I've had the most awful day and this has cheered me a little, so thanks for that. I live relatively near to Ledbury, so might have to seek it out this year!
This was swell, madam. In general I like the spectator role bc it makes for a more convenient way to head for the hills, or forest, or wherever else the haven might be. My inner cav is likely to knock my inner roundhead off his humble donkey onto his pompous ass, but my inner roundhead has a few steadying words for the intoxicated cav.
Oh Margaret! What a joyous read! I would always be the one on the sidelines serving the refreshments any day of the week. I've always had a secret penchant for this sort of caper. I can't think of a more enjoyable day than dressing up, then having a good old debate in a pub. Thankyou for sharing your adventures.
A lovely surprise to see a familiar placename featured in your newsletter. It's local to us (we are in rich battle reenactment land, near Evesham, Tewkesbury and Ledbury). My mum taught at Tewkesbury comprehensive school. In the 1990s, she had a class she referred to affectionately as 'the hooligans'. She won them over when they asked which Rose she supporeted, Miss, and must have answered right.
I'd like to say I'm an alphabet soup doler, but if i'm being honest, more often than not, I'm a Mushy Middle spectator. But I'm looking to you cauldron stirrers to convert me to your ways.
I wonder if it was the model for this young woman’s dress? She is, however, in a quite characteristic dress for women of the Parliamentary party. The Royalists went for much more flamboyant colours, more fabric generally, and much bigger hair.
When I consider the palate, especially, it is obvious, or at least seems so. I guess my modern brain applied a kind of expectation of a more severe puritanical modesty about cut, but seeing Mme Cromwell’s look, that doesn’t make much sense.
Late to the party (but having a blast catching up) and still getting a kick out of the hit points here in mid-2025. "It’s hazardous to attempt an intervention when Joan of Arc is cooking at the stake: you’re likely to fry in your turn." - this is headed straight for the makeshift corkboard quote wall in my little apartment office. Man, do I ever admire you.
All hail ye olde mushy middle! A place well insulated from the harsh and dangerous screams of the self-righteous Roundheads and the condescending sniffs of the pompous Cavaliers. Beg, borrow and steal from each while owing neither allegiance nor affection to either.
Definitely a ladler of dodgy alphabet soup. I like the cauldron connotation. Conjures up pictures of people, especially women stirring things up😀
I've had the most awful day and this has cheered me a little, so thanks for that. I live relatively near to Ledbury, so might have to seek it out this year!
Once again, enjoyed this immensely but hardly a surprise, I know who is writing this, I think.
That’s not alphabet soup; it’s a Michelin-starred alphabet consommé. Thank you. 🙏
This was swell, madam. In general I like the spectator role bc it makes for a more convenient way to head for the hills, or forest, or wherever else the haven might be. My inner cav is likely to knock my inner roundhead off his humble donkey onto his pompous ass, but my inner roundhead has a few steadying words for the intoxicated cav.
Oh Margaret! What a joyous read! I would always be the one on the sidelines serving the refreshments any day of the week. I've always had a secret penchant for this sort of caper. I can't think of a more enjoyable day than dressing up, then having a good old debate in a pub. Thankyou for sharing your adventures.
A lovely surprise to see a familiar placename featured in your newsletter. It's local to us (we are in rich battle reenactment land, near Evesham, Tewkesbury and Ledbury). My mum taught at Tewkesbury comprehensive school. In the 1990s, she had a class she referred to affectionately as 'the hooligans'. She won them over when they asked which Rose she supporeted, Miss, and must have answered right.
So tasty with the perfect amount of oregano (wish my mushy South Africans get educated to change the ANC alphabet 🤗)
I'd like to say I'm an alphabet soup doler, but if i'm being honest, more often than not, I'm a Mushy Middle spectator. But I'm looking to you cauldron stirrers to convert me to your ways.
I’m pretty sure I’m a Mushy Middler with a lean towards the soup cauldron. Another delightful read! Thank you for brightening my morning.
Given the neckline, gotta be Cavalier
I think Roundhead, because of the severity of the style and the black colour palette. I’ll see if I can attach this image of Oliver Cromwell’s wife. https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/mcs/media/images/79518000/jpg/_79518469_af030f0d-5188-4374-a2a5-b62402c35940.jpg Nope, just the link. Google “Elizabeth Cromwell, Oliver’s wife.
Whoa, that’s a great comparison!
I wonder if it was the model for this young woman’s dress? She is, however, in a quite characteristic dress for women of the Parliamentary party. The Royalists went for much more flamboyant colours, more fabric generally, and much bigger hair.
When I consider the palate, especially, it is obvious, or at least seems so. I guess my modern brain applied a kind of expectation of a more severe puritanical modesty about cut, but seeing Mme Cromwell’s look, that doesn’t make much sense.
Terrifically amusing and thoughtful as usual. I'm a left-wing Cavalier. Oh, oh.
Darn entertaining. I love your writing, Ms Atwood.
Wondrous ! Semper Fi eh ! Hup two three four.. & Huzza !
Late to the party (but having a blast catching up) and still getting a kick out of the hit points here in mid-2025. "It’s hazardous to attempt an intervention when Joan of Arc is cooking at the stake: you’re likely to fry in your turn." - this is headed straight for the makeshift corkboard quote wall in my little apartment office. Man, do I ever admire you.
All hail ye olde mushy middle! A place well insulated from the harsh and dangerous screams of the self-righteous Roundheads and the condescending sniffs of the pompous Cavaliers. Beg, borrow and steal from each while owing neither allegiance nor affection to either.
Wasn't there (as usual) a religious component to this battle?