Who are we?
History
P.A.R.A is a re-enactment and living history group based in South Wales, UK. Started in June 2010, P.A.R.A is a new and fresh group looking to do a range of events. The group was started by John Shears, having previously done British infantry re-enactment for many years, and Nick Thomas, previously an English Civil War re-enactor from 1995-2001.
The group was started with a specific view to maintaining a high standard or displays. As a group, we want people to not just dress in the kit of the soldiers we represent, but to actually look like them at all times. P.A.R.A expects all of its members to place a high degree of effort in to maintaining a fit and healthy constituation and physically representing the airborne both in body and training.
What We Do
The group does living history displays through Wales and England. We are happy to do walking displays, encampments, working independantly or alongside other organisations. We are able to represent the 6th and 1st Airborne Divisions, both as airlanding or paratroopers that participated in WW2 from 1942-1945. The members are highly knowledgeable on the subject and can provide talks and information regarding the 6th Airborne Division.
Why Do What We Do?
It is a valid question to ask why re-live the experiences of the most horrific war the world has ever seen, but there are many reasons. Firstly, why are WW2 movies so popular? Few people have not heard of or seen The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers. A vast wealth of books, films and computer games exist on the subject, both in fiction and non-fiction manners. The reality is people are fascinated by the period, and rightly so, it was an epic element of World history, which should not be forgotten. Living history displays provide knowledge and experience which the modern public will never see outside a television screen.
Re-enactment exists to provide information, experience and knowledge to the general public. British re-enactment also has a nostalgic effect, with few old soldiers being able to keep away and have a good chat. Re-enactment keeps the history alive and provides for the audience in ways that other education cannot. The reality is that most children find history in schools boring, usually because it is taught in a rather boring fashion, and yet, all are fascinated by living history displays where their imagination is bombarding with a feast of visual material.
Re-enactors however, unlike teachers or actors, do not do what they do for money, they do it as a hobby, for a love of the period and experiences that the hobby can bring. Re-enactment provides a lot of fun and joy to those who partipate in it.
Combat Training
Both leaders of the group are martial artists have a keen interest in developing historical correct fighting arts. Nick Thomas is a martial arts instructor of European arts, involving swordsmanship and dagger combat. Using these skills we are willing and able to teach unarmed martial arts, knife combat, bayonet training and combat handgun styles that are correct for the period.
P.A.R.A is a re-enactment and living history group based in South Wales, UK. Started in June 2010, P.A.R.A is a new and fresh group looking to do a range of events. The group was started by John Shears, having previously done British infantry re-enactment for many years, and Nick Thomas, previously an English Civil War re-enactor from 1995-2001.
The group was started with a specific view to maintaining a high standard or displays. As a group, we want people to not just dress in the kit of the soldiers we represent, but to actually look like them at all times. P.A.R.A expects all of its members to place a high degree of effort in to maintaining a fit and healthy constituation and physically representing the airborne both in body and training.
What We Do
The group does living history displays through Wales and England. We are happy to do walking displays, encampments, working independantly or alongside other organisations. We are able to represent the 6th and 1st Airborne Divisions, both as airlanding or paratroopers that participated in WW2 from 1942-1945. The members are highly knowledgeable on the subject and can provide talks and information regarding the 6th Airborne Division.
Why Do What We Do?
It is a valid question to ask why re-live the experiences of the most horrific war the world has ever seen, but there are many reasons. Firstly, why are WW2 movies so popular? Few people have not heard of or seen The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers. A vast wealth of books, films and computer games exist on the subject, both in fiction and non-fiction manners. The reality is people are fascinated by the period, and rightly so, it was an epic element of World history, which should not be forgotten. Living history displays provide knowledge and experience which the modern public will never see outside a television screen.
Re-enactment exists to provide information, experience and knowledge to the general public. British re-enactment also has a nostalgic effect, with few old soldiers being able to keep away and have a good chat. Re-enactment keeps the history alive and provides for the audience in ways that other education cannot. The reality is that most children find history in schools boring, usually because it is taught in a rather boring fashion, and yet, all are fascinated by living history displays where their imagination is bombarding with a feast of visual material.
Re-enactors however, unlike teachers or actors, do not do what they do for money, they do it as a hobby, for a love of the period and experiences that the hobby can bring. Re-enactment provides a lot of fun and joy to those who partipate in it.
Combat Training
Both leaders of the group are martial artists have a keen interest in developing historical correct fighting arts. Nick Thomas is a martial arts instructor of European arts, involving swordsmanship and dagger combat. Using these skills we are willing and able to teach unarmed martial arts, knife combat, bayonet training and combat handgun styles that are correct for the period.
