The Lady Mary Memorial Tournament is one of my favourite events in Ealdormere. Yes, there’s thwackery and thwockery, but it’s not just ‘cos folks like hitting each other with sticks. The entire point is to do honour to the individual who inspires you. You’re not competing to win, to prove your prowess, you’re fighting to exemplify the knightly virtues and to do honour by your chosen patron/inspiration. It’s kind of magical. It’s also usually the first event of the year that has archery -and- a thrown weapons range set up, so axes can be flung! Wheee!

This past weekend was the 30th annual Lady Mary tournament. That’s Lady Mary XXX. Roman numerals, people. We’re not competing with Vin Diesel, and it was absolutely not any other kind of event that might have had three X’s.

Naturally, the day started with a selfie. #HowIRoll

Assorted nobles approached the Kingdom and Baronial thrones and presented themselves and spoke of their inspirations.

They say the measure of a man can be taken in the floppiness of his boot cuffs.

“What did she mean when she said your floppiness was subtle but commendable?”

“I’m not sure, my heart’s delight. Maybe she was talking about my sleeves, sugar plum.”

One of the highlights was Steinnar fighting for the honour of his son. Batman T-shirts are totally period.

One of my favourite power couples.

Lostie MortymerXT – or, ya know, Jorgen, rocking the electric strawberry tunic!

Twangery tournaments for the day celebrated the revival of Ealdormere’s ranged weapons group, the Yoemen of the Wolf, by shooting at targets over silly distances.

Many sent arrows flying, and it was all in all a grand day to hear the whistling of arrows as they sought their targets.

Elsewhere there was stabbery…

… and the apple that came with my lunch had a butt on it.

“Don’t ask me what that smell was… Don’t ask me what that smell was…”

“Did you let one rip?”

“Crap.”

“Crikey, Strewth! Who cracked open the pickled eggs?”

“Why, hello, good gentles… might one of you assist with my dangly bits?”

You’d think by now he’d have learned how to dress himself 😉

Meanwhile, Thwockery!

The relationship between Knight and Squire is an interesting one. The Knight serves the Squire, just as the Squire serves the Knight. The thing about your Knight making you a new shield, though…

… is they’re generally keen to hit it really hard!

One of the highlights of the day for me was hearing a little voice while Steinnar was fighting….

D: “Dad! Dad! Daaaaad!”

S: (*pauses fighting*) “Yes?”

D: “I love yoouuuu”

It wouldn’t be a Lady Mary event if I didn’t end up teaching someone kumihimo at some point…

“Good Gentles, welcome to Court! I would like to present a magic trick.”

“Please note, I have nothing up my sleeve.”

“He does, indeed, appear to have nothing up his sleeve…”

“BAM! Check out this totally awesome sword! Definitely wasn’t in the background of the other pics, totally magic!”

Seriousness for a moment. The grand tradition of the Lady Mary Memorial Tournament is that the Ladies of Worth – the Queen, present Baronesses and Duchesses and the like, present favours to those who have inspired them this day. I was blessed to receive one year, and can attest that it’s a very special honor indeed. This year the favours were red with a white swan crowned with three red x’s (again, XXX = 30) and adorned with a string of glass beads. Each one was unique and a wonderful symbol of the day and a reminder to all of what we strive to be in this silly little reenactment game.

Recognizing the youth of the kingdom can yield hugs. Well, if you’re a baroness, at least.

Meanwhile, their Majesties were still doing the sword thing…

… so some of the lads came forward to help hold it up. Or, ya know, swear fealty, whatever.

Her Majesty tried to do the disappearing thumb trick, but exuding the very best of British tradition, tried it with her pinky instead. Much classier that way.

When your Award of Arms includes a personalized, engraved metal mug, you risk the king taking a liking to it…

… and offering you a mug covered in googly eyes instead.

Merewen and Cesare were inducted (along with three others) into the Queen’s Guard. Cesare very kindly shut his eyes so that we wouldn’t be dazzled by their brilliance.

Martin received one of the Lady Mary favours for his work creating a wonderful atmosphere all day long through music.

And dinner after the event at a local food place with some of the Kwakistani’s… so we officially end the event as we opened, with a selfie.

A huge thank you to the event staff and to everyone who made the day such a wonderful one. It was great to just be, to saunter around and relax and just have a nice day in the beautiful weather, surrounded by the good people of Ealdormere. I look forward to my next visit to the Barony of Rising Waters.