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News
Rubysue's Farewell Adventure
By Lina Willowwood Our dear friend Rubysue has sailed into the west. We will meet do the things she loved. Fishing, adventures and an ale at the inn.  Date: Saturday May 25th Time: 7:30PM ((UK time / 2:30PM servertime)) Location: 4 Wending Way, Songburrow, Shire Homesteads Our good friend and grand mathomer Rubysue has passed away. We wish to invite her friends and aquaintances to an evening where we remember her by doing all the things she loved. We will meet at Rubysue's burrow at 4 Wending Way, Songburrow, Shire Homesteads. The plans for the evening are flexible, but will likely include:
Welcome along to raise a mug of ale for a grand hobbit adventurer! (( OOC: This is an in-character event. The adventure part of the event will depend on how many wishes to join and their in-game level. It may be chasing Roving Threats in the North Down, going into a raid or just exploring dangerous territories. We'll see on the night.)) |
Nawagrim's and Pycella's Grand Friendship Ceremony (Not a wedding)
By Pycella Woodberry Hullo dear hobbits of the Shire! There has been a lot of talk of two hobbits getting married, namely Miss Pycella and Master Nawagrim. Now, weddings are surely a nice thing to celebrate, especially in the hot summertime, as long as it’s not your own wedding. And here is an event that surely isn’t anyone’s wedding. No. This one is Nawagrim’s and Pycella’s Grand Friendship Ceremony which is all about their long friendship that is still sailing strong after all these years. Now these two friends would like to welcome you all to join this ceremony (and party) which will put an end to all this gossip about weddings. Come to see how they take their friendship vows and prove that their friendship is true. And above all: let’s have some grand fun together with good food, drinks, music, song and cheer.  Date: Sunday May 26th Time: 7:30 PM ((UK time, 2:30 PM server time)) Location: Nawagrim’s burrow, Wending Way 1, Songburrow, Shire Homesteads Welcome to enjoy a warm-hearted, relaxed party, old and new friends! Feel free to bring some own entertainment to the party too, if you have something suitable! |
The Royal Interview
By Peppy Bristlebrush Last night, I met with the new Shire May Queen, Granmama. We had a nice conversation at a table in the Ivy Bush and enjoyed a few mugs of ale together. Here is a transcription of that interview. Peppy: Hullo Granmama! Or do you prefer "your majesty"? Granmama: Oh, let's get this out of the way immediately! None of that formal nonsense on my behalf, please, me dear! Granmama will do fine. Miss Granmama is... not right, I think. Peppy: May I ask, what is your full name? Granmama: Granmama is a title , just like Miss. I used to be called Miss ofcourse, in my younger years. They called me Miss Cleoma, which is my given name. Peppy: So we can call you Granmama Cleoma? Granmama: If you so wish. I like that better than Miss Granmama. After my wedding I became Madam Proudfoot, as my husband was Bearhart Proudfoot, may he rest in peace. Peppy: And your marriage was blessed with children? Granmama: Oh, yes. Quite a few of them, actually. Peppy: That must have felt good! Granmama: Aye, it did, pet. Peppy: And when they grow up and had children of their own, you became Granmama? Granmama: You guessed it. Clever lad! *smiles* I never liked the the word Gammer, so I asked them to call me Granmama. Peppy: And your husband became Grandaddy or Granpapa? Of just Gaffer? Granmama: Agh, sadly he has never known his grandchildren. He would have loved them, I am sure. Peppy: Oh, that is sad! He died at a young age? Granmama: Too young, dear, too young! He was only 45 years of age. Peppy: I'm sorry to hear that, Granmama. We both raised our glass to the late Bearhart Proudfoot.  Granmama: Aye, Madam Proudfoot, as they say it in Oatbarton. Peppy: Oatbarton! O, but then you must know Pete Proudfoot, the Onionfarmer? Granmama: Ofcourse I do, dear, as I know everyone in Oatbarton and they know me. Peppy: You can often be found in taverns, is that right? Is that why you wanted to meet here, at the Ivy Bush? Granmama: I like the atmospere in the Shire's taverns. And each of the innkeepers I count among my friends. It's a nice place to meet your fellow-hobbit and enjoy a nice mug of ale. Peppy: Green Dragon Friday? Granmama: Oh, aye! A wonderful gathering every week. Unfortunately I cannot go there each week, but I go as often as I can. You know, I heard they are running the Green Dragon Fridays for 11 years already! I wish I had known before. I am now a late adopter, you could say. Peppy: Why doesn't Oatbarton have a tavern? Granmama giggles: O, a good question! I think we like things informal there and we gather at someone's burrow or barn occasionally, if not regularly. Especially when the harvest has been brought in. Also, nasty things live just North of Oatbarton, out of the bounds, so we tend towards the South and end up in the Plough and Stars. Peppy: We must also discuss your election as Shire May Queen, Granmama. Granmama: Sure, pet, what do you want to know? I still put on my knickers one leg at a time, you know. Peppy chuckles: May I interpret that as "I am Granmama in the first place and Queen only second place"? Granmama: O aye, well put, me dear. But that does not mean that I don't see the importance of having and being a Shire Queen! I take it quite seriously and the importance lies in being there to help Nature in producing bountiful harvests. That is the May Queen in it's essence, in my opinion. Peppy: I was wondering: how exactly is that done? Does the floral crown come with a user guide? Granmama shakes her grey head: No pet, no guide. Guidance.. aye! It is done first of all, by all the hobbits in the Shire, by electing a Shire May Queen. That is it, really. And as Queen it is my job to keep that spirit of togetherness alive. The Shire is not fed by the produce of farmers alone! We all play our part. Peppy: You mean like: "Together we stand, divided we fall"? Granmama: Exactly! I already noticed you are a clever lad, Peppy dear! Peppy: Are there things you'd like to change in the Shire during your period of reign? Granmama: Well, it is not the role of each year's Queen to make changes. And certainly not by enforcing them. But I do like to educate the youngsters so they grow up to be fine Hobbits. Peppy: By sending them all to school or back to school? Granmama: No no, not like that. I like telling stories, as you may know. Stories that have a meaning, a message in them. Some are very old stories. I don't make them up myself, but they were told to me by my own mother and gammer. And I tell them to my children, grandchildren and everyone who cares to listen to them. In that sense, I regard you all as my grandchildren, my own kin. I be Granmama to each and everyone of them! Peppy: So what will be the lesson of your next stories? Granmama: Well, an important lesson is: "Don't hoard, but share!" Even if you like something very much, it gives more joy seeing others enjoying it as well, than to keep everything to yourself like a real niggard. Peppy: Oh, are you now addressing certain biscuit lovers or ore collectors? Granmama: Certainly not, but if the boot fits, the owner of the foot can choose to wear it. That's an old Stoor proverb. Peppy nods: Wonderful. I think our readers will now know more about you, after having read this interview. Thank you very much for agreeing to having this conversation. Granmama: My pleasure, Master Peppy, me dear. May all your readers have a lovely Summer! |
Badgers' "Little Delving" Rehearsal
By Lina Willowwood  Time passes slowly in Little Delving. Until the Brandy Badgers come to shake things up! Date: Monday May 13th Time: 7:30PM ((UK time / 2:30 PM servertime)) Location: Little Delving, The Shire The Brandy Badgers never really play concerts, but them's pretty well good at having public rehearsals. And they're just burning in with songs they didn't manage to put into the May Queen musical earlier this spring. So expect a lot of songs yer didn't hear the Badgers play before. And the odd surprise!  Come to dance, have fun and shake up things in Little Delving! ((OOC: This will be a public rehearsal with all the Queen songs we didn't find room for in the May Queen musical earlier this year. We'll likely play a few other songs as well. As usual, we love it if lots of hobbits come to listen and chat with us. Should others like to show up as well, be very welcome, but make sure yer don't block the view of the hobbits!)) |
Green Dragon Friday 11th Anniversary!
By Lina Willowwood Green Dragon Friday is 11 years old , and we must celebrate! Welcome hobbits! Bring all yer hobbit friends! Add yer drinks to Potty's tab!  Date: Friday May 24 Time: 7:30PM ((UK, 2:30PM servertime)) Location: Green Dragon Inn, Bywater, The Shire Plans for the main party are still being sorted out, but here are some things to look forward to:
 ((OOC: )) |
Fabled Fifth Forest Featurin Festive Frolicking and Factual Fantasy!
By Acorne Oakley Hiya! It was great ta see so many of ya at the April OAKS ... Ya brought yer families....gammers, gaffers, aunties, uncles....and cousins galore *giggles* We all had fun dancin and listenin ta the music of Harfang! At one point Master Sigmo said, "We never have been on stage with such a crazy party! " and then he had us all tryin ta dance like ..Goblins! My dear Papa was there and he said it was lovely music and he had a grand time all evenin! Miss Leddy had ta use a bunch of paint in her drawings that day..hehe... just look at these... And now.... The Forest of OAKS!!  when the bands that have played over the past year come back ta each play agin fer 30 minutes.. Join us in Oldfurlong & we'll climb them OAKS t'gether *giggles* ..... in the town square of Oldfurlong on Saturday May 11 .... while we be listenin ta the smokin music of PPPB and the brilliantly beautiful music of them Blue Silmarils as we dance wit Crows, Frogs, sum Wild ladies from the Mill.. and a whole BOAT of Badgers Of course the Harfang family will be back as well *winks* This is gonna be truly AMAZIN!!! and remember all folks be welcome ...and I do mean everybodee... even that lady on the Hill that yells at everyone ta leave her flowers alone *winks* tall or short...young or old...join us in Oldfurlong fer a crazy fun day!! All be most welcome! *bows* If the Forest is rockin.. ..Just come in and join us! *winks* where: the town square of the Oldfurlong neighborhood in the Shire homesteads ((Altfurch auf Deutsch / Longuevieille en français)) when: Saturday May 11th at six bells in the evenin (( 18:00 UK time / 19:00 CET / 13:00 server time )) Warm hugs ta everybodee, Acorne |
Shire Queen (and King) Nominations!
By Nannie Right me dears, now the fun begins! Here are the lovely mature lassies that have been put forward fer our possible Queen of the May. Read on! Miss Almi and Miss Granmama. Now fer the laddies we have: Master Deamfast and Master Bonkadoc and Master Matzo. A grand selection ter say the least!  The floral crowns have already been made and you get to pick on which head they will rest. Voting
remains the same as always, ye have two votes: one fer the lass of yer
choice and one fer the lad. Get yer choice ter me via the fast post - or
whisper it ter me when ye see me - afore the ending of the Green Dragon
on the 3rd of May. Voting closes then and no more will be taken. Our new Queen will be announced at the May Queen Party the following day! Date and place for that: Date: Saturday 4th May Time: 8pm (BST) Location: Shire Rose Kin-Hall, Brightdown So get Voting!! |
Bring ALL yer family ta the April OAKS ta hear Harfang
By Acorne Oakley Hiya! HEY! Did ya feel what happened not so long ago !?! I woke up early one mornin about a month ago and decided ta go fer a lil walk around the neighbourhood. I strolled over ta the door of my burrow and soon found myself rollin backwards across my front room back against the wall by the fireplace. I struggled ta stand up and go fer the door agin and ....then...I fell down as my whole burrow seemed ta move under me. I swear I felt all of Middle Earth move! Then I went crashin back inta my readin room and all the books come flyin off my bookcase and I suspect one of them must have hit my lil noggin cause everythin went black fer days... When I woke up it felt different sumhow... I went out my front door and looked around Oldfurlong. My fish pond were still there and all them fish were still swimmin merrily around ..there was my modest cookfire and it seemed nuthin was burned.. BUT...it all seemed strangely new sumhow??? anyhow...I managed ta git out of my burrow just in time ta hop over ta the town square fer the March OAKS..wit the bouncin songs of the Gallic Frogs Band!! ( remember the band that won last Weatherstock? ) There was a bunch of us..the Frogs & the Frog-luvers drinkin, smokin, laughin, and dancin on inta the nite. What an outstandin performance! Here be sum of them magick drawings from dear Miss Leddy so ya can re-live that happy time.. Now it be time fer the showers *giggles* ya no...April be known fer April showers All kinds of showers...rain..snow...gold coins if ya be a bit dwarfie ...maybee even a shower of luv I herd an old fella down near Waymeet singin... " shower the folks ya luv wit luv...show 'em just how ya feel ..." ( aint that kind of like a hug? ) In Oldfurlong we gonna have lots of hugs goin around the last Saturday of April when ya bring yer family ta meet Harfang's family. Yup..this will be the first of them family gettin-all-t'gethers we are so fond of in the summertime. What's that? Ya never herd them afore? Well...ya're in luck cause here's yer chance! What kind of music do they play ya ask? They plays lively music ..good fer shakin off the winter blues. when we party all nite long wit... Harfang!!  where: the town square of the Oldfurlong neighborhood in the Shire homesteads ((Altfurch auf Deutsch / Longuevieille en français)) when: Saturday April 27th at eight bells in the evenin (( 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET / 15:00 server time )) warm hugs ta all, Acorne |
More information about the Search for the Singing Spring Badgers
By Peppy Bristlebrush Just a few more days and we'll know whether Singing Badgers really exist... or not. Meanwhile the scholars of the Grand Order of the Lost Mathom have narrowed the search area a bit and would like to see you there on Date: Sunday April 14th Time: 7:30PM ((UK / 2:30PM servertime)) Location: Budgeford, The Shire. Loc: 31.0S, 65.3W. See map/image below. More information can be read in another article.  I'm really exited about this, as we have been promised a musical in case the Badgers don't show up. But I hope they will, ofcourse. Come and see for yourself! These search trips are quite unique and come only once a year. You are all very welcome and no need to bring your own porksausages and bacon (Miss Tibba was heard murmuring: "But we won't object if you do, as long as you share!"). That would be like bringing water to the Brandywine River.  Stage area. ((We recommend turning down frill density.)) |
Search for the musical badgers: the May Queen
By Lina Willowwood Like we always do this time of year, we go into the woods to try find
them mysterious badgers who greet the spring with song every year. We
never really find them, but if not, we might be lucky enough to have
someone play us some music, eh?  Date: Sunday April 14th As usual, we’ll just have to go try find those singing spring badgers in the Shire forests. As usual, we’ll probably be disappointed. So, the Brandy Badgers have a backup musical for the night, telling the tale of … Fredegar Mugwort, dashing musician extraordinaire, trying to sign up his best friend for the Shire May Queen election. But he didn’t figure on the Black Queen of Bad End signing up too. And that he might need badger help! The suspense! Welcome to a tale of high drama, low comedy, hard tests and soft berries! And lots of grand music. Come join us! (( OOC details: The musical will be performed by The Brandy Badgers, an in-house music collective of the Grand Order of the Lost Mathom. This is a hobbit-themed tale, although if there are travellers from
out of bounds who have good reason to be into hobbit music and badger
mythology, then by all means come! Just remember to behave well and stay
at the back, so you don’t block the view of the locals! This is also a
roleplaying event, so please keep chat in-character and don’t discuss
things not belonging in Middle Earth. )) |
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