Title
2007 - Bridgham press coverage 3a
Source
Bury Free Press
Contributor
Sharon McCann
Text
Village celebrates 1,000 years with two day spectacular
by Paul Bloomfield
A SPECTACULAR battle re-enactment descended on the village of Bridgham at the weekend, as residents continue to celebrate 1,000 years of known village history.
Around 2,000 people visited Mill Field over two days, as the village was transported back to the Dark Ages. The highlights of the celebrations included re-enactments of the 1004 Battle of Thetford and the 1010 Battle of Ringmere.
More than 130 Viking re-enactors from across the country were dressed in chainmail and wielded swords, spears and shields. There was also a fancy dress competition for children, archery, warrior training, a parade of Viking longships, a falconry display and living history display of how Vikings lived, with reconstructed homes, craftware and cooking.
On Saturday afternoon, the premiere of Bridgham Salute Overture was played by the Bridgham and Harling Band.
A village fete, medieval hog roast with minstrels and barn dancing and workshops on archery and sword fighting also featured.
The event was rounded off on Sunday with a choral evensong with the Bishop of Norwich and the cathedral choir at St Mary’s Church, in Bridgham.
It is recorded in the ancient book of Ely that in 1007, the entire estate of Bridgham, then owned by a wealthy Saxon widow named Aelfwaru, was given in her will to the monks of Ely, who continued to hold it for more than 550 years.
David O'Neale, the main organiser of the event, said it went very well.
“The majority of the village came to it and got involved - it was a great community effort," said Mr O’Neale.
“I am so grateful for the way the village got behind it and supported the event, by either providing facilities, their time, money, or physical labour. Above all, everybody entered into the spirit of things.”
A grant of around £9,000 from the National Lottery fund helped to pay for the celebrations, which began earlier this year
by Paul Bloomfield
A SPECTACULAR battle re-enactment descended on the village of Bridgham at the weekend, as residents continue to celebrate 1,000 years of known village history.
Around 2,000 people visited Mill Field over two days, as the village was transported back to the Dark Ages. The highlights of the celebrations included re-enactments of the 1004 Battle of Thetford and the 1010 Battle of Ringmere.
More than 130 Viking re-enactors from across the country were dressed in chainmail and wielded swords, spears and shields. There was also a fancy dress competition for children, archery, warrior training, a parade of Viking longships, a falconry display and living history display of how Vikings lived, with reconstructed homes, craftware and cooking.
On Saturday afternoon, the premiere of Bridgham Salute Overture was played by the Bridgham and Harling Band.
A village fete, medieval hog roast with minstrels and barn dancing and workshops on archery and sword fighting also featured.
The event was rounded off on Sunday with a choral evensong with the Bishop of Norwich and the cathedral choir at St Mary’s Church, in Bridgham.
It is recorded in the ancient book of Ely that in 1007, the entire estate of Bridgham, then owned by a wealthy Saxon widow named Aelfwaru, was given in her will to the monks of Ely, who continued to hold it for more than 550 years.
David O'Neale, the main organiser of the event, said it went very well.
“The majority of the village came to it and got involved - it was a great community effort," said Mr O’Neale.
“I am so grateful for the way the village got behind it and supported the event, by either providing facilities, their time, money, or physical labour. Above all, everybody entered into the spirit of things.”
A grant of around £9,000 from the National Lottery fund helped to pay for the celebrations, which began earlier this year
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