Characters

	Using first person interpretation we can truly bring your venue to life. All of these characters are admirably suited to schools and events.They are all excellent walk-about characters to meet and greet the public, or can provide a stationary display, if required.
		Sargeant Harry Hargreaves The reminiscences of Sargeant Hargreaves, born 1890, his life and times, as recounted in 1940 Harry is a no nonsense man, a man of his time. He will tell you about his childhood years in the Barracks at Preston, the death of his father in the Boer War and the subsequent eviction of his mother from the Barracks, his work in a Blackburn Mill and his joining of the Volunteers, against his mother’s wishes. His subsequent joining of his father’s old battalion, the First Batallion, East Lancs, his service in France and Belgium and of being discharged due to wounding in 1918 Living through the hard times of the inter war years, he eventually found work with the Wargraves Commission in Belgium. At the time of the German invasion of the Low Countries, he made his escape from Belgium to join the many thousands of British troops gathering at Dunkirk. On returning to England he became an instructor in the newly formed home guard.
	Marie Nicolle Marie Nicolle doesn’t have a lot of love for the Germans, after all they are probably living in her house by now. She was evacuated from the Island of Guernsey with her daughter, and 1800 school children, mothers and teachers. She has now set up a new home in Altrincham. Let her tell you her story and how one day she hopes to return to her Island home.
		Jack and Araminta Black, Ratcatcher and Rabbit /Lavender Seller The Victorian Rat Catcher is based on Jack Black, who was, by royal appointment, Queen Victoria’s rat catcher. His work took him to the royal palaces and parks as well as the properties of the board of ordinance in London. Some say Jack and Araminta Black are as colourful and lovable characters as could be met anywhere. Others who meet them will describe them as a pair of villainous rogues who will delight in fleecing you of your last penny. Jack’s knowledge of traps and poisons is second to none and he will recount how sporting gentlemen seek him out for his knowledge of ratting dogs.
	Sargeant Thomas Dawson Sargeant Dawson is the epitome of the Victorian policeman. A no nonsense man with over 40 years service to Queen and Country, both in the army and the police force. He’ll tell you of the tricks used in the markets to defraud customers, the ways of the poacher. his seven day working week, long hours, poor pay . As in the words of the popular opera “A policeman’s lot is not a happy one” Suitability Schools (Victorian policing), Victorian theme events, meet and greet.
		Thomas Trawden Thomas Trawden, the old soldier, born in Lancashire in 1530. He took up arms at the age of 15, first seeing service in Scotland, then in Ireland. Later on his service took him to France and finally to the Netherlands. Whilst taking part in the campaign at Zutphen in January 1587, he witnessed the mortal wounding of Sir Philip Sydney and on his return to England, had the honour to be amongst the troops who attended his state funeral. He was at the grand mustering of the Militia at Tilbury in 1588 where he saw Queen Elizabeth reviewing the troops.