Tauranga travels back in time

Hundreds of Tauranga locals took a big step back into history this weekend, including Matua teenager Arnold Rueben.

The 11-year-old Otumoetai Intermediate student, garbed in medieval costume, and his mother Petra Wohlers were among the large crowd who attended the NZ Medieval Faire at Tauranga Racecourse yesterday.

The three-day faire, making its inaugural visit to Tauranga, saw the racecourse transformed into a living history of the Middle Ages.

"Coming from Germany, which has a long and rich history, this has been like stepping back to my ancestors' time which goes back a long, long way. It's been a great history lesson for sure."

That included medieval re-enactors from all around the North Island decked out in full medieval outfits, a traders' market, battle re-enactments, wandering minstrels, storytellers and a play called Dye Another Day, loosely based on the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

There were also plenty of medieval activities for young and old alike to have a go at.

Arnold, a German-born history buff, said he loved anything to do with history including dressing up in a gladiator costume that his parents bought him in Germany in 2014.

"I really enjoy getting into character. Drama is one of my favourite subjects," he said.

"Coming from Germany, which has a long and rich history, this has been like stepping back to my ancestors' time which goes back a long, long way. It's been a great history lesson for sure."

Organiser Andria Goodliffe said holding events like this was a chance to share their passion with the rest of the community.

Ms Goodliffe said because the event was spread over three days it was hard to estimate the total turnout, but at some points the crowds around the village green were "four to five rows deep".

"It's been a magnificent weekend. There would have been somewhere in the region of 200 re-enactors, entertainers and traders who also participated in the faire.

"We have had a marvellous time participating in medieval times and thoroughly enjoyed bringing snippets of history to the general public who may not have seen or known about those times.

"The feedback from the crowd has been awesome."

**Image 1 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Finley du Toit 4.5 years; Alice Dainty 3 years; Channing du Toit 3.5 years and Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - ARMED: Finley du Toit (left), 4, Alice Dainty, 3, Channing du Toit, 3, with Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty.

**Image 1 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Finley du Toit 4.5 years; Alice Dainty 3 years; Channing du Toit 3.5 years and Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - ARMED: Finley du Toit (left), 4, Alice Dainty, 3, Channing du Toit, 3, with Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty.

**Image 2 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Pole lathe demonstration by Richard Lees 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - ANTIQUE: A pole lathe demonstration by Richard Lees.

**Image 2 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Pole lathe demonstration by Richard Lees 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - ANTIQUE: A pole lathe demonstration by Richard Lees.

**Image 3 of 9:** Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Arnold Rueben, 11. 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - CRUSADER: Arnold Rueben, 11.

**Image 3 of 9:** Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Arnold Rueben, 11. 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - CRUSADER: Arnold Rueben, 11.

**Image 4 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-RPetra White and Chris Gloyn 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - BATTLEFIELD: Petra White (left) and Chris Gloyn.

**Image 4 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-RPetra White and Chris Gloyn 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - BATTLEFIELD: Petra White (left) and Chris Gloyn.

**Image 5 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Gladiator fight, Victor Rosendale left and David Layzell 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - GLADIATORS: Victor Rosendale (left) and David Layzell.

**Image 5 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Gladiator fight, Victor Rosendale left and David Layzell 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - GLADIATORS: Victor Rosendale (left) and David Layzell.

**Image 6 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Dancing ladies L-R Diane Madgwick, Ann Dugmore and Bronwen Arlington 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - DANCING A MERRY JIG: Diane Madgwick (left), Ann Dugmore and Bronwen Arlington.

**Image 6 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse Dancing ladies L-R Diane Madgwick, Ann Dugmore and Bronwen Arlington 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - DANCING A MERRY JIG: Diane Madgwick (left), Ann Dugmore and Bronwen Arlington.

**Image 7 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Seth Embi, 11, Celina Embi and Sef Embi. 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - HISTORY REPEATS: Seth Embi (left), 11, Celina Embi and Sef Embi.

**Image 7 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Seth Embi, 11, Celina Embi and Sef Embi. 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - HISTORY REPEATS: Seth Embi (left), 11, Celina Embi and Sef Embi.

**Image 8 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Jett Hannay, 11, Joyce Eyre, Hayden Eyre, 4 and Keith Mudgaay 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 -

**Image 8 of 9:** Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Jett Hannay, 11, Joyce Eyre, Hayden Eyre, 4 and Keith Mudgaay 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 -

**Image 9 of 9:** 220116aw16bop Medievil faire at the Tauranga Racecourse. (l-r) Tauranga's Zack Brown, Jason Edgecombe, and Tymon White from the Northern Horde. contact Jason on 021 024 57647. 22 January 2016 The Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by Andrew Warner. BTG 23Jan16 - SPIRIT OF YORE: Today was the first day of the three-day Medieval Faire and Tauranga Racecourse was in full Middle-Ages mode, with knights, princesses and roguish combatants. Members of Tauranga's Northern Horde (pictured) Zack Brown, Jason Edgecombe and Tymon White were decked out in medieval garb, ready for action. The Squire School had children painting shields and tailoring swords while the Princess Party featured beautiful dresses and self-made head circlets. Tomorrow the faire will be in full swing with a traders' market, battle re-enactments, storytelling and many more medieval-flavoured sights and activities. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

**Image 9 of 9:** 220116aw16bop Medievil faire at the Tauranga Racecourse. (l-r) Tauranga's Zack Brown, Jason Edgecombe, and Tymon White from the Northern Horde. contact Jason on 021 024 57647. 22 January 2016 The Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by Andrew Warner. BTG 23Jan16 - SPIRIT OF YORE: Today was the first day of the three-day Medieval Faire and Tauranga Racecourse was in full Middle-Ages mode, with knights, princesses and roguish combatants. Members of Tauranga's Northern Horde (pictured) Zack Brown, Jason Edgecombe and Tymon White were decked out in medieval garb, ready for action. The Squire School had children painting shields and tailoring swords while the Princess Party featured beautiful dresses and self-made head circlets. Tomorrow the faire will be in full swing with a traders' market, battle re-enactments, storytelling and many more medieval-flavoured sights and activities. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Image 1 of 9: Out & about Medieval Faire at the Tauranga Racecourse L-R Finley du Toit 4.5 years; Alice Dainty 3 years; Channing du Toit 3.5 years and Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty 24 January 2016 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak BTG 25Jan16 - ARMED: Finley du Toit (left), 4, Alice Dainty, 3, Channing du Toit, 3, with Mandy du Toit and Tracey Dainty.

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