The inaugural St Ives Medieval Faire was held on the weekend and proved its mettle as the premier historical event in Northern Sydney. One of the many highlights included the two day Jousting Tournament which attracted an international field of horsemen.

Wouter Nicolai from the Netherlands.

Arne Koets from the Netherlands.

Jouster and Blacksmith Luke Binks from Australia.

Australian Rod Walker, the most experienced Jouster in the Southern Hemisphere.

Seen by many as the precursor to modern day Demolition Derby, Jousting emerged in the High Middle Ages for military use. It transformed into a specialised sport in the Late Middle Ages and has continued to be enjoyed around the globe ever since. The popularity of Jousting in Australia is reaching a zenith few would have predicted.

With an anecdotal five more years of the St Ives Medieval Faire set in stone the future of Jousting in Sydney appears safe and will no doubt continue to be embraced by the local villagers.

When George Lucas brings out Star Wars - Episode Minus One, he need look no further than the international jousting circuit in order to recruit the next batch of Storm Troopers.

The talent and diversity of skill that RoboCop displays continues to impress and confirms his place as a true Renaissance Man.

In an age of instant gratification, legless travel, electrically powered washing, television, post-television, sms, snapchat and suburban aisle seven hunting, one is left to wonder what the place of a medieval faire might be.

As the wealth of the First World increases our time seems to evaporate into a hamster wheel of busyness. When we are not busy surviving we busy ourselves with information, entertainment, poorly written blogs that are the equivalent of a porch sitting, rocking chair riding dude yelling out “Blah, Blah, Blah” into a loud hailer.

We have the gadgets but have lost some of the art of living. We rush to the next booking, product, place, screen and expectation, only to find that our bodies are constantly trying to catch up with our thoughts and stresses. We feel a nagging sense of falling short and under achievement. If only we could do one more thing before the earth turns, or hold onto time with a little more confidence. Or just ponder on one thought for a moment and stay there, content.

For those attempting to strangle back a sense of calm and purpose the oversized curved 3D screens are shut down and wall space is regained. Knitting is learnt and brushes are held. To take it further, suits of armour are belted into shape in the garage and looms without fluorescent elastic are engaged.

Maybe just maybe, those strange folk who participate in medieval societies and the like are really the trailblazers of our generation. They are first to realise the error, the madness. They are the ones who hold onto time a little longer.  

Medieval ATM