Candids of the GWA
"Unofficial Workparty"

On July 28th - 31st, 2005, the membership of the Great War Association (GWA) participated in the very first official "Unofficial GWA Workparty." Although the G-8 voted had voted on this after the fact and tabled it as "official event." The original event organizers decided not to confuse GWA members with two names and keep the name as the "Unofficial GWA Workparty."

This type of workparty was not a new concept our own Max Stiebritz of 8K/IR459 had proposed this type of event to the GWA for quite a few years but the idea never got past the GWA adminstrations. So the 5th Battalion Anzacs and IR459 put our heads together and took it upon themselves to host this unique event and between both units they bought enough Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Buns, Condiments and beverages for all participants.

Kevin Mears of the Anzacs set up a "hospitality table" in No Man's Land which offered participants sunscreen, bug-spray, safety glasses, ice cold water and gator-ade.

The motto for the weekend became, "come out and weedeat and mow for food." Damn what a novel idea -- it has always been said that "Reenactor's will reenact for food." So why couldn't we not promote the idea that we could ask the GWA membership to clean up the site for food. Of course we took it a step further by offering a raffle and made sure that everyone who stayed for the "thankyou" picnic was a winner. Gift certificates and DVD's were put out and each winner was given the chance to win a prize.

Believe it or not the idea worked...We had between 25 to 3o participants who actually came out to brave the July heat and tackle "mother nature" at Neuville. I personally overheard many of the workers say that they had no idea how the site was during the off months.

The GWA units that participated were the Buffs, Irish Guards, 318th, IR63, IR459, 5th Battalion Anzacs, 151e R.I and Royal Engineers.

Asst. Central Powers Trench Master Magnus Heberle (IR459). "Can you feel the love?"   Max Stiebritz (IR459) The man, the myth, the legend "Can you believe he really does cut grass now?"   Tom Greenfield (5th Battn. Anzacs).   From left to right: Brian Kendal (The Buffs) & Kevin Mears (5th Battn. Anzacs).   Couple 5th Battn. Anzacs using weedeaters in their trenches.   The No Man's Land aide station. This was donated by Kevin Mears and the membership of the 5th Battn. Anzacs

Lord Brain Kendal (The Buffs).   Capt. Lowe (Allied CO.) & Tom Price (5th Battn. Anzacs).   Guy Gormley (5th Battn. Anzacs).   From left to right: Can not tell who this is, Steve Murphy (12MW) & Hoffmann (IR63).   Tom Price (5th Battn. Anzacs) sharpening his chainsaw blade.   Can you tell Brian is happy with the results from this weekend?