88mph to Coombs

The Ireland family took a day trip to Coombs this past weekend, thanks to a unique invitation from one of our island friends. Jamie is pretty much as cool as they come -- paramedic, ferry worker, martial arts enthusiast, student of history, and a fellow firefighter. Among her many interests is medieval culture, so she's involved in a group called the Society for Creative Anachronism. In my fresh understanding, they're all about recreating as many aspects of European life in the middle ages as possible -- the chivalry, combat, costume and crafting. I'd heard a bit about this movement, but never delved into it at all until Saturday.

It's a visually stunning display, thanks to all the colourful garb and decoration. The fighters wear full-on suits of armour to protect themselves, because they wield their various weapons with the worst of intentions. If you were to replace their padded sticks with real edged swords and spears, limbs would be coming off.

The combat was intensely impressive and entertaining, and it's done in a most honourable way. Once the king has assembled all the tournament competitors into two factions and read the rules, each fighter greets the gallery and proclaims for whose honour they are fighting (usually a spouse in the crowd). They then take turns issuing their challenges to the opposite side -- who they want to fight, on what terms, and how many blows will constitute a win. Besides the challenges, there are more battle-royal type exchanges, where much like on a real medieval battlefield they would pair off and go toe-to-toe amid the chaos around them.

The most impressive aspect of it all for me was the chivalry part, which all involved take quite seriously. You're supposed to count out the hits you take, on your honour. You bow respectfully, admit when you're licked. All the while, swinging your weapon as hard as you can without holding back. So the armour is obviously key -- made to high standards with steel, leather, quilt and plastic form-fitting pieces. Some even have authentic chain mail. Those whose facial protection you can see into are wearing huge smiles as they partake in this captivating hobby, as they all are I'm sure.

We were warmly welcomed, and were issued tunics right away so we could blend in. Several friendly folks made a point to chat with us to explain how it all works. I gather the king is crowned for winning a certain tournament, kicking off a six month reign. He and his Queen enjoy revered status within the group -- they have thrones from which to watch the action, people bow to them, they get special rights to the handicapped washroom. However, the Queen had to wait with royal foot tapping while Bethy changed a diaper in there.

Quinn seemed to be into the many different stimuli in the room, when he wasn't asleep in the stroller. We stayed about three hours over lunch, then spent a bit of time wandering Coombs before returning home. T'was a most regal way to spend a Saturday!