ABEL SMITH SUMMER FAIR

3 July 2010

Hi Ian,

The Summer fair went really well on Saturday, it was a great success and enjoyed by all. Simon and his crew were fantastic, we couldn't believe how much stuff they brought with them. They worked really hard and made it all look very authentic. The archery was a great success and enjoyed both by the children and adults.

Thank you once again, I will certainly be recommending you.
Paula Read

POWIS CASTLE WW2 DAY

12-13 June 2010

Hi Ian,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for supporting our WW2 event at Powis on June 12th & 13th. The event was a great success and we had some excellent feedback from visitors.

Emily Harrison
Assistant Visitor Services Manager
Powis Castle

POWIS CASTLE WW2 DAY

12-13 June 2010

Dear Ian,

First of all, I would like to say how much we all enjoyed our afternoon at Powys Castle last Saturday! What impressed me was how knowledgeable all your team are and how well they responded to the children, taking time to encourage their curiosity and answer all their questions.

Thank you once again,
Lisa Manna-Smith,
Visitor

CORPORATE MURDER MYSTERY

12 March 2010

Hi Ian,

Thankyou so much for all your effort and hardwork for our event - I have heard nothing but praise for you since Friday!

It was lovely to meet you all, and yes it WAS thoroughly confusing!!

My sincerest thanks to you all once again.

Kindest regards,
Amy Scrivener,
Event co-ordinator on behalf of AMEC/Shell

ROMAN DAY AT CORPUSTY PRIMARY SCHOOL

1 December 2009

Dear Ian

Thank you for such a fun and interesting morning. We loved today and we wish you could come again. It was good to be able to see and touch the Roman things you brought for us, they were seriously fascinating. Your sword was very heavy and sharp and your shield was heavy too. We liked your shiny helmet and your armour. Your equipment was amazing.

You organised us Romans very well. We liked saying that those horrible Celts smelt. It was hard standing in a straight line and marching together. We liked marching and doing it with a real Roman.

We enjoyed learning about the Roman numerals and trying to work out the dates. We learnt a lot of new Roman words.

We have never met a real Roman before so it was good to meet you. Please will you come again.

From Jed, Ben, Fenella, Billie, Archie, Charlie, Holly, Casey

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR 2009

29-31 August 2009

Dear Ian,

Just to say Pensthorpe was great again this year, excellent as always, very well organised. Jim the potter is always good to watch at work and it's good to have the chance to buy his pots and nice, as an arcaheologist, to see the complete pieces as we are generally used to small fragments!

The falconer was brilliant and Star the Saker Falcon is the best bird of prey I have ever seen in such a show (and I have seen a lot of falconry displays), it's amazing how they work together.

Best wishes,
Julie

Julie Curl
Sylvanus
Archaeological, Natural History & Illustration Services

DENNY ABBEY

30-31 August 2009

Dear Ian

I would just like to thank you and to ask you to pass on our thanks to the group who were fantastic over the bank holiday. The visitors (755 over the 2 days) really enjoyed the event with lots of great feedback, especially about the nuns with suggestions to have them as a regular feature in the Abbey! The group were very entertaining, interactive and professional and a lot better than a lot of groups we've had in the past.

I'd really like to have your group again for next year if this was acceptable (I think they enjoyed it and liked the site!) so I'll ask Lisa and see what we can do.

Best wishes
Corrina Bower,
Curator
The Farmland Museum
Denny Abbey

THE NUNS OF LACOCK ABBEY

15-16 August 2009

I just wanted to once again pass on our thanks for a wonderful event last weekend.

Our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the activities, displays and presentations throughout the day and the general consensus was that 'The Nuns of Lacock Abbey' successfully brought to life both the building and the story of the nuns who once lived here.

The group of performers and actors that were brought together for this event were all a joy to have in Lacock and made the event the little bit more special for those of us behind the scenes as they could not have been friendlier or more approachable.

Thank You once again for all the time, energy and enthusiasm that went in to making 'The nuns of Lacock Abbey' not only a success but a bespoke, unique event that really captured the spirit of the place.

Karen Bolger
Visitor Services Manager

RENDEZVOUS - CAVELL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

From our point of view, the evening was a complete and utter success. The sponsors were delighted with the theme, the activities, the characters involved who not only looked superb but were also brilliant at interacting with a bunch of insurance professionals. The birds were a massive hit as well. We hope you got as much pleasure as us from the evening. We will begin planning for next year's event around December/January time so we will be in touch to see if you can help us again - I have no doubt you can!

Thank you for everything and very kindest regards

Wendy Gridley
Marketing & Events Co-ordinator

HERTFORD CASTLE - KING ARTHUR MEDIEVAL EVENT

9-10 May 2009

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, WELL DONE AND THANK YOU!

Regards
Susanne Mead
Marketing and Promotions Manager
Hertford Town Council

NORWICH CATHEDRAL - HISTORIC CHRISTMAS FAYRE

12-14 December 2008

Grateful thanks are offered to all who made the second Historic Christmas Fayre at Norwich Cathedral such a success; including stallholders, entertainers and all those who volunteered.

The weekend was both successful and enjoyable and a special word of thanks must go out to Ian Pycroft of Black Knight Historical for managing this event for us. The relationship between Ian and the Cathedral is extremely good and keeps building every year.

It is wonderful to attract so many locals through the doors of their Cathedral to enjoy themselves, spend some money but also to connect with the building and see the rich heritage upon their doorstep which often goes unnoticed.

Cathedrals are repositories of the living history and spiritual welfare of this country and your support is both appreciated and reciprocated. With best wishes for the future and the hope that you will enjoy a blessed and holy celebration of the birth of Our Lord.

Gareth Gladman
Visitor Officer, Norwich Cathedral

ROCHESTER CASTLE - MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT

6-7 September 2008

Medieval Merriment at Rochester Castle Gardens was an enjoyable weekend for both visitors & residents alike.

All re-enactors were very knowledgeable and professional which really brought the castle to life and encouraged visitors to learn more about Rochester and for residents to take a step back in time.

Everyone who came along to the castle enjoyed themselves with around 4000 visitors attending.

Many thanks

Sarah Belsom
Heritage Officer, Medway Council

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR

23-25 August 2008

FEUDAL ARCHERS AND I. G. WOLF e.V. AT PENSTHORPE

Members of Feudal Archers were pleased to be at Pensthorpe again this year as it is such an atmospheric place, well away from motorways, light pollution and other modern distractions.

We were again joined by some of our good friends and colleagues from the German group I. G. Wolf, who recreate the same historical period. The occasion was even more significant as Feudal Archers marked their 10th anniversary as a group, holding an informal and very convivial celebration around the campfire after hours on the Saturday.

Occasional showers and ever-present hoards of sugar-hungry wasps failed to dampen our spirits, while the addition of music and song to our repertoire was an uplifting and joyous experience. Many visitors seemed especially impressed by the music.

Observing the monastic hours, demonstrating archery, crafts, cooking and the equipment of a 12th century knight gave us all an opportunity to interact with visitors and (hopefully) entertain and educate which we see as vital components of Living History.

Thanks, Ian, for the opportunity, the venue and the company.

Dave Rayner
For the Feudal Archers Living History Society

WHAPLODE EVENT

4-6 July 2008

Ian,

It was a pleasure to work with you again, and the members of Tournee were very complimentary throughout the event, commenting particularly on how nice it is to work for someone who is relaxed, in control, and also concerned to make sure that the re-enactors are having a good time!

The event had a lovely atmosphere, and those of our ranks who missed it for whatever reason are now regretting it as they see the photos and hear the feedback from those who attended.

Best Wishes,
Paul Murphy, tournee

WEDDING OF PAUL TAYLOR AND JACKIE KEMP, DRAGON HALL, NORWICH

28 June 2008

Hi Ian

Had a great honeymoon thanks.

Thank you so much for the effect you and your fellow members put into our wedding.

You really made the day. We couldn't have wished for anything more, everyone had such a good time and you got everyone involved, everyone said how hard you worked and how much they enjoyed it.

The setting and the weather was wonderful - I hope you enjoyed the day with us, I've got some really great photos from Dave (House of De Clifford), and all the guests; if you would like any more I would be glad to pass them on.

I really can't put into words how pleased I was with how things went, it must have been my lucky day when I bumped into the Black Knight troupe in Norwich on that cold December afternoon and the spark was lit; everyone who was there will remember that day for sometime to come!

I wish you all the very best for the future.

Very kind regards
Jackie Taylor

CITY BOATS TOUR OF MEDIAEVAL NORWICH

7 June 2008

Hi Ian

We thought the Medieval Cruise went well and all at City Boats and our customers were thrilled with its success. Your commentary certainly kept our customers enthralled.

Kind regards

Linda Hayden-Chilvers
Administration & Reservations Manager

DOVER CASTLE EVENT

24-26 May 2008

Hi Ian

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all your group. The Keep looked great and I know visitors and staff really enjoyed it. I know you were really busy and worked your socks off all three days. It was a pleasure having you at Dover.

Kind regards

Alysha Sargent
South East Events Manager, Dover Castle

WRETTON HISTORICAL ORGANISATION

17 May 2008

Well, what can I say?

How can one condense in a few words one of the best days I can remember for ages?

From the humble idea in my head to the fully fledged occasion. Mr Pycroft saying yes, yes and yes when asking if this and that were possible.

The generosity of the sponsors, the eagerness of the church cleaning party. Maureen putting a lot of herself into producing a beautiful painting of the church. To the four Johns for erecting tents, being really funny and not realising it.

The Saturday evening shenanigans, the mead and Mr Jennings tall tales by candle light combined with the aroma of wood smoke.

Finally to the tummy churning day itself. The escaping down to the river first thing, to the early dance group taking over my house. Loved the poignant speech from Neil and his portrayal of the WWI padre. Like all good things seemed to go so quick.

A brief snapshot of the day? Has to be all those smiles. The smiles from the public reflecting in the smiles of the re-enactors.

BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL, IT WAS MAGIC.

Jackie Pardoe
Chair, Wretton Historical Organisation

KENILWORTH CASTLE EVENT

4-5 May 2008

Hi Ian

Just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work for the event at Kenilworth Castle. I could not fault your organisation of the event and it all flowed really well over the weekend without a single hiccup. It really brought the castle to life and we've had nothing but praise from the visitors. I look forward to working with you on future projects.

Best wishes,
Karen Pike
Event Manager West, English Heritage

BOSTON GUILDHALL OPENING EVENT

26 March 2008

Dear Ian,

Thank you so very much for attending the opening of Boston Guildhall Museum over Easter weekend, and at such short notice.

It was great to have you wandering round in all your finery, helping to bring the building alive; it had been empty for so long, it really was magnificent.

As you have seen and heard yourself we plan to have many more events which we do hope you will be a part of.

You really were an asset to have for the opening, especially saving the day and officially opening the museum, slashing the ribbon in full armour - quite spectacular!

Your interpretation skills are outstanding and the quality of the costume and characterisations are all super! We cannot thank you enough for your help and enthusiasm.

Many Thanks from us all here at Boston Borough Council who were involved with the opening.

We hope to see you again in the Guildhall soon.

The Events team

PASTON CHURCH, NORFOLK

22 March 2008

Dear Ian,

I would just like to say a big thank you on behalf of the Paston Heritage Society to all your re-enactors who came and performed in such difficult conditions.

The event was a big success for us and can be viewed on www.northnorfolk.tv this week.

If we are fortunate enough to gain further grants, we will be keen to ask for your input again.

I enclose some photos taken by Crabline - the North Norfolk free paper.

Thank you again,
Lucy Care
Chair, Paston Heritage Society

ELY CATHEDRAL BANQUET

7 February 2008

Dear Ian

Thank you so much for joining us for our Medieval Evening at the Cathedral.

We have had a lot of very complimentary feedback from those attending.

You looked just the part in your splendid outfit and by chatting to people there you were able to pass on some of your great knowledge of the period, which was much appreciated.

I know this was your first visit to Ely and I hope it will not be your only one! The Cathedral makes a perfect setting for an evening such as this. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were very excited to be a part of it - the most ambitious fundraising event the Cathedral Education Department has ever organised!

It was good to meet you, Ian. Many thanks again for giving up your time to be with us.

With all good wishes

Jan Munt

PENSTHORPE MEDIAEVAL SPECTACULAR

25-27 August 2007

Dear Ian

I wanted to write you a quick letter to thank you for all your hard work that you put into this years event.

As ever your organisation and efficiency helped make the event a success with positive feedback from both our visitors and our staff.

We look forward to meeting with you and talking through next years event and to continue building on its reputation as the regions largest and finest Medieval re-enactment.

Yours sincerely,
Bill Jordan

P.S. The event is really gaining big stature in the region. Many thanks and congratulations!

FESTIVAL OF HISTORY - KELMARSH

11-12 August 2007

Hi Ian,

Just a quick note to say a big thanks for your great display at Festival of History this year.

Things got a bit crazy up there what with that trench queue and everything and you did a brilliant job in helping keep everyone happy, entertained and in a festival mood!!!

I hope you enjoyed it.

Best wishes,
Emily Burns
Head of Events, English Heritage

CASTLE RUSHEN, ISLE OF MAN

22 July 2007

Dear Ian

We are writing to formally thank you for all your help at our recent National Archaeology Day at Castle Rushen. We are extremely grateful for all the time and effort you put in to preparing for the day. We both very much enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Thomas Stanley and we have excellent feedback from our visitors and members of staff alike.

On a personal level it has been a pleasure to meet and discuss ideas with you over the weekend - it is fantastic to speak with someone with such a passion for living history and interpretation. We hope that we will be able to work together again in the future and please don't hesitate to contact us.

Katie King and Nicola Tooms
Assistant Curators, Manx National Heritage

PETERBOROUGH LIVING HISTORY DAY

19 May 2007

Dear Ian

Thank you and your whole team for coming along to the Living History day on 19th May 2007 and helping to make it such a success.

I thought it all went very well and everyone I spoke to said how much they enjoyed the day.

You and your group certainly added hugely to the day, thank you for all the effort you must have put in to organising things at your end.

Best wishes,
Liz Davies
Chair, Peterborough Area Living History Forum

BELL HOTEL, THETFORD

12 February 2007

To Whom It May Concern

We have had the pleasure of employing the services of Black Knight Historical to entertain our customers on several of our themed events evenings here at the Bell Hotel.

We have enjoyed working with Black Knight Historical and all events have been a great success thanks to Ian's organisation; he and his team of entertainers have always impressed.

We heartily recommend Black Knight Historical to anyone wishing to stage a themed event.

Yours sincerely,
Alan Judd
General Manager

FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE EVENTS 2006

Dear Ian

Thanks again for your Thursday sessions at the Castle, we really enjoyed having you at Fram and hopefully we can do some more next year. Below is some very positive feedback from a visitor named Jackie that we thought you might like to see. I am sure many of the visitors felt the same.

Hope to see you again soon. Good luck with the medieval village. Let me know if you need any wenches!

Best wishes

Gill
English Heritage employee, Framlingham castle

Hello

I just wanted to pass on some thanks to English Heritage and to the Knight in question for his excellent presentations at Framlingham Castle (and elsewhere namely Pensthorpe).

The knowledge of this Knight about the period in question, his obvious enthusiasm and entertainment and information value was exceptional.

I thoroughly enjoyed our day at Framlingham which was made all the more special by the Knight being in attendance.

So a big thank you to him and to you

Kind regards
Jackie