Rosalie Gilbert

It's no secret that there's a war going on, and unlike previous wars, I actually know some of the people participating, which is nothing short of horrifying.

One of the businesses, Armour and Castings released a cast badge made for re-enactors and other supporters which they called Glory to Ukraine and has the images you can see here- the Ukranian symbol and an armoured hand with a mace. The proceeds go to help one of the regiments the people are actually in. I wear mine every day, even to work.

I have often wondered about past wars and what I would have done at the time.

Obviously, as an Australian, only troops we send impacts us, not the physical destroying of homes, businesses, places I love and the homes of family and friends. I have wondered whether, if I were German, would I have hidden Anne Frank or others like her. Would I have been bold enough to help in a tangible, physical way or would I have been another person sending best wishes because I felt I couldn't do anything else or that my efforts were too little to make a difference?

This whole situation today is different. I am seeing photos of people houses, places seeing where they worked torn apart, people I know holding guns and going cold and having no light. I have to say these are the hardiest people I have ever seen. No electric rail? Steam trains! (and I bet all those old stream train collectors and conservators are shining like starts right now!) No light for working? Battery operated candles!

I've seen friend's businesses go from producing incredible reproduction medieval items and tents to making things for their troops. The only thing that's different about this war is that they can tell us what they need. How to help. Where to send supplies directly or what they need and we can actually make sure they get things they need. Stretcher beds so they aren't sleeping on the ground in the snow. Money for supplies to make drone bags. So many small things. They can tell us and we can respond.

I didn't do a whole lot of donating at the start as I know that eventually other people would get tired of giving and the donations would dry up. And that would be the greatest need- resources lower and lower and less coming in. I've been so blessed that no one is shooting at me or dropping things on my home or where I work.

Some people don't donate things because they feel that it's too little. That surely small things can't make a difference. Here's something Simurlan Shoes got today which made him a bit teary eyed.


I'm grateful that I've had a little extra money come in from my book and I'm so happy that I've been able to help provide generators to two different friends who have businesses making things for the war because it hurt my heart watching them work by hand in candle light.

In spite of this, an amazing couple, Anton and Ludmilla from Gothic Cast Medieval Accessories I know are in the army by day and at night, they still go to their workshop and work on beautiful medieval jewellery, because it makes them happy. They look very tired.

This is them making stuff. And here are some of the incredible things they're still making when they should be sleeping.

Meanwhile I watch the news every day and look forward to their next check-in posts to hear that they are still alive.

Kiev is the worst place for friends to live right now.