SIEGE RE-ENACTMENT Sunday 8/Nov/2009

With much credit to its organizers the festival attracted a large crowd many of which were first time visitors to Glenrowan. The atmosphere and activities helped make the weekend a success.

The siege re-enactment was the highlight of the weekend. Kelly enthusiasts come from all over the state to bear witness to what was to become the first re-enactment of the gun battle between the Kelly gang and the Police. The festival kicked off at 10am in the Lions Park in the heart of Glenrowan. Image courtesy: The State Library of Victoria.

Birds eye view of the siege site 1880

This year marks 129 years since the gun battle took place in Glenrowan in a small township some 220 km’s North east from Melbourne. It was Monday morning the 28th of June 1880, the air was cold, a typical winters morning  when the gang faced their final showdown with the police which sadly claimed the lives of Three gang members; Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne, and eventually the life of Ned Kelly whom was sentenced to death by hanging at the Old Melbourne gaol on the 11th November 1880.

 

The old battle ground of Glenrowan has changed considerably since that fatal morning of June 1880. However, one thing remains the same. The atmosphere of that day lingers on amongst those of us that are sympathetic towards the boys. We are forever by their side.            

 

The festival kicked off in true spirit despite the heat of the sun making its presence felt as early as 10 am. A number of stall holders displayed excellent pieces of art, even Ned himself would have been proud of it. One of my favourite stalls was that of  Simon Fiske who brilliantly turns old 44 gallon drums into a work of art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another stall holder which caught my eye was a local gent who produces several pieces of art from recycled material from nearby bushland. These simple ideas are perfect pieces for any home to display modern Kelly artwork.  

 

 

 

Other activities consisted of face painting for the kids, wine tasting, pony and train rides, jumping castle, live bands, performances from the local indigenous group and lastly a whip cracking performance which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m sure I felt the crack of the whip fly past me at one stage......a close call.

 

By this stage it was time for lunch Mel, Myself, Dave WHITE and son Coen decided upon having lunch at Lynda’s tea house, with a bonus live performance from Lazy Harry. Before we knew it, it was time to head off for the re-enactment. A short walk away to the station reserve saw a steady crowd gathering for what was to become the first re-enactment of its kind to be held at Glenrowan. A replica  facade of the Glenrowan Inn was specially built for the re-enactment. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the crowd maxed out to an approximately 400 (as reported by the Wangaratta chronicle) it become near impossible to find a suitable spot to watch the siege unfold. However, with a keen eye I spotted a perfect vantage point and directed everyone to follow me to this point. We were situated close to the rail line and more or less had a birds eye view from higher ground. The event organizers had organized speakers and a Narrator to guide us thru the scenes as they unfolded.

 

The scene started with silence and the anticipation was overwhelming and then suddenly a group of plain clothed men running towards the Inn with rifles and hand guns. They took cover in a drain and firing commenced almost immediately, smoke filled the air, and screams coming out from the Inn This is it, the siege relived  some 129 years after the actual event.

 

Suddenly a cry is heard, Hare arises from cover, bleeding from what appears to be a shotgun wound, and is assisted back to the station to seek medical treatment. Hare had just been wounded in the wrist. The fighting continues, volleys are exchanged from both parties, words are also exchanged and several appearances are made by an armoured figure firing indiscriminately towards the police line. The armoured figure retreats and suddenly no shots can be heard......a deafening silence takes hold, not a whisper not one movement then suddenly BANG! The crack of a martini rifle breaks the silence and the boys return fire. Shortly afterwards, Mrs Reardon breaks free and is assisted with child in arms back to the safety of the station. More volleys are fired and the screams from women and children are getting louder, then suddenly..... 

 

The remaining hostages are slowing walking away cautiously from the Inn, the siege is nearing its end as more volleys are fired. The troopers have the area sealed off,  but little do they know Ned is approaching from their rear and firing aimlessly towards them.  It’s too late sergeant Steele is closing in, Ned is brought down and the crowd who had gathered to witness history in the making let out a mighty roar. The tension is great. Ned has been captured and stripped of his armour and escorted back to the station. More volleys are fired then suddenly  a cease fire, no gun shots can be heard. By this time its approximately 3pm and a trooper quietly makes his way towards the Inn and sets it alight. Within moments the air is filled with smoke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final scene as the Inn is set alight                                                                                    The gangs armour on display

Although the above isn't exactly how the siege unfolded it gives a brief glimpse of how the re-enactment unfolded through my eyes. All those that took part in the re-enactment from cast to crew deserve the highest praise. They worked under extreme conditions from the heat and were also exposed to the deafening gun fire echoing within the confined space of the replica Inn.

 

Upon speaking briefly with the cast and crew in relation to their thoughts on the re-enactment, I received a very positive feedback stating how successful and privileged they felt to have taken part in what was  the first re-enactment of its kind in Glenrowan.

 

BAIL UP!

Finally caught up with Fitzpatrick

A Martini Henry case. I was lucky enough to pick up and keep as a memento of the siege

re-enactment