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

Konnichiwa to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill, from Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

I wish to express my pride and admiration for the Gentles of this Barony. I'm sure that Ariel feels the same also. At Hidden Mountain Baronial Birthday this Barony made a great showing of Service,

Courtesy and Honor. Many Gentles worked as staff for this event. Lady Magdalen, Lord Draco, Lord Darius, Lord Elphin and Dame Morwenna and many more Gentles I'm sure.

 

The hospitality table under the Baronial Pavilion overflowed with food. Much thanks to all

those who assisted with this, especially Baroness Delia, Lord Axum, Lady Iollan and many, many more.

 

The Thrown Weapons tourney was won by Lord Carrick and the Rapier Tourney was won by

Lord Tyies. The new Hidden Mountain Rapier Champion is Lord Admiral Brendan O'Caiside (aka Dude). 

 

Thanks also to each and every single Gentle that attended and made this event special.
 

Last, but certainly not least, Baroness Ariel. For the garb, the hauling of pavilions and equipment,
and support and service to the Barony, and me, thank you.

The Camaraderie and Friendship that was displayed by you all is what brought the feelings of pride

and admiration to me. Words fail me how to fully express what I feel, except to say, Thank You!

 

As Always I remain....

in Service to the Dream,

Takeda Yoshinaka

Baron, Nottinghill Coill