Viking re-enactment in the Park

Recently we visited Valence Park to see a terrific Viking re-enactment.

Also visiting the park were members of Barking & Dagenham and Romford & Havering. As we entered the park near Valence House we saw many tents with people inside dressed in various Viking costumes as well as a range of materials and weapons used in the Viking period. We were able to have a go at lifting Viking swords and shields, which were very heavy. Some of us even had a go at designing our own shield, just for fun, but made out of paper.

After we looked around Valence House, which used to be a mansion many years ago, now a museum. We took part in a scavenger hunt looking for clues in each of the rooms including the parlour, the gallery and the various exhibitions. We looked around rooms finding about the history of the house and the surrounding area.

Back outside we played a traditional Viking game with sticks. We took turns in throwing sticks trying to knock over our opponent's wooden poles and also avoiding knocking over the king pole in the middle. After there was a Viking fashion show, where the volunteers would tell us about their traditional costumes from the most common to the most wealthy.

Later on some of us decided to have a go at archery, which was pretty hard to hit the target but a lot of fun.

Lastly we saw the re-enactment of the battle, demonstrating how the weapons in Viking times would be used. 

This is just one of the great events attended by Redbridge Plus who meet most Friday evenings from 8.30pm to 10pm.