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June, a busy month.

Early June saw the completion of the Edge Hill illustrations, an interesting and enjoyable brief.

It's not everyday you get asked to draw a cavalry charge from behind!

I returned to Connah's Quay High School. My visit was well recieved by all. At one point I got an entire class to shout: 'Dog muck!' They were just getting excited about tanning leather, honestly!
Cheers Mr Hughes.

15th & 16th I was in Rhuddlan working with the wonderful Jane Calclough and several local schools. Two days of hot weather and the children really enjoyed themselves; some even arrived in their own costumes.
Many thanks to Jane.

17th and a change of venue: Brynhyfryd, Ruthin. This time it was an older audience so we could use swear words, well proper medieval terminology! Although only a half day, we packed in a lot, and even enlightened the history teacher about swords ;-)
Many thanks to Ron Bell.

Saturday the 19th and AotP were back at Rhuddlan, this time with over 500 Brownies! What an atmosphere! The girls were full of enthusiasm and had lots of fun.
Thank you Chris for asking us to be part of your special celebration.

On the 25th, AotP ventured over the border. Dee Point School, Blacon. What a welcome! Lots of helpers and so much enthusiasm, we had a great day. Thanks to Miss Brooks for asking us. Hopefully, as a result of some great feedback, we will again venture east.
Deputy headteacher Sharon Wyatt said:
'The children were engaged and enjoyed the hands-on experience of it all.'
Year Four and Five teacher Tracy Brooks,
'The company who helped run the event are experts in the medieval period and offer interactive presentations for people of all ages. They cover warfare, medieval family life, archery and the chance for the children to have a ‘real medieval life experience’

For a full write up of this great day have a look at this,
http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/90188/chester-school-pupils-step-back-into-medieval-times.aspx

Later that evening we set off for Ruthin, via Brynteg and Llanferres...

26th & 27th: Ruthin Medieval and Country Show.
I joined up with my old friends in Samhain and spent two days roasting alive! Friday evening saw a full moon rising, orange over the castle hill. The campfire blazed and we all had a very enjoyable evening. The following two days were hot and busy. We talked about medieval life and death with hardly a pause. My son came with me and I found that I went to bed smiling with pride. He'd had a great day and made us laugh with his observation of how the roaring campfire 'looked like a really good 3D TV'... He was a real asset around the camp. My gorgeous wife and daughter joined us throughout the two days too. My wife was wearing the dress she made when I first met her 10 years ago, she still fits it! It's wonderful to do such a good event so close to home.

The other good thing was meeting up with some very old friends from both Longshanks Medieval Society and The Vikings. Hopefully, this was the first of many Ruthin Medieval Country and Horse Shows.

Older Events & News

January, Battle of Crogen. Something a little bit different to start the year!
I was commissioned by Northern Marches Cymru to illustrate the Battle in pen and ink. I really enjoyed doing it and the client was very happy with the end result. It shows the moment Henry ll was ambushed near Chirk by a Welsh army under Owain Gwynedd. One of Henry ll's men took an arrow to save his king.

February, went to Cardiff for a short break and managed to get to the National Museum and saw the original Dolwyddelan rondel bottom right. See how it compares to my copy made by Tim Knoyes, Heron Armoury, that I use as part of my display.

Sunday, 21st was the 8th Hope Glyndwr Parade. Snow lay heavy on the ground and we still had a good turn out. It was a real battle to get to the top of Caergwrle Castle but I made it. I did manage to fall though, skidded on a grid in Castle Street! http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/85372/slideshow-liberation-of-hope-2010-parade.aspx

March 1st, St David's Day. Age of the Princes took part in the parade through Wrexham town centre alongside Wrexham FC and The Crusaders Rugby squad. Over 700 people were in the march and there was a wonderful atmosphere. Even bigger and better for next year! http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/council/news/StDavids10.htm

Ruthin Castle, March 10th, a corporate event for Airbus at the hotel/castle. It was very cold but the venue looked excellent. We were part of the medieval entertainment which culminated in a banquet. Our role was to provide fighting knights and an archer. The result was a quite surreal. Two of us put on a sword fight in a very spooky garden, in the dark! Great fun! Thanks to Uproar Fireworks for the invite.www.uproar-fireworks.co.uk

If you have a corporate event or wedding and fancy something different, get in touch.