By Vanessa Poitras, Staff Reporter
The Living Backwards Medieval Society has begun hosting historical craft evenings at the Tofield Municipal Library on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m, for all ages and free of charge.
The non-profit society began in 2009 in Edmonton but later re-formed in Tofield after the pandemic.
“It was started by a group of folks who wanted to focus on the living part of history rather than the combat,” said Jody Parrish, president of the Society.
“Currently, we have about 20 members, from Edmonton to Calgary and everywhere in between and surrounding,” she said.
Parrish said the group wanted to be able to explore not only combat in the medieval era but the crafting, trade skill, and lifestyle of the period.
“We do all the fibre arts. From processing raw materials to building garb and tents and everything in between. We do carpentry such as furniture and wood turning. We have metalworkers and jewelers, bakers, and cheesemakers. We have folks who are interested in the apothecary arts including the harvesting of wild herbs and materials.
“Every veteran was once a beginner, and every beginner has the potential to become a master craftsman,” Parrish said.
With a membership to the Society, which costs $25 for the year, members can attend events on Saturdays and Sundays as well.
“Every other Saturday we have an intensive crafting day. This is for the big woodworking projects like building tents and furniture, making garb on one of the many sewing machines, or experimenting with medieval food to a captive and hardworking crew. Location changes depending on the weather,” Parrish said.
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