Brisbane Valley Multicultural Festival 2008
Communities Working Together
Living History -
Dark Age /Medieval Re-enactment
Travel back over 2000 years to experince everything from Celts, Saxons, Vikings, Pirates of the Carribbean through to the American Civil War and the Battle of Waterloo
Rognvalds Lith   700 - 1066 AD.
 
Rognvalds Lith  are the Largest Dark Age and Medieval Group in Northern NSW based around Lismore.  They recreate historic arms, armour and other lost arts of Dark Age and Medieval Europe.
Who is Rognvald and what is a Lith?  Rognvald was a Swede who served in the Varangian Guard. A Lith is a band of warriors. The club's banner is taken from a mid 11th century Runic inscription which reads "Rognvald had these runes carved: In Grikland he was the Leader of a Lith", which means he must have come back from Constantinople (Grikland) rather well off.  Rognvald's Lith hail from Lismore, and are the Northern Rivers district’s largest medieval re-enactment group. Established in 2003, they specialise in depicting the period 700 - 1066 AD.
 
 
Ormsgard Dark Age Village   400 AD - 1000AD
 
 

'Ormsgard' is the name for a group of Dark Age Re-enactors in the Highlands of South East Queensland, who perform Living History displays for events of all sizes including schools, historical societies, Scouts, Festivals and Fayres. Ormsgard are members of Queensland and Australian Living History Associations.

‘Ormsgard’ are a Dark Age Tribe of Hunters and Traders . Trading in meat, antler, bone, horn and hides, weapons and Viking household goods. Ormsgard are based in mountain regions, hunting wild boar and deer with bow and spear.

A nomadic tribe, of mixed blood and origins travelling from the frozen bergs of Iceland, northern Europe, the land of the Russ, the Isle of Man, Britain, land of the Celts, the Highlands of Scotland and Ireland.  Re-enacting Dark Age village lifestyle of hunters and traders from 400AD - 1000AD.

We are committed to re-enacting Dark Age Displays and are available to set up at community events, and for educational experiences. We place high emphasis on "authenticity" as well as combat training, archery, axe throwing and developing living history crafts and encampments to portray what Dark Age village lifestyle may have looked like.
 

K.M.A.T.I.O   Knights, Merchants and Traders in Outremer.
In the times before the 4th Crusade the area known as Cilicia Armenia was recognised as the first Christian nation and its trade routes flourished all throughout Asia Minor. As the 4th Crusade died and with it the city of Jerusalem rose and fell. It was in these times of war where Lords, fighting men and mercenaries would travel the trade routes seeking adventure and fortune while throughout the continent constante battle rages. We are Knights, Merchants and Traders in Outremer.

The Caribbean Trading Companies  1640 & 1740.
 

The Caribbean Trading Companies is set in the Caribbean Islands and Europe between 1640 & 1740.

This was the heyday of piracy, with Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, and Bartholomew Roberts roaming the oceans plundering treasure and merchant ships.  This was when European colonies were entrenched in the islands of the Caribbean - when colonies like Jamaica, Cuba, Bermuda, and the Grenadines were being governed or the enrichment of Europe.   Back in Europe, it was  a time of chaos - the Dutch fighting for their independence fro the Spanish, England in the throes of a civil war, and Germany suffering a 30 year-long religious war, This is the period featured in films like "Captain Blood", "Cutthroat Island", and "Pirates of the Caribbean:  -The Curse of the Black Pearl".

The Caribbean Trading Companies recreates life on the islands and in Europe, with members welcome to portray soldiers, seamen, marines, merchants, craftsmen, and landowners from any of the  colonizing countries. They research and depict the pirates, privateers, and highwaymen of the period.

They are available for displays or for educational visits, being happy to pass on their knowledge about the customs and fighting of the period.

For further information please contact.  Mrs Terry Walker   (07) 5426 1826

 
 
42nd Royal Highland Regiment 1815 ( Australia)
 
 

The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment 1815 ( Australia) Inc. This regiment is a living history/re-enactors association based throughout Australia comprised of members who replicate the uniform and drill of the 42nd Regiment, 1st Centre Company (Black Watch) of the British Army in the 1815 period.

At the time, the British Army under the Duke of Wellington was involved in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.  Previous to this the British Army, including the 42nd Regt., had fought the French Armies, which had occupied Spain and Portugal.

 Members of the 42nd Regt. live in widely separated areas of Australia and form local squads for practice, drill demonstrations, shows, and all other legitimate re-enactors' activities. Each of these groups is under the control of the local members.

 Members of the regiment do not need Scottish ancestry to feel at home - the 42nd in 1815 numbered Irish, English, Germans, Dutch, and Danes in its ranks when it fought in the Spanish Peninsula and at Waterloo. No one is refused consideration upon ground of race, creed, or religion.  It goes without saying that wives and families are welcome in every suitable aspect of regimental life.

 The weapons used are muskets which are the .75 cal. “Brown Bess” (India Pattern) with 39” smooth bore barrel.  A great deal of research has been undertaken to ensure the uniform and equipment is correct. All uniforms and accoutrements are made to existing patterns, dating back to 1815. All members must comply to this strict dress code and unless it can be proved that an item of dress or equipment was used in the period portrayed it is not worn. Membership enquiries from enthusiastic applicants are encouraged and they welcome questions regarding the uniform, equipment and weapons of the day
 
 
What is the American Civil War Round Table?

The ACWRT is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Queensland, Australia.   The ACWRTQ studies the history of the American Civil War and participates in various re-enactments and black powder shooting engagements.  We focus on learning and discussing Civil War history. We further get involved in preserving Civil War sites in Australia, researching Civil War history, writing Civil War articles, and participating in re-enactments.

Prominent Civil War Guest Speakers, as well as informed members from our own group give presentations at our meetings.   Our meetings are open to the public for free.   We welcome visitors and new members to join us.

Our membership is open to anyone of any race, creed or colour.   An interest in the American Civil War is the only qualification necessary to join the group, and both Northern and Southern sentiments are welcome.

It doesn't matter whether you are "just begining to learn" or a "veteran of many years" on the subject, we welcome you all. Our group comes from all walks of life and each member brings in a different depth of knowledge regarding Civil War history.   Annual membership dues are $20 for individuals and $30 for families.   Anyone who is interested in becoming a member, please contact the secretary, or attend one of our monthly meetings.