Rufford April 2009

Rufford abbey is situated in northern Nottinghamshire, close to Sherwood forest. It provides a lovely venue for us. This event was organised by Eventplan as a multiperiod bring & buy. Conroi de Vey decided to use the weekend for training & chilling out, as well as booking some table space to sell some re-enactment items. We set up our wic alongside some friends from Regia Anglorum (our umbrella organisation), got the fire going to have hot food later in the day & then got settled down to some craft work. Stephen showed us how to work bone, displaying his skills with strap ends & buckles he’d made. Trevor took folk under his wing with some wood working, the weather being kind enough to get the pole lathe out as well as the shave horse. On the Sunday we did a bit of textile working. Susan progressed further with her tablet weaving, and there was the ubiquitous spinning going on throughout the day.

The guys had a break from these activities by marching off to the arena for a couple of bouts of fighting. After the face offs between lines of combatans they went on to single combat. Trevor fought valiantly (for an ‘old un’) but at the end of the Sunday session, Jamie was ultimately victorious.

All in all we had a relaxed weekend, sharing some good conversations with friends, & furthered our craft skills. We’re now looking forward to our next show in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.