Tuesday 4 December 2012

Historic Novelists Society 2012

Way back in September, the napoleonic reenactment group I am a member of took part in the Historic Novelist Society conference. I say take part, we were more like eye candy. As the name suggests, it was a conference for authors who write historical novels. It was held at the University of Westminster, and there were lectures and talks by the authors.  We were there to show those who didn't specialise in the Napoleonic era, what would have been worn during that time - we did quite a bit of standing around!!!!

A few soldiers (not standing to attention as the were meant to!!!), during a book signing.

Being inspected by a senior officer.

James and Rosie having a rest between duty shifts! 

Beautiful frescoes on the walls of one of the rooms.

Stained glass window in the ceiling



Having lunch

Having a rest

Doing a bit of posing!! :)

Me being silly

A few of us being silly. :)


Towards the end of the day someone had a crazy idea - to go to a haberdashery shop that is about a 10 minute walk from the university. I was the only one who knew exactly where it was, so in a moment of madness I agreed to go. Ordinarily I wouldn't have minded going for a stroll in costume, but this was central London on a Saturday afternoon. Regent Street and Oxford Street to be precise, the two busiest shopping streets in London. All I can say is, never again!! 
On the return journey, I couldn't think of anything else but getting back inside the university building, but my fellow companions decided that it would be great fun to have a drink in a nearby bar!!! I wasn't brave enough to make a run for it by myself, so I joined them at the bar (well we sat outside) and spent most of the time sitting, sipping my diet coke and staring at the floor, think that at any moment someone who I was at school with would walk passed!  However, thankfully I survived, partly due to the fact that a fellow re-enactor had tied on my hat so tightly that I sort of had blinkers either side of my face!

Rosie and Andrew outside the bar

Me and (my mind has gone completely blank!!!)

Despite my stupid embarrassment at being thus dressed in central london, it was a great day with lots of laughs. :)