2008 Review - 'A Legend Every Weekend'

‘A Legend Every Weekend’

 

The problem with being successful is that you are always following your own act and trying to better it, whilst keeping your imitators and ambitious wannabees reeling in your wake. 2008 was always going to be difficult in that respect but with bookings at venues as far flung as Carlisle Castle in the north to Goodrich Castle in the south in the same week, we were going to be stretched to our limits; particularly as Carlisle was a midweek booking which so few of us are normally able to do because of our day jobs. A small group of us which included Margaret and I along with Matt, Robin, Sue and Gemma, joined Rog, Sylv, Jim and Sheila and made it one of the most enjoyable and successful events that they had had at Carlisle in 2008! In the end it was easy. Their management had printed up a schedule for the event, which they wanted us to adhere to weather permitting. It worked a treat and we didn’t have to rely on any of our secondary plans for wet weather performance and even coped when the promised pa system didn’t turn up in time for the first show. The management commended us on our efforts when we left and asked if we had enjoyed it as much as they did? They thanked us for our help in setting the event up by putting out things like their boundary tapes and pins and said that they would be pleased to have us back.

 

At the other end of the week at Goodrich there was going to be a knighting, whereby one of our new swordsmen (or women), having trained hard and showed proficiency in sword and shield work, is inducted into knighthood. I feel myself, and I am sure that I am not alone in this, that it is a great privilege. Much is made of the ceremony. It is ‘on view’ to the public as much a part of our show as any other and many questions are always asked giving us enormous opportunity to involve them with us in our recognition of the new Knight. At Goodrich, it was Cei who was honoured with the accolade. May I take this opportunity to congratulate him.

 

Beeston too was going to be difficult. We are very popular there and have been for about ten years. It is a favourite venue for our members, who tend to turn out in great numbers and put on a really tremendous show that has quite rightly resulted in our great success with the management and popularity with the public, who turn out in their droves just to see us. The management there are always impressed by the way we engage the young and the old as part of the show. This year we thought that we might struggle. A few of our members were unable to make it and at one point it really looked as though we might have to cancel the show. This of course wouldn’t have looked good. English Heritage have cut back so drastically on booking groups like us for events and are  preferring to use in-house ‘entertainment’ instead. It has to be said that although our overall turnout was lower than at our maximum, we were over twenty strong and covered all aspects of the show with aplomb. Once again, impressing the management with our entertainments and combat skills to die for! The members who did the show commented on how relaxed and friendly everyone was, especially in the evening when the usual socialising took place around the campfire at the embers only party! And it was really great to see my daughters, who live in South Wales, with their partners and Sylvain, who came along and had some fun with us after not being able to do shows for some time. Our youngest member Philip jnr made an appearance at only two months old with his two older sisters who made a great contribution to the show.

 

Some mention must be made of our trips to Ireland. Originally, they were part of the ‘Cynon~Marshall Connection‘, a Welsh Office/E.U. Interreg 3a funded project to foster cross border research into medieval history. Even though funding for this ceased some time ago, we continue to visit our Irish counterparts, the Leinster Re-enactment Society, run by Kevin O’Toole and join with them for shows on both sides of the Irish Sea. In April this year, we helped the archaeologists who have been conducting a ’dig’ just outside Athy, to present their finds to an enthusiastic audience at the Athy museum. It was packed out and another presentation had to be arranged at a later date for those who could not find a seat for the first one. Later in the year we went to Trim Castle, a magnificent monument just north of Dublin, with fantastic and commanding views of the surrounding countryside. On both occasions, our shows and presentations were very much appreciated and our presence and participation continues our partnership and involvement in the interpretation of Irish/Welsh history. New projects are being developed and funds sought, so watch this space for exciting news in the future.

 

Speaking of which, the Criccieth Festival was held in August. The turnout was well covered by the local press. The flag of Hywel y Fwyall was raised on the Dinas after a procession from Criccieth town centre. Funds are currently being applied for, for this community based project, which is enjoyed by the many folk who turn up for the procession and who can visit Criccieth castle for an interpretation by Harlech Medieval Society of one of its most influential inhabitants.

 

 

In fact none of our shows this season were poor either in attendance or performance and included Valle Crucis Abbey, Rhuddlan, Caernarfon and Criccieth. There was also a departure, for us at least, with the show at Greenwood, a woodland themed adventure park. We were not sure how well our show would be received until afterwards when we met the owners. They were delighted and have invited us back! Last but not least, there was the Christmas show at Caerphilly. A bit of a laugh to end the season with and the generation of a whole new catalogue of stories. If you should join us and become a member, I’m sure you will get to hear them sooner or later but remember - you may also be starring in them creating ‘A Legend Every Weekend!’

 

May I congratulate every one of the members who came to the shows in 2008 and who worked so hard at enjoying themselves and providing fantastic entertainment in and out of the arena. If I have not mentioned you by name please do not be offended, merely wallow in the glory of a fantastic season.  May next season, 2009, be as fulfilling and FUN!

 

by Jean DuLac.