For those who know it, Oakwell needs no introduction. For those who don't, it is a fully-furnished 16th/17th century manor house in parkland [albeit with motorway nearby!], with which the Battalia has built up a close relationship in recent years.

Not only are the staff outstandingly friendly and co-operative, but also [which is rare nowadays] we have full use of most of the rooms, including the working kitchen.

Given the time of year, this will be mainly an indoor event, with a civilian bias, depicting the Batt family and household, with hangers-on and divers low-lifes. As has become traditional, an important feature will be the semi-scripted 'courts' held in the great hall on both days.

You do not of course have to take part in these, or become an 'actor': but in the past many battalia members have enjoyed 'having a go', and full guidance will be given to those who want it. But equally you can simply take the part of an indoor or outdoor servant, low-life or [if you have the gear] lady or gent.

We also DEFINITELY NEED UNIFORMED SOLDIERS [male please], who will have an important role in the scenario: there will be no battle or skirmish, but there is nothing to stop enthusiasts from mounting a drill display if they wish and numbers allow.

In short, all members are welcome: we will find something for you to do!

The theme of this event is life in a household at a difficult season, and in difficult times. The curator and staff are keen-partly because it is of interest to local schoolchildren-that we point up the difference in 'seasonality' between 1647 and 2007. Nowdays we can get more or less what foods we like at any time of the year: then there was no refrigeration, and foreign imports were expensive, consisting only of things which could be kept for long period [dried fruits etc]. So early Spring was a hard time for everyone, even gentry like the Batts of Oakwell. Food stored after harvest was running low, most farm animals had been slaughtered long since, leaving only a precious few for breeding: new fruit and new crops were not yet ready, travel was difficult, and people largely existed on for instance salted or smoked meats and fish. It was of course even worse for the poor-who could blame them for taking what they needed, even if they risked severe punishment in the manor court? Many will be applying for parish relief-but do they deserve it? And is there enough to go round?

The winter of 1646-7 was a hard one, and the times too were distracted. As Cromwell wrote to Fairfax on 11. March 1647, 'never had spirits of men been so embittered as they are now.' The war was over, but soldiers remained unpaid: the York garrison had recently mutinied and held pistols to officers' heads, crying out for 'Money, money, money'. For lack of it, soldiers also stole food. Trouble was also brewing between the New Model Army and Parliament, and Leveller ideas had begun to circulate.

King Charles, recently released by the Scots, was now in the hands of Parliament. In February 1647 he had passed near Oakwell on his way south to captivity at Holdenby House: crowds of poor people had lined the roads for two miles round Leeds to cheer him-maybe some of the household were there? All in all nobody knew where they stood, and all feared the future. No doubt there will be various opinions among those present: restore the King to power?; support Parliament?; side with the Army?

However, not all is gloom and doom. Doubtless there will be some household frolics and scandals, and it is even rumoured that the Fairfax Stool of Ease may make its first appearance.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PARTICULAR ROLE, PLEASE LET CHARLES KIGHTLY KNOW IN ADVANCE IF POSSIBLE: CONTACT DETAILS AT END OF THIS W.O.

We will be 'on show' to the public 12noon-4pm on both the Saturday and the Sunday. There will be a briefing-especially necessary for those taking particular roles-at 10.30am sharp on both days. If at all possible, get there on Friday night: there will be someone to receive you 5pm-midnight Friday[or later if you let us know]

Undercover accommodation-relatively warm but of course bring own bedding-is available in the courtyard buildings, also available during Friday/Saturday evenings for moderate partying. We will try to arrange a bar, though there is also a pub relatively nearby. We will provide bacon sarnies and tea/coffe on Sat/Sunday mornings, and period food will be provided at midday-ish on both days. Evening food up to you.

Given the season, we are not providing for outdoor tenting: but there will be space for caravans/campervans. Toilets on site.

Address: Oakwell Hall & Country Park, Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG.

From the M62 take Junction 26 and follow directions for the A58 Leeds road - alsosignposted with brown tourist signs “Oakwell Hall 2 ½ miles”. Follow this road for approx. 1 ½ miles and you will come to a roundabout. At this roundabout turn right on to the A651 Gomersal road - also signposted with Oakwell Hall signs. After approx. 600 yards turn left on to the A652 for Birstall. Follow this road for aprrox. ¼ mile and you will see on you left a large brown sign for Oakwell Country Park and Hall, turn left and follow the signs for Oakwell Hall - do not follow the signs for for the country park. Follow this road up to the hall and we are accommodated in the large barn block on the RHS. If you have any problems please contact Stephen Foster on his mobile.

Muster organiser: Charles Kightly, 50 Huntington Road, York YO31 8RE Email: charles@kightly.plus.com Sorry no phone calls before the event [I'm often away], but from 5pm Friday 16th mobile will be on. Emails or letters will be promptly answered.

Powder Officer [if required] TBC at event.

Thanks to Col.Stephen Foster for getting this event, and Joanne Sarney and family for sending out this order