The Oxwich weekend went extremely well. Sunday was very, very busy. In fact the custodian had her 2nd busiest day in her 16 years at the site. The busiest was when the Marcher Stuarts were there last year !!! Some of our newest members joined us and our spy put in an appearance too. Good to have them all with us.

Some of us who went to Gloucester on the Saturday didn't make it to this one. We were still shattered. However, the group continued in its usual way, giving entertainment and information and receiving much praise. Well done all. 

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A fantastic day was had by all at the BBC Gloucester History Festival. Romans, Plantaganets and many other groups set up in positions outside the Cathedral and we had a wonderful spot too under the West window next to the war memorial. Thousands turned up to watch, chat and be amazed !! I think perhaps the radio interviews we did whetted the public appetite. However, we had to turn down a T.V. appearance on Friday night as we were needed elsewhere. Still Sian, Phil, Graham and I enjoyed our latest media experience.

I've had some lovely emails from people who just wanted to say "thank you". One who was particularly impressed was Keith Blackmore, who took the time and trouble of writing a great email and sending us wonderful photographs, some of which are on the Gloucester Gallery on this site. Many thanks Keith. Much appreciated.

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Yesterday, August 15th, we were delighted to welcome Mistresses Isobelle and Lydya to Tretower Court. I think they enjoyed being "housemaids" as they'll be with us again next week. Photos of them appear on the Tretower Gallery page.

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Our visit to the Eisteddfod went well yesterday (August 4th). The Minister for Heritage arrived on time and the ceremony and photo shoot went without a hitch and didn't our 'chaps' look smart? Photos on the Miscellaneous Photographs page.

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We had a lovely day at the Picnic in the Parc. The sun shone all day and the people were so friendly. Even the Community Councillors joined in the fun and took their punishment in the stocks. We were told we were the stars of the show and will be invited back next year. Photos on the Miscellaneous Photograps page.

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Pembroke Castle event was as brilliant as ever. Almost a full complement, but the Martin's vehicle let them down and they weren't able to join us. Better luck for the next one we hope.We set up our tented village and were kept extremely busy on both days. Firing displays went superbly. Captain James even managed to catch the cannon ball on Sunday (after the trajectory had been carefully worked out by the Master at Arms !!!!!!!!!!!) Master Lawrance made a very swift runner ( after Captain James shouted at him ) and carried out his duties with alacrity, even though his shoes were too small and his breeches too big !!! Master Daniel failed to get as much sound out of the small drum as he would have liked, but, no doubt, he will excel on the big drum next time. However, he and Henry Halfbuckle are becoming an excellent cannon crew.Master Christian is now a fully fledged musketeer and joined the ranks with gusto. The kitchen 'staff' fed us well with their home grown produce. The rest of the team played their parts to the full and the manager, custodians and public were full of praise.

And as far as I know, our spy didn't get locked in the castle this time !!!!!!     

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The "works" picnic at Raglan was very enjoyable on Saturday July 17th. We gathered at 11am and spent many hours entertaining the public while sitting in the sun or making a bit of a noise with musket fire. We welcomed Lawrance, who was accompanied by his Mum who thought she would sit in "normal" clothing. However, it wasn't long before they were both fully kitted out in 17th century attire.... and very good they looked too. We look forward to seeing them at Pembroke Castle next weekend (July 24th/25th). 

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The Tretower Household met on Sunday, July 18th and had a brilliant, if somewhat busy, day. Huge thanks to David G Rosser for some excellent photos which have been added to the Tretower Gallery page on this site.

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A good meeting with Charles Kightly yesterday ( July 10th). Charles is the designer and overseer of the refurbishments at Tretower Court and we thank him for giving his precious time and expertise to help The Marcher Stuarts.

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We've just had another super weekend at Tretower Court (July 3rd and 4th) and were delighted to have 5 new members with us. Julie and Dave fitted in beautifully while it was a pleasure to have Felix, Jasper and Oscar with us.                                                                Master Fletcher conitnues to amaze us by elaborating on his role as comedian supreme. This weekend he tried to speed up his musket loading by cheating. He started loading before everyone else and we were suitably impressed, until it came time to fire. Yes folks, he'd forgotten to put fine powder in his pan !!!!!!!! What will we do with him ? Keep up the laughs Paul. The public love it and it makes us  smile too.

New pictures of our "goings on" in the Tretower Gallery elsewhere on this site. And here's a super one which Sam took of the new kitchen, showing the completed ceiling and other renovations.

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