A Woodsrunner's Diary: winter solstice

Showing posts with label winter solstice. Show all posts

Thursday, 19 December 2019

That Time Of Year Again!

Well I can't see us doing much celebrating here, extreme heat & we are on fire watch! Perhaps Winter Solstice might be a better time! However, it is tradition, so from me to you, I hope you all have a great Xmas & get everything you wanted. If you are in fire areas, please take care, your life is more precious than your house!!!
All the best, sincere regards, Keith.

Monday, 25 December 2017

Does this 17th-century map show an early image of Father Christmas?

Found inside a volume of John Seller’s Atlas Maritimus, the custom-made chart dates from around 1675.

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2017/12/24/does-this-17th-century-map-show-an-early-image-of-father-christmas/

Thursday, 22 December 2016

A 17th Century Xmas Poster.

I hope you all have a pleasant and safe xmas. Personally I am going to wait for the winter solstice.
Keith.

Monday, 28 March 2016

Winter Solstice Masquerade Party.

The New England Colonial Living History Group 1680-1760 will be holding it's annual Winter Solstice masquerade Party on Saturday the 18th of June 2016.

TIME. Anytime after 4 pm though I doubt any food will be served before 6pm.

FOOD. Probably pumpkin soup & bread at least. Bring a "plate" if you wish & something to put your soup in.

PLACE. Linstock House garden in Wychwood Forest.

WHO. Members & invited friends.

DRESS. Pre-mid 18th century.

ENTRY FEE. Free.

BYOG. Bring your own drinking vessel please. Wine bottles are acceptable but beer bottles are not.

There will be children present so mind your language & your behavour please.

NO GUNS!

Swords are allowed if they are a part of your dress, but NO sword play! (Be extremely careful. DO NOT let some idiot handle your sword!!!)
Keith.

R.S.V.P. Keith at: historicaltrekker@gmail.com

Wednesday, 24 December 2014

1485 to 1603. The Tudor Period and Winter Solstice.

I believe, that to get a better grasp of 18th century life, you need to go back in time. That is why our 18th century Living History group's time period is 1680 to 1760. For me to remain in my period of interest, 1740, as I get older, I must move my Birth date back in time !
I hope you enjoy the following videos. I have jumped ahead a little to Xmas, as it is that time of year, but I will include all of the series.
Keith.

Thursday, 17 April 2014

Winter Solstice Masquerade Party 2014.

Winter Solstice Masquerade Party.

TIME: Anytime from 5PM onward. But early is okay too.

DATE: 21st of June 2014

PLACE: Wychwood Forest. Linstock House gardens.

WHO: NECLHG Members & Friends Only.

COST: Free of charge.

ERA: 18th Century or Earlier.

RSVP: Keith at: historicaltrekker@gmail.com

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

18th century Winter Solstice Masquerade Party.

New England Colonial Living History Group 1680-1760.

Our 18th Century Winter Solstice Masquerade Party will now be held on the 6th of July. This is an annual social & is traditionally held outside in the gardens of Linstock House in Wychwood Forest not far from Guyra & Armidale NSW. Dress warm for outside, but if it gets too cold we will be moving inside.

This event is hosted by our family for club members & friends only. Membership is FREE. Food & drinks will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you wish. This event will start about 5 pm.

Dress to be 18th century or earlier, or the best you can manage. A blanket can hide modern clothing if you are really stuck.

Sunday, 3 July 2011

Our Annual Winter Solstice Masquerade Party.

Unfortunately some members were not able to make it this year, but a good time was had by those who did attend. We had a spit roast as well as other goodies, & Friend Girty brought along some home brew! Which was GREAT!!!
It was too dark for a video, & there should have been more photos but someone forgot to take them. Still we do have some which I will share with you here.

I had not thought to bring down the 18th century griddle plate from Elm Cottage, so we had to take the spit roast into our kitchen to cut it off the wooden spit!

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

A Happy Winter Solstice To All My Readers.

Winter Solstice here in Australia today, though we will not be celebrating until the 2nd of July with our group's annual Winter Solstice Masquerade Party. So from me, a happy winter solstice from Wychwood Forest.

Saturday, 19 June 2010

Results on the Winter Solstice Party.

Well all went well, but I was a busy boy on Saturday getting it all ready. I found that my trestle table was buried under furniture in the Fort store room, so I had to make something out of fir slabs.
The lamps had too much oil in them and the whole thing caught fire! Other than that all went well and we all enjoyed ourselves. Not everyone had period clothing, but we did not let that spoil out get together. I have no doubt it will improve over the years.
One couple from Guyra were given the wrong directions and arrived late, but it was good to see them arrive aventually, and I would like to thank them and everyone else for the effort they put into this first Winter Solstice Party.

Myself in my red stockings my wife knitted for me, My lovely wife in her woodland Indian clothing, Mark in his capote, Mark's son and his lovely wife Karina and another son. In the background you can see Richard Robinson.

My three sons, me and Richard and young Toren. In the centre the fire pit with a blacksmithed grill over the top. This was made by the late Mr Geoff Howarth of Tamworth.

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Wishing All My Followers And Visitors A great Xmas Holiday & All The Very Best For The New Year.

Settlers.

"I noticed particularly, one family of about 12 in number. The man
carried an axe and a gun on his shoulders. The Wife, the rim of a spinning
wheel in one hand, and a loaf of bread in the other. Several little boys and
girls, each with a bundle, according to their size Two poor horses, each
heavily loaded with some poor necessities. On the top of the baggage of one,
was an infant rocked to sleep in a kind of wicker cage, lashed securely to the
horse. A cow formed one of the company ,and she was destined to bear her
proportion of service - a bed cord was wound around her horns and a bag of meal
on her back. They were not only patient, but cheerful and pleased with
themselves with the expectation of seeing happy days beyond the mountains"
Diary of Presbyterian Rev. David McClure.
18th century.

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Whilst every possible effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all published information on this personal blog, no guarantee is offered nor liability accepted for any errors or omissions. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and those of the commenters. Links to other sites are provided as a convenient means of access to information on the Internet and no particular endorsement is implied or given. If you own rights to any of the images or articles and do not wish them to appear on this site please contact me via email and they will be promptly removed.
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What is Living History?

What is Living History?
Living history makes history come to life. To do this members emulate different sorts of people from history. These can include blacksmiths, seamstresses, housewives, farmers, woodsmen and woodswomen. We wear the clothes of the time and learn and use the life and trade skills of the period.
What period of history does the NECLHG re-enact ?
Approximately 1680-1760 on the New World Frontier.
Why this period of history and why a New World lifestyle and not Australian?
The New World was settled much earlier than Australia and enables us to choose from a larger variety of nationalities, occupations and skills. All of these options make the activities more fun.
Australian settlement was in a later period and founded on a penal colony. There are other re-enactment groups for people interested in the Australian colonial period.
Is joining NECLHG expensive?
No. There are no membership fees for the group. The activity is only as expensive as you want it to be! Many members make all their own period style clothing and equipment. This is an ideal activity for people who like to make things and be creative.
What if there are some items I can not make myself or I am too busy to make?
You always have the option of buying or trading for items. People who want to purchase their clothing and equipment can do so; there are many specialist suppliers. Also you can trade for items you can not make .
Can my family join this group?
Yes we are very family oriented.
What is experimental archaeology?
This is the term used when someone makes and uses a period tool or item. This can be anything from lighting a fire with a flint and steel to building and sailing a ship on an original route! It is the only way to really discover how things were done “back then”.
What is historical trekking?
This activity is trekking and camping in an historically accurate manner. People on a historical trek wear the clothing of the period and carry and use only the equipment used in that period. These treks are a great way to learn woods lore and survival skills.
What sort of “period skills” can we learn and practice?
You can learn and use any skill that was used in the period you reenact. For the mid-18th century these include spinning and weaving on a loom, finger weaving, tomahawk throwing, fire lighting, blade sharpening, leather making and leather working and much, much more.
Is the NECLHG a gun club?
No. Some on our members may carry a period gun on treks and camps as part of their persona. These guns are flintlock muzzle-loading antique guns or copies. The highest level of safely is maintained at all times. Guns are not carried loaded and all gun carrying members are licensed.
What about women members?
In the 18th century women performed many traditional and non traditional roles. There were women blacksmiths, naturalists, artists, and woods-women. Some accompanied militia on scouts . In the NECLHG a women can be what ever she wants to be!
What about children.?
Children are always welcome. Naturally children are the responsibility of their parents. Children really enjoy the living history activities and skills. It is a wonderful way to learn history and it makes their school based history a lot more meaningful. Also children can learn bush craft, survival skills and camping skills.

A Woodsrunner's Diary

A LIVING HISTORY BLOG.