Pray pardon for the tardiness of this post. The messenger pigeon met with an unfortunate mishap in flight.
Unto all the good gentles who journeyed to the southern region for Wintersouth on the first Saturday and Sunday of August, our hearts were gladdened by the fellowship, courtesy, and merriment that filled this most excellent weekend. On the field and archery range competitors displayed skill and honour in equal measure, and we congratulate Roberto de Aragona for his victory on the rapier field and Declan of Drogheda who is our new Baronial Archery Champion.
The evening feast was spent in good company enjoying hearty food, revelry, and joyful song. To those gentles who attended their first event, we extend our warmest welcome. It was our pleasure to have you among us, and we thank our populace for opening their hearts and offering guidance, friendship, and hospitality so generously. May this be but the first of many adventures we share together.
We recognised Her Excellency Baroness Arabella as a member of the Order of the Sable Lark for significantly enriching our events as a performer. Lord Frederick deservedly received an Order of the Falchion for his progress and dedication in the arts martial. We appreciatively presented Lord Robert with a long overdue Gules Anchor for his steadfast service to the Barony in so many capacities. And Her Exuberance, Baroness Anna was overwhelmingly deserved of a Sable Chain award for… her EXUBERANCE and versatility across A&S, teaching, holding office, and rapier to name but a few activities.
We give special thanks to those noble gentles who shared their knowledge and talents within the Arts and Sciences. Your demonstrations, enthusiasm, and willingness to inspire others enriched the weekend.
Likewise, we commend all who embraced the wintery themes of the event with creativity and good humour, helping to bring the spirit of the occasion to life. Our taste buds were delighted by the contributions of Lady Joanna and Sarah, and Lord Janos with their admirable versions of spicy and sweet hippocras and newcomer Jesse’s delightful cordial. Lord Frederick, as a greenhorn sewist, crafted warm garb for the season and Lady Elizabeth’s presented a skilled and most excellent example of knitted and felled sleeves. Lady Elizabeth also offered a striking floral rendering of a popular board game. An honourable mention to Kylie Cantwell for displaying her current project of both tooled and dyed leather.
To the marshals, officers, stewards (Trinette and Drusticc), cooks, volunteers, artisans, singers, entertainers and the many hands who set up, carried, decorated and packed down – know that your efforts made this event possible and you have our heartfelt thanks.
With gratitude and affection,
Sybil and Tosti
Baroness and Baron of Ynys Fawr