As promised, here is a full review of the recent Australasian Convention of the Richard III Society.

The biennial convention for the Australasian Branches of the Richard III Society was hosted in 2019 by the Victoria Branch of the Richard III Society. The venue was the Beau Monde International Hotel in Doncaster East and it was there that delegates convened on Friday, August 9, to enjoy an evening of reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Registration was accompanied by inspection of very desirable gift bags, a choice of drinks and canapes before most enjoyed dinner at the hotel.

Julia telling Shakespeare what he could have done better – quite emphatically!

Saturday began early with a welcome from Victoria Branch chairman Ron and a message from Society chairman Phil Stone. Then began the two-day programme of presentations that included David (Vic) on John Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Dorothea (NSW) on Hertford, its castle and charm and place in history, and Julia (NSW) with her thoughts that Shakespeare could have done better. In this context she mentioned The Final Act of Mr Shakespeare by Robert Winder, which she had reviewed for this website.

We were privileged to see a video of Professor Jane Evans of Leicester analysing the skeleton of Richard III to reveal much about him as a person. Then it was the turn of Dr Jenny Spinks from Melbourne University on renaissance men and books, metalwork and art in 15th century Nuremberg.

JOAS demonstration of medieval arms and armour

This was followed by members of the JOAS (Juvenis of Accendo Sarcalogos) Living History Society from Ballarat, who gave a splendid demonstration of medieval arms and armour – and after some of us tested the weight of some items, even “small” ones such as gloves, understood why war horses had to be so powerfully built.

Testing the weight of some pieces of armour

Anne (Vic) spoke on the medieval story “Ipomedon”, a copy that was found in in Richard III’s possession after his death with his signature and approving comment: tant le desire. Louise (WA) spoke on Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham – “the most untrue person living” and Helen and Denise (NSW and ACT) explained how study of the revised portrait and reconstruction of Richard’s head could give us an idea of how he would have sounded.

Getting ready for the banquet

Saturday evening and it was time for the banquet, with many in medieval costume posing for some cameras and enjoying some mulled wine and canapes. Then the traditional Candle Ceremony took place when representatives of all branches lit a candle on behalf of their members.

Michael and Yvonne (Vic) were responsible for the Subtlety – a massive and superbly iced and decorated confection. Loyal toasts were proposed to The Queen (Ron), King Richard III (Louise) and Friends of the Society (Rob, Australasian Vice President and NZ secretary).

The subtlety

Sunday morning started with a video from Mark (Qld), unable to attend, on his search for Richard III. Robert (Vic) followed with a worthy consideration of Polydore Vergil’s Memoir of Richard III. Rob (Australasian Vice President and NZ secretary) then conducted a business session in which Sue’s offer on behalf of the South Australia Branch to host the 2021 Convention was warmly welcomed.

After morning tea break Mercia spoke on medieval courts and the legal profession of the times, before a final offering from Ron and some of his Victoria branch associates, plus Rob (NZ) explaining how Richard got his hump. Unbelievable! But incredibly amusing.

Then it was wrap-up time: the raffle was drawn for a wide selection of prizes and the quiz answers given before delegates formed a circle of farewells and singing of Auld Lang Syne – until the next time (20-22 August 2021 in Adelaide).