The Lifeguard has a new commanding officer. We thought we’d ask him some searching questions and find out what makes him tick. This is what he said.
What is your name? Jez Harper
What do you do in the KG? For my sins I’m the Commanding Officer
How long have you been in the ‘Guard? 39 years
Can you remember your very first muster? Nantwich 1980, I recall that it was very foggy and we fought the battle on Brookfield Park because Mill Island was flooded.
What was your favourite muster? So many to choose from, but the ones I remember most fondly were Liverpool in 1980, Sedgemoor in 1985 and Big Nantwich in 2007
Beer or cider? Beer every time, I don’t understand how anyone could voluntarily drink cider.
What is the best thing about the KG? Its members, without whom there would be no Regiment, and also its history and traditions.
Beer tent or awning? Neither, I’m a ‘dyed in the wool’ pub man and will always take any and every opportunity to get off site and visit a local hostelry (even though it is more often than not closed when I get there!)
Drill on Sundays or a lie in? I suppose in my position I should really say drill; however I do like a good lie-in and will often be found lying in right up to 10 minutes before form up for drill. I believe in doing drill as and when the regiment needs it rather than doing it for the sake of it.
Major or mini musters? Mini musters, they’re where you make the friendships that last a lifetime.
If you could change one thing in reenactment what would it be? A relaxation in the legislation and rules that make it so difficult to put on events in the centres of town and cities, such as road closures, policing costs, etc. In order to thrive re-enactment needs to take place where it is most easily accessible by the general public, not in isolated fields in the middle of nowhere.
What is your favourite kind of music or band? My favourite kind of music could best be described as alternative (folk, folk punk, punk, roots, rebellion, indie). I love going to see up and coming bands playing live at independent venues, my current favourites include Ferocious Dog, Headsticks, Leylines, Mad Dog Mcrea, Funke and the Two Tone Baby and Noble Jacks. I also like solo acoustic performers such as Gaz Brookfield and Nick Parker. I also spend a lot of time listening to the Levellers and my perennial favourites Half Man Half Biscuit.
Favourite TV show? Coronation Street, I’ve been watching since I was young and try to catch every episode. I also like a good British crime drama.
Would you like to have lived in the 17th century? Probably not given the high mortality rate and much reduced life expectancy. Although I wouldn’t mind travelling back in time Dr Who ‘stylee’ to have a look around and be present at some of the pivotal moments in the ECW/TYW
What are you reading at the moment? I’ve just bought The Hanged Man (Bone Field 2) by Simon Kernick, which is a British crime thriller. I’ve read several of his previous books and enjoyed them.
