| A History of the New Varangian Guard (continued) |
| As part of the proposal to become a National Body, it was felt important to have standardised combat regulations throughout the whole of the NVG. A preliminary set of regulations was put together by Stephen Wyley in 1993, mostly incorporating current practice throughout the garrisons. However, it took another two years of discussion and proposals to iron out local differences so everybody was happy with the regulations (for example - what was to be the correct radius for a "safe" point on a weapon? Or what is an acceptable weight for a mace head?). They were officially adopted in 1995, but are still revisited from time to time, as new issues are raised and discussed. |
| In April 1998 members of Antioch and Hodegon garrisons drove to Adelaide in South Australia to attend a Mediaeval Fair - partly for fun, partly on a recruitment drive and to foster relations with re-enactors in South Australia (the Companie of Knights Bachelor), and put on a proper mediaeval blood and guts battle. Very graphic - the audience were very impressed. Thessalonika garrison developed a friendly relationship with re-enactors in Adelaide. In 2002, Handakas Garrison was formed, and in its short history has expanded dramatically, and developed well in all aspects of re-enactment. |
| In December 1993 Egfroth moved to Mildura, in northwestern Victoria and began a new group. This developed into Thessalonika Garrison, which received its garrison charter at the Brisbane Mediaeval Convention, Easter 1995. |
| New Varangian Guard - National Body |
| Combat Regulations |
| Beginning in 1992, the idea of forming a National Body for the scattered garrisons across Australia was discussed at length over the following two years or so. Many suggestions and proposals were made toward dealing with the problems and issues involved in becoming a national group. A publication called the Golden Bull came out on a regular basis documenting the progress toward incorporation. In late 1993 the combined Garrisons voted to incorporate as a single body. The NVG Inc. was formed as a corporation registered in New South Wales and replaced the NVG in January 1994. The first issue of the Varangian Gazette, the administrative newsletter of the NVG Inc. was published on February 17 1994. |
| Thessalonika Garrison |
| In 1992(?) Rod Southall moved from Port Hedland to Geraldton, about 500 km north of Perth on the West Australian coast, in and began a new group. This developed into Dyrrachium Garrison, which was awarded a garrison charter in on November 16th, 1993 |
| Dyrrachium Garrison |
| It has become a tradition for the NVG to hold gatherings to promote communication and good relations between members of the various garrisons, as well as get together to fight and have fun together. It's also an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the Guard as a whole. Gatherings have been held in Wagga Wagga (September 1993 and September 1994), Batlow in Southern New South Wales (22-24 Sept 1995), and Arcadia on 7 Oct 1996. There have been others which need to be added to this list. |
| NVG National Gatherings |
| Handakas Garrison |
| In September 1997 Egfroth moved to Frankston, 43 km south-east of Melbourne, and began a group which was to become Hodegon garrison. Covering territory to the east and south-east of Melbourne, it was awarded garrison status in late 1998. It is oriented to re-enacting a unit of Varangian Guards, billeted in the Hodegon monastery in Constantinople. In 1999, Egfroth declared himself Emperor, so the Varangians could have someone to be bodyguards to. Nobody else seemed to care. Hodegon is known as being one of the less serious garrisons, carrying out acts of great silliness at Conventions. |
| Hodegon Garrison |
| Mediaeval Conferences/Conventions are get-togethers with the purpose of promoting friendship and communication between re-enactors and re-enactment groups throughout Australia, and more recently, New Zealand. Since 1987 they have been held every second Easter. Contingents from the NVG have attended every Convention held since the Second in 1983, earning a reputation for consistently high quality re-enactment in many areas including combat, costuming, research, music, archery and armouring. NVG Melbourne hosted the Conventions of 1985 and 1989. |
| Australasian Mediaeval Conventions |
| Several NVG contingents - from Miklagard, Hodegon and Edinburgh - attended the re-enactment of the battle of Hastings held on the anniversary, October 14 on the site of the actual battle in Sussex, England. Relationships were formed with re-enactors from all over the world, particularly with the Russians, with whom the Aussies were billeted, Conquest and the Vike of England, Hag' Dik of Normandy and a contingent from Oklahoma. It demonstrated that the NVG is the equal of the best overseas re-enactment societies. |
| Hastings 2000 |
| Over the last few years, several members of the NVG have, for various reasons, moved to the UK to live and work. This led to the formation of an ad hoc NVG group in the UK, particularly in Edinburgh. But just as it looked like another garrison was to start there, most of the members were planning to move back home to Australia. They will be welcomed back here. As it turns out, another UK group has started, anyway, from another source. |
| Edinburgh and UK |
| In the last 12 months, re-enactors and other people interested in things mediaeval in Italy, the US and the UK have become Sister organisations of the NVG. We look forward to further international expansion. |
| International Expansion |
 |
| Varangians taking a break in our overnight lodgings at Battle. The Russian contingent were billeted downstairs. |
 |
| The NVG at Brisbane Convention, 1995 |
| There have been |
| visitors to this site |
 |
| The English army marches onto the field |
|