Member Profile: Steve King

Name: Steve King

Nickname: Blabber

Age: 29

Sex: Chap

Job title: Management Consultant, whatever that means

Area where you live: Bristol

Other personal details: I got my nick name at my first muster with Blews. Cos I talk a lot. I mean me, can you believe it - well okay, you've got me bang to rights. I have been a joint member of the English Civil War Society and SK for the last ten years. I am a member of Blackwells in The Kings Army and have been a member of Norfolke Trayned Bandes in the Roundhead Association - the KA and RA being the two sides in ECWS. I met my other half Grenade whilst reenacting in Kendall. I was asked by the Sergeant of pike if I wanted to join the musket block after my first battle in the pike, my answer is not reprintable, but I have spent the last five years at the front of the pike block and have never carried a musket. Very inspirational leader our sargeant, could obviously spot potential and know how to develop it - ha ha.

Why you joined the SK: Joined in 1993 with a group of other ECWS reenactors who were originally looking to form their own company. This plan was shelved almost immediately when we saw we had joined an impressive bunch of lunatics who did things the way we more or less wanted to anyhow, except the pikeblock liked to run a lot, and we dont do running anymore. I also joined to do the 350th anniversary reenactments that the SK were putting on.

What do you like about the regiment: We are the Best. Best drilled, hardest and fairest fighters, hardest partying, most fun, with a keen sense of history.

What you dislike about the SK: It can be quite faceless and beaurocratic which means things change slowly. People get places in the SK cos they want to do the work not cos they are best qualified to do it. Its a matter of put up or shut up - so I'll shut up. Its a voluntary charity. But actually for all that we still manage to do an amazing job as a society. So well done one and all. Lets hope they keep doing it so we can stay enjoying our hobby.

Best moment in the regiment: Many. Being made file leader in the pike block. Its the best job in the SK. The impacts in the front row of the pike, surfing other regiments, beating them so badly they cant form up anymore, going drinking as a regiment, amazing drinking sessions with an enormous amount of singing, hilarity and jolly japes etc etc. Finally resolving the eternal dilemma - 'If Mel and Blabber were locked in a room, with only one pair of ear defenders on the table, who would make a grab for them and run for the door to pound on it and beg to be let out?'. Shortened version of events - He left, and we were sat in his van!

Advice for new / prospective members: The hardest thing is to come away intially. We have all been there, and people will look out to make sure you have a good time. Come and look me up when you arrive. You cant miss me just head towards the talking. We party as a regiment. After you have been once you'll either be hooked or know it is not for you. Try an introductory membership and take it from there.

Other comments: Thanks to the greatest bunch of people I am ever likely to meet. Your my family and were there for me when I needed you all those years ago.