PAAS Event at Butser June 2008
Mark dropped in on Butser Ancient Farm a few months ago and thought it might be a good venue for us to do a
public event and he was right.
The PAAS roadshow starting rolling in on Friday at about 3pm. We did a bit of preparation and got settled in.
Saturday and Sunday the farm had its monthly open day and the public started rolling in at about 11am. It was not so hectic
that we didn't have time to chat and make some shavings. And we made a new a couple of new friends. Fergus milton was there
doing some metalwork and Terrie our own Red Phoenix was there
telling stories and introducing us as the hunters encampment and hunters training ground.
The have-a-go was quite busy all day with lots of enthisiasm especially from the youngsters. We closed the
have a go for an hour on Saturday at lunchtime so we could have a play. We had a couple of guests from the other side of the
Atlantic who were studying at Reading university and Danni put up a good show in the atlatl competition but her
archery skills let her down. The eventual victor was Niall.
Sunday followed the same pattern but we didn't stop for the competition. It was really nice to talk to people and they
were more than willing to spend time talking, watching things being made and twiddling some nettle string.
I think we were all a little bit reluctant to go home but we had the promise of returning at the end of June
next year, get it in your diaries now folks, this is a weekend not to be missed.
Great Roundhouse
This was our base of operations and main dormitory.
This is a very impressive structure and this dramatic picure doesn't really give you the scale.
I estimate that it could sleep 24 comfotably and 30 cosily.
It is massive with a beaten chalk floor
In the centre was a hearth and a chain from the centre of the roof allowed us to hang our pot and kettle
to do a bit of cooking.
Around the hearth was a ring of skins which were out bed. The next ring was some low benches very
useful for sitting around gosspping long into the evening.
A very smart looking bunch of people
Just to give you some idea of the scale of the Great Roundhouse here's a picture of our merry band
(excluding Wally) in the doorway. Notice the uniform t-shirts.
From left to right we are: David (me),Sue, Steve, Peter, Mark and Niall
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the village...
And just in case you were missing Wally, here is is in full regalia, ready to defend the village. Yes, that is a sheep's
pelvis on his head.
I certainly wouldn't want to run into him on a dark night - or bright afternoon for that matter...
And here is a google maps view of the site, you may have to scan left and right a bit the zoom level seems a
bit random.
There are now a couple of new buildings and the Roman villa is built and decorated and very fine it is too.
Thanks to Mark Hill for his photographs and his excellent report
here
on the Primitive Archer website with full sized pictures and pelnty of them.
