A SURPRISE guest visited the Bradford on Avon Town Council meeting to thank everyone for the hard work behind the town’s civil war re-enactment.

John Martin, of the English Civil War Society, visited the council at the last meeting on November 29, dressed in his civil war garb, to thank the council for the re-enactment in July. Mr Martin, who was even carrying his Civil War-era sword, addressed the council on behalf of the Lords General of The King’s Arm and The Roundhead Association, and dubbed this year’s event one of the most enjoyable and successful events they have done.

“It was a big surprise, we didn’t know if we were going to be attacked or not,” joked Bradford on Avon councillor Laurie Brown.

“Mr Martin gave a special thank you to myself and presented me with a pewter goblet. I chaired the working group behind the re-enactment after I had spoken to the council and requested the event take place.”

The war re-enactment in July saw the town being taken over for two days, welcoming thousands of visitors to watch, involving a skirmish on the town bridge as well as infantry displays in Victory Field and a full-scale battle at Poulton Field.

“The town has a rich history and a lot of historic background especially with the Civil War. The skirmish on the bridge actually happened in the town and was a big part of the war in the 1600s. I keep on getting asked when the next one will take place or if we will do another but for now I think breathing space is important,” Cllr Brown added.