Ipswich’s past will come roaring back to life this September, with everything from vintage Rosewood kitchens and traditional afternoon teas to Viking warriors and Vietnam War reenactors forming part of this year’s Galvanized heritage festival.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Get Your Arts Into Gear, representatives from the Rosewood community and Queensland Living History Federation outlined two very different events designed to immerse visitors in the region’s history.
Rosewood takes a ramble through history
The Rosewood Ramble will be held on Saturday, September 5, combining a morning exploration of the town with an afternoon of food, gardening, music and local history.
Representing the Rosewood Community Centre, Emery said the morning would give participants an opportunity to wander through Rosewood and discover some of its historical sites, with a quiz and prizes adding some friendly competition.
Activities will then move to the old Girl Guides hut in Matthew Street from 1pm to 5pm.
The local history group will present a “walk back in time” kitchen, complete with recipes and foods from years gone by, alongside historical talks and displays exploring everyday life in Rosewood.
One presentation will feature work from a historian recording the oral histories of some of Rosewood’s older residents.
Locals have also loaned a collection of historic household and gardening items for the event, ranging from old crockery and meat safes to a mower believed to be around a century old.
Organisers hope the objects will trigger memories and conversations about how life in the district has changed over generations.
Community garden opens its gates
The Rosewood Community Garden, located behind the hall, will also become a major part of the festivities.
Established around 18 months ago, the garden includes a food forest and produces food used for emergency relief through the Rosewood Community Centre.
It has also developed into a creative community space, with an art group among those regularly using the garden.
Visitors to the Rosewood Ramble will be treated to a free traditional afternoon tea featuring the likes of pumpkin scones and egg sandwiches, served using old-fashioned crockery donated to the community.
Roving musicians will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon, while a local choir will perform songs spanning different eras.
The garden’s food forest now contains about 50 different trees, while the day’s program will also explore First Nations food traditions and the changing nature of gardening and cooking in Rosewood.
The Rosewood Ramble is free, although visitors are being encouraged to register through the Galvanized festival program to help organisers cater for the afternoon tea.
History Alive takes over the Showgrounds
One week later, the scale will increase considerably when History Alive takes over the Ipswich Showgrounds on September 12 and 13.
The Queensland Living History Federation is bringing the event to Ipswich as part of Galvanized, with around 40 living history groups expected to participate.
The federation represents more than 600 reenactors across South East Queensland, covering an extraordinary range of historical periods.
Visitors can expect everything from Viking warriors and Queensland’s colonial period through to military history including the Vietnam War.
Among the participating groups is SvÃþjóð La Doga, which recreates Rus Viking history from approximately 900 to 1100 AD, while other reenactors will bring Queensland’s 19th-century history to life.
Vietnam War living history will also form part of the event, with reenactor Jen explaining that the relatively recent conflict provides an important opportunity to engage with veterans who still have firsthand memories of the period.
She said interaction with veterans helped reenactors improve the accuracy of their portrayal and, more importantly, helped audiences better understand what occurred during the conflict.
A passion passed through generations
For many participants, historical reenactment has become far more than simply putting on a costume.
Declan, now president of the Queensland Living History Federation, was introduced to Viking reenactment through his uncle, who helped establish his group in 2003.
After his uncle died, Declan was encouraged to become involved and was handed some armour and a sword.
“What kid doesn’t want a sword?” he said.
That introduction developed into a passion for living history and ultimately his leadership role within the federation.
Other participating organisations have even longer histories, with the Queensland colonial group represented during the interview operating since 1984 and now including families with three generations involved.
The reenactors said historical interpretation was also constantly developing as new archaeological discoveries and research changed the understanding of how people lived in the past.
Visitors encouraged to dress the part
History Alive won’t require visitors to simply stand back and watch.
Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume, whether their inspiration comes from a particular historical period, fantasy or popular culture.
Costume competitions will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, with prizes for some of the best-dressed visitors.
The Ipswich Showgrounds will also be transformed with historical encampments, with many reenactors staying on site in period-style tents.
Visitors will be able to see campfires and examples of food preparation using ingredients and techniques appropriate to the different eras being portrayed.
Food trucks will operate throughout the event, while a bar will be available in the Grand Pavilion.
General admission was stated during the interview as $46 for a day pass, with discounted options for under-16s and concession card holders and free entry for carers accompanying a person with disability.
Tickets can be accessed through the Galvanized festival program, which links visitors through to the History Alive ticketing service.
With the Rosewood Ramble showcasing the stories, food and everyday objects of a local community and History Alive bringing hundreds of passionate reenactors together at the Showgrounds, the two events will offer very different ways to experience Ipswich’s heritage during Galvanized.
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