05/12/2022
A massive thank you to all our sponsors who have donated prizes to the raffle! If you want any more information about the people behind the prizes, please see below for descriptions and links to their home pages.
THE KNIGHT SHOP
https://www.theknightshop.com/
DONATED: A 15th Century Bastard Sword and Scabbard
The Knight Shop International is one of Europe’s largest retailers and wholesalers of replica militaria and associated giftware. We were established back in 1999 and have grown to become the UK market leaders in historical swords, armour and weaponry. We are the global distributor for Red Dragon Armoury and the UK distributors for major international manufacturers such as Deepeeka, Windlass, Art Gladius, Medio Evo and Marshal Historical. We’re also major stockists of other large brands such as Hanwei, GDFB and SPES. We carry a diverse range of products that cater to Historical European Martial Artists (HEMA), Re-enactors, Live Action Role Players (LARP), theatre groups and collectors. We are also a major supplier to the heritage industry.
SWORDPUNK
https://www.swordpunk.co.uk/
DONATED: 2 Tickets to Swordpunk 2023
Swordpunk is an inclusive, into nature, alternative festival of weapon arts, martial arts and circus skills. Our mission is to allow everyone to learn or improve cool skills at their own pace within a friendly, respectful environment. We celebrate our adventures with our comrades in the evening with music, fire, duels, drinks and dancing, making friends and memories that will stay with you forever.
ORDER OF THE BLADE
https://www.orderoftheblade.co.uk/musters
DONATED: 2 Tickets to the Midlands Muster
One of the largest historical martial combat groups in the Midlands, Order of the Blade offers classes in a range of weapons, from swords to shields, axes to polearms, daggers and more! They have chapters in Derby, Leicester, Loughborough and Coventry, each running weekly sessions overseen by instructors trained to deliver the Primus Syllabus. They are also proud to host their regular public sparring event, the Midlands Muster! This is open to all historical fencing groups around the UK, featuring Guest Instructors and Team Tournaments, followed by an all-you-can-eat feast at a fantastic local Chinese restaurant.
KINGS OF THE NORTH
https://www.facebook.com/events/422168306618700/
DONATED: 2 Tickets to the Kings of the North
Kings of the North is an event held in Bradford, West Yorkshire, which is entering its 6th year. This year, the theme is going to be European Military Arts from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries and we are welcoming a wide range of instructors who are going to give lessons ranging from empty hand combat to all manner of edged weapon fun! Come and join us for a great weekend of HEMA.
WATERLOO SPARRING GROUP
https://www.waterloosparring.com/
DONATED: 2 Waterloo Sparring Sessions
The best way for any fencer to improve is to fight different fencers, from different backgrounds as often as possible. Waterloo Sparring Group is a peer-to-peer sparring group located in Waterloo, London, just a 3 minute walk from Southwark station. It is a fortnightly meetup for HEMA fencers from all clubs, historical systems, backgrounds and traditions to come together to practise their skills, as long as they can fence safely and constructively. The success of WSG is reflected in the hauls of medals earned by those regulars who compete, in both UK and international tournaments.
CALEDONIAN CRAFTSMAN
https://caledoniancraftsman.com/
DONATED: A Leather Buckler
Quality leatherwork from Glasgow, Scotland – with a focus on historically inspired pieces for re-enactment and Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Caledonian Craftsman was born out of a passion for leatherwork and woodwork. Respect for the product is central to my work: the majority of the leather is a by-product of the meat industry, or is sourced from traditional hunters, helping to support their often centuries-old way of life; the wood is sustainably sourced from FSC certified suppliers or collected myself as deadwood. Using these materials, I endeavour to build products that, when properly cared for, can last you a lifetime.
THE MAY MELEE
https://www.facebook.com/themaymelee
DONATED: 2 Tickets to The May Melee
The May Melee is a UK-based weekend HEMA event held in May. For the past few years the Melee has been run in Newnham, Gloucestershire, and this is our home village. We’re incredibly excited to bring it back and have so many new ideas and new resources to bring to the table. You’ll hear more about those in due course!
YORK SCHOOL OF DEFENCE
https://yorkschoolofdefence.co.uk/
DONATED: Full Day Catch Wrestling or Classical Pugilism Workshop
The York School of Defence, based in the Melbourne Centre, York, study a variety of different martial arts and combative systems. Our classes range from medieval longsword and single handed sword, quarterstaff, Catch-As-Catch-Can wrestling, classical pugilism, Bartitsu and Suffrajitsu, self defence, sambo and eskrima. We strongly believe that everyone should learn at their own pace, enjoy themselves and leave each session somewhat wiser, a little bit fitter and with a smile on their face. After all if it isn’t fun what’s the point? No experience is required to train with us, we welcome everyone.
