Club of the week: Medieval buffs with knight vision

The Northern Horde describe themselves as "a small army" but they certainly know how to turn heads.
Their colourful purple and gold attire is striking enough, but you will also see them brandishing swords and axes every Sunday afternoon down at Memorial Park.
This group's aim is to re-create medieval life as it was during the 12th to the 14th century and have a lot of fun in the process.
Club captain Charlie Tapsell and his partner, Carolyn, formed the group in 2007 after moving to Tauranga from Auckland.
"I've always had an interest in swords and knights as a kid. One day I saw a display of armour at an A&P  show and wound up joining a club up north. It's great fun."
Mr Tapsell says there are now about 20 clubs scattered throughout New Zealand.
With names like Red Ravens, Order of the Boar, the Northern Wolves, Company of the Sacred Sword and Medieval Marauders, club enthusiasts regularly square off against one another on "battle days".
Club members, who are over 16 years of age, can fight using medieval and Viking-style weapons such as spears, axes, daggers, shield and weapon combinations. Mr Tapsell says strict safety guidelines ensure no-one gets hurt and authentic-looking armour is also worn for protection.
"It's good exercise too. My basic kit weighs about 20kg. But you can also train with a padded jacket or with leather armour which is much lighter."
Those who are not so interested in fighting can compete in archery competitions or partake in traditional feasts and costumes.
All New Zealand clubs meet at the annual National Association of Ancient and Medieval Arts (NAAMA) to enjoy three days of fighting and feasting.
Feeding up to 300 people at once involves lots of spit-roasted meat and vegetables from the era, Mr Tapsell says.
"Pumpkin is great but potatoes weren't discovered until the 1500s so you have to do your research.
"There are heaps of medieval dishes online. You'd be surprised by what you can actually have. Sour cream is legit and cheesecake has been around since ancient Greece."
Anything made of plastic or glass is a no-no, so wooden bowls and cups take centre stage along with cutlery forged from steel.
Mr Tapsell says Northern Horde members travel from as far afield as Hamilton, Paeroa and Whangamata to train with the group each Sunday afternoon. "We've got a really good reputation around the country for being a very skilful club."
In fact, Northern Horde members won first place in eight out of 14 events held at a national joust in Taupo over the past three years.
"One of our female club members came second in the heavy armour tournament this year. She beat all of the men and only lost the final 5-4 ... she'd be the top-ranked female in the country now."
People who are interested in joining the Northern Horde are welcome to contact Mr Tapsell or turn up at Memorial Park during a training afternoon to have a look.
"We can give them a sword and start training them from there," he says.
"It'll probably take four to six weeks before they're ready to start fighting one-on-one as there's a lot of safety stuff and skills to learn first."
Gear-making workshops are also held regularly between clubs to help produce authentic-looking weapons and clothing and "share the knowledge around".
"People just love getting to catch up with people socially from all around the country. We have a great bunch of people and it's a lot of fun."
Club fees are $40 per year for combatants and $20 for non combatants. For more information and pictures visit www.sportsground.co.nz/northernhorde
THE DETAILS
Name: The Northern Horde - medieval combat and culture group
Number of Members: approx 16
Established: 2007
Meeting times: Every Sunday (when fine) at Memorial Park from 1.30pm onwards.
For more information ph Charlie on 021 296 0215 or email GoTheHorde@gmail.com