The Re-Enactor Issue 27, March 2011
Picture supplied by Adrien Rousset of The 15th Hussars, Australia.
Readership 1315
Greetings All Welcome to issue 27 of the Re-Enactor, I would like to welcome Mexico to the ever increasing number of Countries that now receive this magazine-check out the group listings for the details of a couple of groups there! A big thank you to Adrien for his article on The 15th Hussars. The 15th Hussars, Australia
I will have just returned from Lutterworth in Leicestershire and The International Living History fair, so I will hopefully have a few more traders and groups to add to the listings. Congratulations to all those that were the lucky winners of last month‟s competitions. There are 5 prizes in this month‟s issue, as well, to be won so please do enter. I will post out the prizes to wherever in the world the winners live!
The 15th Hussars, Australia
Features This Month 1: "D" Troop 15th Kings Light Dragoons 2: Competitions. 3: Invite: Towton Battlefield Society. 4: The Avalon Society 5: Exclusive Interview: Dilip Sarkar MBE 6: Invite: The Tournament at Walraversijde 7: Mary Arden‟s Farm: Event Invite 8: Event Listings
If anyone knows of an author who would like to supply a book in return for lots of free advertising and publicity please ask them to get in contact. If any traders would like to put up a competition prize in exchange for as much advertising space as they want please do get in contact. As always, I am still on the lookout for more groups, traders, event details, stories, articles and reports. Please contact me at the normal email address with details!
Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com Competitions: All competitions are free to enter Winners will be selected at random on the 24th of each month for the relevant competition. Winners will be notified via email shortly after the draw takes place. No correspondence will be entered into. The editor’s decision is final. The views and opinions expressed in the articles in
Adrien Rousset "D" Troop 15th Kings Light Dragoons (Hussars) - Melbourne Inc. "D" Troop 15th Kings Light Dragoons (Hussars) - Melbourne Inc. hosted a Christmas Ball and it was a HUGE success! The evening went without a hitch and was wondrously appointed. Boronia Hall was filled with laughter and music transforming it back to the Regency era. Ladies decked in the height of fashion, magnificently fitted out in fine silks and trimmings! The gentlemen not left in the shade cut magnificent figures in uniforms and civilian attire! The evening started in the 20th century with an informal and a fun dance workshop. Lots of fun was had here learning the steps which were put to such great use later in the evening. Welcome drinks of Champagne and water helped to fuel the joviality and to keep the guests well sustained. A portrait photographer was available to furnish those who wished with a lasting memento of the event. At the appointed time all of the guests, 50 in all, were assembled and arranged for the formal entrance to the Hall. This was a striking and moving ceremony a lone piper from the 42nd RHR leading the procession. First into the hall, with many gasps of awe, were the Guests, greeted with the wondrous sight of sparkling glass, elegant decoration and pristine crockery and silver. Next to make their entry, the Guests of Honour, each couple being announced with full pomp and titles, entered and made their way to the top table to the thunderous applause of the other Guests. Finally the Hostess and Host promenaded the hall to take their seats. A short speech of welcome was given by the Host, thanking all of the Victorian Infantry groups for such a warm and friendly welcome to the Victorian Re-enactment scene. Without much ado the immaculately presented serving staff appeared with the first course, a delicious Pea and Ham Soup Served with Welsh Rarebit, a superb complement to the wine already on the table. With great efficiency and no fuss the staff reappeared to clear this course. Now all eyes feasted on a magical display of Highland dancing a display which mesmerised all present with feats of dexterity and flashing legs! All of the guests now relaxed to be replenished with wine and water after being fully exhausted by merely watching the exuberant energy displayed by these girls. A small adjournment was taken before the next course appeared. Sliced Glazed Ham and Quiche served with Seasonal Salad and Mustard Sauce delighted and excited the taste buds of all the carnivorous guests, with a separate and equally tasty course being served to those unable to eat meat. Again the plates disappeared as if removed by wraiths! All now sat in silent rapture to hear a divine and inspired selection of music from a Cello duet from Dr Potts and Son. The end of this duet caused such a feeling of loss amongst all present and generated such volume and measure of applause that Dr Potts and Son could not leave without performing an encore twice more! The eyes and ears being sated, it now came in turn back to the needs of the belly! The third and main course took the notice of all those in the hall first by tantalising aroma which entered the hall from the kitchen it was closely followed by plates of Organic Prime Beef Bourguignon served with a selection of Seasonal Vegetables. All comments of being full ceased immediately and none more were heard until all of the plates where clean! Wine flowed as if Baccus himself were attending and the sound of laughter and merriment flowed with equal bounty. It was however an unequal struggle and the guests silenced by the aweinspiring sound of the pipers of the 42nd RHR a display of such martial prowess and piping that would impress any Master Piper of the Scottish Division. Once the pipers retreated and applause abated the silence of the crowd was taken advantage of by the top table, eloquent, witty and engaging speeches where given by the Host and all of the Guests of Honour. Much praise was abounded onto D Troop with comment on the refreshing nature and affinity to
hard work and professionalism shown by the group. D Troop in turn again commented on the warm welcome received by the Victorian Infantry Groups, this culminated with the presentation of a magnificent Fanion to the 21eme and the final toast being “For the King (or Emperor), for re-enactment but most of all for FUN”! Now the main event of the evening was engaged the dancing! Even now the delights continued with a Selection of Finger Confectionary being served a la Carte. The dancing formed 3 sets each containing 3 dances arranged as follows: “The Rifles Romp” a gentleman‟s excuse me and a Country Dance, “The Hussars Canter” a Rufty-Tufty “The Ladies Invite” Gentlemen may not refuse and a Circle Dance “The French Fling” Ladies may not refuse, a Country Dance “The Emperors Run out” a Rufty-Tufty “The Queens Excuse me” Gentlemen may not refuse, a Circle Dance “The Highlanders High Jinx” Ladies may not refuse, a Country Dance “The Kings Pardon” a Rufty-Tufty “Lady Lithcote‟s Hand” Gentlemen may not refuse, a Circle Dance Between each dance a short interlude occurred in which the social “Mêlée” took place, a period where the Gentlemen manoeuvred and sparred with whit and charm, in order to secure a place on a favourite Ladies dance card! There was no disappointment with female partners as each one excelled in splendour! Some Ladies may have accepted partners with stoic good manners as some Hussars dance significantly better on horseback with four legs than on foot with two! Needless to say each and everyone present had enormous fun and the only wall flowers were those too exhausted to continue to dance! With such an abundance of fun Chronos refused to yield, he quickly overtook the event and midnight soon arrived. It was with huge regret that Carriages were called and the time came to depart. The evening was a whirl that catered for all the senses and all the wants of those attending. The event left everyone more than satisfied and everyone eager to return next year! We look forward to seeing you at our next event Kind Regards D XVLD
Competition one This book, Medieval Battles, 1047 to 1295, Volume 1, is an introduction to a series of books looking in detail at the original accounts of medieval battles within the Anglo-Norman realm between 1047 and 1295. The books are primarily based upon first hand translations of Exchequer documents and chronicle accounts. For the first time all the major sources are brought together for the reader to experience what was known of battle in this period. This first volume includes a detailed look at what it was actually like to be a knight or common soldier with first-hand accounts of the life of medieval soldiering. The training, armaments and ethos of medieval soldiers are examined in individual chapters before taking a more detailed look at the planning and events for eleven campaigns along the Plantagenet frontier. http://www.castles99.ukprint.com/books.html To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the book by Paul martin Remfry, log onto his website and answer this question: Q: Which archbishop opposed effeminate knights? Send your answer along with your full postal address to: Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com before March 24th 2011 to be in with a chance of winning!
Competition two Michael Jecks has kindly offered 4 books as prizes for the 2nd of this month‟s competitions. There are 2 copies of his latest novel “The Oath” and 2 copies of “King of Thieves” to win. http://www.michaeljecks.co.uk/index.html
To be in with a chance of winning a copy of one of these books by Michael Jecks, log onto his website and answer this question: Q: Who or what is Michael Jecks known as? Send your answer along with your full postal address to: Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com before March 24th 2011 to be in with a chance of winning!
Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair Sunday March 6th 2011
Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php Olde England Presents A Victorian Fete 10th & 11th June 2011 Templecombe, Somerset, England
The Mortimer History Society Spring Conference Saturday May 21st 2011 The Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AZ Morning Dr Ian Mortimer The Mortimers & the Royal family
The Border Waites Music at the Royal Court & castle
Afternoon The Border Waites Full Music Concert
Alison Weir Queen Isabella-She France
Wolf
of
Ticket prices: Members £20, Non Members £25.00. To book use link below: http://www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Midland History Festival 6th & 7th August 2011 Ragley Hall, Alcester, England http://www.ragleyhall.com/
A Neo-Victorian Medieval Fete and A multi-period event, Roman through to campout where Steampunk gets to go WWII medieval, Victorian style. Large Living History displays Historical Craft Market Weekend ticket: £40.00 Battlefield and small arena Saturday ticket: £25.00 (includes evening) Archery, Man-at-arms competitions Sunday public day: £5.00 Trolls Bottom re-enactors bar Forge work demonstration Lots to see and do all weekend including Falconry Victorian cuisine, scrapheap challenge, Craft Marquee medieval men-at-arms competitions, historical dance, steam organ, music and 10% of profit to Royal British legion burlesque. www.olde-england.co.uk
www.mid-fest.co.uk
Imagine waking one morning and after eating a hearty breakfast walking the battlements of your own castle. Surveying your lands and preparing yourself for a day of combat in the lists. Then spending an evening in the company of your fellow knights and ladies feasting and being entertained by troubadours, acrobats and jesters. This is the dream‌.the reality may not be so perfect but it may not be out of reach.
Http://www.theavalonsociety.com There is a way that each one of us can be the owner of our own castle in Europe. The creation of a shareholding community, gathering together in order to maximize purchasing power. I am sure that everyone is aware of the idea of buying shares in the stock market and the risks involved? Obviously there are risks involved in the venture I am proposing but in the long term I believe that everyone would make a profit. The property would not only generate an income, returned to shareholders as bonuses, but also increase in value boosting the price of the shares. Because this venture is primarily a medieval reenactment I propose that the shares be issued as physical coin of the realm. I suggest that they be ECUS in deference to King Louis ix who introduced the first ecu in 1266. The design of the ecu will be chosen by the membership from designs submitted by members in a competition I will announce in the coming weeks. The first minting will be to produce ecus to the value of one million in denominations of 100, 10 & 1 . The ecu will not only function as a share in the society but also be used on a daily basis within the confines of the castle, dependences and the local businesses who sign up to its use. We will use the current Euro as the base value. So who can become a member and buy shares in this venture? I am investigating the possibility of buying a castle built after the 11th Century so naturally groups that reenact periods earlier than that would look out of place. This does not exclude dark age period groups from joining but as long as they come dressed appropriately. There are some restrictions on membership pertaining to religious or political groups and those would require vetting by the society as a whole. Assuming that we have now purchased a castle somewhere in Europe what activities would take place on a daily basis? To begin with I anticipate there will be a lot of construction and repair work to make the buildings safe and habitable. I am hoping that we will have recruited within the membership those with the skills to undertake this work and teach to others. So there will be apprenticeship schemes teaching ancient building methods, cabinet making, glassblowing for window lights, candle-making, ironmongery, stone carving. There will also be a need for those with agricultural knowledge to tend the potager and the animal stock. Butchery, cheese-making, bee keeping, baking and cooking. As well as these day to day activities there will be schools for horsemanship, martial arts, heraldry, stunt work, etc. These courses will be advertised globally with the intention of
creating an internationally recognized certificate of competence that will be accepted by the film and tv industry. The castle and environs will also be offered as a venue for marriages, corporate events and filming. Naturally our own members will be offered to clients as extras. In the planning of the village and renovations of the castle provision will be made for the invisible running of cables and the concealment of cameras and crews making our venue a desirable location for period dramas and historical epics! The society will be called the Avallon Society. In Arthurian legend this was the island of apples where Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds sustained at the battle of Camlann. I am in the process of creating a website for the society. In the meantime you can read more and join the Avallon Society on my facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1271425110
Exclusive interview with Dilip Sarkar MBE Dilip Sarkar is both an inspired and passionate historian. Until recently he has concentrated on military history, and is an internationally acknowledged expert on the Battle of Britain, The Few, and the Supermarine Spitfire in particular. A prolific author, his first book was published in 1990, since when he has added 30 further titles to his list. In 2003 he was made an MBE for services to aviation history and elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in 2006. Having graduated from the University of Worcester as a mature student in 2010 with First Class Honours in history, Dilip is now reading for his PhD. This represents the first scholarly attempt to contextualise the Spitfire aircraft in cultural history, from creation to the present day: „Supermarine Spitfire: deserved British Icon or Nostalgic Myth?‟ Additionally, Dilip has taught „A‟-Level 19th Century Russian and German, Stuart, and 20th century Nazi, history, at Worcester Sixth Form College. Dilip with Ken Wilkinson at a recent signing of this prolific author’s ‘The Few: The Story of the Battle of Britain in the Words of the Pilots’. Over a period of some 25 years, Dilip interviewed around 100 veterans for this th dramatic oral history published by Amberley Publishing to mark the Battle of Britain’s 70 anniversary.
Q1. „What got you started on re-enactment?‟ Over a period of many years I staged high-profile book-signings involving Battle of Britain pilots and other personalities. I immediately recognised that re-enactors added a certain atmosphere to these events, so for a long time I was a supporter of re-enactors before actually becoming one. This, of course, put me into the orbit of re-enactors, so I knew a lot about the activity before crossing the line, as it were.
Q2. „Why did you choose WOTR… was it really Britain‟s models 40/50 years ago?‟ When I was growing up in Worcester in the 1960s I was fascinated by knights. My Mum used to show me the various effigies in Worcester Cathedral, and our neighbour, John Anthony, a wonderful man and Royal Navy veteran of both world wars, used to make me armour. Every week my parents used to buy me a Britain‟s WOTR figure, which were inspirational. For many years I have been a member of the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society and was a spectator annually at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. I always fancied getting directly involved, and re-visiting my childhood penchant for dressing up as a knight but I just didn‟t have the time. Until 2005 in addition to researching, writing and publishing I was also a serving police officer with a young family, but after retiring early and whilst waiting to start my degree I had a bit of unexpected time on my hands. My teenage son, James, persuaded me to start 15th Century re-enacting, which I did, initially mainly to encourage and support him. 1. 2. 3.
Dilip Sarkar, age 7 in 1967 – re-enacting the Crusades!
Q3. „Was it hard to find a group? No. With the internet information is immediately accessible. So we joined a Birminghambased group. However, for a variety of reasons we felt that this was not the group for us. People re-enact for all sorts of different reasons and have varying levels of commitment, depending upon time, financial resources etc. I felt that some of these characters were far too obsessive and I just didn‟t enjoy it, so we left and went elsewhere. Had I not been such a passionate historian it could have put me off completely, it must be said. We then hooked up with Simon de Montfort-Broughton‟s Sunne yn Splendorre group and have since enjoyed several Tewkesbury‟s annually in this company.
Dilip & Karen Sarkar at left, James Sarkar (centre), and Paul Ward (extreme right), with ‘Edward IV’, aka Simon de Montfort-Broughton, and ‘The Duke of Gloucester’, aka Rob Bamberger, Tewkesbury 2010.
Q4. „Which event do you like most? Tewkesbury. The Battle of Tewkesbury, being quite local, has always been a very great interest of mine and I think that the Festival is absolutely superb. Unique. Whilst criticism has been levelled at the authenticity of some who take to the field, this large-scale event certainly provides a good impression, I think, of a medieval army and, indeed, battlefield experience. Absolutely love it. My wife, Karen, was persuaded to join in last year and did a great job carrying water – can‟t wait for this year! Karen, by the way, is an artist; inspired by Tewkesbury she is currently working on a large-scale canvas of a battle-scene which we will produce as a fine art print – keep an eye on www.karensarkarart.com. Having said all that, Mortimer‟s Cross, although embryonic was excellent last year – come on, WOTR, lets support this!
Dilip being interviewed for Central News at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s base at RAF Coningsby on the 70th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day: 15 September 2010
Q5. „How many events? Not that many, due to the pressure of other commitments. Last year Karen, James and I joined Jason O‟Keefe‟s „The Border Levy‟, and very much enjoyed doing some small-scale events organised by him in Hereford. Indeed, we are looking forward to attending many more this season. The Battle of Mortimer‟s Cross, as I have said, I thought excellent last season, and share Jason‟s hopes that this will become a growing and established annual event. Whilst there last year I was invited to join The Fitzgeralds, which I will do this year, so Berkeley and a few other venues may well be on the cards this coming season. Q6. „What kit? Pretty basic billman‟s kit. But I never wanted to be a billman, I wanted full-plate. So over the last couple of years my armour has evolved into full-plate. A composite armour, some of it has been custom-made by Bernie Willoughby, who shares Matt Black‟s workshop near Worcester. Every year improvements are made to the ensemble, and I reckon on being pretty much there now. Bernie has just finished my new pauldrons, so James has inherited my old spaulders and besegews! All I await is Bernie finishing the backs to my greaves – come on, Bernie, you can do it! Q 7. „What is the best aspect? In addition to obviously getting to recreate a period of history which fascinates me, I guess there are two main things: firstly inspiring the public, especially youngsters; secondly the massive variety of people that you meet within re-enactment.
Q 8. „Your books cover a wide range of periods? Actually they don‟t! They largely cover WW2. Although I have concentrated on the dayfighter air war over north-west Europe, I have also published on aspects of army and navy history 1939-45. I have only so far written one book outside this period, on an aspect of English Civil War history, but I am planning a new book on the Battle of Tewkesbury. Q9. „Did you re-enact the ECW? No. But living in Worcester and being inspired by the decisive battle here in 1651 the English Civil War has always been another great interest. In 2006, in fact, I founded the Battle of Worcester Society, and the Battle of Worcester Partnership, supported by the local authorities, the following year. I am not, however, involved with either organisation any longer as I think that both have somewhat lost their way, but that‟s another story. Powick Bridge has always been a prominent location in my life, as I live nearby and, in fact, caught my first fish off it when aged 10! So the opportunity to research, produce and publish some original historiography of the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642 was hugely satisfying. Mine is a new interpretation, based entirely upon evidence in primary sources, which one day, when I get round to it, will also be published as a piece of academic writing. Q 10. „Any one-liners of advice? For re-enactors: finding the right group is absolutely crucial. For historical novelists: not being one I wouldn‟t have a clue! For would-be writers of history: read as much as you can, practise the art of writing as much as possible, be single-minded and determined, and take rejection in your stride: if your work is good enough you will find a publisher. The future: I am currently writing the definitive biography of the late Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson CB CBE DSO** DFC* DL, the top-scoring fighter pilot of WW2. Johnnie was not only my boyhood hero but in adult life my friend, mentor and business partner. Sadly he died in 2001, the same year as my father –I still miss both of thee exceptional individuals enormously. My main objective for the foreseeable future, however, is getting my PhD. Ultimately I want to teach at a university, so that is really what I am now gearing up to do. Further details of Dilip‟s work can be found on his website: www.dilipsarkarmbe.co.uk For more details about The Battle of Tewkesbury please visit: www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/ For more details about The Battle of Mortimer‟s Cross please visit: www.mortimerscross.co.uk For more details about The Wars of The Roses Federation please visit: www.wotrf.org
The Tournament of Walraversijde The 30 and 31 ofJuly 2011 Organised by v.z.w. “Het Gruuthuse Huishouden” First of all, we would like to thank all the re-enactors who came to the tournament the last 2 years. It was a successfully 1st and 2nd edition. The re-enactors and the public loved the whole event, so in 2011 we organise it again.
So, Noble and redoubted knights, honoured and gentle squires, craftsmen, musicians, dancers and jesters. the very noble Lord Louis of Gruuthuse, Lord of Bruges and Earl of Winchester, my very redoubted Lord, greets you, and has charged me to deliver these invitations to each and one of you.
We would appreciate if you and your entourage could join us again for the tournament, which will be held on the 30 and 31th of July 2011 at the Walraversijde, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium The highlights on the program: *Opening of the camp with a huge ceremony *Combat for knights on foot with swords, daggers, spears and pole arms *Combat for squires on foot with swords, daggers, spears and pole arms *Archery tournament on a course with different targets *Mêlée, Demonstrations, Craftsmen, Market, Living History, Cooking,... Every tournament will have his winner and shall be awarded with a price. Prices are *Knights champion *Squire champion note the winner of the squires tournament will have the chance to show his skills and participate in the knights tournament on Sunday *Archery champion *Best camp And many more
Only re-enactors and traders, doing the medieval 15th century in authentic equipment, and with a confirmed invitation form, will be allowed on site. People who don‟tt have a confirmed invitation will be asked to go away We want this to be a top event, I think you all understand. It is possible to camp on site from Tuesday 27th July until Monday the 1st of August I truly hope to see all of you at the tournament. To inscribe your self and your group please visit our website at www.gruuthuse.be If you have any questions, then feel free to contact us on frederiek.de.smeyter@gmail.com Frederiek De Smeyter President and Captain of The Gruuthuse Household Phone: 0032(0)486/881386 (*)Only authentic tents will be allowed!!!
info@gruuthuse.be
or
Events 2011 MARY ARDEN’S TUDOR FESTIVAL & SHEEP SHEARERS FEAST (3rd year running) 28th 29th & 30th MAY Please come and join us for an action packed long weekend of Tudors, their treasured sheep and all things woolly! To celebrate the first cash crop of the year – the Tudors will be merry making and engaging in most woolly activities, from shearing, spinning, weaving and also the female farmers felting competition!! We also hope to involve sheep dog trails, archery and of –course- our excellentfalconers will be present throughout the day Ever FELT like joining us?! We are looking for rural crafts stallholders – both authentically Tudor and modern day – to fill our large site over this special weekend. We only charge low rents and estimate that we will welcome 800-1,000 visitors per day. As we are a farm – we have limited under cover space – so for optimumease when setting up, and as to maximise the spaces available – we ask that you make yourself as weatherproof as possible.
CRAFTY BEASTS NEW FOR 2011 23rd & 24th JULY Kicking off the school holidays we are offering an event for all the family. Avoiding all Cockerel puns – we will be focusing on our great British rare breeds. We hope to showcase many of our country’s oldest breeds and amongst all, create an offering of education and fun, including pig parading, goat grooming, chicken chasing and rabbit racing. An action packed weekend where we need crafts and stallholders of a rural and traditional nature to add value and atmosphere to our site. Again, both authentic and modern stalls will be divided, and despite the date, we still wish people renting a pitch to be as weatherproof as possible.
TUDOR HIRING FAIR (2nd Year running)
27th, 28th & 29th August Our new event for 2010 proved immensely popular and saw the largest amount of visitors to the site in any 3 day period. Focused on the Tudors wishing to seek out their household staff for the up coming year – there were Tudors securing their employment both young and old. This year we seek to improve the fair by engaging yet more Tudor personnel. We will be including more Tudor skull duggery, with archery, gambling, game playing, falconry and mummers plays. We largely wish to attract period stallholders to this event – but are willing to look at modern traders so long as the product reflects something connected to the era. If you are interested in a pitch at this event, please be aware that there will be limited undercover area.
APPLE DAY’s Established Event
1st & 2nd October As our longest running event – apple day is well supported by visitors and traders alike – and proves a real fun event where any thing goes!! With the focus of the great old English apple – we have apple tasting, juicing, bobbing, apple pie making......just about anything involving the faithful apple. Because of the time of year – this event focuses itself to harvest time – and all the products created from it. Because of its great success – and also popular request – we are now looking at an apple day weekend where people wishing to rent a pitchwould have a tariff based on a 2 day period. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please register your interest with any of the above events by emailing Vicky.cain@shakespeare.org.uk or telephoning 07590245096 Additional Information on Mary Ardens Farm can be found at www.shakespeare.org.uk Ideally we would like you to be available throughout all the days of an event period, with our pitch tariffs based on the attendance of the whole event. Due to popular demand – we predict that that these events will fill up quickly – and as we have limited space we would suggest you book with us before March 2011. We are also offering a tariff discount for those booking all four events before February 28 th 2011
In the shadow of the Tainted Crown by Fran Norton Roger Mortimer stepped onto the pages of history as Queen Isabella's paramour rising from Marcher baron to first Earl of March. Researching this turbulent period prompted author, Fran Norton, to pen this tale of love, loyalty, courage and vengeance. Much of the action is set against the backdrop of Ludlow, the Marcher capital, at a time when England was continually at war in Wales, Scotland and France. Fact is woven into fiction to highlight the enthralling events that took place during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. When Edward I was crowned he was hailed as the second King Arthur and the Age of Chivalry and Honour dawned. All too quickly his continual pursuit of lands and wealth plunged the nation into wars. Heavy taxes and levies brought poverty and unrest.
ISBN 978-0-9563079-2-7 £9.99 pub August 2010
By the time of his death, Edward I's once golden reputation was tainted. The crown passed to his son, Edward II, whose own weaknesses added to the Plantagenet's fall from grace. In an age when England needed a strong king, Edward II was a woeful failure. Power-hungry men seeking wealth and status took the nation to the brink of civil war. Bannockburn, one of the most famous battles in history, was fought by an English king who had no heart for war. The events throughout this turbulent period changed lives forever.
Editor’s Note: I will have a copy of this book up for grabs soon!
The Grumpy Olde Archers In Assoc. with Marks hall Estate
April 9th & 10th 2011 Marks Hall estate Coggeshall England A weekend of archery including clout, wand and popinjay shoots. Medieval Market & living history encampment In aid of Help for Heroes All shoot and pitch fees to charity
Artifest 2011 Pennsylvania USA
in
Allentown,
The second annual Artifest, sponsored by the Museum of Indian Culture, will take place June 11th and 12th, 2011, on Museum grounds, in the beautiful Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This year, the Museum of Indian Culture celebrated its 30th year anniversary. To kick-off the celebration, the museum hosted its first ever multi-cultural event, Artifest 2010, featuring live performances and exhibits by Native Americans, African-Americans, Asian Indians, Australians, Colombians, Mexican, Moravians, Pennsylvania Dutch, and many more. Visitors overwhelmingly agreed that Artifest 2010 was truly remarkable. “One moment you are entwined in Shakespearean parody, then the next you find yourself on stage hoola hooping!” Artifest 2011 is currently inviting performers from all cultures and ethnicities to participate. If interested, please fill out the performer application by emailing interest to info@museumofindianculture.org, or by visiting the event website
www.thegrumpyoldarcher.co.uk The medieval fortress of Mrač Czech Republic June 24th – 26th 2011 Theatrical performances, contemporary music, fire shows, Bewitched show of master Edward Kelley, medieval villagers and noble dancers, Hungarian prisoner torturing followed by execution, gunner„s show, battle, foot tournament, jousting, night battle Fortress Mrač in the village of the same name between towns of Benešov, Čerčany and Poříčí nad Sázavou, southeast of Prague on the bank of Sázava river 49 ° 49 '59 "N, 14 ° 42' 5" E
at
http://artifest.intuitwebsites.com/ The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross 550th Anniversary
September 17th & 18th 2011 Main A49, 1 mile north of Leominster, Herefordshire England Battle re-enactment each day with fully armoured knights, archers and gunners. Separate arena for barber surgeon, medieval dancing, mummer’s plays and music. Living history encampment Traders row Beer tent Local food stalls Passamezzo Early Dance Owain Leech (Barber Surgeon) Nominus
http://www.ceskakorouhev.cz/mrac http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184 Adults £5, Under 16s FREE, Concessions £4 Free Parking for all 486978236730&index=1 Contact: Bob & Pennie:01989 762159 Or Jason: 01432 352755
info@ceskakorouhev.cz
www.mortimerscross.co.uk
Event Listing March 6th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com 11th – 14th The 4th Annual School of The Soldier, Tarago, NSW, Australia http://andersonzouaves.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4thsotsinvite.pdf 12th SWCWA Picacho Pass Reenactment, Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162753473764033 19th ACWS Picacho Pass Reenactment, Los Angeles, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166101403422182 19th Perth Medieval Fayre, Supreme Court Gardens, Perth, Western Australia For information: http://www.wama.asn.au/Home/home.html 25th West Texas Heritage Days at Fort McKavett State Historic Site http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182701508409620
April 2nd SCCWA Prado Dam Reenactment, Chino, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108008195935117 2nd & 3rd History Boot Camp, Frederic Osbourn School, Welwyn garden City, England http://www.history-boot-camp.co.uk or email: admin@history-boot-camp.co.uk 8th – 10th EMA training session at Tournament Stud, Brackley, Berkshire, NN13 5TR http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155115546647 9th & 10th The Grumpy Olde Archers at Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, England Email: Weston_kevin@btconnect.com 10th Boughton House, UK(Roving Mark Shoot) http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 16th & 17th Celebrate the Renaissance in The Castle Loumarin http://www.chateau-de-lourmarin.com/ 16th & 17th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Re-enactors Bring & Buy, Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire. Event Plan 24th & 25th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Knebworth House, England http://www.knebworthhouse.com 24th & 25th Kenilworth castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 30th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Combat Workshop, Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Sutton Hoo
30th – 2nd The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Blenheim Palace, England http://www.blenheimpalace.com
May 31st & 2nd The Medieval Siege Society at Hedingham Castle, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 1st & 2nd Hedingham Castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 1st & 2nd Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show with Textiles Theme, Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Sutton Hoo 7th & 8th The Medieval Siege Society at Cressing Temple Barns, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 8th Northampton, Battlefield Walk http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 14th Las Vegas Helldorado Days Parade, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149478625098796 14th World War II Day, Calvert County Fairgrounds, Prince Frederick, Maryland, USA www.circleofangels.org 14th & 15th Bentley Wildfowl Trust, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 14th & 15th The Gold Strike Casino‟s Grand national Competition of The Old West, Jean, Nevada, USA www.goldstrikejean.com or from the RGA Home Page Link www.rgamerica.org 21st The Mortimer History Society Spring Conference, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, SY8 1AZ For more details: www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk 28th – 30th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show With Food Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 29th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com 29th & 30th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hedingham Castle, England http://hedinghamcastle.co.uk
June 1st- 5th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Leeds castle, England http://www.leeds-castle.com 3rd – 6th Pencampwr Gan Abertridwr, SCA Camping Event, Wandi Community Grounds, DeHaer rd. Wandi For information: http://www.sca.org.au/abertridwr/ Email: jo-ann@bigpond.net.au 4th & 5th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show With Slavery Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 10th – 12th Olde England Presents A Victorian Fete at Templecombe, Somerset, England
http://www.olde-england.co.uk 11th & 12th The Medieval Siege Society at Weald Country Park, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 11th & 12th Museum of Indian Culture 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown, Pa USA 18103 Information: info@museumofindianculture.org 11th & 12th, Chester Roman Festival Contact: info@romantours.co.uk 17th – 19th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Cardiff Castle, Wales http://www.cardiffcastle.com 18th & 19th Tatton Park Medieval Fayre, England http://www.plantagenet-events.co.uk 18th & 19th Eltham Palace, Greenwich, London, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 25th & 26th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment,Show - Rune Theme, West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, Suffolk. Anglo-Saxon Village
July 2nd & 3rd Chetwynd Medieval fair, Chetwynd, Shropshire, UK For information: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162707270437533&ref=mf 2nd & 3rd The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_199@PropName=Linlithgow‟
3rd & 4th fête médiévale de briançon http://www.facebook.com/?page=1&sk=messages&tid=1574642256880#!/group.php?gid=148203611869332 4th Summerlin 4th July Parade, 2011, Summerlin or NW Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107344416001487 9th Old Fort MacArthur Days Timeline, San Pedro, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142170442501203 9th & 10th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_199@PropName=Linlithgow
9th & 10th Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Tewkesbury, England www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/ July 12th – 17th Viking Market in Gudvangen http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45100027297 16th & 17th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 16th & 17th The Festival of History, Kelmarsh, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 22nd – 24th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 22nd – 24th Viking Rock 2011, Folk & Rock Festival, Norway
http://www.vikingrock.no/ 23rd & 24th The Arthurian Centre, Slaughterbridge, Camelford, Cornwall, England http://www.arthur-online.co.uk/ 24th MSS 1469 Edgecote Commemoration (Battlefield Walk, UK) http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 26th – 31st Das Drachenfest 2011, Diemelstadt, Germany www.drachenfest.info 29th – 31st The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 30th & 31st Berkeley Skirmish at Berkeley Castle, England http://www.plantagenet-events.co.uk 30th & 31st Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Runes Theme, Sutton Hoo. Sutton Hoo 30th & 31st The Tournament of Walraversijde, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium www.gruuthuse.be
August 5th – 7th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Blenheim Palace, England http://www.blenheimpalace.com/ 6th & 7th Midland History Festival at Ragley hall, Alcester, England http://www.mid-fest.co.uk or Email: admin@mid-fest.co.uk 6th & 7th The Great Wagon Road Encampment at East Montgomery Park, Elliston, Virginia, USA fortvauseoutfitters@gmail.com 6th & 7th The Military Flying machines Show, Damyns Hall Aerodrome Upminster, Essex RM14 2TN http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149302048457663 6th & 7th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Spear Dance Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 12th – 14th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 13th & 14th The Arthurian Centre, Slaughterbridge, Camelford, Cornwall, England http://www.arthur-online.co.uk/ 13th & 14th The Medieval Siege Society at The Siege of Bodium Castle, England http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 13th & 14th Lincoln Castle “Preparing for Siege”, Lincoln castle, England http://www.plantagent-events.co.uk 19th & 21st The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ 20th & 21st Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Show - Hunting & Fighting Theme, Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo
20th & 21st Ruislip Castle, UK http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk 27th & 28th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hever Castle, England http://www.hevercastle.co.uk 27th – 29th England‟s medieval Festival at Herstmonceaux Castle, England http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/ 28th & 29th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Hedingham Castle, England http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/
September 3rd Huntington Beach Reenactment, Hunington Beach, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168122296543585 4th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Knebworth House, England http://www.knebworthhouse.com/ 17th & 18th The 550th Anniversary of The Battle of Mortimer‟s Cross, Leominster, Herefordshire, UK www.mortimerscross.co.uk 17th & 18th Ealdfaeder Dark Ages Re-Enactment, Brandeston Hall, near Framlingham, Suffolk Brandeston Hall 18th & 19th The Knights of Royal England (www.knightsroyal.co.uk) at Leeds Castle, England http://www.leeds-castle.com 25th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com
October 8th ACWS Helendale Re-Enactment, California, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129725463752666 29th ACWS/SNLHA Spring Mountain Ranch Reenactment, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108090669259640
November 11th Las Vegas Veteran‟s Day Parade 2011, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102684859803236 26th & 27th Ludlow Castle Medieval Christmas fair, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK Craft fair, medieval traders, combat, have a go archery http://www.ludlowcastle.com/
December 4th Bromsgrove Militaria, Medal & Arms Collectors Fair, at the Spadesbourne Suite, Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA. 9.30am - 2.00pm. Admission £2.50 www.rzmilitaria.com/events.php e-mail fairs@rzmilitaria.com