The rivalry and banter between the Jousting knights was back in full flow this weekend as thousands experienced a day in mediaeval England at the first of the Loxwood Joust’s two weekends of mediaeval fun and revelry.

Celebrating Queen Katheryn Adelina 1 of Loxwood’s first year on the throne, the best knights in the land were invited to attend a mêlée on the battle field and Sir Thomas of Loxwood returned to defend both his Queen’s lands, and his title in the Jousting Arena when pitted against his arch enemy Sir Hector of Horsham.

And, Sir Alexander Iden of Kent had been invited by Queen Katheryn to this year’s tournament before his real intentions to overthrow the Loxwood Kingdom were made clear. As a result, visitors to this spectacular event saw two magnificent full contact battles each day with 200 fully armoured knights, 70 archers and 20 gunners displaying their skills, strength and training as they went into combat with their authentic mediaeval weaponry.

And the excitement continued in the jousting arena as the four Jousting Knights powered down the tilt with a thunder of hooves, before their clashing lances splintered on impact. By far the fastest man on the field, Sir Like took on Sir Hector with his roguish humour and impressive swordsmanship and bade him to yield before being declared as the tournament’s jousting champion.

Emma Barker who was attending the Loxwood Joust for the first time said ”What a fantastic day, such a great day out for all the family. It was really good to see the children interacting with the weapons experts, so it really was “learning with fun”. The stalls and entertainment were brilliant, the melee was very realistic and the jousting stunning. Well done to everyone involved, we will definitely be coming back next year.”

With the activities and entertainment taking place every half hour from 10am to 6pm there really was something for everyone and the new knight school proved to be a huge success. The Bards were roaming the Loxwood Kingdom’s meadows and woodlands spinning fine tales and spreading the hearsay of Loxwood, whilst the witches, faerie goddess mother, wandering minstrels and children’s kingdom activities were once again the favourites of many.

Maurice Bacon, organiser of the Joust commented “We have had an amazing weekend with all of our new attractions being really popular and Queen Katheryn and our new History of Loxwood story, that is now running through the various threads of the event, has also been very well received. We always aim to make the full mediaeval experience really come to life for our visitors, and this weekend we have achieved that with a large array of characters, food, drink and historic accuracy that is fun, engaging and thrilling for people of all ages.”

The second weekend of the Loxwood Joust takes place on the 10th and 11th August and advance tickets are on sale at www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk . The Loxwood Joust is excellently located just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood and has ample Free Parking.

Tags: What's on, Loxwood, Horsham, West Sussex, Things to do

Born Free

Following this week's blanket media coverage of Born Free Co-Founder, Virginia McKenna OBE’s, appeal to the Antiques Roadshow to cease featuring ivory items and the BBC’s decision to review its ivory policy, Born Free, the Horsham-based international wildlife conservation charity, has launched an Ivory Amnesty aimed at people who no longer wish to have any ivory items in their possession.

Virginia McKenna said: “I am sure there are many thousands of people who have unwanted ivory in their possession. At home, in a cupboard, on the mantelpiece, on a desk, in a drawer? I am also sure that there are many who are uncertain what to do with it.

“It seems clear to me that the government is likely to bring in measures that would make the re-selling of most ivory items in the UK illegal. The possession of ivory artefacts will be permitted, but at Born Free we recognise that many people have ivory they no longer feel comfortable owning and would like someone to take it off their hands. Born Free’s Ivory Amnesty is the answer!”

Born Free is asking members of the public to send in their unwanted ivory, which they guarantee will be destroyed. Born Free promises never to allow the ivory, or any of the ivory it holds in trust, to be sold or traded. The amnesty starts today and will run until 28th February.

Born Free Co-Founder and President Will Travers OBE, said: “If you decide to send us your ivory, we will send you a certificate confirming receipt of your item and acknowledging the important decision that you have made.

“Millions of citizens in the UK and worldwide reject the notion of putting a commercial value on ivory. For them, and for Born Free, the days of trade are over.

If you are one of these people and you have unwanted ivory, join our Ivory Amnesty, make your position clear and, together, let’s consign the ivory trade to history books - where it belongs.”

Ivory items should be sent, preferably by recorded delivery, to: Born Free Foundation, Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, RH12 4QP.

For further clarification please email info@bornfree.org.uk.

Tags: News, Born Free Foundation, Horsham, Ivory Amnesty, Virginia McKenna OBE