Well, as I stated this morning, the event is a go. I went out yesterday expecting to see a 10 acre site, but it turns out the site is 72 acres, with 10 acres of field, the rest being lightly wooded hills. From the field we will be camping in, there are no obvious signs of the 20th century visible. There is a shed, and a shelter (pretty much a roofed cattle shed with no walls), neither much out of place in the 15th century, and there is a fully functional 17th century beehive oven (exacting reproduction, one of 4 in the US and Canada) that apparently bakes bread well, as well as a mean pizza (they slow cooked a duck in it last year). There is a small stream that is seasonal (it is dry part of the year) that runs next to the field - up in the hills behind, there is a 18th century cabin, and a bit further along (there is a road running through the woods), a martello or peel tower is under construction (currently breast high). From my talking to the owner, we have pretty free range with using the property (he suggested the cabin, and pointed out the ongoing tower project, I think he is hopeing it will see eventual use). If we can convince Dru to come up with his cannon, we would make him extremely happy, as he is an artillery enthusiast - he immediately said he would pull all the permits required (he is the Town constable, a selectman, and a volunteer firefighter). We were asked if he could bring a tour of schoolkids through at some point (for a half hour or so - not opening the event to the public) for educational purposes.

The Dates are May 21st-23rd, Set up Friday afternoon/evening, take down Sunday afternoon. The property owner is a LONG time reenactor, and he seems enthusiastic at the novelty of a Medieval event on the order of a normal reenactment event, he has a fascination with the Middle Ages, and his normal full time job is being a master stonemason (hence the tower, which I think he wants to see get used eventually). He indicated he would like to visit us doing our bit, and he hinted around at 'next year' as well. He also hinted around that he was open to the idea of reenactors putting up structures (hence the oven, the cabin, ect.) - this could well turn into a yearly event, with a supurb backdrop.

The scenario is the end of Edward IV 1475 campaign, and his withdrawal from France (with a pension), and his campaign arangements against Louis XI with Charles the Bold. What historically occured was the English Army withdrew from France to Calais, across their erstwhile Burgundian ally's territory. Although Edward did not openly wage war agains the Burgundians, his army was none too gentle to the territory they passed through, foraging fairly freely. Such foraging parties came under attack by local forces as they made their way to the coast. The scenario has such a party of English soldiers,coming under attack by the local populace as they make off with local property not nailed down. The rough schedule is to have the tour through in the late morning/early afternoon, with a tactical immediately following, followed by a shared feast that evening. Sunday will wrap up with some contests and games.

This is my first time organising such an event, please let me know how many of you are interested, and if you have questions, ask away. We could only get the 2 1/2 days this time out, but next year with the owners permission, we may well expand this into a four day event (assuming it goes well, and everybody has fun).

Hardwick is in the Western part of Central Mass, and it is a 2 hour drive from the New Hapshire boarder - I think it will be a 4 hour drive for the closest participants outside of New England, and up to a 6-7 hour drive for those the furthest away. The town is in the middle of farm country set in the hills, and consists mostly of 18th and 19th century rambling farmhouses, with dairy farms and orchards predominating.

[ 03-16-2004: Message edited by: Fire Stryker ]

Looking over insurance costs, and the like, it looks like the registration will run $25. Having talked to the site owner, leaving out Monday for those who have come a distance is quite allright. We are waiting to hear the final word regarding whether dogs will be allowed or not.

We will be puttingn together and posting a set of directions ASAP.

--------------------