Things To See
Knees were revealed that have not seen the light of day since decimalisation. In fact, there was a badge especially for scouts who bared the knee for the duration of the Jamboree.
There was, of course, be a Dealers Tent selling all manner of Discworld goodies and paraphernalia.
Demonstrations
This is where those who can show us things amused & delighted. They were a cross between a real-time history lesson and an entertaining hour with like minded loonies.
The Barber Surgeon Explains
A medieval re-enactor, who has written about and demonstrates the types of treatment of the old barber surgeons. He had a complete tent kitted out with instruments, illustrated texts, and the other accruement of his craft. With waiting lists the way they are in the NHS, there was a suggestion that he might offer knee replacements & a bit of quick hip work, but efforts to find a willing victim volunteer proved to be too difficult.
Falconry Display
Wessex Bird of Prey Rescue held a falconry display and introducing Hodgesargh! - a common buzzard sponsored by The Cunning Artificer himself. The group's display birds consisted of a selection of Falcons, Hawks, Owls and Buzzards. Birds were flown on a number of occasions and visited the Dealers Tent at least once!. To learn more about the group's work, please see the Wessex Bird of Prey Rescue web site.
The Wessex Morris Men
You've read about it in the books and now courtesy of The Wessex Morris Men, you had the chance to see just how tricky it really is. The Stick & Bucket dance was officially performed on the lush, green fields of Wincanton.
The Witch Trials
A very special, and popular, event requested by The Grand Hat and is a Discworld First - probably because no other bunch was daft enough. There was a 'trial' of witches followed by The Witch Trials which was open to all Witches, and presided over by Mistress Weatherwax herself. The Trials took place in a large roped off area on the Sunday and there were prizes. Every entrant was also able to keep the penny it cost for them to enter.
Entertainments
The South West Camerata
The South West Camerata played the Ankh-Morpork national anthem at the Opening Ceremony and then performed a selection of popular music during the day.
The overwhelming success of the first Junior Chamber Music Performance Programme, created by Fiona McLean, at the Dartington International Summer School 2005, highlighted the need for a high quality, unconducted youth chamber orchestra, resulting in the formation of the South West Camerata, who had its official launch in Plymouth University in January 2005.
The S.W. Camerata consists of string players only; students need to have achieved a minimum level of Grade 7, or equivalency in repertoire in order to be considered for membership for the ensemble. Students are encouraged to feel an integral part of the development of S.W. West Camerata and new compositions from them are particularly welcome. They are encouraged to offer when appropriate, concerti which they are studying, either for a play through at a rehearsal, or for a public performance. The lack of a conductor, allows students to develop their sense of communication skills and rapport, focusing awareness of each other in performance.
They have made many public appearances since their inaugural concert in 2006 and we were delighted to play host to them at the Jamboree. For further information, please visit the Dartington plus web site.
The Knights of Honor
The Knights of Honour are a 14th Century Medieval Re-enactment Society who re-enact the period in history commonly known as The Hundred Years War from Edward III to Henry V (1337-1453), encompassing the great battles of Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt. This dedicated and expert band of re-enacters were camped in a special area of the camp site, and gave demonstrations of their craft during the weekend. In the encampment they showed how people in the 14th century would have lived and dressed.
The medieval knight in the late 14th century tourneyed with blunt weapons to show their skill, in deadly earnest to prove their title to property or position or to prepare for times of war.The Knights of Honor also showed their skills in tournaments and demonstrated the weapons and armour of the period.
The application to detail and historical accuracy, that this very specialist group is known for, had to be seen to be believed. They have carried out film & TV work as well as very special events, such as ours. We were very fortunate to get them, and it is thanks to Chris & Alison Griggs that we were able to have them to ourselves at this very busy time of the year.
Poisons For Fun & Profit
Professor Pat Harkin gave a very popular illustrated talk on poisons, poisoning, their treatment and application. There was a badge associated with this demonstration for Year 1 Assassins but we are pleased to report that there no fatalities associated with this lecture … that we know of..
Gangshow
"Discworld Jamboree 2007: Scouting for Trolls" was proud to present to you "The Greatest Show On Disc - The Gangshow 2007 Spectacular". A large cast of performers with little talent amazed (possibly in a good way) and entertained you (hopefully). Discworld talent scouts combed the continents in search of original, awe-inspiring acts. Nevertheless tomatoes of all kind were confiscated prior to the show and The Librarian was politely requested to leave his peanuts at home.
Magic Show
With no expense spent, The Discworld Jamboree was delighted to present for your delectation and delight, magic and mystery, from the Disc's foremost, award winning, wizard, Rob 'Lupine'. Escapologist extraordinaire, illusionist beyond compare, there's nothing this magician will not dare. Including performing in front of a Discworld audience.