Travelling in Time

 

Life is finally feeling like its going back to normal as this weekend saw the first outdoor event of the year - Travelling in Time at Duncarron Medieval Village. Ironically, the last outdoor event we got to was also at Duncarron and was the Viking and Saxon event.

I saw the event, spanning from 1600s to WW2 advertised online, and put out an open invite to the family - my mum was the first to volunteer to join me for the day. My older sister and older niece and nephew decided they would come too, but I wasn't to expect them until later in the day - the difference between her and myself can sometimes really astound me, I was legitimately there for the event opening. One of the bonuses of arriving so early was that there was plenty of time to talk to all the volunteers doing the re-enactments - we were even invited into the Soviet WW2 camp to get some nice photos with Missy! My Rosie the Riveter outfit also got a lot of compliments (which is funny as my mum clearly thought I was bonkers for getting dressed up, then once she realised that lots of the public had also dressed up, was telling anyone who spoke to us that I'd made my outfit myself!).

Firstly, we were lucky with the weather. Dry, but overcast so we didn't burn. Mild, but not too hot. Perfect for a day trip! The event itself was very well organised. Numbers were capped owing to covid, so even at the peak point of the day, it didn't feel particularly busy - but there was still enough people that it felt like an event. There was a central area where there was amongst other things, musket demonstrations, combat demonstrations and story telling. In all the tents, various people from throughout time were displaying their skills and professions - we learned about heraldry, saw a demonstration on Viking coin making and then spoke to a saxon taxman (cue the theatrical hissing).

There was a variety of stalls too; the dress up tent was very popular and we all did that once my sister and co arrived, there was a tent selling period footwear (my mother bought some historian boots and I very nearly took away a pair or beautiful green court shoes, but decided against them as I don't need more excuses for more sewing projects!). Talking of sewing, there was a fabric stall (I was good and only bought 3m of a beautiful herringbone wool), a leatherwork stall; buttons and jewellery and beads. All sorts of lovely things! Oh, and Bacon and Maple Jam - I was under orders from hubby to get another jar if the same folk from the Viking event were there! (and yes, I did get a jar, as well as a Rum Marmalade, hubby is happy).

Axe throwing and Archery were also available to try. The chap doing the axe throwing was brilliant, and after some coaching, managed to land and stick the axe on my third attempt (he joined me in my little victory jump!). I'll confess that I was more confident in the archery having had a lesson before, until I was handed a longbow. It clearly wasn't a real longbow as I managed to successfully draw the string correctly (the strength required on a real on is insane) and landed all three arrows on the target. Yes. I was rather smug about that, but my nephew stuck his second axe, and I had to win at something!

One of the nice things about these events is that they are super dog friendly. Missy was not left out at all. She was greeted by all the volunteers (who didn't bat an eyelid when I asked if they would pose with her for me) and other visitors. I always enjoy meeting other dog owners at these things to gush about how nice it is that the fur babies are welcome. Although I was concerned about Missy being stolen by a Saxon volunteer who was helping at the archery - she insisted she hold Missy for me whilst I was taking photos of the family. A quick glance and she was sat with Missy giving her all the cuddles and attention! A truly lovely day.

I'll part with one of my favourite moments, which was a passing conversation with the boy helping at the axe throwing;

Saxon Boy - "Is she friendly?"

Me - "Of course, your more than welcome to say hi to her - her names Missy."

Saxon Boy - (immediately on his knees giving her ear rubs and kisses) "What breed is she?"

Me - "She's a rescue, so we dont know - but I'm always open to guesses!"

Saxon Boy - "Jack Russel and something big, she looks a bit like a rottie or doberman, but that's too big."

Me - (stunned at Jack Russel, but thinking it would explain her murderous streak at small animals) "A lot of people guess Rottie and Collie."

Saxon Boy - (shrugs and skips to his feet). "Well, it don't matter, I think she's beautiful as she is." (skips away without a backwards glance).

Gotta admit, that warmed my soul quite a bit. Though I think the compliments have gotten to Missys head - she looks a little too comfortable in the Chieftains chair, don't you think?!