We were treated to a concise history of warfare, from Viking conquests to the those of the Normans invading Britain in 1066. A fine narrator (Orjan) read the historical facts as a humorously little-rehearsed am-dram production carried on behind him to highlight his main points. A toy horse on a pole that "Nieghed" when rode, certainly put a light-hearted twist on the sword and axe wielding bloodshed going on, and at one point, the audience screamed as cuddly toys were thrown at a man with a very big axe to show how the other side were unable to pass him where he stood.
We were further treated to demonstrations of the correct way to wield the weapons used by the amateur dramatists. Importantly we learned not to scratch our bums with our broadsword, watch our backs with wielding a large unwieldy axe, and to beware of our legs when dressed in helmet and chainmail to the knees behind a shield that exposes only our ankles.
And just as the treats were coming to the end, another group dashed to the front to offer us a demonstration of fencing, with the swords, protective clothing and face guards they just happened to have brought with them to the convention for just such an opportunity.
We watched, enthralled, as the fencers danced about before us, clanking metal, and sweating buckets to instruct us in the health benefits and tactical know how involved in this interesting sport. I wonder if there were any converts from the exercise.. it did look fun.
Sarah Ganderton
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