Thanks to Lindsay Smith, branch member and one of the fair’s organisers, we had a tent ready and waiting for us on Saturday June 5th. After last year’s struggles with a hired tent, this was very much appreciated. It was well-sited next to two loos, one of which was a good size for changing into medieval costume.

The branch display was soon up, using display panels lent by Worcester College of Technology. We had a good range of books for sale from the Richard III Society, Geoffrey Richardson, and Brian Wainwright.

Pat and Judith also made biscuits to give away with purchases of the recipes. These proved useful treats for children accompanying their parents to look at our wares.

Quite a few visitors looked at the display on the battle. We only sold a few items though, mostly binders to one of our members.

The weather was much better than last year and so was the site and organisation. This year the rugby ground at Kingsland was used. It is just across the road from the Monument Inn, which has the monument to the battle outside. A short way down the road is the actual battle site and the Mortimer’s Cross Inn.

There were a lot of re-enactors in authentic tents, some cooking delicious looking food. Others were selling all kinds of things, from material to wooden benches and stools.

Six of us looked after the tent all day and had a good time, but we only saw one other member of the branch and her family there. Although the event was on again on Sunday, we decided to only attend on the Saturday due to lack of volunteers, and the distance involved.

We watched an impressive line-up of mounted medieval kings and queens, naturally cheering Richard and Anne the loudest. A display of dancing followed. The fool was brilliant. He wandered around the site, stopping every now and then to amaze with some trick or other.

Three of us took our chairs and got a front-row seat towards the end of the falconry display, ready for the battle re-enactment. One of the birds had flown off into the distance and was proving difficult to tempt back. It’s such lovely countryside around there, no wonder he was reluctant to return.

Once the soldiers appeared we realised we were behind the Lancastrian lines, with the Yorkists directly across the field from us. Bravely we let the Lancastrians know the enemy was behind as well as in front - they said they’d sort us out after the battle! Fortunately they were in no fit state to act on that threat after a resounding Yorkist victory.

Pam Benstead