News:

9th-11th October 2009:

The 2009 Australasian Ricardian Convention was held at the Trinity Centre in Perth over the weekend of 10/11th October. Six members of the NZ Branch flew across to participate and to meet up again with Ricardian friends from all over Australia.

The Convention opened on the Friday evening with cocktails and supper. The highlight was the presentation to Julia Redlich with the Society’s Robert Hamblin award for 2009. The award was presented by the Society’s Vice President for Australasia, Rob Smith, and recognises extraordinary service to the Society by an individual member. Julia, a long standing Ricardian, is currently Secretary of the NSW Branch.

On Saturday the delegates gathered to hear a variety of presentations by individuals and Branches.

Subjects included “Ricardian Sources”, “Medieval Pottery”, “Richard, What’s in a Name” a discussion on the often unfortunate fate of many celebrated Richards, “The Bastard of Fauconberg”, “The Percy’s of Northumberland”, and the “Cinque Ports”. Michael Iliffe, Victoria Branch, also presented an “Alphabetical Medieval Miscellany”.
Entertainment was provided by the NZ Branch presenting readings of two York Mystery Plays and NSW Branch performing “Remembering Richard” a gathering of the Richard’s relatives and adherents reflecting on events following Bosworth. Both presentations were performed in costume, much to the amusement of the audience.

The day concluded with a magnificent Medieval Banquet. The gathering, all in costume, enjoyed a delightful repast consisting of three removes of dishes prepared using authentic medieval recipes and ingredients. The staff at Trinity surpassed themselves both in the kitchen and front of house, fully entering into the swing of the evening. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism demonstrated how medieval dances should be performed. Ricardians also demonstrated many variations on how medieval dances could be performed!

Sunday morning was set down for the business session. Rob Smith was endorsed in his role of Vice President and UK Liaison Officer. Members then went on to discuss possible improvements in the Society’s direction together with a brain storming session on membership. The need for an Australasian Logo was discussed and preferred designs settled on for Branch approval.

On behalf of Victoria Branch, Michael Illife offered Melbourne as the 2011 venue.

Before the session broke up to participate in workshops on leather- work the opportunity was taken to congratulate WA on a most enjoyable Convention. Most of the work had been carried out by their Branch membership, which, although low in numbers was high in enthusiasm and ability.

After lunch the scene was one of fond farewells as the Australians had to rush back home. Luckily the NZ contingent carried on for a few more days of site seeing and socialising before making the tiring long trip home.

Roll on 2011.

LAST MEETING 7TH FEBRUARY.

The annual summer picnic in Greytown was its usual success with excellent food and drink on offer. Unfortunately numbers were down but those present not only enjoyed things Ricardian but were introduced to the intrigues of   Golf Croquet on the Smiths' front lawn. Some members displayed a troublesome cruel streak in despatching opponents' balls to the shrubbery!

NEXT MEETINGS  6th March

Anne Wall's in Waikanae for the Kapiti Group at 2.00pm

 4th April

The next Branch meeting will be held at the Resource Rooms, Laings Road Lower Hutt, commencing 2.00pm