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Historical entertainers
bring history to life
Children in the audience gasp. The clang of metal against
metal rings out as the imposing Black Knight strikes his
opponent with his steel sword in the heat of battle.
Blue Company is a fun-loving group of historical entertainers
based at Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s Hillcrest Community
Centre. Their aim is to provide educational information by
bringing history to life.
The group was started ten years ago by Maria and a few
friends as a fun way to bring their passion for history to life.
Blue Company’s still going strong with more than
20 current members who represent a mixed bag of eras from
100AD to 1600AD.
Maria said, “It’s a great outlet for your imagination and an
excellent form of escapism after a hard day in the modern
world. It allows you to return to a past where life was simpler."
Blue Company encourages participation in storytelling,
crafting, cooking and demonstrations – with a historical
flavour. The group also visits local schools where they provide
a taste and feel of the medieval era to help children bring to
life what they have read about in textbooks.
On a typical school visit, entertainers perform combat
demonstrations showcasing basic tactics and manoeuvring
techniques, whilst other members of the group talk about
traditional aspects of life in eras gone by. Students then
have an opportunity to get hands on with the equipment.
Maria appreciates the diversity of group members, "If you're
interested in history it’s a fun way to learn about the lifestyle
with a good group of friends, or if you just want to hit your
friends with swords you can do that as well, don’t worry, it
doesn’t hurt!"
For people with an interest in ‘safe’ sword- fighting, the group
teaches traditional fighting styles with different weapons. As
members learn new techniques they progress from lightweight
swords to full weight steel swords.
Once their skills are up to standard, members can take part in
competitive events to showcase their skills whilst wearing full
protective costume including leather padding, chain mail and a
heavy suit of armour which takes up to 30 minutes to put on.
Maria invites anybody to come along and ‘become’ a character
of their choosing. “We are a very friendly group who are
always happy to welcome new members wherever your
interest may lie. Our group meets every Wednesday at Hillcrest
Community Centre.” If you would like to join the group or are
interested in having them attending your school, please contact
Maria on 0427 794 755.
Is wellbeing, health and
happiness important
to you?
We are looking for enthusiastic people to join
a ground-breaking team working to boost the
wellbeing, health and happiness of those
around you!
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is embarking
on an exciting new mission to ensure our
community is given every opportunity to
flourish, and have a ‘good life’.
Sometimes, health and wellbeing programs or
classes might seem out of reach when you’re
stretched for time and money.
We are seeking to recruit a Flourish Team
of community volunteers with a variety of
skills to help make a healthy, happy life
accessible to everyone.
Whatever your age, skill-set, ideas or time
available –if you think you could contribute
we’d love to hear from you!
Whether it be through social gatherings, helping
people to exercise, learning new skills, food,
activities for children, activities for those living
alone, activities for older people, workshops,
working bees, presentations, book clubs,
knitting circles, we are open to ideas.
For more information please contact the
Council’s Health and Wellbeing staff:
Bev on 84056876 or email
bev.o
’brien@portenf.sa.gov.auVanessa
on 8405 6525 or email
vanessa.gastongardner@portenf.sa.gov.auC
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Maria, Toni, Rhys, Shane, Jenna