The drive wasn't as bad as I remember it but then the whole journey was in daylight this time. Funny thing about borders' drivers they go at 20 miles above the speed limit on twisty windy roads and 20 miles below it in town!

When we got to the hotel (Mansfield House) the staff welcomed us like long lost friends. It was really nice. Dinner was scrumptious and then we retired to bed. The same room we were in the last time, complete with embossed ceilings, chandeliers and antique furniture. This is a real find of an hotel. I honestly didn't know food could taste this good.

The t.v. wasn't half bad and I did extremely well by managing to stay awake till after 9pm... this is very unusual for me on a Friday. Unfortunately I awoke at 4 am and couldn't get back to sleep.

The next day we were down the street bright and early to see the reavers arrive. We heard them before we saw them, they were lead by a flute band. You don't grow up in my neck of the woods and not know what a flute band sounds like. After they passed we did a little shopping to let the crowds die down. The medieval market was really good, lots of things going on. Probably a little to clean for authenticity, but that's NOT a complaint.

The costumes were wonderful with reavers from both sides of the border... which of course they were. The English re-enactment group were called the Steel Bonnets and I did enjoy the presentation by the girl telling us about the lady's costume. The detail was wonderful, from her sleeves which untied to change the shape and look of her whole outfit to her padding to give her hips a "good child bearing" appearance. And yet her bodice made her look completely flat chested. Strange how tastes change over the years. I just loved her pomander thing. True to the times there was no modesty in the display, she showed us she did have a 'pot to piss in' and what the piss would be used for.... whitening linen.

I am sure the rest of the display was equally as good but without a PA system we couldn't hear a sound. David had to take the pictures here because I didn't have the height to see with, though their costumes were wonderful. The costumes for the English side were certainly richer in appearance than the Scottish ones. I don't mean they were better, I mean there was an air of poverty about the Scottish ones. I am fairly sure (though not certain) this is a reflection of historical accuracy rather than of comment on contemporary enactor's prosperity. Unfortunately I couldn't hang around long enough to see Gaddgedlar do their thing. I like this group a lot and they always have lots of interesting details and historical knowledge to impart. I fear they would be afflicted with the same problem as the Steel Bonnets, a lack of electricity. If their was one fault I found with the event it was this. The English group went through their paces. I have seen a lot of these things, their performance was polished enough, where it fell down was in the lack of a voice explaining.

We headed back to the hotel for a rest. My lack of sleep was begining to catch up with me and we had a heavy night ahead.

Torchlit procession . (Pagans against the war) A friend I had originally met on the internet, from this area, had arranged to meet us prior to the torch light procession. And thus began a truly magical evening. There was a torch lit procession with the green man and fire and darkness and the very path we walked was lit be fire torches and oh it was all magical. I can't put into words how it felt, there are no words. You had to experience this. (Stewards said the procession was over 1000 strong, Police however estimated the crowd to be about 20) When we arrived at Volunteers park the bonfire was well and truly lit, the pyrotechnic / shadow puppetry display couldn't be seen by anyone more than three rows back, so we left. ( Gaddgedlaron the right, the red jacket is me)

Move to Jedburgh

We left and the magic got better. My friend had keys to Mary Queen of Scots House in Jedburgh. She had to check on the security, and she took us with her. She gave us the full guided tour of one of Mary Stuart's favourite abodes. It belonged in fact to the Kerrs. Now the Kerr were famous in Scotland for all being kerrie fisted ( left handed) So much so their spiral staircases spiraled the other way from every other spiral stair cases in Scotland. ( Its all to do with the lord of the house being able wield a sword going down stairs. Which arm is free, and the opposite ofcourse, to impede the person fighting up the way) This was a truly atmospheric experience. The house was delightful, and there is definitely something on the second floor. The whole room vibrates with it. If I had gone in the day time I doubt very much I would have enjoyed seeing this anywhere near as much. The fact that it was at night and we were the only ones there added tons to the experience. Add to that, our guide was very well informed on her subject and obviously loved doing it and the dimensions of the experience widen again. David and I felt like VIPs having the whole house to ourselves like that, and the conversation was sparking. At last it was time to take our leave from our wonderful hostess, I have now forgiven Jedburgh for always being shut when we go. I have to admit though I was glad to see my bed that night and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Next morning I didn't want to leave.... but hey I have to face the weans sometime... it was mother's day. I had to go home and be fussed over (-:
Aye right!

My old guest buik

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