THEY do say Hamilton has it all, and with a group that participates in medieval sparring re-enactments, there is no exception for locals interested in living in the past. 

The Hamilton Re-enactment Society (HRS) has been a local group since 2016, when it was traditionally formed under the name ‘Hamilton Crusader Re-enactment Society’ as members were looking predominately at the crusader period.

As more members joined over time with alternative interests such as the Viking Age, the group developed in its various periods of re-enactment, and the name was changed to ‘Hamilton Re-enactment Society’ in 2018.

In 2016, HRS secretary, Richard Stretton took over from the original founder of the club who had moved away, having had a personal interest in historical re-enactment for 30 years himself.

While the HRS may be predominantly known for their medieval light sparring re-enactments, the group consisting of around 20 members (with a wider support community) has adapted to several other forms of living in the past. 

“Lately we have moved away from just the combat side of things,” Mr Stretton said. 

“It’s not just to go out there and hit each other - sure, we will do that if you want to - we can encourage and teach people (how to fight safely), but it’s the whole aspect of learning about the past and living in that style.

“It’s more the living history sort of aspect; we have authentic Viking and crusader tents, cook medieval style recipes over the fire while everyone is in costume and playing medieval games or working on embroidery- we have a member who brings along a spinning wheel.

“All the lost trades and crafts that people don’t do that much anymore.”

The HRS now cover re-enactments from 800 AD to the 15th century, with period- authentic gear made by the members themselves that intends to recreate over 800 years of historical wear and equipment. 

“Our members have found skills they didn’t know they had,” Mr Stretton said.

“We have had people tanning their own leather, and using that leather to make armour and gloves, sheets for swords and things.

“Other people have found blacksmithing skills and they have been making all of our camping equipment, tripods, cooking, and lighting gear.

“We can teach people how to make chain mail, period-authentic costumes, footwear, and we have had blacksmithing days for making things like centers for shields, spear tips, daggers, and axes.

“Some things like helmets are bought from suppliers because they have to be a hardened strength for safety.”

Mr Stretton said that the group has expanded over time through word of mouth, public displays or people coming across their once-a-fortnight training sessions at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.

“The youngest member we have, I think they have only just turned one,” he said.

“It has sort of grown as a family, and we encourage families now to come along.

“We are always looking for new members - a lot of our members are based around this local area in Hamilton, I’m past Coleraine, (there’s) a few out near Hotspur.

“Theres’s members who have moved to Lilydale on the other side of Melbourne and Bendigo, so for big events they travel all over.”

Since its initiation, the group has brought their re-enactments to several events across the district, including rallies, pastoral museums, McHappy Day and most recently, the Mount Gambier Medieval Fair.

Last Saturday, the HRS held a social and training day for members and families at the Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve- a change in scenery to their usual training location at the Gardens.

Members set up camp equipment and shelters and enjoyed a day in true medieval style, where they prepared lunch over the fire, as well as participating in light sparring and several other medieval activities throughout the day.

 Anyone wishing to find out more about the HRS, whether to become a member or follow along the journey, can join the Facebook group at bit.ly/3JCDF7N