THE SANDWICH MEDIEVALTRUST ANNUAL REPORT DECEMBER 2022 _Registered Charity Number 1178864_ _TRUSTEES: Dave Batchelor, Julia Baxter, Paul Damon, Steve Laslett, Bob Martin, Lynne O’Donoghue www.sandwichmedieval.org_ ## **CHAIRMAN’S REPORT** It is with great sadness we report that our highly respected Patron, Admiral Lord Michael Boyce, passed away in November 2022. Lord Boyce has been our Patron from the inception of the Trust and an enthusiastic supporter of our work, visiting the Centre on a number of occasions. He was there to welcome the Nicholas when she arrived at the Quay, having completed the journey from Plymouth via an extended stay at Dover Marina. He will be very much missed by the Trustees. The following sections in this annual report reflect on another very successful year for the Trust. The Centre continues to be a great attraction for visitors who regularly leave positive feedback confirming that our volunteers continue to educate and enthral in equal measure. It is clear that the appetite for an imaginative telling of the medieval history of Sandwich is huge, and that the Trust is limited only by the capacity of our volunteers to deliver, for free, in their spare time. The Trustees are very proud of the volunteers and extremely grateful for their valuable and ongoing input. The visual impact of reenactors in medieval costume welcoming visitors is very positive and their subject knowledge impressive. Feedback includes such comments as: ‘This is a must-visit place if you are in Sandwich’; ‘Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, what a fabulous educational experience’; ‘What a little gem’. The Centre is open to visitors most weeks from Thursday to Sunday and has recorded as many as 1,000 visits over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It is probably the most visited venue in Sandwich town. The educational content of the Centre is consistently praised, with a number of crafts and skills being demonstrated. They include blacksmithing and metalworking, calligraphy and illumination, corn weaving, egg tempera painting, wood working and importantly, boat repair and reconstruction. The following sections on workshops and reenactors also record many visiting reenactors and their skills. The project to create a life-sized cog, a medieval boat typical of the sort that would have been moored in Sandwich around 1400, continues. Thanks to a generous £10,000 grant from the Bernard Sunley Foundation and £5,000 from the Sandwich Shop, the project is well-funded and making good progress. A purpose-built cover has been installed to protect the boat from rain and also to allow volunteers to work on the deck in bad weather. The capstan and winch have been made in the workshop and work has started on the castles. The funding outlook for the Trust is positive and Trustees can look forward to healthy and active 2023. _**Steve Laslett**_ _**Chair, Board of Trustees**_ 2 ## **ACTIVITIES** To simplify the workings of the organisation, the work of the Trust is divided into four sections: Maritime; Schools and Workshops; Re-enactment Programme; PR *Social Media) and Finance. These groups meet separately and regularly report back to the Trust. ## **MARITIME** _Nicholas with the cover frame in place_ The main focus of our work during the past year has continued to be on the Nicholas project. The presence of the Nicholas on its mooring at Sandwich Quay generates a great deal of interest in the project and in our work in the Centre. The hull is an asset to the Quay area and will contribute to the development of the historic maritime ambience along the banks of the river Stour as envisaged by the Sandwich Heritage Harbour Group. The trustees and a small team of enthusiastic volunteers, including a group of Sea Cadets, have continued to work on the Nicholas, replacing rotten deck beams and planking. Work has also continued on removing the temporary caulking to the deck planking and replacing it with traditional oakum and pitch. 3 kl 14¥ At work on th8 capstan in th8 Centr81 In the Centre’s workshop we have fabricated the windlass using a section of Ash for the horizontal spindle and mounting it in an oak frame attached to the deck. We have also fabricated the capstan using a section of Ash for the vertical spindle, mounting it on an oak bearer on top of the keel structure and locating it with an oak collar at deck level. All the associated metalwork, including the ratchet mechanisms, have been fabricated by our blacksmith on the forge in the Centre. _Windlass made in the Centre now in place_ _All metalwork for the Nicholas is made at the Centre’s forge_ 5 Our blacksmith has begun the fabrication of a second anchor in the forge in the Centre and hopes to be able to forge-weld the anchor arms to the shank which will demonstrate the heating capabilities of a medieval forge. We have had a fabric cover installed on a temporary timber framework to protect the deck and hull from inclement weather. The framework provides sufficient headroom for us to be able to work underneath it in all weathers thus increasing our productivity during the Winter and Spring months. Our aim from next year onwards will be to fabricate the fore and stern castles in the workshop and install them on the hull before moving on to erect a mast, install a sail and rigging and, in time, modify the internal hull area to allow visitors to sample medieval life below deck. We remain in contact with Tommi Nielsen of T. Nielsen & Company, based in Gloucester. They have agreed to advise us on all aspects of design and maintenance as the Nicholas project progresses. Tommi and his colleague, Graham Westbrook, naval architect, will offer guidance on repairs to be carried out in the future and on the design of items such as the castles. A section of our web site is dedicated to the Nicholas project see: _https://sandwichmedieval.org/the-saint-nicholas-project ._ 6 ## **SCHOOLS AND WORKSHOPS** _Wheat weaving demands great concentration_ ## **Workshops** Workshops took place throughout the year and included Blacksmithing, Baking, Bookbinding, Calligraphy, Illumination, Wheat Weaving and Tablet Weaving. The choice has recently added circular netting to the list. Interest in the workshops continues to remain strong throughout the year. Have-a-go crafts include Calligraphy, Wheat Weaving and Egg Tempera painting which were particularly successful during the Medieval Market in April and the Sandwich Festival weekend in August, with many children and adults alike enjoying themselves whilst gaining interest in the workshops offered at the Centre. 7 _Calligraphy – popular with all age groups_ The calligraphy tables were full both days with all ages, including some people who had never tried before but always wanted to. Others that had enjoyed this craft as a child and were delighted to have another opportunity. Quills were used to try and practice a medieval book hand and the work of the scribes of the time were explained with examples and material reproductions. Children in particular tried their hand at some egg tempera painting onto woodcut prints depicting scenes of the seasons. Visitors were very excited to complete a corn dolly with the Wheat Weaver, who patiently led them through the various stages of weaving wheat. _Making a corn dolly_ 8 _Egg tempura painting – one of the have-a-go crafts_ ## **School Visits** Our school leaflets have been printed ( _see end of this report_ ) and include a breakdown of costs and our selection of visits, whether these be a one hour visit or a full day’s hands-on experience. These are also available on our website and downloadable for printing, as well as at the Centre. Local schools have had in-person visits to introduce what we offer, plus the leaflets. Slightly further afield schools in Margate, Broadstairs and Deal have received the leaflets by email. Home schooling groups have also been informed via various websites. Some schools have already expressed interest in visiting the Centre in 2023. There is even a booking for 25 students from a language school in Spain. During the lantern-making workshops, which took place in late November, medieval boats were created by children and their families. These lanterns were then proudly illuminated and paraded in the Sandwich Lights procession through the town on 3rd December 2022. ## **Group Visits** A group of SEND children (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) visited the Centre in the summer as part of a week-long project culminating in a play about Thomas Becket and supported by Kent County Council Reconnect, aimed at enhancing well being through creative arts. On 2[nd] and 3[rd] August, the children had lots of fun trying two medieval crafts. Using hand cut quills, they practiced some medieval style writing, as used in the original manuscripts of the time and then completed their own names with a decorated capital 9 to colour in later. They were guided through step by step and made their own traditional corn dollies using wheat which they were most excited about. The groups were also introduced to the Centre and shown around to great enjoyment. It was particularly rewarding to see them all so immersed in crafts that none of them had ever tried before. The accompanying adults also tried their hands at the skills. **----- Start of picture text -----**
And on film …
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Calligraphy on film
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Earlier this year, Julia Baxter (the Centre’s scribe) was approached by a film company to take part in a film, working on behalf of the Llanthony Secunda Priory in Gloucestershire, an historic building, now a visitor centre. The task was to be filmed writing part of a page from a manuscript which was originally written at the Priory (now in Cambridge). This segment for the film was shot at the Centre and will be included as a visual explanation within the Priory. There was no charge made for this work with the understanding that the Trust has a copy of the film which is highly anticipated 10 _The priory manuscript dating from the tenth century_ _Block print cutting_ 11 ## **RE-ENACTMENTS AND EVENTS** The year 2022 was full of great events, medieval markets and open days. It began with a series of February half term Open Days which included a Medieval Weapons Display, Medieval painting, Meet the Barber Surgeon and Silkwoman and a day in the life of a medieval housewife. Over Easter we held a two-day Medieval Market where we were joined by an amazing selection of medieval makers and crafts people which included a have-a-go section for calligraphy and corn dolly making. The Centre welcomed hundreds of happy visitors and plan to take the Medieval market to the Quay Green in 2023. In June we held our Le Weekend Medieval event on the Quay Green and in the Centre with a host of brilliant reenactors and demonstrators for the visitors to see. They were also able to enjoy and take part in music and dance, medieval theatre, living history displays, knight training and have-a-go archery. 12 _Medieval Minstrel at Le Weekend_ _Stone carving – a new craft for 2022_ 13 _Archery on the Butts in July_ A new event for us in July was Archery on the Butts. The idea of the event was to show the public the effectiveness of archery in medieval times and to test the English longbow and a variety of arrow types against different armour such as a gamberson, link mail and plate armour. Arrow heads made by the Centre’s Blacksmith, Steve Batchelor, were fitted to arrows made by local fletcher Sam Rummery, who also made and shot a crossbow. Local bowyer Nick Toy made and shot a warbow while explaining to the public the different arrows and armour. Archer Tom Jennings and a group of archers from a local re-enactment group also demonstrated the power of the English longbow. _Prize giving with the Mayor or Sandwich at the Archery Competition_ 14 Anglo Saxon knight ready for battle _Chain Mail dummy under attack (torso made by wheat weaver)_ 15 August Bank Holiday saw the return of the Sandwich Festival and for two days of the town-wide event we held another encampment on the Quay Green and the Centre including a food demonstration by a new member of the volunteer team - Patrick DeLa-Mere – plus music, dance, theatre and even have-a-go axe throwing along with living history reenactors. A have-a go-marquee filled the area with fun and excitement. In September we took part in ‘Heritage Open Days’ organised by The National Trust. With many different reenactors and demonstrators joining us for six days of free activities and demonstrations of medieval life in the Centre. The event was very well received by the public; the Heritage Open Days organisers even sent a film crew to capture the event. In early October we held a mini medieval market at the Centre where the public could chat with some of the amazing crafts people including woodworkers, silkwoman, and a book binder. Carrie Horwood from Cats Eye Carving set up in the workshop to demonstrate and even let members of the public try their hand at stone carving. During October half-term, games and model house building was another new free event for the Centre. Andrew Hall, another new volunteer, organised four days of medieval games and model house building; members of the public were invited to have a go at playing a selection of medieval (and earlier) games and build model medieval buildings out of recycled materials. In December we took part in the Sandwich advent window event where we dress the main windows on the Quayside with a medieval festive display including paper and willow lanterns made into medieval cogs. We concluded with a medieval feast where many of the reenactors who have helped throughout the year enjoyed hot food and drink to celebrate. 16 SOCIAL MEDIA 1.327 674 25.34 5544 4E.54 5.Y 5.44 45-54 s￿6¢ 16A% C4nlert*Tr 25 Fwk•rtLY u￿110¢K￿￿Orn 9IA% UMed&3'.es IU9¥ i o I OA% l Q.2% 1 tr.2% 17 The graphs on the page above show the demographic of our Facebook and Instagram followers by town and country. 2. The graphs below show our page reach – the amount of Facebook and Instagram users who have seen a post or our page in the last 12 months. 3. These graphs show our Facebook and Instagram page/profile visits – the amount of people who have directly looked at a post or our page. 18 ## **REVIEWS** The Centre continues to receive glowing testimonials, a selection of which is given below: 19 ShodowEmoLuv .4 phoios ***** 6monthsago Amazing experKnce of blacksmilhingl Very friendty staff and you are very hands on. Definitely would recommend If anyon¢ wants to give blacksmilhing a gol Also Il's a charity so definitely go and visit e e Response from the owner f) Inonlhs ago So pleased you had a good lime. thanks for corning along Paul Tomlln ***** 6monlhsago What 8 little 98m Fascinating talking to Ihe 8nlhusiastic volunteers t8lking about Iheir skills and Ih8 amazing project Ih8y are womng on C8n'l wait lo go back 50m8tsme to V18W the Progress. Re8ponse from the owner f) monlhs ago Thanks for the oreal review * / Edit Del8te 20 AGreat Experience Nov 2022 Whot on experience. The medievol center is o lovely ploce on 115 own lo visit but they olso offer experiences too. I was lucky enough to be given o doy s experience blacksmithing lor tny birthdayot 5ondwich M8di&vol Centr8 ond hod previously betn to look oround. Tht session I vlos glvtn wos o full doy storting Ot10am ond running uniil 4 pm. All the stoff were extremely syelcoming (3nd mefeel 50 comlorioble and the session wos run by Steve. The blacksfflithing forge wa5 traditional with its bellowsand fuel and you get a very tradiiional experience v4orkin9 Wlth oll the hond tools. Whoi is ther8 to Soy obout Steve.. he's brilliont.- 80 informotive ond knowledgeoble. He spoke through oll lh8 siepsond eiploined processes well. Now. blocksmilhing is quite physical but Steweoffersto lake over wheri you might need a break and obviously rnodels certain Steps but you can do a5 mucha5 you want. I cameout with the pieces that I hod mode but ffl05t Importoniiy o greot smile on myfoct. I would soy Ihot Ihis ex￿rienCe is well worth the moneyond I would recommend it toanyone. I cerrainly would like todo li a9airTr. Wiillen20No¥efflbw¥)22 Thi&reYiéwisthtssUbiÈt￿V$o1mIM￿￿Q TriWdvilOrLt¢ A little gem Jul 2022. Family Dropped in herejust as we had parked ond were off on a wander. They guy we spoke to was so interesting. knowledgeoble ond lovely. Our doughter who is twelve thought it wos greot. Some excellent work being done too. Recommencl you drop in and ask questions and perhops leave u donation as we did. Wonderful Wrilten31JLly2022 Thi&Mvi8* islh•subi9¢UwoF￿￿l0￿O1o fr4p0Jwi&orfflaffl￿rty1dnOt0t Tripfy*isor LLC.TriFthisor pdorm$¢hgck$onmiW DanPMG Broadoljirs. LIK. 43c¢Jntrlbuti¢J Glad we stopped by Jun 2022 Very knowledgeable ond friendly t@am who ore hoppy io talk to big kids ond little kids alike. It was a very interesting visit with some intere5ling things to see. We were ihere obout holf on hour. iLton20Jun&2022 Thk5revieYii$iieyub&ecti¥eotynionalo Trip(>&•tstirM¢mber￿￿I￿Of TrIp(>J¥i￿l LLC. TripyJ¥iS¢rpthoim$¢h#ck*onTEYitry 21 ## **FINANCE** The accounts overleaf show a positive financial position for the Trust with a surplus of income over expenditure of £9,443 for 2022. Grants from the Bernard Sunley Foundation of £10,000 and the Sandwich Shop of £5,000 were made to finance the remaining stages of the construction of the medieval cog, the Nicholas. The additional funds also facilitated the purchase of a purpose-built cover to protect the Nicholas from the elements and to allow work to continue on the deck in bad weather. Income from small donations from the public totalled £5,482 which is considered to be a positive endorsement of how well the Medieval Centre is received by visitors. It is reassuring that recurring income is greater than the significant annual cost of over £4,000 for insurance. Trustees continue to raise significant other funds by running successful outdoor annual events and indoor bars at St Marys Arts Centre when invited to do so. This income allows the Trust to continue to buy high quality equipment and costumes as and when needed. A grant of £3,000 from Dover Council funded a one-off display of longbow archery held on the Butts in Sandwich in July. It was very well received and has led to additional educational items on permanent display in the Centre. Just over £9,000 was spent on the Nicholas project as positive progress was made towards this most important contribution to Sandwich. The carried-forward positive bank balance of £26,621 will ensure continuing progress in 2023 and beyond. Thanks are due to our generous sponsors: The Sandwich Shop The Bernard Sunley Foundation The Roger de Haan Charitable Trust The Sandwich Coop The Garfield West Foundation. 22 ## **The Sandwich Medieval Trust** |**The Sandwich Medieval Trust**|| |---|---| |Summary Accounts 2022
**Income**
**2022**
**Grants**
Sandwich Shop
5000.00
5000.00
Garfield Weston Foundation
10000.00
Bernard Sunley
10000.00
Roger de Haan
2000.00
DDC Community/KCC Members Fund
1200.00
DDC Town centre Events
3000.00
Drapers Charitable Fund
500.00
Scribes
250.00
Coop Duck Fund
700.00
**18000**
**Events**
Easter Weekend, Archery, Le Weekend, Sandwich Festival
**4591.67**
Donations from the public box
5502.63
Sales after costs
26.09
Workshops
621.63
DDC Lotto
79.50
St Mary's Bars
1309.85
**Total Income**
**30131.37**
**Expenditure**
(Net of VAT)
Web
155.00
Boat and Tools
9295.91
Building Costs
138.88
Learning Centre
0.00
Equipment - inc costumes, cups, batteries
4261.51
solar panels, generator
Consumables
1804.11
Professional Services
126.75
Insurance
4180.21
AGM & Miscellaneous
40.00
Publicity
686.00
Total Expenditure
**20688.37**
Net improvement
9443.00
Adjusted Balance brought forward
17178.00
Available Funds
**26621.00**
Represented by Current Account
25096.69
VAT Account
1524.31|| ||**2021**| ||| ||**19650.00**| ||| ||1271.38| ||4144.33
1022.17
680.56
108.00
0.00| ||**26876.44**| ||135.00
12892.91
32.46
195.89
566.78
414.64
3124.83
915.84
918.44| ||**19196.79**| ||7679.65
10204.58| ||**17884.23**| ||17178.00
706.23|