The Kingdom of Rolleston was taken back in time to the Middle Ages at the weekend, looking back to an era where honour and chivalry reigned.
The event was staged by the South Island branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, the Barony of Southron Gaard, which boasts more than 100 members.
SCA member Peter Thomson said the group was dedicated to researching and recreating the arts, skills and traditions of pre-17th century European cultures.
"You'll have Elizabethan gentlemen rubbing shoulders with Viking warriors. It does seem a little bit strange, but we are the Society for Creative Anachronism, something out of its time period, and it allows a lot more people to play. And we're all inclusive."
But he admits there's a lot more to the society than just the high-profile sword fighting. Dancing, art, calligraphy, cooking and archery were just some of the other activities on offer.
"If it was just a bunch of people doing fighting, I wouldn't be doing it. It's the ideals of recreating ideals of chivalry and courtesy. The chance for me to play the role of a medieval knight and share a lot of kindness and enjoyment.
"And I think the world needs a lot more kindness, so we're just trying to share that with everyone."
- By Geoff Sloan
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
