the conference. Using equipment bodged together from household scraps and plumbing fittings, our intrepid team have made a number of ales and beers from 16th and 17th century recipes using ingredients as close to the originals as possible, and despite their best efforts, have managed to produce some passable results. The Brewing Discussion Group will be followed by judging of the brewing competition
Cost: Free
Requirements: None

The Order for Morning Prayer from 1604

Run By: Wayne Robinson (AKA the Reverend). Wayne Robinson started re-enacting sometime shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire, and is still trying to get it right.
Aim: A lightly edited form of The Order for Morning Prayer, taken from the 1604 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, with the Collect and readings for Easter day interpolated where appropriate. This modified form of service is typical of that held by an encamped militia regiment of the English Civil War where no ordained clergy were present.Bible readings are from the King James version (in Octavo pocket form and Roman typeface, dating from 1620) rather than the more correct for Church use (but less accessible) Bishops' Bible (1603) or the somewhat more seditious (and hugely popular at the time) Geneva Bible (1583-1644). The (mercifully short) sermon dates from about 1600. Pronunciation used in this celebration is of a more modern form than the written word, based on evidence from Special Help to Orthography by Robert Hodges, published in 1643; while it was customary to "…write such words as 'leadeth it, noteth it, raketh it, perfumeth it' the words were said as 'leads it, notes it, rakes it, perfumes it'." Duration 30-40 minutes, unless there's a riot against the use of the Prayer Book. All welcome, cricket stools and rocks to be left at the door.
Cost: Free
Requirements: None

Ancient Hoplite Drill Workshop



Run By: Chris Matthew (Sydney Ancients). Chris has spent a number of years working on his PHD Thesis on Hoplite warfare. Much of his success in the field has been the result of his "experimental" approach to his research.
Aim: To give participants a feel for the pressures involved in, and discipline required to successfully operate in a tight military formation such as a 5th Century BC Hoplite Phalanx
Cost: Free
Requirements: The workshop is open to anyone with any kind of shield and a spear 1.8-2.5m in length (round shields are preferable but not manadatory for participation).

Arms and Armour Q and A


Run By: Craig Sitch (Manning Imperial). Craig began re-enacting in 1991 and was a founding member of the Ballarat NVG branch, where he is still President. As his focus expanded over the years he has become a member of the Sydney Ancients, I Condottieri and King's Horses, and is a part time Routier. Anyone who has seen Craigs Work knows that he is amongst the best in the world as an armourer. This is a unique opportunity to learn from an expert!
Aim: To answer questions!
Cost: Free
Requirements: None

The Making and Use of Javelins Workshop


Run By: Alex Barnes -- AKA Sir Rufus De Aquitaine (AAF). Alex started re-enactment in 1997 when he saw The Order of the Lion Rampant packing up after a show and was told all about the Brisbane Medieval Fayre. After finally picking a group, he settled down with The Companie of Knights Bachelor where he finally ended up as Captain in 2001-02. After packing his bags and moving to Townsville, Alex started The Banner of Tripoli (basically the same as CKB, just further north) in 2003. A short move back to Brisbane had him rejoin CKB in 2007 but his work shuffled him off to Canberra in 2008 and into the loving arms of The Ancient Arts Fellowship.
Aim: To construct new javelins for use in combat, and to ensure that all Javelins used in combat at Conference conform to standards. ALL PERSONS WISHING TO USE JAVELINS IN COMBAT MUST ATTEND AN ALEX BARNES WORKSHOP.
Cost: $8 per javelin if making them on the day, free if having existing javelins inspected and approved for use
Requirements: Bookings are Essential if you are making javelins at the workshop. Contact Alex at alex.barnes@defence.gov.au

Sword and Sabre Display Combat


Run By: Andrew Brew (NSW Pike and Musket Society-Routiers). Andy is well know to historical combatants as an accomplished swordsman. His dedication to the Stoccata School of Defense has been critical to the groups widespread success.
Aim: Demonstration of various sword and sabre techniques as researched from historical fencing manuals
Cost: Free
Requirements: None

Combat Workshop

Run By: Michael Brown (AAF).
Aim: Details to follow


Chest Making Demonstration


Run By: Steve Wyley, AKA Sven (NVG). Steve has been a leading re-enactor for longer than most of us would care to remember :-) He has been involved in the Victorian and National re-enactment scene since 1984 and regularly hosts demonstrations to aid in the betterment of Australian re-enactment
Aim: To demonstrate the construction of a replica of the Viking chest from Hedeby Harbour. Construction uses modern tooling and methods to replicate this important find. The workshop will run for 2 hours, and displays the skills needed for attendees to build their own replica at a later date.
Cost: Free
Requirements: None


Arrow making workshop (Modern and Past)

Run By: Steve Wyley, AKA Sven (NVG). Steve has been a leading re-enactor for longer than most of us would care to remember :-) He has been involved in the Victorian and National re-enactment scene since 1984 and regularly hosts demonstrations to aid in the betterment of Australian re-enactment
Aim: Make yourself some arrows!
Cost: $7 per arrow
Requirements: Bookings are Essential. Contact Steve to book in and arrange payments sir_johnhawkwood@yahoo.com.au . Max 12 people for this workshop.

Underwear Throughout History- A Discussion


Run By: Wendy Tonzing, (NVG/ROUTIER). Wendy is a well seasoned re-enactor who works a "real job" in the corsetry trade. What can we say, she likes to talk about undies?
Aim: To talk about undies!
Cost: None
Requirements: An open mind :-)

Period Shoes - making a custom-fitted pattern, modifying tools, preparing materials and practicing techniques.


Run By: Andrea Willett.(NVG) A re-enactor for "about 20yearsish" Andrea began in SCA Stormhold, then moved to NVG Dubh-linn, then 5th Virginia Regiment, then Pike & Musket Society of NSW. She is still involved heavily with NVG Dubh-linn and 5thVR.
Aim: To make yourself a shoe pattern (and tools). By the end of this two part workshop it is expected that the attendee will have a personally fitted pattern to use in the construction of a pair of period shoes, and have made the custom tools needed to make them up themselves.
Cost: $20-30 (provisional)depending on interest
Requirements: Bookings are Essential. Contact Andrea (willetta@ncable.net.au) to book in and arrange payments. As this workshop requires special tooling (which is included in the price) you will need to book as early as possible. Maximum number for workshop 12, minimum 6.

Ongoing craft workshop


Run By: Keith Whitthread, better known as Chips. I personally have know Chips for over 15 years, and only just discovered his real name! A pillar of the re-enactment community, Chips started re-enacting at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat in 1991. Since then he has diversified his interests and now re-enacts many periods and cultures from Irish Viking to Australian Colonial. Chips is one of the genuine good guys in Australian re-enactment.
Aim: To discuss and partake in crafts.
Cost: A moment of your time. If you choose to make something at hotel Chips, then there MAY be some cost. A chat and good company are free.
Requirements: An interest in all things crafty! If the side of the awning is up, the workshop is open, feel free to drop in.

© April 2009 Brendon van der Put