Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Greetings to the Populace of the Barony of Nottinghill Coill, from Baroness Ariel Benne Douw

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Hawkwood Baronial Birthday on the weekend of May 11, 2013. What wonderful neighbors We have!  To start with, I arrived at the site Friday evening and immediately, I had several good gentles from Hawkwood, including Her Excellency Hawkwood, Baroness Deirdre, to help me unload and tote my (considerable) accoutrements down the hill, through the mud to my cabin.  Did I mention wonderful neighbors?!?

On Saturday, many of the good folk from Notthinghill Coill (and at lease one that we have adopted - you know who you are!) arrived and I had very much help all day!  Thank you to Lord Savage, Our Baronial Equestrian Champion, who took it upon himself to be My main retainer for the day. Many thanks go around to all who helped me set up and tear down the pavilions and all the things that went under the pavilion. Many thanks to Lady Marie-Helene for providing the lion's share of the food - all of it hand made from scratch and all of it wonderful! More thanks go to Lord Wilhelm for helping Hawkwood by being the heavy marshal for the event and to Dame Morwenna for being the Chirurgeon In Charge for the day (as usual!). Once again, the Great Barony of Nottinghill Coill showed great service, courtesy, and honor!

During the day, I attempted something I had not tried before.  I threw axes at a large chunk of wood.  OK, I found out I have NO talent in thrown weapons.  But, young Brenden, son of Lord Carrick, also attempted thrown weapons for the first time and although he didn't win anything he showed great talent to the point that the winner of the thrown weapons tourney passed his prize to Brenden to encourage his continued practice in thrown weapons.  Brenden also has significant archery talent as evidenced by his winning the Youth Archery Tournament! Congratulations young Brenden!

In the evening, we were served a wonderful feast followed by lots of fun! There was the traditional "full contact musical chairs" played to live bagpipe music by Her Excellency, Deirdre.  It was very much fun to watch and His Majesty had lots of fun participating! Then there was the Kilted Sumo Wrestling. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time!  His Majesty also was an active and entertaining participant in this! There was also dancing and much other amusement.

I had a wonderful time during the entire weekend.  I am sorry that His Excellency, Baron Takeda, was not able to attend.  I know that he would have also had a wonderful time and been proud of the Nottinghill Coill populace at this event.  I look forward to visiting Our neighboring Cousins in the future.

In Service to Our Dream!
Ariel Benne Douw
Baroness, Nottinghill Coill

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