This is the second of a series of posts where jousters, ground crew and photographers share their favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season. You can see Part One by clicking on the link.
Canadian jouster Alison Mercer of Calgary shares her favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season:
In a wonderful season of tournaments, it can be challenging to choose a moment that sticks out.
For me, I can trace it back to a morning in January when I got a message out of the blue from Justin Holland in Australia, with an invitation to ride at the Abbey Medieval Festival Tournament in July. It was a surprise; apart from Lysts on the Lake in Texas 2012, I had never ridden outside of Canada and didn't expect to again so soon. On the heels of Justin’s note, came a message from Sarah Hay with an invite to her tournament one week prior to Abbey.
Seven short months later, I was on a plane headed across the Pacific, armour in tow, with snippets of advice from friends: “Don’t pet the insects,” etc... After riding Sarah’s splendid Tournament Australis, we packed up and started the trek to Abbey Festival outside of Brisbane.
Abbey was an absolute delight. The tournament was spectacular – clockwork organization, excellent venue, wonderful crowd, and an MC that made you feel like a damned celebrity. Integral to this all were the ground-crew, who knew their business inside out. It was a lightening fast, hard-hitting tournament and while jousting constitutes the ‘meat’ of these experiences, it was the people who really made the trip for me.
Watching Justin ride, precise and deadly, was one thing. Working with and getting to know Sarah over two and a half weeks was another. From my introduction to the sport in 2010, I always thought she was the bees-knees – fine rider, brave, determined, and with very nice kit. But If I had to pick a specific moment, it would have been on the road between Sydney and Brisbane when we stopped for the night at the Grafton fairgrounds. After the horses were settled, I remember looking up at the Southern Cross and thinking, for the first time, just how far this sport had brought me. (Getting to know a certain MH at Brooks Medieval Faire was an added bonus…)
Looking forward to 2015!
Another Canadian jouster, Marc Hamel of Quebec, talks about his favorite moment:
I could say that winning the Scrothym Cup at Revel Grove was an amazing moment, but my favorite of the season was at Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament (Alberta,Canada). Got myself injured on the first day and was done for the tournament.... However ... I was fraternizing with a fellow jouster, Alison Mercer, and discovered that we had more in common than just the jousting. I can proudly say that meeting her was a revelation and truly my favorite moment of my jousting season.
Alison Mercer(left) and Marc Hamel(right) at Brooks Medieval Faire 2014
(photo by Grant Zelych)
Jouster Caroline LaBrie(also of Quebec, Canada), has fond memories of acting as ground crew for the Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament:
Summer passed by so fast. I was caught pretty early at the beginning of the year in the organization of both Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault and the Tournoi International de joute du Duché de Bicolline.
During my numerous exchanges with other competitors, my "Facebook friend" Radar Goddard (whom I had never met in person at that time) was also taken by the organization of the Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament. Due to a cancellation, they were missing a judge, and we spontaneously arranged a trip for me to Alberta, where I would discover a different part of the country – as well as other fellow jousters – and reunite with old friends.
These were my only days off from work, and it was such a pleasure to help out the best I could in a tournament environment. It was simply amazing to meet others who shared my passion and to develop strong bounds with some persons. It reminds you every time of why we are doing this hobby, and why we are attracted by the middle ages and some of its romantic symbols. Within the whole wide world, a community sharing the same passion and similar values, the creation of a faithful bond between such quality persons. It does make a big world smaller. Again, I would like to thank Radar and STALC's wonderful crew for this precious opportunity!
Some of the crew and jousters of Brooks International Jousting Tournament 2014
(photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
Continuing with our Canadian jousters, Patrice Rolland of Quebec shares his favorite memories of 2014:
Last December I moved with my wife into our new place, a hobby farm, so finally our horses will be home, what a new challenge! But in July there was a bigger one, my first overseas trip; to Arundel Castle with my teammate Steve R. Gagnon. We were representing the French team for the tournament held at the foot of the castle. We lived there for one week, a dream come alive. What an experience! To top it all, the Lady of Honour chose to give me the Prize of Chivalry. What an honour!
As if this was not enough, coming back to Quebec to get ready for the first international tournament produced by Arion at the Duché de Bicolline, with seven nights, four teams and a big, big happening. A first for my Canadian horse Porto. Together we managed to win the Master Jouster 2014...
Patrice Rolland holds the prize for winning the jousting competition at Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
... and also the Team Championship with Sean George as my teammate.
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
A wonderful time, a great tournament, a great year!
To conclude, well, there's nothing like home, and when I joust I feel like home! I hope that the next year brings all kinds of new memories and new challenges.
We go from Canada to the UK to hear from Patrice's teammate at Bicolline, Sean George:
I would firstly like to thank The Jousting Life for the continued support and interest in this fine arena of Jousting! We appreciate it! [Editorial note: Thank you, Sean!]
For me, 2014 was a fantastic year of Jousting! I have many fond memories, some great events and a lot of camaraderie amongst my fellow Jousters, both on the Jousting Circuit and also with my teammates from Destrier at Bosworth Battlefield.
I have a couple of fine moments that really shine for me, and both of them were abroad at WorldJoust Tournaments.™ One was at Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline in Quebec. We were welcomed and treated well by our hosts, and along with my fine teammate, Patrice Rolland, we became Team Winners!
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
My other very fond memory and overall fantastic experience was at the Tournament of King John III - Gniew Castle in Poland. Both myself and my good friend Steve Mallett as Team England became Team Winners!
Sean George and Steve Mallett, Team Champions at the Tournament of King John III Gniew Castle 2014 (photo by Studio A)
We had amazing hosts who really took care of us all and made our visit a fun and cherished memory.
– Seán George, Jouster
More Favorite Moments coming soon!
Related articles:
Burgundian Alliance Wins Team Championship at Arundel International Tournament 2014
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Win the Team Championship of Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline 2014
Interview with Sean George, Half of the Winning Team England at the Tournament of King Jan III at Gniew Castle 2014
 |
| Alison Mercer (photo by Azul Ox) |
In a wonderful season of tournaments, it can be challenging to choose a moment that sticks out.
For me, I can trace it back to a morning in January when I got a message out of the blue from Justin Holland in Australia, with an invitation to ride at the Abbey Medieval Festival Tournament in July. It was a surprise; apart from Lysts on the Lake in Texas 2012, I had never ridden outside of Canada and didn't expect to again so soon. On the heels of Justin’s note, came a message from Sarah Hay with an invite to her tournament one week prior to Abbey.
Seven short months later, I was on a plane headed across the Pacific, armour in tow, with snippets of advice from friends: “Don’t pet the insects,” etc... After riding Sarah’s splendid Tournament Australis, we packed up and started the trek to Abbey Festival outside of Brisbane.
Abbey was an absolute delight. The tournament was spectacular – clockwork organization, excellent venue, wonderful crowd, and an MC that made you feel like a damned celebrity. Integral to this all were the ground-crew, who knew their business inside out. It was a lightening fast, hard-hitting tournament and while jousting constitutes the ‘meat’ of these experiences, it was the people who really made the trip for me.
Watching Justin ride, precise and deadly, was one thing. Working with and getting to know Sarah over two and a half weeks was another. From my introduction to the sport in 2010, I always thought she was the bees-knees – fine rider, brave, determined, and with very nice kit. But If I had to pick a specific moment, it would have been on the road between Sydney and Brisbane when we stopped for the night at the Grafton fairgrounds. After the horses were settled, I remember looking up at the Southern Cross and thinking, for the first time, just how far this sport had brought me. (Getting to know a certain MH at Brooks Medieval Faire was an added bonus…)
Looking forward to 2015!
Another Canadian jouster, Marc Hamel of Quebec, talks about his favorite moment:
I could say that winning the Scrothym Cup at Revel Grove was an amazing moment, but my favorite of the season was at Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament (Alberta,Canada). Got myself injured on the first day and was done for the tournament.... However ... I was fraternizing with a fellow jouster, Alison Mercer, and discovered that we had more in common than just the jousting. I can proudly say that meeting her was a revelation and truly my favorite moment of my jousting season.
Alison Mercer(left) and Marc Hamel(right) at Brooks Medieval Faire 2014
(photo by Grant Zelych)
 |
| Caroline LaBrie helps Nicola Corrarello with his armour, Brooks 2014 (photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes) |
Summer passed by so fast. I was caught pretty early at the beginning of the year in the organization of both Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault and the Tournoi International de joute du Duché de Bicolline.
During my numerous exchanges with other competitors, my "Facebook friend" Radar Goddard (whom I had never met in person at that time) was also taken by the organization of the Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament. Due to a cancellation, they were missing a judge, and we spontaneously arranged a trip for me to Alberta, where I would discover a different part of the country – as well as other fellow jousters – and reunite with old friends.
These were my only days off from work, and it was such a pleasure to help out the best I could in a tournament environment. It was simply amazing to meet others who shared my passion and to develop strong bounds with some persons. It reminds you every time of why we are doing this hobby, and why we are attracted by the middle ages and some of its romantic symbols. Within the whole wide world, a community sharing the same passion and similar values, the creation of a faithful bond between such quality persons. It does make a big world smaller. Again, I would like to thank Radar and STALC's wonderful crew for this precious opportunity!
Some of the crew and jousters of Brooks International Jousting Tournament 2014
(photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
 |
| Patrice Rolland holds aloft the Prize for Chivalry, Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss) |
Last December I moved with my wife into our new place, a hobby farm, so finally our horses will be home, what a new challenge! But in July there was a bigger one, my first overseas trip; to Arundel Castle with my teammate Steve R. Gagnon. We were representing the French team for the tournament held at the foot of the castle. We lived there for one week, a dream come alive. What an experience! To top it all, the Lady of Honour chose to give me the Prize of Chivalry. What an honour!
As if this was not enough, coming back to Quebec to get ready for the first international tournament produced by Arion at the Duché de Bicolline, with seven nights, four teams and a big, big happening. A first for my Canadian horse Porto. Together we managed to win the Master Jouster 2014...
Patrice Rolland holds the prize for winning the jousting competition at Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
... and also the Team Championship with Sean George as my teammate.
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
A wonderful time, a great tournament, a great year!
To conclude, well, there's nothing like home, and when I joust I feel like home! I hope that the next year brings all kinds of new memories and new challenges.
We go from Canada to the UK to hear from Patrice's teammate at Bicolline, Sean George:
I would firstly like to thank The Jousting Life for the continued support and interest in this fine arena of Jousting! We appreciate it! [Editorial note: Thank you, Sean!]
For me, 2014 was a fantastic year of Jousting! I have many fond memories, some great events and a lot of camaraderie amongst my fellow Jousters, both on the Jousting Circuit and also with my teammates from Destrier at Bosworth Battlefield.
I have a couple of fine moments that really shine for me, and both of them were abroad at WorldJoust Tournaments.™ One was at Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline in Quebec. We were welcomed and treated well by our hosts, and along with my fine teammate, Patrice Rolland, we became Team Winners!
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)
My other very fond memory and overall fantastic experience was at the Tournament of King John III - Gniew Castle in Poland. Both myself and my good friend Steve Mallett as Team England became Team Winners!
Sean George and Steve Mallett, Team Champions at the Tournament of King John III Gniew Castle 2014 (photo by Studio A)
We had amazing hosts who really took care of us all and made our visit a fun and cherished memory.
– Seán George, Jouster
More Favorite Moments coming soon!
Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.
Related articles:
Burgundian Alliance Wins Team Championship at Arundel International Tournament 2014
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Win the Team Championship of Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline 2014
Interview with Sean George, Half of the Winning Team England at the Tournament of King Jan III at Gniew Castle 2014
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