Medieval re-enactment with Steve and Hayley Buckley
Our June meeting began with a presentation by Hayley and Steve, members of a
medieval re-enactment group, who gave a fabulous account of life in medieval
times. Both dressed in full medieval costume and surrounded by all manner of
props to illustrate their talk, Hayley began by informing us about medieval
medicine. As well as her medicinal herbs and potions, which she passed around
for all to smell, she also had a selection of replica surgical and dentistry
tools to demonstrate....eeek! She continued by sharing her knowledge of
medieval textiles and other crafts with demonstrations of spinning and weaving.
Steve portrayed a grizzled old retainer - who, although an archer,
during his long fighting life had also become used to fighting with sword,
spear, axe and dagger; all of which he brought along and demonstrated. At the
end there was an opportunity to dress up in medieval costume and even learn how
to wield the sword and have a mock battle with Steve!
Later, during the business part of the meeting, we discussed several trips we have recently enjoyed, including a guided tour of Bluebell Cottage Gardens by owner, Sue Beesley, a former winner of BBC Gardner of the Year, and a visit to Dunham Massey gardens where our own member and National Trust volunteer guide, Marianne, had given us a fascinating tour of the grounds. Coming up during the summer will be a trip to Arley Hall for an outdoor theatre performance of Sherlock Holmes, by the criticaly-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company and a cruise with meal, on board a canal boatfrom Chester.
Preparations are underway for the Village Show on 21 September. Schedules with all the classes to enter are available from the Church porch, Sandiway library or by visiting the website, www.whitegatewi.weebly.com. Do enter this fun family event, where categories range from photography’s ‘Fur or Feather’ class to Horticulture’s ‘Biggest Spud’. There are classes for children of all ages and a delicious set recipe ‘Double Chocolate Chip Cheesecake’, to have a go at!
medieval re-enactment group, who gave a fabulous account of life in medieval
times. Both dressed in full medieval costume and surrounded by all manner of
props to illustrate their talk, Hayley began by informing us about medieval
medicine. As well as her medicinal herbs and potions, which she passed around
for all to smell, she also had a selection of replica surgical and dentistry
tools to demonstrate....eeek! She continued by sharing her knowledge of
medieval textiles and other crafts with demonstrations of spinning and weaving.
Steve portrayed a grizzled old retainer - who, although an archer,
during his long fighting life had also become used to fighting with sword,
spear, axe and dagger; all of which he brought along and demonstrated. At the
end there was an opportunity to dress up in medieval costume and even learn how
to wield the sword and have a mock battle with Steve!
Later, during the business part of the meeting, we discussed several trips we have recently enjoyed, including a guided tour of Bluebell Cottage Gardens by owner, Sue Beesley, a former winner of BBC Gardner of the Year, and a visit to Dunham Massey gardens where our own member and National Trust volunteer guide, Marianne, had given us a fascinating tour of the grounds. Coming up during the summer will be a trip to Arley Hall for an outdoor theatre performance of Sherlock Holmes, by the criticaly-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company and a cruise with meal, on board a canal boatfrom Chester.
Preparations are underway for the Village Show on 21 September. Schedules with all the classes to enter are available from the Church porch, Sandiway library or by visiting the website, www.whitegatewi.weebly.com. Do enter this fun family event, where categories range from photography’s ‘Fur or Feather’ class to Horticulture’s ‘Biggest Spud’. There are classes for children of all ages and a delicious set recipe ‘Double Chocolate Chip Cheesecake’, to have a go at!