Your First Muster:

What can you expect at a muster? Well a lot of things. Each muster is different which is one of the reasons that we keep going to them. Large and small, each has a particular aspect that makes it unique.

However, there are some aspects that you can expect at almost any event.

First, you will usually be greeted at the entrance to the field by a member on guard duty. Be sure to tell them that you are a Blackwell's (King's Army) new recruit and after getting you to fill out a card, they will then send you to the right part of the campsite (Or near it at least!)

Someone will organise the loan of costume or 'Kit'. You might feel a bit strange at first, and it probably won't fit properly, but you will feel more in place, as everyone else will be in funny clothes as well, and if it is wet, at least you won't be getting your own clothes muddy!

At your first drill session, one of the more seasoned members will take you aside and show you the basic moves for pike or musket. After this you will be put in the block next to somebody experienced. Watch the 'man' in front and learn, and in no time you will be starting to get the feel of it. If you want extra practice, just ask, most people can help.

At your first battle, you will wonder what happened to everything you learned that morning. We are doing the same moves, but on the whole much quicker and not as smoothly. Battles can be loud, confusing and even a little frightening. If you trust your officers and the more experienced in the block, they will look after you. Soon you will realise that the people you are fighting are smiling as much as you are!

After the battle you will be tired, but hopefully happy. The evening is your own. Some people go to the beer tent, some may go to the pub if there is one locally. Some will stay on the camp site and maybe a few will start singing round the campfire. On occasions the circle round the campfire grows with people joining from beer tent and pub, until the whole regiment is there. The singing goes on long in to the night and a party mood is in the air. No one can guarantee a good campfire, the fact that they are spontaneous is what makes it fun when it happens!

The next day is much like the first, though perhaps a little less confusing. The horses (if they are there) may not seem as big, the noise may seem to have some purpose now, the orders will start to mean something, and you will be able to see a bit more of the battle than simply the man in front! As you start to recognise people on the other side you will start to see what a very 'CIVIL' war it is that we fight. Injuries are usually minor, and rarely inflicted maliciously!

And so you return home. A weekend has passed when the normal stresses of your life have been almost forgotten. You have seen and done things that you have only ever dreamed of and hopefully have had a good time. If you are like me, you will feel as if you are walking 6 inches above the ground; the high will be quite extraordinary and you will be searching through the diary to find the next event. At the very least you will have had an interesting weekend for very little cost. Only by taking part in a muster will you ever know if this is the hobby for you, it is an experience that cannot properly be described. So why not give it a try and join us at the next event. Hope to see you soon!

Yours in the Cause

Christine Wisken,Corporal of Musket