Keith Piggott, the armourer of the 1879 Living History Group, together with his father, Dave, dressed as a black Bear, provided interesting interlude for visitors to Brecon during the Summer Fair. During the event, Dave Piggott was taken to meet ‘the 24th regimental bear’. The 24th Black Bear in the Officers’ Mess, Brecon was shot near Chakrata in the Himalayas on 24 October 1899 by Colonel Henry Mainwaring, who at the time was commanding the 1st Battalion 24th South Wales Borderers stationed there. Colonel Mainwaring who served during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu campaign never missed an opportunity to go big game shooting and must have been in his element when the battalion was posted to the foothills of the Himalayas.

The 1879 Group, pictured with Ian Knight

The weekend was a great success and many friends enjoyed the relaxed Victorian atmosphere created by the 1879 Living History Group. The fair would not have been possible without the help from Adrian Greaves of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society, Ian Knight for the lectures, Jason Askew for his stunning paintings, Stephen Hopkins and his books, Rob Watts from Staffordshire and his models, Ian Woodason from the Keynsham Light Horse, Keith Perks of The Thin Red Line and many others (including the hard working museum staff and Bill Cainan - our roving Mr Fixer) who ensured it was an enjoyable two days.

For your diary, next year’s event to be in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys on Saturday 5 July 2003.

Ian Knight (Right) with his latest publication