July 26th & 27th 2008 - Forty Hall
Once again the House Manager at Forty Hall did his magic trick and arranged the weather for us as this event had its usual scorching hot weather. The Siege Group that we attend this event with are going from strength to strength, they have made an effort to increase the number of crafts on display and now count amongst their number a woodworker, a herbalist, a professional gambler and a leatherworker as well as our forge. They are also looking to increase the textiles side of the camp as textiles were a major source of income at this time in history.
So, the weekend went well in the forge - which got unbearably hot at times - and as Dai is in his dragon phase lots of dragons were produced in a variety of forms including fire irons and candle lamps and door knockers. Requests were made by the group for certain tools that they needed and ti was good to see the various craftsmen and women genuinely trading with each other.
Our pompous steward of the manor was suitably pompous and overbearing and as a result we got to shoot Sam again, a thing that always causes much entertainment as he has a wonderful skill of dying in dramatic and stylish ways. He did ask though that if he should be shot again on a hot day could those who go to loot his body loot his jacket as he got awfully warm lying dead in the sun.
So, everyone happy for the weekend, literally thousands of public through, most of whom were good to meet, but we could do without the ones who let small children walk over tents, grab and walk off with group members kit and play with sharp tools, and then complain when we ask the children to stop as what they are doing is dangerous. Luckily these folk are in the minority but you do wish that they would just stay at home.
Here’s looking forward to next year when we hope to be back at this site, although the event is looking to be somewhat different next year with more of a multi period thing going on - I’ll keep you posted.
