Donna Maree Hanson, Author, Phd in Creative Writing

A last minute cancellation. An offer of accommodation and lift to the event each day. That’s me. From 16th to the 18th of May, I was at A Regency Affair event in the small town of Exeter, just south of Sydney in the Southern Highlands. Just like a Regency House party only better. I got to use a real loo and go back to our accommodation.

I had an amazing time! Totally, absolutely, enjoyed it. Not only was in unexpected. I only just learned about the event after lamenting for some time that the Jane Austen Festival stopped before covid. I wanted to sew more dresses and things but wondered what for. Now I’m linked back in. As well as this event, there are balls, Historic picnics and other stuff going on. Because it was short notice, I only had time to dig out my gear. There were a couple of bonnets I couldn’t find but I had enough. No chance to make anything new, except I did find my very special soft bonnet only needed a few stitches to finish it so I did that. Sorry about the cross over bra showing. My stays had a malfunction as I have grown somewhat since I last wore them.

I went up on the Friday but there was a dress making workshop on the Thursday that I wasn’t quite in a mental space to sew. Friday I managed to get squeezed into a few workshops. Not all the ones I wanted but hey I was grateful to get the ones I did. First up was thread buttons and then I did historical stitching which was very cool. We learned edge stitch, mantua makers stitch and English stitch, with cartridge pleating as well. Friday night there were no tickets to the banquet but the organiser thought she might be able to squeeze me in. Bronwyn and I went back to the accommodation to prepare. I figured I should get dressed just in case they said ‘yes’. The plan was to drop Bronwyn and use her car to come back if there was space. However, the text came through that I was in so off to the Regency themed banquet we went.

There was music, dance exhibitions, poetry recitals and singing. So Regency. The food was spit roast and a lemony syllabub, which was so yummy.

I did a bit of shopping during the day on Friday. I bought a turban style headdress for the ball, a tea cup set and some lovely gloves. From Bronwyn’s stall I bought sewing notions of many kinds and some long socks. The cup and saucer are so lovely. I just love the green addition to my collection.

Saturday came and we were off again. I had a basket making workshop after lunch. The only downside is that it clashed with the guest speak talk by Caroline Jane Knight, a fifth great niece of Jane Austen who had lived at Chawton House until recent years. It is impressive that any family lives in the same house for generations and the Knights have lived there since her fifth great grandfather Edward Austen Knight inherited it. The cottage in Chawton where Jane, her sister and mother lived was on that estate in the village. It’s a must see if you get there. Next time I’ll go see the great house too. While I didn’t get to hear the talk I did chat to Caroline a bit and bought her book.

Other workshops that I eyed off jealously were the fletching workshop and theatrical sword fighting. I did do some dancing workshop but thought it best I not cause frustration by trying to dance. There were mustet firings and a duel and so many very impressive costumes. The numbers are limited so intimate and I made myself talk to people and made some lovely and interesting new acquaintances. Catering including morning and afternoon tea. Lunch on Saturday consisted of a pie or quiche, whatever you ordered.

We went back to the accommodation for ball prep. I did Bronwyn’s hair and turned her scarf into a turban.

My new turban head dress was so very cool.

Pre ball there was soup and bread and we all contributed something for supper which was around 9pm. To start off the ball they do a grand promenade. I was going to sit the dancing out and hang with Bronwyn to admire the general splendour. However, a lovely young woman came up to me and asked if I would be her promenade partner. She said our gowns would look very well together. So up I went. Then when the promenade finishes it becomes a dance. I tried to offer up a better partner given my fumble footedness in the dance lessons. However, my young escort said she would defend me from bodily harm if people got upset with me. I am pleased to say that we passed ourselves off creditably and after that five set dance, I introduced to a much better dancer that I met in the workshop earlier.

Supper was bountiful. There was Jane Austen birthday cake, in traditional style, fruit, marzipan and fondant. I had two small pieces. Then Bronwyn and I retired for the evening. Sunday was a picnic at a National Trust historic house, with carriage rides, archery, maypole etc. The weather by now had turned a bit brittle and cold. However, we were lucky and it didn’t rain while we were there. Picnic sorted at the hall we drove over to Goldhaven. I did a house tour, got my carriage ride in early and did one set of arrows. I haven’t touched a bow for many years and only had one lesson. I think I am better but the target was way too close! Hahaha.

I scrurried out of there as fast as I could and walked about the beautiful garden, ate my lunch, chatted and watched the Maypole dancers.

I will definitely do this event again.

I did not take a lot of photos as I didn’t want to walk around with my phone spoiling people’s fun but I hope I captured enough. I have this is in my calendar for next year.

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