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A Knight to Remember - definately a great event!

© Megan McConnell

I recently went to an event where I have had more fun at a feast than I have had for some time now.

The decorations were minimal - and whilst the food was plentiful, it was plain.

What made it fun was the mix of people and the general atmosphere of celebration that lifted this particular feast above the normal run of the mill.

But first - some background. I am a member of the SCA here in Brisbane - in the Barony of River Haven. In March and September of every year, we run our Baronial Championship Tourney and Feast.

Whilst this is a large event, in the past it has been rather lacking - with very few "non-fighters" attending (or those who are attached to fighters - partners, children, etc). I have noticed - in our Barony - that the number of partners of fighters who actively take part in activities other than watching their partner fight is very few.

This is sad - and I would urge all re-enactors to make other activities available and attractive to these people.

But enough about that - this is about a really fun night I had.

At this feast, we had more people (and more variety of people) that I have seen at an event for a few years. In fact, the number of fighters there was small - compared to the rest of the attendees.

Our Arts & Sciences competitions were well patronised, and the level of competition was high. Conversation sparkled, music rang through the hall - both instrumental and singing. People danced, table hopped and generally had a great time.

During the day (at which I was not present), we even raised some money for a good cause.

"Shave for the Cure" helps the Cancer fund here in Australia to raise money. Normally, this is held in May, however, the Barony decided that the Baronial tourney was the perfect place for it to happen.

Ladies sacrificed their crowning glory, or coloured it! Gentlemen shaved hair (and coloured beards!). The biggest sacrifice was, however, our Noble Baron - Master Hrothgar Breaksword who sacrificed his hair and his beard (to the shock after the deed was done of the Barony - and the Baroness).

Gone was the wild and wooly Viking - and in it's place was a clean shaven, bare headed gentleman who many only recognised by his clothing (and then had to have a second look). His VOICE even sounded different! Unlike Samson, however, the mighty Hrothgar did not become a weakling following his loss.

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