photo supplied by Avril, Warrior Priestess LAW

OAKLEAF CAMP

LAMMAS 2000

We've been going to this camp for several years now and have heard many opinions voiced about Arthur over that time.  back in '95 we were asked about him giving a talk about the Warband and 'stuff'. 

So in 2000 with Oakleaf Circle taking on the camp in North Yorkshire from the Silverbranch Arthur came to do his 'stuff'.

I missed his workshop/ talk in the marquee but heard what people said afterwards; "He made me want to go out and climb a tree," "His talk made me feel like I should get out there and do my bit" "I can see why he gets the girls" (some things never change!)

By all accounts it was inspiring stuff, and from what I've seen over the years he's certainly getting his act together pretty well.  Arthur seems to be steadier and make a lot more sense now than he did in the distant days of '91 when we met again.  But the weekend wasn't over with that, on Saturday evening he led a young lady on horseback into the circle at the site.  Here she and her boyfriend were handfasted.  The shire horse was more interested in chewing his robes than what was taking place in the Circle.  Arthur was quite interested in not being stepped on.

Sunday morning, what was to be a single Knighting at the Stones became an inspiring mass Knighting.  Nathair arrived from York in his Druid robes and we proceeded into the circle where he took his vows to the Sword of Britain.  Dill and myself had the honour of carrying the Standards and flanking Nathair as he knelt before the Sword.

Of course people were there already and others came to watch, and once Sir Nathair was raised as Quest Knight in the Loyal Arthurian Warband, Arthur turned to ask if any others present would like to make an oath before the Sword.  People stepped forward left, right and centre.  Inspirational and moving stuff. 

Truth, Honour and Justice.

It reminded me of one night in the dark flat in Leeds back in '91 and of the relief of blurting out my name, finally coming home home and once again before Excalibur.

Yeah, and I started to cry.  Soft old sod!

It was wonderful stuff to see these are things that happen, I find to act as reassurance that you're on the right path.  All these folk egar and asking questions about the Warband and Arthur.

Thanks Arthur.

I think a lot of people came away inspired.  It certainly put some fire back in my belly

Toot! Toot!

Bedwyr

Shield Knight