Here is a selection of short articles about previous events in the Shire.

November Rapier Revel – 28th November 2009

Greetings from your servant Genevieve,

Just a short note to thank all the fine folks who trotted out this past Saturday, transport fu notwithstanding, to help paint and decorate wallhangings, to work on our shire’s fencing skills, and to enjoy a fine potluck meal with the shire of Thamesreach.

A core of seven rapier fighters worked through exercises and drills, building up to an afternoon of combat. As well as individual duels, we also practiced melle fighting in the open, across a barrier and also a bridge battle scenario Excellent training for the events ahead in 2010!

Twenty adults and 5 kids sat down to feast (though ’sit’ might be a strong term for some young ladies…), which is a very satisfying turnout to end the year.

As usual we were rolling away from the tables, stuffed to the gills on good food, barely able to shuffle through dances, though there seemed always room for more spiced wine and port.

We did, however, manage one kid-friendly dance – an Official Brawle alternating adults and young ladies (aged 4-9), which was very well received. My thanks to the other robust adult dancers (Ynes, Asbjorn and Guy), who stretched their aerobic and power-lifting capacity for the extended rendition of this brawle.

Especial thanks for the Flintheath folk who braved traffic wardens (and dancing instructors, oh noes!) to share their fencing expertise, and willingly measures and marked muslin hangings and stamped with goodwill.

If this first try at stamping a diapered pattern is any example, we’ll have a magnificently- decorated hall hung with ‘tapestries’ for the coming coronet tournament, that we can all delight in.

Much toasting of our newest Peer, Master Robert of Canterbury was to be had and a convivial evening of conversation and dancing brought the 2009 season of Thamesreach revels to a close.