Australian
Convention 2003
By
Richard Moore
Click
here for the galleries
Phewee
... it's a long drive from Melbourne to Goulburn (New South Wales)
and back again, but the 20 hours in the car were well worthwhile
for this Napoleonic buff.
The
main painkiller was the fact that I was able to meet some really
terrific people at the first Australian Napoleonic Convention.
Gamers,
re-enactors and retailers all joined in to meet fellow enthusiasts
and chat about the Napoleonic Era.
It
was held on July 19 and 20 and while not exactly packed-out , the
convention showed there was a lot of Australian interest in the
Napoleonic period and related hobbies.
Most
of the action was at the wargaming tables where people could not
only watch various battles in 15mm and 28mm, but also pick up the
baton themselves and join the fray.
A
series of lectures was held, although it seems there may have been
a slight curse on speakers as several were unable to appear due
to illness or accidents. Fortunately Matt Williamson stepped into
the breach - adding to his already hectic workload.
We
hope to present the contents of the various lectures in the not
too distant future.
On
the Saturday night almost 40 of us indulged in a period meal - the
same one Napoleon Bonaparte ate before Waterloo. Its quality was
such that it could be the emperor was thinking about his next meal
while controlling the battle!
The
proceeds from the event are going to the Goulburn Police and Community
Club to help develop youth programmes in the NSW Central Highlands
region.
Before
the convention Matt said the event was an attempt to meet a need
in the Australian Napoleonic, historical, living history and wargaming
communities.
On
a personal note I believe it is a shame that the local historical
and living history societies weren't in evidence at the convention
as a combined effort might be a big tourism boost to the area.
We'll
be adding to this report so in the meantime check out some of the
photos of the first Australian Napoleonic Convention.
Click
here for the galleries
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