PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR HERITAGE HALL
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MIXED MESSAGES IN PLEBISCITE
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MORE LANES FOR FREEWAY
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FRIDAY
MARCH 20 2015
BMW’s electric car has some pep to it. Page A21
www.newwestnewsleader.com
District admits origin of plea for Yes vote not clear NWSS newsletter item not school’s stance on issue Grant Granger
ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER
Blake Holmes of The Proving Ground medieval combatant training academy shows off a foam battle axe that is used by melee combatants.
Weekend warriors in Queen’s Park Medieval combatants participate in melee games in the woods Mario Bartel
photo@newwestnewsleader.com
If you go down to the woods on Saturday, you’re sure of a big surprise. That’s when practitioners of melee combat games will be amidst the trees of New Westminster’s Queen’s Park wreaking havoc and raining blows on each other with swords, arrows, battle axes and spears. Alas, they’re made of high-density foam. And while the weapons may not maim, sever or bludgeon, they can still inflict a pretty good
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bruise, said Blake Holmes, an avid combatant who recently opened The Proving Grounds on Columbia Street, a training academy and store that caters to the medieval warrior wannabes. Holmes launched a weekly melee when he moved from Nanaimo to New West. After several months in Queensborough, the outdoor battles have moved to Queen’s Park. Holmes said weekend warriors come from as far as North Vancouver to participate in the battles, which he likens to “paintball, but with hand-to-hand combat.” In fact, the rules are similar, a high-testosterone version of schoolyard capture the flag where prisoners are taken and heads can roll. There’s
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also team “death matches” and escort missions where a team of warriors must somehow convey their precious cargo through enemy lines. Holmes said combatants come from all walks of life. Most are between 18 and 35 years of age. They’re drawn to the real-life application of martial arts techniques. And of course the opportunity to go “medieval” on another human being without crashing out of their video game or risking hard time in prison. Holmes admits his crew has drawn some police attention while battling in the park. Some reassurance, a quick demonstration and everyone walks away smiling. Please see MELEE, A3
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School officials admit a plea to vote yes in the upcoming transit plebiscite in New Westminster secondary’s weekly newsletter should have made it clear the request was coming from the school’s environment club. The most recent NWSS newsletter distributed Wednesday included a lengthy section on the merits of the TransLink mayors’ council’s 10-year transportation plan. It pointed parents in the direction of websites for not only more information on the plan but one to pledge support for the Yes side. The section includes a quote from NWSS environment club president Sadie Decoste, but only identifies her as a student. The writeup does not include mention of the environment club. District superintendent/ CEO John Gaiptman said the writeup was appropriate. Please see WE SHOULD, A3