Current Unit Members

Private Steve Fisk Hello, I suppose your wondering why I dress up as a foot soldier ? Well, I'm Steve, a Private of the 79th Cameron Highlanders.

I got involved over 7 years ago when I hooked up with my wife, Piper Karen Fisk who introduced me to re-enacting, My thoughts on re-enacting were a little odd at first but as I went to more events, I realised that we were not the only ones whose interest in dressing up to entertain the public were strange, but to a lot of other re-enactors, this was the normal thing to do. Apart from having another social aspect in my life, we are a well established unit under the commands of my father-in-law Corporal Dave Hind with whom we are progressing in leaps and bounds.

If you think you are capable of GOOD HUMOUR , FUN and FRIENDSHIP and not afraid of LOOKING THE PART, then YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU to join the fight for FREEDOM

Piper Sacha Small I am a keen piper, and play with the British Airways Pipe Band, where I met Ian who is a drummer with the band. I agreed to help out with the piping in Ostend Belgium, as Ian said it would be a good laugh, and to be honest I haven't stopped (laughing that is). The social life in the unit is fantastic, and the jobs are always good fun and relaxed. I thoroughly enjoy the hobby, as it's what a hobby should be, fun but without dominating my life. I am also a super model by day, and am available for private viewings, if you can stand the sight of my feet!!!!

Pamela Coothern I started when I was 15, met Liz at Fort Amherst at a Christmas event and enjoyed spending time there, so I went along to the next drill day. The moment I met everyone I felt so welcome, they looked after me like it was an extended family.

The history element is great to learn and then to tell the public how life was and then get the general public to join in the games etc. As a hobby it is great for public speaking, social interactions and general confidence.

Out of hours we definitely play as hard as we have worked all day, and the social aspect is always lively and enjoyable. So now it is definitely a hobby to carry on for diversity, culture and close friends.

Christopher Bartolo Hi, I’m the current 3^rd in line for battlefield command. Joy. I joined the 79^th a few years back, when I was 16, mainly to do something with the family. Since then, re-enactment has branched out into one of my most enjoyable past times and has taken me all over Europe, from France to Malta. I have now become the unit Pioneer, mainly so I can go on the battlefield with an axe! All ye Frenchmen, hear me and quake in fear. Or like point and laugh, more like.

Private Kit Clark Hi my name is Catherine Clarke. I am known as Cat or Kit. Cat as a lady or Kit in uniform. The reason why I joined The 79^th is I love history and I really want to know more about the Napoleonic era. I was a camp follower for 3 1/2 years then I become a soldier. I really enjoy the drill and I love firing the muskets. I’ve been to Ostend, Waterloo, Liverpool and many other different places to do re-enacting. I love the company of the group because we all help each other.

(Awaiting Picture & profile) Drummer Thomas Watts

Drummer Owen Watts Hello I joined the unit because my Nan "Mistress Beth" asked me to come along and see if I liked it. I enjoy learning and playing the drums also teaching other children some drill and the games we used to play.

Quartermaster Tony Bartolo I joined the unit mainly because both of my sons, Anthony and Christopher, were already in the unit and they needed a "handyman". I was the unit carpenter and tried to repair any damaged items, but now I will be changing roles and will be the Quartermaster for the unit. I do dress up in the uniform, but do not march or fight in battles, I am to old for that and my legs and feet are not up to it anymore! It is a good hobby and I have met a great many nice people and been to many new places. Come and see us in action or even better join us!

Sarah Riddell I have always liked history and I was told about the regiment by Liz and Ian, and it sounded like it might be fun so I joined and also to learn more about the way they lived in the Napoleonic times. I then found out that I enjoyed the regiment and I like showing the public what we do and how they used to live; I have made a lot of friends and I enjoy the social part of it.

Nichole Fox I am in the Unit because of the enjoyment of acting and communicating with people that understand me. All of the guys in the Unit accepted me when I was feeling really low and to be surrounded by friends makes me feel so happy. To dress up and act was something I never got to do when I was younger and now I feel like a kid again. Thank you to Liz, Sue and Tony for looking out for me, all you guys rock

Lance Corporal James Hinton and his fiancé Beverly Caplin I am quite a new recruit to the 79th and have joined up with my girlfriend Beverly. I am heavily into history, especially from the Napoleonic wars and am quite read on this period from the Peninsular wars to Waterloo. The interest in joining the 79th is to bring back living moments of battles and lifestyles 200 years ago, battles that are now obsolete in fashion but also changed the worlds history. I am now the proud owner of a Brown Bess musket and for me the best part of the re-enactment events is to load and fire it. I like to think of myself as a "Sharpe in a kilt" with apologies to the 95th regiment wanabees! (James Hinton)

I think everyone would like to be someone else every now and again. Well this was my chance! Along with my fiancé' to be someone else in a different time and place. It's great fun having a different identity. Although I must admit it's not a time I would relish living in, but this way I always get to return to my sacred "white appliances". (Beverly)

Thea Caplin My Mum (Beverly) joined the unit first and told me she had a good time and the people were very nice. So I decided to come along one day to meet the other members and see what I thought. We travel around the country attending different events and meet new people, it is good fun and we all enjoy ourselves.

Piper Iain Raymond I linked with the 79th via Liz, Ian and Sacha as Ian was a drummer, and Sacha a Piper with the BA Pipe Band. I went with the group to Ostend this year (2008), it was my first outing with them all. They appeared to be a pretty fun loving, but mad lot, so I thought that I had clearly come to the right place, and would fit in very well.

I served with the Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders and other units as a regular soldier, and have always had an interest in History, having gained an Honours Degree in Social History at University.

Pipers have always excelled in battle, and none less than Piper Kenneth McKay of the 79th Cameron Highlanders at The Battle of Waterloo. He stood in the British square spurring on his comrades playing the rallying tune Cogadh no Sith (War or Peace). Later, he was presented with a silver mounted set of Pipes by the Duke of Wellington personally.

I think in these modern, less romantic times, when these famous Scottish Regiments have all been drawn into one Regiment, now The Royal Regiment of Scotland, that there identity still lives on if only but in Battalion form. Re-enactment groups do a lot to keep up the traditions of the Scottish Regiments like the 79th, raised in 1793 by Alan Cameron of Erracht.

I am looking forward to more outings with the group, and would like to go to the Waterloo re-enactment next visit.

Private Dom Lafford I have been in re-enacting for a number of years now, I was in the "Buffs" before I went into university. When I finished university and got my degree, I came back to Kent I joined the 79th , as some of my friends were in the unit. I do enjoy travelling to all parts of the UK and Europe meeting people and generally having a good time.

Private Dion McVey Before I joined The 79th I was a shy and quiet young man, however since joining, many would not believe so! I would like to thank The 79th for giving me the experience of being involved in something fantastic, it has boosted my confidence and my life and also my social life has never been the same.

Ashleigh-Marie Elmer I had never heard of re-enacting before until Dom told me I should come to one o the events. So I did...only to see if I liked it and I did. Everyone was so welcoming. Since joining the unit I have become a more confident and is not as shy meeting and greeting the public. I have so much opportunities since re-enacting such as dressing up to rock climbing in my pyjamas (everyone loved that!). Most of all it is a great chance to meet new friends that will be there for you no matter what. I would recommend joining this unit due to the sheer amount of fun and laughter that we have.

Private Mike Young (Awaiting Profile)

(Awaiting Picture) Helen Munday Hello. I first joined the regiment when they went to Meopham, which is near where I live. So when Chris said he was coming down to Meopham, my boyfriend and me decided to go. It was a good day at the camp site, with the archery, gun range and climbing. (MEN- if you wish to join be prepared to wear kilt while on the climbing wall) I also went to Detling which was my first overnight camping weekend. I have a passion for bladed weapons because I'm that mad! Which is lucky for this job.