Framingham on the Sudbury
Summer Camp
Late August 2010
Hi Folks,
What an August we’ve had from Fort George to OSV to Fort Taber – with lots of new faces. Again, I like this trend! We’ve also got the Marlboro Labor Day parade and Sudbury in September that we would like to prepare for. We should also get at least one work party in place to roll cartridges, fit black gaiters, and to prepare for an upcoming Regimental Coat workshop.
A stalwart group of us travelled to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario CA. What a great site! Plenty of flat camping, huge fields for maneuvers, wonderfully reconstructed fort, and a great little 18th/19th Century town to explore – what more could anyone really want! Dwight and Neil Dixon, Abe, Don Heminitz (fifer), Ben Ruesch, Adam A, Ron M, and Kevin C made the trip up as Saintonge. We were also joined by Bill R, Will H, Matt Mees, and Todd Bailey as Belsunce Dragoons aaannnddd…40+ muskets from the Fort George Garrison in the sleeved waistcoats! What was really cool is that the number of their Regiment is “41” and they were in white small clothes with red trim – exactly like the Soissonais Regiment – so we had a very impressive showing. Abe did a terrific job as Lieutenant, keeping both Saintonge and the 41st active on the field. Even though we were outnumbered both days, we had a fantastic time with plenty to shoot at, good tactical events (the evening tactical was really cool!!), and plenty of evening activities both inside and outside the Fort. A good time was had by all and another event at this site will be planned for the future.
The event at OSV was an event that will be remembered for quite a while – the French Line had quite the showing. Dana was the overall allied commander for the event – I was the French commander. We were also joined by a significant presence from the Regiments Gatinois and Bourbonnais – in total over 30 muskets, not including officers, music, and distaff! In our Regiment we had quite a few new faces in the Line; Adam Page, Greg M (Miko), Greg Chaber, Kerry Glennon, Alex Doucette, Jessica Reardon, Dominic Ryder, and Dayna Margarita (distaff). These new faces were joined by quite a few of us in the field; Abe, Adam A, Beth H, Ben R, Bruce L, Bryon and Bruce Bausk, Carl and Will (Ellie) Hutchinson, Dana R, Dave H, Klaus S, Reed Harder, Ron M, and Sean Robinson. Our distaff rounded out the event with Anita Bausk, Colleen and Wendy Humphries, Teddy and Harry Humphries, Heather and Anna Taskovics, and Sherry Schneller. As you can see, quite a few folks! Bryon and Anita spoiled us (as usual) with a great commissary!
On Saturday we got our newest recruits all dressed and accustomed to life in camp. All the Regiments gathered together for combined drill – what a site – the most amount of white we have seen on the field in a great while! After a fantastic nooning and Regimental drill, we were off to the field. For this action, we were supposed to be beaten back, despite the Crown Forces being out numbered and their inability to expose/turn our flank. We had quite a sharp little action at the beginning of the tactical that was really not part of the scenario, but it was fun just the same for everyone! Dana did a great job moving all the Regiments around the field and keeping the event moving. We eventually got pushed back across the field and were able to retire in good order back to our camp. Once the muskets were clean, we had plenty of time to roam the Village, meet with friends on both sides of the Line, and (again!) enjoy a terrific meal back in camp followed by merriment through the evening.
On Sunday, pretty much the same tactical scenario, except that we started at the other end of the field, and we were schedule to win. Once entering the field we were able to get about 6 crashing volleys from the entire French Line – which was really impressive from both sides of the scenario. We also had one “cannon-shot” during the company firings that we took care of after a brief stop – other than that, everything went according to plan. After sweeping the Crown Forces off the field (and taking the 10th Grenadiers captive) we retired back to camp. Again, we had plenty of time to clean muskets, break down camp, and enjoy the Village and the company of the folks participating in the event. We also did a great job welcoming the new folks into the Line and mentoring them in Regimental activities and tactical events. In summary, a good time was had by all.
A section of us went down to participate in the event at Fort Tabor in New Bedford, MA. By all reports, everyone had a great time and was another great training event for our new folks. In attendance were Dwight, Neil, Bryon, and Adam Page – who were also joined by an equal set of numbers from the Bourbonnais. It was in interesting site with a great museum. Obviously the group did have some fun, since they stated they captured the Royal Irish guns – twice. I guess we’ll get all the details over a frosty beverage at the Regimental Party.
Looking forward to September, we have two scheduled events – the Marlboro Labor Day parade and Regimental Party and the Sudbury Muster at the Wayside Inn. Details of both events are included in this newsletter. Thanks go to Bryon and Anita Bausk for hosting this year’s Regimental party after the Labor Day Parade. My place right now is covered in dust due to construction and there’s a hole where the pool used to be, so an alternative venue is definitely necessary. PLEASE let Dana, Ellie, Anita, or I know if you are coming to the Regimental Party (and parade) so we can get everything planned properly.
Finally, we are working to get uniforms and suppliers worked out this year. Some things did not go quite as planned, but we were still able to (properly!!) dress and accouter 10(!) new folks in the Line and Musique. During September, stay tuned for a rolling party to get ready for Millis and a Regimental Coat Workshop. The Regimental Coat Workshop may focus initially on the 5 folks in need coats in preparation for Millis and will act as a dry run for a planned general workshop during the Fall and Winter timeframes. I will be working with Bill Rose to draft the new coat patterns which is based on more information that we have found. The workshop will be run by members of the Regiment and Bill Rose will be hosting the workshops at his place in Bolton. Bill has found some exciting information on uniforms and accoutrements that we will share with everyone in future meetings and newsletters. As usual, if you have a complete kit that is clean and serviceable, then it can be still used. Our goal is to give folks the ability to replace their old gear with new, with the goal of getting folks properly fitting gear and complete uniforms and accoutrements.
Look forward to seeing everyone in Marlboro and/or at the Party at the Bausk’s!
Pour le Roi!
et le Regiment!
Steven
