There are real opportunities for everybody to get involved. Basing House is open to the public from 10 am until 6pm (5pm on Monday) and on each day we will be delivering a full day’s programme of displays and demonstrations relating to the house, its history and its place in the ECW. We would love to hear your ideas, particularly ones that enable visitor participation.
This is the Society's August Bank Holiday event and we have an amibitious three-day programme with lots going on. How will you be getting stuck in?
Specific requests...
Some key areas we specifically request your involvement in (please contact Gareth Owen unless stated otherwise):
Visitor orientation: Could you help our visitors get the most out of this event? We are seeking interested and willing members to participate in “visitor orientation”, giving an introductory spiel
to groups of visitors as they arrive, highlighting areas of interest and helping them engage with members on the displays. No specialist knowledge needed, just enthusiasm.
“Guard duty”: We intend to position military personnel as “guards” around the historic site, to add to the atmosphere of a house under siege and act as information points for visitors. Could you help by joining the rota and give an hour a day? No specialist knowledge needed, just enthusiasm and the event programme.
Drop-in sessions: We are running drop-in sessions, enabling visitors to have a hands-on go at a variety of activities. Have-a-go pike, have-a-go drumming and have-a-go printing are among the current suggestions. Could you assist with these activities? Can you suggest additional activity sessions for visitors? Further information about getting involved here.
Photograph by Gareth Owen - SK
Peopling the House: Could you join us in the disp
lay and mingle with the public? The client would love to see the site come alive with lots of costumed members out and about portraying soldiers, servants and local people and engaging with our visitors. All members meeting SK minimum dress regulations are invited and welcome - this is an event for everyone to be at and take part in.
Regiments: Why not support the event by bringing your regiment up to the House to drill, guard or just hang about…
Cameos: Fancy drawing the limelight? We plan a vari
ety of cameos depicting key themes linking with each day’s script, and are seeking members willing to get stuck in and work with us to develop and perform these.
Musicians: Can you pluck, strum, beat, blow or fiddle a tune? We’re seeking musicians to play tunes and add to the atmosphere of the site. A special request in particular for trumpeters to sound the arrival of the Marquis on Saturday. Photograph by Lizzie Webbe - SK
“Toffs”: Have you got the swagger, the lace and the grace to play the part of a lady, gentleman or officer? Basing was a grand country house and we want to convey a sense of its style and status. This is an event where you CAN “bring out the bling”, whether you come up to the historic site for an hour or two, or bring your canvas tent and spend the whole weekend.
Siege works: The battle script calls for Parliament to set up siege works on the Common during Sunday and Monday. If any regiments have or can make siege equipment, please contact Vince Pearce. We are looking for anything from ladders and carts to wattle fencing or gabions to help set the scene of the Parliament works.
Baggage: There are specific requirements for baggage trains over the weekend eg on Monday, to depict civilians taking refuge in the House. If your regiment has carts and members who would like to be involved, please let us know.
Regimental Identities: Within the SK many regiments who fought at Basing are represented by units that are currently “live” in the society. However, some key regiments aren’t represented and we are keen to give these units a battle field presence. If your unit would like to take on a persona please discuss the option with the relevant Army command.