'Vikings for all occasions, no raid too small' read the small ad on a website listing resources for the organisers of fetes. I had to find out more.

'Vikings for all occasions, no raid too small' read the small ad on a website listing resources for the organisers of fetes. I had to find out more. Manaraefan Herred is a locally-based division of the national group called The Vikings, a registered charity, which brings their Vikings and living history encampments to everything from English Heritage shindigs to more local events. We all know the Vikings wore horned helmets (or do we?), but what attracts someone to join such a group? Meet Dave Hall, also known as Sigurd of Winchester, who tells us in his own words.

“I’m the only Viking living in Ludgershall of which I’m aware. But as my wife and daughters are involved, it’s probably better to say we’re the only Viking family in the town.

“I’m a business manager for a company which manages traffic systems and structures. I enjoy being a member of The Vikings because I like the camaraderie. I got into it about 30 years ago and I’m 52 now – quite old for a Viking; you can pretty much guarantee that back in the 10th century I’d be dead by now. I started ‘live action role playing’ or LARP at college, where you fight with latex weapons. I met some re-enactors there who said ‘Come and fight with steel weapons’, which I did and never looked back.