Relive old times during this Pentecost at the Zwartendijksterschans in Een-West. The re-enactment group Compagnie te Voet has set up camp here for four days.
The Company on Foot depicts the Dutch army in the early 17th century. “This is an interesting period because the Netherlands was not only in the middle of its independence struggle, but also because the State army was the most modern army in Europe at the time,” says musketeer Abe Butter.
There are still quite a few entrenchments in the Netherlands, but the group prefers the Zwartendijksterschans. “It is a beautiful environment for us because it was actually used in the Eighty Years’ War. Besides being slightly overgrown, it is still a clear imprint in the landscape of that period where we can do our own thing,” says Butter .
The members use the same materials as in those days, make their own clothes and tents and prepare their food as before. Everything as authentic as possible. “We avoid performances and drama. You have a function and a role and you live according to the customs and standards of the time. It all happens very naturally,” he explains.
The program? “There is a lot of practice, drilling, as it is called. We also patrol the area. And there is also enough time for a lot of fun together,” says Butter, who holds his pottery beer mug in his hands during the interview, where then just water in it.
De Compagnie te Voet is often present at events with large audiences. But during these pinker days, the group remains in its own bubble. “This is an event that we organize ourselves. We do not exclude an audience, but we do not advertise it either. There are no horizon polluting elements and too much audience would destroy the environment. We like to keep it pure. We are really in the seventeenth century and can do our own thing. Crowd barriers for three thousand people would disrupt that.”
Drummer Tom Wensvoort from Groningen has been a member of the group for a year now. “I was invited by sergeant Klaas. He saw me walking with a polyester practice sword. I already did that, but I didn’t know re-enactment yet. He asked me to participate. Then I went to watch an event and I immediately received a loaner suit there. I participated that day and received a warm welcome.”
Since then he has stayed. “I think it’s really cool. It combines well with what I already like, which is camping. Staying here also has a survival aspect, because we sleep under a tent cloth on a straw bag. I also find the historical aspect very interesting Wensvoort says. “Of course you are taught in school what the Eighty Years War was like, but by living it yourself you can better imagine what it was like.”
It is mainly the fraternization that appeals to him. “It gives a bit of the feeling of being on holiday with friends. We joke and drink beer together. We know each other well. We stand up for each other and help each other. There is a very good atmosphere.”
The group has about fifty members who come from all over the country. Butter: “It’s a varied group. You can find here from garbage man to historian. All that is needed is interest in that time. We are growing, but we can always add new members. I prefer to have one hundred and fifty people walking around here. “