Medieval combat aims to raise funds for education
SOUTH Africa’s medieval fighting champions will cross swords with other enthusiasts in aid of education.
Christa Martin, who secured a bronze medal at the International Medieval Combat Championship in Malbork, Poland, in May, and other members of the Durban Sword and Shield club will show off their fighting skills at the Heritage Tournament and Market Day, hosted by Battle Heritage South Africa. The event will take place in Durban in September.
Martin was part of a six-strong team comprising her husband, Josh Suttie, who fought in the sword and shield category; Hylton Kleynhans, who fought in the longsword division, Ingo Teske, who competed in the pole-arm, Stephanie Roets, awomen’s sword and shield contender, and Anton Moller, who fought in the sword division.
“It is open to all medieval combat fighters in South Africa and the proceeds will go towards the Cornerstone Remedial School in Durban North,” she said. Cornerstone is a parent support group initiative aimed at reinforcing what children are taught at school.
Battle Heritage members recently assisted in a fund-raising initiative for the Robin Hood Foundation – a charity group which distributes donated items to the needy – at Camelot Castle in Hillcrest.
The schedule of events, she explained, would include singles categories in pole-arm, long-sword and sword and shield.
There will also be a mêlée (or group fighting) event.
The event will take place at the Natal Mounted Rifles base in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue on September 26, from 9am to 4.30pm. For more info, contact Shannonne Gradwell at 078 760 5436.