Starting a magazine wasn’t on my to-do list a year ago. Like many involved in the re-enactment and military history community, my time is already consumed with organising events, attending shows, and getting hands-on with history. But over the years, one thing became clear — despite the size and passion of our community, there was no dedicated magazine that really represented us in the UK.
That gap is exactly why I launched Dispatches Magazine.
A Community Without a Voice
Anyone who’s spent time in the re-enactment scene knows just how expansive it is. We’re not just talking about a few World War Two groups, but a sprawling hobby covering everything from Ancient Rome to the Cold War, and even the Falklands. Across the UK and Europe, there are thousands of living historians, militaria collectors, vehicle owners, and traders who keep history alive with passion and dedication.
Yet, despite the popularity of events like The Overlord Show, Military Odyssey, or War and Peace, there was still no dedicated print magazine tailored to this community — at least, not one that covered the full spectrum of what we do.
That’s where the idea for Dispatches was born: a magazine by re-enactors, for re-enactors, collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone with a keen interest in military history and living history.
What Dispatches Magazine Is All About
The vision for Dispatches is clear: a high-quality, accessible publication that blends the best of military history with real stories from the re-enactment scene. Each issue is designed to be a platform for:
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Event recaps and reviews: From the big national shows to smaller, regional events.
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Unit and group features: Shining a spotlight on the dedication of living history groups.
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Collector insights: Articles on militaria collecting, vehicle restoration, and authentic kit.
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Guides and tutorials: Tips for re-enactors on getting started, improving impressions, and sourcing gear.
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Historical articles: Deep dives into key battles, campaigns, and military history across all eras.
We also want to give space to traders, craftspeople, and suppliers who provide the lifeblood of kit, uniforms, and gear that make the hobby possible.
It’s not just about glossy pages — it’s about creating a resource that feels personal, relevant, and built from within the community itself.
The Journey of Launching
Producing a magazine isn’t as simple as knocking up a few articles and hitting ‘print’. It’s a proper logistical challenge — from writing, editing, and sourcing images, to layout design, advertising, and covering print costs. Then there’s the distribution to consider.
When I first floated the idea, the support was immediate. Traders, re-enactors, and collectors alike recognised that a dedicated magazine had been missing for years. That encouragement was all the push I needed to move forward.
We committed to an A5, high-quality print magazine — not just a PDF floating around online. Something tangible that you can flick through, mark pages in, and keep on your shelf alongside your kit guides and show programmes.
The first issue launches in September 2025, and we’re already planning future editions based on the buzz we’ve seen.
Why Support Dispatches?
Dispatches is not just my magazine — it’s yours too. By supporting it, whether through advertising, contributing content, or subscribing, you’re directly investing in the future of the hobby.
Here’s what your support helps us achieve:
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Promoting living history to a wider audience.
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Creating a platform for small traders and craftspeople.
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Documenting events, groups, and displays for future generations.
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Educating newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
The more support we have, the more we can invest back into the magazine: more pages, better content, wider distribution, and even special features on niche periods or overlooked aspects of military history.
The Road Ahead
The goal is to grow Dispatches into a respected publication that brings together the best of our world under one cover. We already have plans to expand coverage, add exclusive interviews, and include specialist columns.
We’re also open to contributions — if you’re a living historian with a story to tell, a collector with a passion to share, or a group wanting to showcase your work, get in touch. This is a magazine built by and for the community, and we want your voice in it.
How to Get Involved
If you want to support Dispatches:
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Book an Advert: We have affordable advertising spaces perfect for traders, events, and suppliers.
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Contribute: Share your expertise, your group’s story, or your event recap with us.
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Spread the Word: Tell your unit, your event organiser, your favourite trader — the more eyes on Dispatches, the better.
We’re just getting started — but with the support of the re-enactment and military history world, Dispatches Magazine can become the publication this hobby has been crying out for.
Let’s build it together.