Medieval Banquet

Following the total failure to get to the banquet at Center Parcs for Iain's birthday (Center Parcs decided in their ultimate wisdom to cancel them during the summer but didn't tell us that until we'd booked) Bob and Meg arranged for the whole of the Henderson tribe to get together at Wytchwood Stud in Mursley, Bucks. It was a rather unusual place to arrive at, especially in the dark, as it is obviously a working farm: dogs to welcome us, horses in the stables whinnying for a little attention as we passed them to get to the hall. It all added to a great atmosphere that set the mood of the evening before we'd even taken off our coats. Meg made colourful, medieval costumes for us - 20 of us in total - and we had a fantastic time!

The evening was hosted by Peterkin the Fool, a total nutter with a wonderful ability to play pranks without seeing to upset anyone. He introduced us with a fanfare when we arrived, although i don't think the children were too pleased to be referred to as Iain's 'multitude of servants'. We had a little time to mingle and try out the apple and blackberry wines at the bar before we were shown to our tables. The tables were set out around a large sandy arena where the entertainment for the evening was staged. We were treated to a variety of horse stunts, a trapeze show, fools with donkeys, all interpersed with Peterkin's antics with members of the andience. Both Seth and David got dragged off to help him with his acrobatics and fire breathing. I wondered if Dave would suprise him by actually eating the fire when he was told to but he didn't. Maybe a good thing as his beard might not be the best accessory for that type of activity - I've not seen Dave firebreathe for a long time and I'm pretty sure he was clean shaven then.

The evening was topped off by the knights jousting and fighting - the Black Knight lost to the Wite Knight, of course! The horses were beautiful and very well trained, the entertainment was plentiful and fun, even the food was good (unlike banquets I've been to previously). All I can say is 'Go try the place out - it's well worth it' and 'THANKS BOB & MEG' for a great evening!

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