Historic Novelists Society 2012

Way back in September, the napoleonic reenactment group I am a member of took part in the Historic Novelist Society conference. I say take part, we were more like eye candy. As the name suggests, it was a conference for authors who write historical novels. It was held at the University of Westminster, and there were lectures and talks by the authors.  We were there to show those who didn't specialise in the Napoleonic era, what would have been worn during that time - we did quite a bit of standing around!!!!

A few soldiers (not standing to attention as the were meant to!!!), during a book signing.

Being inspected by a senior officer.

James and Rosie having a rest between duty shifts! 

Beautiful frescoes on the walls of one of the rooms.

Stained glass window in the ceiling

Having lunch

Having a rest

Doing a bit of posing!! :)

Me being silly

A few of us being silly. :)

Towards the end of the day someone had a crazy idea - to go to a haberdashery shop that is about a 10 minute walk from the university. I was the only one who knew exactly where it was, so in a moment of madness I agreed to go. Ordinarily I wouldn't have minded going for a stroll in costume, but this was central London on a Saturday afternoon. Regent Street and Oxford Street to be precise, the two busiest shopping streets in London. All I can say is, never again!! 

On the return journey, I couldn't think of anything else but getting back inside the university building, but my fellow companions decided that it would be great fun to have a drink in a nearby bar!!! I wasn't brave enough to make a run for it by myself, so I joined them at the bar (well we sat outside) and spent most of the time sitting, sipping my diet coke and staring at the floor, think that at any moment someone who I was at school with would walk passed!  However, thankfully I survived, partly due to the fact that a fellow re-enactor had tied on my hat so tightly that I sort of had blinkers either side of my face!

Rosie and Andrew outside the bar

Me and (my mind has gone completely blank!!!)

Despite my stupid embarrassment at being thus dressed in central london, it was a great day with lots of laughs. :)

Jane Austen Festival 2012 - 3rd and Final Part

I returned to Bath the following weekend to attend the two balls of the Festival. The first one was on the Friday night, and was held in the Pump Rooms. As usual I managed to forget my camera, so was relying on my mobile, but of course it decided to have a tantrum so unfortunately I didn't manage to take any photos of that ball. :(. However the next evening, at the second ball, my mobile decided to cooperate, and here is the result.

The ball was held in the Assembly Rooms. 

And the evening started out very genteel

...and happy

...until one lady insulted another

...and a fan duel broke out :)

And another

After the duels we all calmed down, entered the building in a most ladylike manner, and viewed the rooms where the evenings entertainment was due to take place.

The ballroom

Absolutely gorgeous ceiling.

The dancing commenced

After a bit of dancing we stopped for supper.

Aurora looking rather sad. Claire and Aylwen chatting. It was a buffet and each table was called up one at a time to get their food, and for some reason we were the last table. It was a long wait, hence the sad face! :)

Aylwen and her modern water bottle!!!! Shocking! Gorgeous gown though. :)

:)

Pretty marzipan. I hate the taste but wish I loved it as it is always made up into such pretty objects. :)

After supper we returned to the dance floor

Aylwen and Aurora dancing. They had such funny facial expression, but sadly you can't really see them as the photo is so blurry. I really need to invest in a good camera!

I did enjoy the ball - had great fun playing cards, dancing and eating good food, but I had to sit out quite a few of the dances as there weren't enough partners/room, which was rather annoying. But I was there with a lovely group of friends who made the evening - lots of laughing. :)

I had a wonderful time at the Festival and am already looking forward to next year, I am determined to try and make the whole week and not just the weekends.  :)

Jane Austen Festival 2012: Part 2

The following day we went on a second promenade, the Mini Prom. As the name suggests it was shorter than the one the day before and there were less people, but it was great fun. It was really a history walk around part of the city. Our guide was the Centre's meeter and greeter Martin, and the tour ended at the Holburn Museum where the intention was to have a picnic in the garden. 

I love this lady's pelisse.

The entrance to Laura Chapel, where Jane Austen worshiped. Sadly the church is no longer there.

Jeanette and Aylwen 'rummaging through their reticules'. :)

Really want this riding habit. 

Taking photos outside Jane Austen's  house, 4 Sydney Place. 

This lady's outfit was amazing. She made everything. So want this outfit.

The Holbourne Museum. The weather wasn't great, so after having a piece of lovely quiche with some friends, I went inside to the museum to join Aurora and Aylwen in the cafe.

After lunch we set off for Queen's Square to attend an embroidery class. It was run by the very talented seamstress, Charlotte Raine, who gave the reticule class I did at last years festival. As with the last class, it was great fun, though I do feel there were too many people, and that the 2 hours allotted for the class wasn't long enough. In the reticule class there were only about 8 of us and we all had such fun chatting about all things regency, sewing, drinking tea and eating biscuits. This year there were too many people to chat to everyone and it was less cosy and sewing circle like. However, it was very well taught and I did enjoy it.

A few people staring at the ceiling before the class started :).

Aurora and Jeanette

Other attendees

The ceiling-staring people hard at work

Sadly soon after the class I had to leave the lovely regency world and catch a train back to London as I had work the next day. But happily I was able to go down the following weekend for the balls. :)