Welcome to Our Re-Enactment Group

For those who like a puzzle

What links the Black Death, the Hundred Years War, the turbulent times of the Tudor age, the life on the Borders between England and Scotland thorough the 16th Century, the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th & early 19th Centuries; the times of Napoleon & Wellington; Nelson & Villeneuve and those heroes of fiction, Richard Sharpe, and Horatio Hornblower

WE DO

Who are we? The “Best of Times; Worst of Times” are a bunch of friends dedicated to the realistic re-enactment and recreation of the periods and times listed above

What can we do? The group prides itself on being able to turn its hands to virtually any aspect of public performance and educational display.  From large scale battle pieces with other groups with lots of musket fire and excitement; through 1 to 1 combat with swords, daggers and shields to the more peaceful areas of Political and historical debate, period cookery, leather work, the making and repairing of clothing.

In addition to open site work, we can also provide individuals or groups for more personalised events at close quarters such as with school classes as part of the National Curriculum or with local history groups with interests in the periods that we cover.

The group and its various members have been involved in a variety of displays and events through the year, from “living history” displays for national organisations such as English Heritage, to educational events for schools and fetes, commercial launch events and film/video work, charitable events and even commercial films.

Notable past exploits of our members include appearances at the Berwick Military Tattoo; The annual Border Gathering at Dumfries; The Hawick Reivers Festival; The Union of the Crowns Celebrations at Berwick through 2003/4 and with our good friends the Hartlepool Marines and the Sea Thieves at Hartlepool Historic Quay and HMS Trincomalee.  We have a particular association with the Hexham Old Gaol and have provided many displays there over the years.

How can I take part? Easily, We are always looking for enthusiastic new members, both male and female or family groups of all ages, particularly from the north of England and Scotland, to join us.  Please see the contact details or, even better, come and see us in action and talk to us at any of our events.

Obviously a certain level of interest and commitment is required as you will have to be trained properly in the use of the relevant arms and equipment but don’ t worry that you don’t possess any of the equipment or clothing as all the group members will give advice and gladly help you out.  We cover a wide range of period and types of event – don’t panic, you won’t have to do everything at once, you may develop a special affinity with only part of our work at first, but that’s alright.  Be careful though, participation can be very addictive.