NEXT year's proposed re-enactment of the Battle of Alton could be in jeopardy. Scheduled to take place over the weekend April 22/23, the idea was to concentrate the main event in the Public Gardens and Market Square. However a slow response from volunteer planners and Alton Town Council's reluctance to support the venues has thrown cold water on a potentially show-stopping town centre event. According to the project instigator, Alton town initiatives manager Vernon Pearce, he had already been forced to resort to "plan B" after his original plan proved too ambitious. He had hoped to organise a running battle through the High Street to St Lawrence Church, but a poor response to requests for volunteers to join the planning committee, the likely cost of crowd control and potential health and safety issues led to a reduction in scale. "Plan B" was to hold a smaller-scale event in 2006 and, if successful, to build on its success. The revised scheme would take place in a smaller area, minimising crowd control issues and reducing the manpower required. It was also hoped to be able to make an admission charge to reduce the amount of funding required. Mr Pearce has already been in detailed consultation with the English Civil War Society (ECWS) who, under the revised plan, would hope to set up camp in the Public Gardens where the plan was to provide "living history" displays. There would be drill displays in the Market Square on the Saturday and a number of short battle re-enactments on the Sunday. In addition, it was hoped to host a secondary encampment with living history displays in St Lawrence Churchyard and to stage a performance of Col Bolle's Cantata in the Church on Saturday evening. At last Thursday's town council policy and resources committee meeting, members were asked for their views on the proposals and for permission to close the Public Gardens for the weekend for normal recreational use to enable organisers to charge a small admission to the living history displays. But they felt unable to give that level of support. While applauding Mr Pearce's initiative in trying to stage an event of this calibre, they were nervous about the possible damage caused by a civil war encampment to the Public Gardens and felt it would not be right to close the gardens to the public and make a charge to enter. There were reservations, too, over spectator safety during a battle staged within the confines of the Market Square and concerns that following the unprecedented success of the Millennium re-enactment, people may be disappointed with a smaller event. While understanding the key issue of staging an event which would draw people into the town, councillors felt it would be better to stage the battle in somewhere like Anstey Park or on Flood Meadows. They did, however, recognise the problems faced by Vernon Pearce in trying to raise the money to stage such an event and in attracting volunteers who would be prepared to help, and they urged people to get on board. Disappointed by the council's reaction, Vernon Pearce felt the issues of concern had already been met by extensive talks with the English Civil War Society who, in order to operate, were well versed in caring for and reinstating sensitive camp sites and in health and safety issues. Aware that local residents might be concerned over potential noise nuisance, the ECWS had already agreed to minimise noise. It was also intended to write to all neighbouring residents, inviting them to visit the camp for a free tour, a glass of mead and a discussion. In his report to the town council, Mr Pearce had explained that it was important for people to understand the significance of the Battle of Alton to the heritage of the town and for them to enjoy it and join in. On the subject of potential damage to the gardens, he had pointed out that ECWS members have camped on English Heritage sites before and had always left them in perfect condition. They take detailed photographs beforehand and pay great attention to reinstatement, for example by using peat and sand to fill tent-peg holes. They were also hoping to park and store their equipment on the adjoining car park at Park House. In the Market Square it was intended that spectators viewing the battle scenes should stand behind double crowd barriers around the perimeter of the Square with grandstands erected at the top of the steps into Ladyplace car park and in the road at the Market Street, Lenten Street, Amery Hill junction. This would require some road closures and the aim would be to charge for grandstand seats. The area in the centre of the Square, around the Town Hall, would be used for the battle and the proposal was to board up the windows of the shops below to protect the glass, with local children being invited to paint the boards with medieval street or battle scenes. According to Mr Pearce, those re-enactors not camping in the Public Gardens would use the hotels, pubs, local B&B accommodation, St Lawrence Church Hall and Alton Community Centre, all of which would bring business into the town. It was hoped to use Anstey Park to accommodate any cavalry divisions, although horses would not be used during the re- enactment. While the town council showed some willingness to work with Mr Pearce in perhaps reaching a compromise over use of its land, and Alton's initiatives manager would be delighted if he was able to bring about a change of mind, he is also considering whether to draw up a "plan C". If anyone is interested in helping to stage what could be an exciting and prestigious civil war event in Alton for 2006, they should contact Vernon Pearce on 01420 473613.
