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King Harold Day 2008 - The Best Yet
| Published: 12th January 2009 14:41 |
A Perfect Day - Saturday 11th Oct 2008
Over 5,000 people attended the King Harold Day event in the Abbey Gardens, which beat all previous visitor records. Again the weather was glorious for the fifth year running and there was a wonderful atmosphere in the picturesque location.
King Harold Day has now become an established part of the town's annual calendar, being held on the nearest Saturday to the anniversary of the last Saxon King of England's death at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066.
Tricia Gurnett, King Harold Day Society Organiser and Chairman told About My Area: "King Harold Day has been going five years, and each year we have had more visitors and more entertainment. This year the event was tremendous. There was such a happy atmosphere - that was the comment everyone was making, and how they were enjoying themselves. Even our entertainers, who, of course, are paid to come, tell us how much they enjoy the day because of its lovely venue in the Abbey Gardens and how friendly everyone is. Running King Harold Day is hard work, but we have a great team. I thank every one of them for all they put into it in preparation and on the day and special thanks to the wonderful army cadets who have become an essential part of our team. We shall be back in October 2009 - watch this space for more details."
New highlights for this year included Steve Pollington, member of The English Companions, describing the story of King Harold including some words in the Old English language during the ceremony at Harold's Memorial Stone and their interesting stand on Anglo-Saxon life.
The Grinnigogs authentic medieval music was a highly entertaining addition with excellent musicians on traditional instruments, such as a hurdy-gurdy and a hammered dulcimer, delivered with such enthusiasm and humour that they drew a crowd whenever they played throughout the day.
We saw the return of popular attractions from previous years: another chance to see the 60 foot long embroidery of the Bayeux Tapestry by Annette Banks that took her twenty years to complete.
The amazing birds of prey displays in the arena by PL Falconry (http://www.plfalconry.co.uk/) which returned for the third year to thrill the audience. Ray Sears famous historical photographic collection reflecting on the past, Barbara Utting's traditional bread making (and tasting) in the Abbey Church, John Sothcott replica medieval musical instruments display in the Craft Tent and the Company of Saint Joseph's medieval interpretation group's encampment.
Children's activities included having a go at archery with the Epping Archers (http://www.eppingarchers.org.uk/) (adults were welcome to have a go too), making a willow crown, pottery, face painting and obtaining a nasty gaping wound from the Waltham Cross Army Cadets (http://www.armycadets.com/).
Other highlights included The Feudal Archers demonstrating their long bow skills (http://www.feudalarchers.org.uk/).
Sweete Harmonie's beautiful performance of medieval songs and the unique opportunity to see the Waltham Abbey Historical Society conducting an archaeological dig for the remains of the Abbey infirmary and chapel (http://www.walthamabbeyhistoricalsociety.org.uk/).
There was so much to see, hear and do in the Abbey Church too including taking a trip up to the top of the Abbey Church Tower (only occasionally open to the public), listening to the Music Concert from Bryon Consort at Harrow School and viewing the Waltham Abbey schools themed art competition on display in the Lady Chapel - this year's subject was "How People Lived in 1066".
Many of the refreshments had a medieval theme with hog roast and venison on sale, also recommend one of our favourite stalls - Abbey Sweetmeats - who sell the most delicious homemade jams and preserves (abbeysweetmeats@tesco.net).
If you have never attended this day before - make a date for 2009. We look forward to seeing how the King Harold Day Society could possibly improve upon this perfect day!
For information on the King Harold Day Society, please take a look at their website: http://www.kingharoldday.co.uk/
Photographs by Jeff and Kate Towerzey and special thanks to Maggie Radcliffe for her contribution to our gallery with photos of the Ceremony, the Memorial Stone, Barbara Utting, Feudal Archers and Debbie from The White Witch.
Maggie can be contacted at: maggie726@btinternet.com
Debbie Harding from the White Witch (http://www.witchesofwalthamabbey.co.uk/)
Did you attend this event? What did you think? What did you enjoy most? Any ideas of anything else you would like to see next year? We would love to hear from you, please comment below.
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