I wouldn't mind trying to get together a little bit of a gathering here at my place in South Bend sometime this fall if there is enough interest. Some time in October would probably be a good time weather wise. Early Saturday afternoons seem to work the best for these types of things so people who are traveling have time to get there, and I would imagine that most will have a bit of travel to get here.

If anyone would be interested in attending please let me know. If there are dates and times that would work better, that would be helpful as well.

Shane

Shane,

I'm up for it and I expect that my schedule should be fairly open in October.

Hi Shane, what a nice offer of you to make to the sword community here on myArmoury! I would absolutely be most interested, I am right here in a western suburb of Chicago near 355 and 290, I am on 294 in a heartbeat. I'd be thrilled at this opportunity and being that I am shameless enough to go garbage picking on Thursday nights, I can accumulate quite a number of jugs! :lol:

Thanks a million!

Bob

Great to hear guys! I figured that I would put together a cutting stand between now and then so that cutting wouldn't be a problem. I have a few javelins left and a target as well that we could throw a bit if people wanted. Not full distance throws, but the type one might expect to throw at a closing enemy.

Shane

Well I have had enough interest that I will start working out the specifics on getting this together. I'll keep updating this as things get worked out.

With the summer starting to wind down I'll keep an eye out for cutting materials going on sale. If enough people decide they would like to pitch in we could even order some tatami.

Shane

I may be interested if my schedule permits...... October shouldn't be that hectic so it is a good possibility.

It would be good to have you Tim.

Shane

Shane,

This is a great idea!!! I think Mark may have talked to you about this, but I know that one or both of us should be attend. It sounds like a wonderful time. Keep us posted.

Best,

Matt

I see that you are having a gathering in South Bend. I happen to live in Granger, but I am so new to the sport of swordplay, that I would have no idea what to do when I got there. I was wondering if there are any places that teach western swordplay or western martial arts in the area around South Bend. I'd be grateful if you know of anything. Thanks!

-Jared Olson

How would October 14 be for everyone?

I sent you a PM Jared.

Hey Matt... Mark already has my attention with what he mentioned maybe trying to make to bring down.

I am already looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting some new people.

Shane

Yeah Mark mentioned the crazy amount of work that he is planning to get done between now and then. Most people I would say there is no way, but if anyone can it is Mark. So are you going to be able to make it down and stay with us as well?

There does seem to be some talk of a Roman and Celtic event that might happen the weekend I was wanting to have this. So I'm trying to find out if it is going to happen and more info. If I was to bump the date for the gathering back to Oct 21st, would that be better or worse for people?

Shane

I don't think pushing back to October 21 causes any kind of conflict for me.

Well I am going to set the date officially for Oct. 14th. Don't see a reason to try planning around something that might or might not happen and if it does who knows when. I will put together a page on my site about the gathering as well as a mailling list to all who have expressed interest.

Pool noodles and beach mats are already getting hard to find. Still have a few more store to hit in the next couple days though.

Glad to hear that you can probably make it Matt.

Shane

How is the planning going for the gathering?

Thanks for bringing this back up to the top Matt. Everything is planned and ready to go for Oct. 14. Still need to make an adjustable cutting stand, probably should have picked up the wood when I was getting the stuff to start a new shield yesterday. *G* Wasn't able to get as many pool noodles as I would have liked, I bought all that I could find when I first posted about this and ended up with about 20. Hope to still have a few javelins to throw, but I did break a couple the last time I was throwing. I have someone making some, but haven't heard from him in a couple weeks. Wanted to at least have the sample he was making there.

If anyone has any special food or drink needs/request just let me know.

Shane

Shane, that is a great effort!!! Thanks for putting all of this together. I can't wait! I think it is going to be a wonderful time.

Matt

Only about a week left....

I will be most likely be in a mad rush until then trying to get things ready. I'll be sending out emails and messages to those who have shown interest in coming sometime today.

Shane