Jousting

In fields and courtyards the practice has begun.The people of the Duchy prepare for another season of jousting. Talk is of horses and the best wood for lances, of last season's victories and hopes for the coming year. Teams train, drink,squabble and pray together. The honour of a hundred guild,herrengard or fraternal group is at stake.

The rules are simple :

Teams of five riders plus two spare horses. The teams take it in turns to gallop at a suspended ring. If it is caught fair and square they gain a point. Each rider rides twice. At the end scores are compared and a winner declared. In the event of a tie it is "sudden death " until a mistake is made and a ring missed or dropped.

And so in the season of mellow fruitfulness and harvest the Duchy can again turn its thought and energies to this sport of Dukes ,Kings and everyman.

A Ducal Day

In the quiet ecclesiastical setting pictured left Duchess Liv again lights candles for the safe return and happiness of her daughter Alisona.

She has been made aware, by sources wise and reliable, that her daughter boarded a vessel in the company of another. Destination is unknown.

As the bell tinkles softly for the start of Mass , Liv joins her husband in the Ducal Chapel. His thoughts, unbeknown to her, are with Alisona too.

After Mass the Ducal couple leave to a flurry of petitions. The Duke touches an invalid whose family still believe in the healing power of a true born Duke. Time will tell if health returns.

Afternoon sees the couple strolling in the garden admiring the Barlotti beans as they ripen to mottled red and white.

The couple are sought by the Ducal Jagare meister ( a hereditary office passed from father to son since the 15th century) about the forthcoming Autumn Boar hunt where the young sons of the Herrengard will be put through their paces. The Duke confirms his desire to attend and the Duchess assures that she and the ladies of the court shall await the return at the end of events. She will present the hat feathers to the most accomplished hunter that day.

Thank You

Across the Duchy the celebrations end with firework displays. From the simple village affairs to the grand Ducal pyrotechnic extravaganza ,all are enjoyed and offered as simple celebration and thanksgiving to God and man for the safe home of next year's food.

Harvest Home....

The Duke and Duchy extend best wishes to all her fellow Europeans at this season of Harvest Home and Holy Cross Day. May we all continue to harvest the joys of good fellowship and company in the 18th century together! Thanks to all for their creativity and continuing efforts.

At Sea...

Alisona and her beau have not been stricken too badly by sea sickness. The journey is appearing to take ages- Ny Tradgardland is far from Europa. The couple make plans for a new life -if their identity can remain unknown. There ,however, is plenty time to dream ,plan and scheme.

Of Pedometers and Ale...

In his study the Duke analyses the results of the Manoeuvres. The pedometer was successfully adapted to work upon a horse. He is pleased with the distance travelled and is ready to give his accent to the new unit being raised. They will be a mounted jaeger unit . He signs the papers and settles down for a flagon of Karlberg Ale heated with a poker from the fire .

Manouvers in the forest....

In the forests of the Duchy a mixed force of jaegers, local farmers and woodsmen ( who have sailed over from Ny Tradgardland to share their skills and expertise) are on maneuvers. They are attempting to apply the lessons of the New World to the Old. They work alongside the militia specialising in light infantry tactics and kliene kreig. It is hoped that they will patrol the Duchy frontiers in times of crisis and war. At the end of the manoeuvres a report will be written and sent to the Inner Council for consideration as to future use and deployment.