Medieval Cookery

I’ve just got back from a weekend away doing medieval stuff. Jenny was organising the main evening feast, for almost a hundred people, which meant that I got all the excitement of helping prepare and then of spending more or less all day in the kitchen. I won’t bore you with the details except to say that I hope I never have to peel or chop another apple or chop up another fish as long as I live. Jenni was kind enough to hire an estate car, drive us there and back and assist with prep and cooking too, which was very good of her considering that the whole re-enactment thing isn’t really her bag at all. Many other people also helped out and made the whole event a success. It’s the nature of these things that most people are willing to do their bit.

The plan for the rest of the day is to relax and do nothing very much. I’m about to watch the F1 from earlier thanks to the wonder of recording devices. That’s about all I can muster the energy for right now.

St. Ethelburga’s

Yesterday was the feast of St. Ethelburga, a particularly cool (if I say so myself) SCA event held in the City of London and run for the last two years by my very own Jenny. Plenty of people came to eat, drink, dance and make merry in a restored 15th century church, many of them newcomers to the Society. Everyone involved worked really hard to make it the success it was and I had a really great time.

The event will probably be held again next year, although Jenny won’t be in charge, but I’d recommend it to anyone in search of a good night’s entertainment.

Thamesreach SCA Facebook Group

The Thamesreach SCA group now has its own Facebook group. If you’re interested in mediaeval reenactment and you’re in the London, UK area, do get in touch. We’re very friendly, even when hitting each other with big sticks, and we have some amazingly knowledgeable people who can help you get involved in all manner of activities, from fighting to cooking to needlework to jewellery to brewing, and everything in between.

Viceroy Tournament

I spent all day yesterday at the Insulae Draconis Viceroy Tournament, which was held at a delightful site in Surrey with a mediaeval barn for court, feasting and displays and a good-sized field for the fighting. The sun shone, the sky was blue and the whole occasion was a real pleasure to attend. The organisers deserve a huge pat on the back for putting together a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Special thanks go to Steve and Jen for driving us there and back again, not the first time they’ve been kind enough to do so.

Update: You can find a much fuller, and better, report here.

Thamesreach Revel August 2008

The Thamesreach SCA revel held yesterday was a complete success. Even after losing a couple of people after the mammoth rapier session, we still had nineteen people left for a proper feast, complete with live music courtesy of Lord Robert. One or two people brought their friends with them and we had some visitors from across the pond who are in the country for a week’s holiday. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Winchester and Portsmouth

I won’t bore you with too many details of my weekend, but I will say that I had a fantastic time doing mediaeval re-enactment in Winchester, despite the cold, on Friday night and Saturday, before heading to Portsmouth to see the Mary Rose, which was very worthwhile. While there I was lucky enough to see the Sea Stallion, a replica Viking longship, and chat with a member of the crew.

I got home last night feeling absolutely knackered, but very happy. I’m still very very tired today. I’ve learnt my lesson; if I’m going to have a very busy weekend in the future I shall take the following Monday off.