The Loxwood Joust

[The Peddler]

When booking in groups for an event I usually allow for about a 20% dropout rate as that seems to cover last minute problems with transport, health etc. At Loxwood this year on the first weekend we had a 42% last minute dropout of fighters for the battlefield. The battle went ahead with around 50 per side, we rearranged the battle plan at the Captains meeting from a two rank formation to a single rank and the public probably didn't notice, but there were gaps in the encampments and it was a shame that none of those individuals or groups that didn't turn up thought to at least text me and let me know, I could have rearranged things even if I'd had one days notice. After a quick look at Facebook I found at least one household was abroad on holiday at the time!
No-shows are a part of running an event, but you would think booking ten tents and bringing four might warrant a mention, let alone not showing at all when everything was confirmed in the week before the event.
Loxwood was a great weekend for the LH camp, relaxed and with plenty of opportunity for a scrap but lets hope the second weekend doesn't suffer the same fate.
If you fancy a bash in Sussex on the 8/9 August then drop me a line at stevenernestpayne@btinternet.com

[acecat999]

Had you a contract of employment with these people? Had they agreed to provide services in return for payment however small?

I bet the groups you were paying all turned up.

[The Peddler]

No, these were re-enactor households just doing their hobby, just like at Tewkesbury, Herstmonceux, Glastonbury, Arundel etc....but it's an idea for the future.

[Swiper]

Classic Maxim.

If you pay peanuts get monkeys.

Its people's weekend, they want to have a nice time, bit like herding cats often enough.

A form of financial recompense/formal arrangement limits the chance that Timmy will fail the organisers are taking the proverbial. Making attendance far more attractive.

[John Waller]

I see it is on again this year and I might even be able to go one weekend. What reenactment groups are playing this time? Is there an archery comp?

[lucy the tudor]

There was an archery competition last year, very civilized one, my lad is hoping for another this year.

[John Waller]

I've been out of the medieval scene for a few years and was wondering if I could go along to play. I recall some talk of 'independents' possibly being allowed. Not sure if my old Fed group supports this event.

[lucy the tudor]

Probably safest to contact the organizers direct then, as insurance always needs to be sorted for these do's.

[The Peddler]

John Waller, if you contact me at
Stevenernestpayne@btinternet.com
Then I can talk to you about this......