Viking horde seeks new warriors
IT MAY have been a fair while since a Briton raised a sword in anger against a Viking but the ways of the Norsemen are still being practiced in the unlikely depths of West Green.
Crawley has been home to many and varied special interest groups but the Crow Feeders Viking re-enactment group has to be one of the most unusual – and they are keen to welcome new members to the fold.
BT engineer Glenn Scarles has been a Viking re-enactor for some 16 years and adores the hobby which has trained him in the use of sword, axe and spear and given him survival skills which would make Bear Grylls envious.
The 52-year-old - who goes by the name of Bjorn when in Viking persona - said: “I’ve learned to make my own clothes and shoes – they all have to be authentic – and I’ve picked up a lot of communication skills because when you’re fighting in a group you have to learn to think quickly.
“Being a bloke, I love the combat!”
That combat has left him with a few bumps and bruises over the years thanks to being trodden on by a horse and running into a spear.
But Glenn has no intention of abandoning his alter ego for a less strenuous venture and he and the Crow Feeders are gearing up to take part in a medieval weekend at Michelham Priory, in Hailsham.
The weekend will include living history and visitors will be able to try their hand at archery, see displays of falconery and listen to wandering minstrels.
Meanwhile, Glenn and his Viking cohorts are calling on more people to join their number and are particularly keen to hear from families.
Glenn said: “We do living history demonstrations all over the place and we do a lot of combat training. And it’s not just the men. In Viking society women were treated as equals and took part in the battles.”
Anyone interested in joining the Crow Feeders can call Glenn on 01293 552604 or log on to www.vikingsonline.org.uk for further details.
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Weather for Crawley
Monday 20 May 2013
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