Hilda Birchall

All our older members will remember Hilda (shown on the far right), otherwise Vigdis the Bear. Her daughter Tamzin has asked me to tell you all that Hilda suffered a fatal accident whilst riding her motorcycle home from a bike event on the evening of Wednesday 28th March 2007. I understand she swerved to avoid an animal in the road & collided with an oncoming car.

Viggy (as many knew her) was a couple of years younger than me and a warm, loving and friendly woman, well liked by all who knew her. Hilda was very supportive of Regia in our early years, filming with us in the Isle of Man in 1986 and introduced Tamzin to re-enactment. She retired some years ago to follow other interests, but always remembered us fondly.

I was touched by her life and grieve for her passing, another great character lost to us - the spark of consciousness is so fragile.

I'm sure you'll all join with me in extending every sympathy to Tamzin & Hilda's family & to say that our thoughts are with them all at this saddest of times.

Kim Siddorn, Eolder of Regia Anglorum

Hi Kim, all I can say is that I'm astonished. I know it's silly to believe that death is never there waiting for anyone, but it just goes to remind you that it is terribly random and always unfair and ill-timed.

Why Hilda? What did she do to deserve her life to be cut short like that? She was kind and pleasant even when angered - which was rare. In fact I can honestly say I can't recall her being offended ever. I'll miss her. It just seems so wrong.

Roland Williamson

I can't believe the news. Vigdis was one of the first people I really met in Regia and inspired me to be what I am today. Mike and I are both very saddened by the news. At least her death was instantaneous as I can't imagine that Viggy would have wanted to 'linger'. And she died doing something she loved - riding a motorbike.

Farewell Vigdis the Bear, you will be much missed.

Sarah & Mike Doyle

Please send my condolences to Tamsin and her family. Vigdis was the first person I fought" me in a Regia battle way back in 1988, needless to say I didn't last long. The nicest person you could ever have met. A sad loss.

Lyndon

Thanks Kim, our thoughts are with her family

John Shulver

Deepest sympathies to my good friend Tamzin & family, My thoughts are with you all!

Mik Lawson

Kim,

May the Gods greet her fondly, please add my name to the condolence list. I remember her from FODAS days, my sympathies are with you all and especially Tamzim (although I doubt she will know of me).

My deepest condolences to Tamzim, Regia and to you, Kim - you have all lost a dear friend. My thoughts.

At Rockingham, after the battles are done on the Sunday - I intend to arrange a brief memorial to several names we have lost and will be requesting a black ribbon march past the standards/banners of those societies who have lost members. I will add Hilda to the Roll of Honour. Her passing will be grieved by many outside Regia as well.

As the years press onwards, they take a bitter toll, and now they have robbed us before time.

Hys Grace, Duke Henry