New Medieval Group
|
 |
Team Greenfield are looking to set up a medieval group in the Swansea area. If you are interested in finding out more, contact us siwsi@hotmail.com |
 |
|
The aim of the group is to have fun and learn safely. (For the Horses and Humans) |
|
Which is the female knight? |
It is based around medieval sports, currently the equestrian ones, but depending on interest, maybe eventually others too. Understanding the history is important. After all they have spent centuries perfecting the sports, arts and the living arrangements. It is not about true re-enactment, although there may be scope for this. Like fencing and judo can continue in the modern day, so can this martial art. Jousting as a sport is growing - see recent articles in the Herald Tribune, Independent on Sunday and Radio Wales. This means that we welcome males and females to the group. The progession within any role will depend on the individuals drive, skill and commitment. The group is just starting so equipment is pretty basic, with help and hard work this will all improve. |
SKILL AT ARMS / HUNTING GAMES |
|
Part of the training to be a Knight was skill at arms games. These were also practiced while out hunting. Whilst no live targets are used the same skills need to be developed. Spear games - throwing the spear at static and moving targets, tent pegging, picking items off the ground and off supports. Light lance games - hitting the quintain, knocking down shields, picking up rings. Sword games - Cut, thrust, pierce and pick up different targets. Debutante Joust - a good training ground for budding jousters.Using specially designed foam lances the skills of the joust can be practised before progressing on to the heavy lance and without the costly outlay and strength needed for the real version. New challenges are always being devised
|
Skill at arms with spear and sword
|
ARCHERY |
|
Greenfield at archery training |
Based on an even older method of warfare this is a fun sport, requiring a lot less equipment than the joust. With the possibility of trips to training sessions abroad. |
CREST MELEE |
|
Be the last Knight standing. Each rider wears a crest on their helm, made to specific rules and based on traditional crests. The aim is to knock the crest off the other knights helms and avoid having yours knocked off. The last Knight with their crest in tact is the winner. There are few rules to this game, and as long as it is a safe manouvere most devious ploys are accepted.
|
A crest melee The crests used in these shots are a Lady and a Castle |
JOUST |
|
Greenfield jousting in Belgium
|
A great sport that was carried out in different forms for centuries. This is a lot of fun when carried out safely. Competitiors in this country are being sought. The training begins with mastering the skill at arms. Then the strength and skill is needed to wear the armour and wield the lance. The ability to ride horses well and sympathetically is an absolute requisite.This part of the sport needs a lot of investment in time and equipment. The training is based on that given by a Belgian Ex-military Police rider, from the Kings Guard. Trips out to training sessions organised by him can be arranged. With the possibility of competitions and training sessions abroad through the International Jousting League. |
PARADE |
|
Before the tournaments begin, participants tend to take part in a parade around the town advertising the event. |
Welsh, Belgians, Germans and French 'On Parade' in Brussels |
EDUCATION |
|
|
The sport is interesting as teaching aids, and visits to support as a visual aids to a topic can sometimes be organised.
|
OTHER ROLES |
Many people involved develop a geat interest in many aspects of medieval life such as ( clothes, weapons, food etc). and these can be developed through the group and visits to medieval fayres. The teams cannot function without the wonderful support of their squires and ground crew, other roles can include judges, chefs, musicians, camp security, tailors, carpenters, metalworkers, weapons masters and any other that people show an interest in. |
|
 |
Named 'Greenfields' by other Knights after explaining the content of the Welsh Flag. Susan Jones has recently returned from 3 years in Belgium, where in her free time she was trained in Skill at Arms, Archery and the Joust with the Compagnie Hackamores, by an ex-member of the King's Guard. She competed with the group in Belgium, France and Canada, and hopes to compete in other countries through the International Jousting League (see below). Susan has recently been in the 'Independent on Sunday' and on 'Radio Wales'. |
Greenfields Jousting in Seraing |
Team Greenfield in Brussels |
|
 |
The International Jousting League (IJL) The League was created in 2004 to provide riders with a unique competitive and safe environment to fit their passion for Historical Equestrian Sports . Since then, the League has grown into the largest and most active jousting community in the modern world. With members and competitions in countries such as Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, New Zeland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, UK, USA... Use the link on the left to find out more about the IJL. |
|
The safety, comfort and happiness of the horses is paramount. When horses are trained to the sport correctly, the majority of them love it. Like with any sport, the horse does not knowingly choose to get involved at the outset and their training is tailored according to their individual needs. Taking part in these activities as a rider requires that you have already reached a particular level in horse riding. Lessons in riding are given at Copley Stables.
|
|
Contact : Susan Jones E-mail : siwsi@hotmail.com
|
...
