Invitation: The Christmas Joust

It is that time of year again. Christmas is an active time in the Tavern and it is not all Holy Mass in the Crypt, although I do expect a fine, solemn and happy occasion down there welcoming the Christ Child once again. 

But there is more. I was in the kitchen this morn supervising a rather fine effort by the Tavern Chef to make a very slow-cook dish (curried chicken if you need to know, with mushrooms, onion, three colours of peppers, some celery and a mixture of five types of beans, all in a rich, thick sauce) when I glanced out of the window. There through the trees were the groundsmen preparing the Jousting ring.

The scythes are long gone but the Traditions remain vibrant.  The Tavern's  Jousting Marshal has been busy for days getting ready and surveying the field of possible Knights to invite as well as many 'wannabees' amongst the farm boys and squires. 

Marshal is an interesting term. It is a long revered name and Title bequethed into the English language from Sir William Marshal, Earl (Warlord) of Pembroke, the Marshal of All England. Today our fly-boys - modern Knights - are commanded by such Air Marshals.

But this month gets much time devoted to sourcing and inviting the best from around the world. For England has exported its Traditions to all corners.

And what a fine, manly tradition we find. Courage, skill, elan and of course Honour.

Practice sessions abound, all over the world. We expect a fine turn out.

Yes, that was a fine effort to simulate just what it is like behind the Tavern each year.

Let's just get more of the flavour and some more of that fabulous music.

In the Fair Isles they are gearing up.

In the far off American Colonies they are practicing too.

They are doing quite well for such strange peoples.

I expect to oversee spills and thrills.

And of course, fill the winners of the various classes and clashes with the finest ales for the benefit of their ails. 

Take this as an open invitation to attend.

B.Y.O Steed, Armour and Weapons of Choice (just in keeping, OK?)

Pax Dei.