Saturday, March 14, 2009

To market, to market...

Market Wares ~ All Photos Courtesy of the TORM Website

The weekend came at last after the longest week. It has been very subdued in the office since the death of 'C'. On Friday I signed the book of condolence which will be given to his parents. I hope it brings them some comfort in time to know how much his friends at work truly liked and appreciated him.

Nevertheless, I was glad when the weekend arrived and I could take some time away from the office. I was very much in need of some R&R and so we headed to a market. Not just any old market but The Original Re-enators Market or TORM.

TORM is a twice yearly event where traders from all over the UK and parts of Europe gather to sell their items to historical re-enactors and other interested people, like me. Myself, M and his brother went as there are usually armourers there and it's a handy place to see, handle and perhaps purchase new weapons and armour for our Historical European Martial Arts Club.

The market is quite a time travel experience. as you meander from stall to stall you pass Vikings, WWI memorabilia and all periods in between. All the items for sale are made traditionally. There is glassware, pottery, leather goods, jewellery, armour and weapons, woodwork, furs, musical instruments and even food! I treated myself to some very nice fudge.


We bought a couple of bucklers (small shields) for the club and I also bought a gorgeous pendant made from silver with a green and orange tear drop stone set in it. We also bumped into a few people we know from other clubs and from our own and whiled away a few hours before heading home. All in all, it was a good day. Just what the doctor ordered.

13 comments:

rashbre said...

I like the Olde Worlde writing for the prices of the pasties, although the use of a laser printer and the prices are a bit of a give away.

Anonymous said...

Well that is a world away from the office. The clothing would look well at a Renaissance Faire, which we have in the U.S.

Once I was shopping in Chinatown in Ca. while visiting a friend, in and out of stores for hours, so much so that I had a flash of a few seconds where I thought I was in China, go disorientated and wondered how I got there.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

OMG, I totally want to go to one of these sorts of markets!

David Edward said...

that is a lot of hardware! ye hah

Anonymous said...

My boys would go nuts at the sword vendors. I shudder to ponder the thought.

Cheers.

srp said...

I adore that pottery!

So sorry to hear about your colleague. You are so right.... each life is precious and it is sad to see it cut short. Prayers for his family.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

All that food loks delicious! :)

kenju said...

Looks like fun! Fudge and leather pouch for me!

Dianne said...

I love places/events like that - so much browsing to do which I find really relaxing

Zeus said...

I would love to purchase some of the pottery and plates that you have in the first picture. This TORM doesn't have a website, does it? That would be great!

Of course, international shipping costs stink, but I might make an exception!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Glad you had such a good day, my dear B-K....I am looking at all those baked goodies....Yummmmmmmm!
And you got some Fudge?? Was it delicious? (lol)

Shephard said...

I love a good market. And I had such a good time shopping on Portobello when I was in London. Markets just make me happy. :)

Barcelona post up again. Hope I got it posted in time for you to read before you go. :)

~S

Star said...

I know you enjoyed that immensely. I am sorry to hear about your colleague. It is never easy to deal with such bad news. The necklace sounds lovely. Such a fun and intersting avocation you have.