Coronavirus: Events & Services Update

Coronavirus: Changing Work Practices

I've been developing numerous new educational sessions and events over the last 18 months, designed for seasonal delivery, from May onward this year (some of which are, for example, listed on my teaching website, here). These events were to be made available to a range of prospective clients, for presentation at various locations (such as local & regional groups; museums & other historic sites; and at the Antiquarian Academy).

However, the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which now affects all of our lives - for many people, substantially - makes it necessary for large sectors of the population to rethink and reorganise business practices. This is particularly so where and when the work environment involves close contact: evasive action in the form of social distancing and isolation (alongside hygiene procedures) is required in order to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and so reduce the extents of severe illness and death.

Medical guidance has led to the introduction of restrictions by the UK government, requiring closure of many public venues and business premises, and where possible, transference from office- to home-based working, in order to limit travel and social contact. Reduction in services is inevitable, with these essential measures liable to significantly constrain various professions - including those within which I work. Education, research, tourism and entertainment are all affected; with closure of universities and colleges; libraries and archives; museums and other historic sites; theatres, pubs, cafes, hotels and other venues; resource retail outlets.

Services and; events unavailable during the COVID-19 restrictions

I will consequently be unable to provide events or services, or engage in community work, that involves meetings and other group gatherings or travel. Research and fieldwork opportunities are substantially reduced due to inaccessible local studies and regional public record offices; and delayed and limited access to other resources and materials. To ensure the safety of communities, clients, participants, and family, as much as possible, this will continue until the relevant authorities announce that such activities are once more considered safe, and resources and materials again become available, as required.

Duration

Exactly when this unprecedented situation might come to an end is at present unknown, although current constraints will certainly be in place for several weeks, probably several months - possibly longer; medical opinion suggests that the pandemic is likely to impact society for a year or more, although how this may impact business practices in the long-term is as yet unclear. These constraints are also likely to take a toll on the mental health of many.

Services under development for delivery during the COVID-19 restrictions

It is widely recognised that culture and heritage engagement can be of great benefit to psychological and emotional well-being, as well as being significantly beneficial for audiences' educational and professional development. It is therefore very important that, while visiting historic and other heritage sites is not possible, other forms of interaction and participation are widely available to enhance what for many are now considerably restricted environments and experiences, and stressful circumstances.

In response to these challenges, I am exploring how I might re-write some of the sessions designed for delivery at historic sites, for presentation as remote (e.g. audio / video streaming) events (potentially incorporating live home-based participation); and as audio-visual presentations and digital resource packs to view online and download. As most schools are now closed, and most parents of small children are now faced with providing for their education and occupation at home for at least several weeks, I hope to include some materials that families might do together, alongside those aimed at my principle adult audience.

In re-writing and -organising events, I aim to provide a selection of resources and events that are both 'fun' and educational, some potentially providing brief respite from current problems. Others may focus on 'learning from the past', at times approaching 'uncomfortable' topical subjects (such as death and disease). In this way, content and materials might both provide information that challenges misuse of history in 'scare-mongering', and propagating harmful 'myths'; and generate 'difficult' but necessary consideration and discussion of sensitive issues. Exploring common experiences, past and present, as well as highlighting differences, might also bring comfort, and a induce a sense of control, potentially reducing anxieties by enhancing knowledge and understanding.

While as an independent educator I do not provide accredited educational courses, I am endeavouring to incorporate (optional) assessed participation within some sessions and resources, in recognition that many find stimulation and sense of achievement through evaluated learning formats; and I am working towards providing quizzes and informal competitions through which local communities might extend social networks.

Original material for the 'Austen Age' Time 'Tec Taster Tournament: Seeking Sophie' challenge that I developed as part of the Antiquarian Academy 2018 Heritage Open Days event is still available (the resources are also collected together here), which is freely open to all. I am in the process of redeveloping this activity to more easily use online mapping resources (such as Google Maps Street Map facility), to prevent field trips. When completed, I will upload the resources to Seeking Sophie Time 'Tec Challenge page (on the Material Pasts Distance Learning & Family Activities page (permalinks to follow: password-access while under development).

I also hope to present free events for this year's HOD Festival in September, presented remotely, if restrictions are still in place; and if possible the CBA Festival of Archaeology in July, likewise delivered virtually if necessary.

Availability of modified services, events and resources

I'm aware that many are suffering loss or substantial reduction of earnings; and that charities are struggling to maintain crucial support for many already in dire need. So for the duration of this crisis, I hope to make at least some of these materials freely available, with others accessible through small donations to relevant charities by audiences / participants in a position to do so (waived to vulnerable & self-isolating persons, and those on low-incomes). I'm also looking into presenting more exclusive 'virtual visiting lectures' directed at families and households, remote-working businesses, and other groups; with all and any profits donated to relevant charities.

These revised services and resources will necessitate the acquisition of new skills; their production is therefore likely to take longer than I would wish. Although I have been exploring the provision of digital resources, such as tours, for some time; and over winter had been looking into providing digital workshops, craft packs and other resources; this has primarily been based around site visits. But I'm working as quickly as possible to get to grips with new approaches - and consequently different technology - so that I might make these available soon. Keep checking back here, and on social media, for updates (and / or join the mailing list).

Please let me know (using the contact form) if you are prospectively interested in any of these events, services and / or resources, so that I might direct my (limited) energies in the most efficient and beneficial way.

Best wishes to all at this difficult time.

Again, it's been a while. I had hoped to open the doors of the Antiquarian Academy once more back in summer 2019, after taking a trip for recuperation, but during which I took a turn for the worse, and returned home in even poorer health. This necessitated cancellation of the Heritage Open Days event I was hoping to host, and the Autumn / Winter teaching that I'd planned.

Since then I've undertaken specialist rehabilitation for the 'frail' and fatigued, and have been attempting to put into practice the guidance provided (I must now take this chance to say thanks to the fabulous staff at the RDH & LRCH - especially the two 'H's). This has enabled me to prepare for returning to teaching & some community work (though much fieldwork is now unfortunately beyond me for the foreseeable future). Frustratingly (I'm still working on the change of mindset required for the change of pace), from now on this must necessarily be less intensive & at a slower pace than previously.

Due to my prolonged 'sick leave' a large back-log of work has accumulated - especially that relating to the community projects with which I'm involved (being unavailable to train and manage volunteers to take up the slack), which will take quite a while to complete / write-up. Unable to do more than occasional teaching, I've also been without regular earnings for some time, so in preparing my occupational return I've had to prioritise professional employment.

To this aim, I've spent much time exploring and developing new approaches that easily accommodate additional disabilities in ways that wouldn't compromise either quality and content, or the enjoyment or achievements of prospective event / resource participants and audiences; and that require the absolute minimum of adjustments (principally being able to sit when required). 

This process has incorporate re-building my Material Pasts teaching website. The primary content is nearly completed, though the site still under construction while I add a little more information and fix broken links. There will be a wide range of new prospective events open for commission; and I'm just about in a position to follow-up some of the expressions of interest received last year. 

However, the current pandemic crisis means that this will all have to go on hold, and I must now focus my attention on again modifying teaching practice given the widespread restrictions that prevent many from working 'normally' (I'll discuss this more in a following post). So after nearly two years planning and preparing, it's back to the drawing board. But I have quite a few ideas that I'm starting to get excited about - so keep checking back (and / or join the mailing lists / follow the blog) here, on the Material Pasts website, and on social media, for updates.

I hope to be able to soon offer a number of free virtual events and resources (and may have some payed events & resources - the profits from which I intend to donate to relevant charities), that might go some way to keeping people entertained, thinking, and engaged with the historic environment, while confined to quarters.

More on these in a following post.

Christmas is coming to the Academy...

As mentioned in a brief  post on the Academy Facebook page yesterday, my quietness online reflects concentration of thought & activity in developing new ideas and materials (as is usual). Since the HOD event (& completion of the 'Seeking Sophie 'Time Tec' Challenge) I've been working on digital 'cultural heritage experiences' for winter (hopefully for Christmas - though as explained on Facebook, technical issues continue to delay progress).

Earlier this year I completed what is effectively an e-book on the Regency Christmas - focusing on  Derby & Derbyshire in the late 1790s - 1820s - which will form part of the 'course materials' for a digital learning package. I'm now tweaking this a little to better fit the other materials that I intend to add.

I'm also working on a digital package - designed for cold winter evenings beside the fire! - that explores beliefs & practices in the area at this time relating to ghosts & the dead.

I'm experimenting with new resources & technologies, to see what formats work best (within the framework of extending access by keeping costs low, having to employ software that's free to the public, & does not require the involvement of an app producer / computer programmer!). So I'm still at the developmental stage for some elements of the packages. But the challenge is proving to be as enjoyable as it is demanding, and I hope that those who engage with these materials find as much amusement as I have in their making.

I shall explain content in more detail when closer to the release date - so watch this space!

Update: Experimentation continues on a wide range of more accessible resources, which I hope will be available in time for Xmas 2019.

#Seeking Sophie: Have you Triumphed as a Trail-blazing Time 'Tec?!

Are you a Trail-blazing Time 'Tec?! 

The answers to the Seeking Sophie challenges will go public at the end of the month (30 September). In the mean-time, if you think you've triumphed, & would like to check, you'll need to accomplish one last task, to discover the password to the digital vault in which the answers are kept:

Mary's account of the journey to Derby, & Nancy's account of the journey through & beyond the town, end & begin, respectively, at the same place: the vicinity of what was once a fine house for wealthy gentlemen. The public house that still stands (now nearly alone) close to this place has a date on the front of the building: this date is the key!

Follow this link & enter the code to see the answers!

(The answer page will remain available until the end of the month.)

#Seeking Sophie: The Story Concludes!

With this letter from the attorney, Mr. H., the Seeking Sophie story concludes : Miss. S.'s friends have gathered evidence that places the 'gentlemen' at at least one crime scene, when the supposed felon ('Nancy') was behind bars. 

We now leave our antiquarian investigators behind, to let the law take its course - or perhaps (knowing the compassionate nature of some of the players), we might imagine that the villains be given opportunity to flee to the continent to escape justice (instead of meeting their end on the scaffold, or in a convict colony).

Thank you to all those who have been following the story, & having a go at the Seeking Sophie challenges. 

Should any 'time 'tecs' wish to know the answers to these challenges, instructions on how to enter the digital vault in which they are stored will be provided on Sunday (23rd September), & the answers stored until the end of the month (September 2018).  

#Seeking Sophie: Mrs. Leach Finds Another Clue!

I append a copy of the note I sent to S. M., after finding another clue - which I suspect may prove very significant!

I now await Mr. H's report from the country, which I hope will enable us to round up our case!

#Seeking Sophie: Mrs. Leach Speaks with Nancy!

In my endeavours to investigate the Seeking Sophie mystery, I was so fortunate as to visit Nancy in the County Jail (where she awaits transportation on false conviction for theft). The following is a copy of the letter I sent to S. M., relating the young woman's testimony of the journey she made with Miss. S. & Mary through the town, & beyond to their place of confinement. 

I provide a map of the town that, in conjunction with the county map already provided, may be used to plot the journey.

I have news that Mr. H extracted further particulars on his visit to the country estate, which I shall forward tomorrow (& I anticipate may be the final piece of evidence required to ensure the release of Nancy & Miss. S. from their respective confinements). 

#Seeking Sophie: 'Nancy's Nook' Investigations!

Stratigraphy: Nancy's Nook Site

For those following the Seeking Sophie story who couldn't make it to Sunday's Heritage Open Days event (‘Antiquarian Academy’ ‘Austen Age’ Time ‘Tec Taster Tournament! - see this post for more information), here's one piece of evidence for the Case File presented at the event: the archaeological 'section' drawing of the evidence revealed through S.M.'s excavation of the hoard site on Miss. S's country estate (as mentioned in this letter).

The challenge was first to put the archaeological layers & features in chronological order (starting with 1 at the top - the most recent archaeological 'event'); a glossary was provided to explain the terms used.

Then examining the artefacts 'recovered' from this site (their position on the section marked by a white diamond shape), to provide a basic chronology for the layers & features (taking into account the 'Laws of Stratigraphy' & the notion of 'Terminus Post Quem' - or 'T.P.Q.'); again information & a glossary were provided to explain the terms used. 

The final challenge was to consider whether any of this evidence (including that revealed from examination of the hoard - also on display) might tell us anything about when the hoard was buried. This clue may be of use when considered in conjunction with evidence to be revealed this week! Mrs Leach was on hand to get participants started in their investigations, and provide help, as required.

Photos of the displays & activities can be viewed in the Flickr album.

The remaining evidence for the case will be revealed, & the antiquarian adventure conclude, this week.

‘Austen Age’ Time ‘Tec Taster Brings Antiquarian Academy Open Events to a Close for 2018

Thanks to those who supported Sunday's Heritage Open Days event - ‘Antiquarian Academy’ ‘Austen Age’ Time ‘Tec Taster Tournament! - particularly those who kindly helped with the preparation of displays.

Though still concentrating on the Regency era, this year's HOD was different to that of 2017 in presenting a smaller exhibition, in order to provide more hands-on activities.There were various opportunities for visitors to try their hand at archaeological investigation & interpretation (with lots of 'finds' to handle & examine closely); & small displays on the theme of travel in Regency Derbyshire, and the changing regional landscape at this time.

Both the displays & activities related to the 'Seeking Sophie' history mystery / 'Austen Age' story & 'e-quest' (a series of challenges that can be undertaken using digital material; and for those able to follow a local trail, gathering evidence 'in the field' - providing opportunities to enhance understanding of & actively engage with the historic environment).

By participating in some of the activities, visitors could (with Mrs. Leach's help) to reveal vital clues for the Seeking Sophie Case Files - and learn some of the methods of archaeological & historical investigations in the process. The 'Seeking Sophie' challenge concludes this week (for more information on this 'e-quest', enter 'Seeking Sophie' in the search bar at the top of the page).

More photos of the displays & activities can be viewed in the Flickr album.

This is likely to be the last open / public Antiquarian Academy event for a while. As mentioned on the Antiquarian Academy Events Page, for the remainder of 2018 & early 2019 I intend to principally provide digital learning experiences ('armchair antiquarian adventures', self-guided tours in the local landscape, & challenges); although I may if approached by small groups (or public groups, if enough people express an interest in attending) also provide talks on the subjects they cover at the 'Academy'.

#Seeking Sophie Letter 10: Brief Instructions - Time 'Tecs on the Case

The following letter (a copy of that I sent to the stalwart S.M.) outlines the brief for the Seeking Sophie Time 'Tecs, which will be explained in more detail at the Academy meeting on Sunday.

I shall place at least some of this information - & related evidence not already shared - here next week, along with Nancy's account of the journey through & beyond Derby to Miss. S.'s place of confinement, & other material necessary to conclude investigations.

It is possible that S.M. or Mr. H. might in the meantime provide me with further evidence from their visit to Miss. S.'s family seat, which I shall forward as soon as received.

Letter 10: Brief Instructions -  Time 'Tecs on the Case

#Seeking Sophie Letter 9: Destination Derby - Final Instalment of Mary's Travels Through Regency Derbyshire

In this letter, the 3rd & final instalment of Mary's recollections of her journey - entering Derby.

The Time 'Tec brief will follow tomorrow, ready for Sunday's meeting, when the Regency detective team will have opportunities to examine some of the evidence for this case.

#Seeking Sophie Letter 8: Mrs. Mary's Journey Through Derbyshire - 2nd Instalment

As part of the Seeking Sophie story, maid Mary gives an account of her journey across Regency Derbyshire (with her mistress Sophie, the young lady's servant Nancy & footman George - and the somewhat suspicious Cook & Coachman).

The principal investigator in this history mystery (who, in hoping to keep a low profile, is known simply by the initials 'S.M.') is sending Mary's account in three parts, of which this is the second. It happens to be the longest - but may contain useful clues! (Skip to the translations on pages 4-7 if short on time.)

Using the map provided in the previous post, time 'tecs can track the route the carriage took, along the coaching roads of the day (& the pubs they visited on the way that are still open today!).

This 12-year-old courageous companion to Miss. S. in her time of need speaks (& writes) in broad Derbyshire dialect - which may be quite difficult to decipher. But fear not: the attorney (Mr. H.) who assists the team of time 'tecs has provided a translation at the end of each installment.

The final installment of Mary's account will be provided tomorrow; followed by the Time 'Tec brief on Friday. 

 Letter #8:  'Mrs. Mary's' Journey Through Derbyshire - 2nd Installment

As with the previous letters, these documents are brought together with the other evidence on the Seeking Sophie Case File page.

#Seeking Sophie: Mapping Mary's Memories - Travels in Regency Derbyshire

Regency-era traveller's map of Derbyshire (redrawn from Cary, 1792)

As I mentioned in the last post, if you're following the Seeking Sophie story (& if you'd like to take part in the Tournament: see this post for further information), you can trace the journey by which Miss. S. was abducted, following her servant, Mary's account on the map of the era.

I have redrawn this map (due to the poor quality reproduction of the original copy; I have had to omit the more illegible place-names), which comes from a 1790s traveller's guide that still seems to have been used in the Regency.

It must be said the map doesn't seem particularly accurate - I can but wonder how many Regency travellers went astray with only this for their guide! So I advise modern readers to use more recent maps in conjunction - though doing so will reveal that some of the roads used in the 21st century were not yet built at this time (several being constructed over the last decade of the 18th- & early decades of the 19th-centuries).

I included this element of the story (& Tournament) as landscape studies - observing, recording & interpreting the natural & man-made environment, and particularly change over time - are an important aspect of archaeological investigation (landscapes being to all intents and purposes archaeological artefacts - being made & modified by people in the past).

Some local readers might find it fun to trace the coaching route in person - the routes survive (& public houses mentioned are still open) today! Such trails (and other guides) will form part of the digital learning packages that I intend to provide (see the events page for more information).

After the event I shall provide a similar challenge set on the streets of Derby!

#Seeking Sophie Letter 7: Abduction - Mrs. Mary Speaks (in broad 18th century Derbyshire dialect!)

In this next instalment of the Seeking Sophie story, S.M. forwards the first part of the young serving girl's (Mary's) description of the journey taken with her mistress, Miss. Sophie; Miss. S.'s waiting maid, Nancy; footman George (I'm beginning to think that there might be something between these two!); and the new cook & coachman (both of dubious character).

We now know that this journey was effectively one of abduction, in which Miss. S. was removed from her home to be more easily forced into marrying Admiral Crawford, friend of her so-called 'guardians'.

Little Mary recollects the route taken (& stops made on the way), lest this be of use in finding her young mistress. But the girl is self-taught, and writes as she speaks (in broad 18th century Derbyshire dialect!), so her account may take some deciphering! Tip: if used to hearing 'Derbicisms', the account will probably be easier to understand if read out-loud - and get grandparents on the case!

(Dr. J has said a little here about how & why she is using this format to relay Mary's testimony. In brief, this text has been compiled using contemporaneous antiquarian works on Derbyshire dialect. But in order to make this more widely accessible, she provides merely a broad popularist phonetic rendition, rather than a technically accurate 'transcription'.)

For those who find the dialect too cumbersome, translations are also supplied after each account.

If you're following the story (& if you'd like to take part in the Tournament: see this post for further information), you can trace the journey on the period map I shall supply in the following post.

#Seeking Sophie Letter 6: The Game's Afoot!

Letter #6: The Game's Afoot!

This letter is the final communique regarding the discoveries of S. M. (friend of Miss. Sophie - & the driving force behind the investigation); the next batch of letters contain the testimony of servant Mary relating the journey she took with Miss. S., her waiting maid Nancy, & footman George.

#Seeking Sophie: Letter 5 - Too Late?

In today's #Seeking Sophie instalment, (Letter 5 - Too Late?) we receive bad news...

#Seeking Sophie Letter 4: Further intelligence - and another ally!

The fourth letter in the #Seeking Sophie story brings further intelligence - and another ally!

Seeking Sophie's Secret Letters: #1 The Story Begins...

As mentioned in a previous post (& explained further on Dr J's blog, here), I'm putting many of the resources for the Antiquarian Academy's next event online, so that those who can't make it to the free workshop (& so take part in the 'Tournament', and be entered for the winning prize) can join in. (To reserve a place in the Heritage Open Days  'Austen Age' Time 'Tec Taster Tournament, tickets can be obtained here.)

The story of this history mystery challenge - and the tasks required of Mrs Leach's assistant antiquarian detectives - is presented in a series of letters, which I shall present most days running up to the event on 16 Sept.; the 'case files' will be collected together, on a webpage, here. So without further ado, here is the first: The Story Begins...

I am endeavouring to upload a PDF of the letter, for easier reading; if you would like a PDF copy in the meantime, message or email Mrs. Leach.

The story continues tomorrow!

Seeking Sophie: forthcoming free ‘Antiquarian Academy’ event for Heritage Open Days 2018

I’m pleased to announce the details of the next event at the ‘Antiquarian Academy’, on Sunday 16th September as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival (so free entry!). Although this event continues the ‘Age of Austen’ series, the format and content will be a little different – as might be realized by the title: the ‘Time ‘Tec Taster Tournament’! As this is a bit of a mouth full (and as I may develop similar events in the future), this event also goes by the shorter title of ‘Seeking Sophie’. My 21st - century counterpart, Dr. Jarrett, talks about how and why she has developed this event (including a brief outline of the academic research that informs the approaches adopted) on her blog, here; so I shall here explain what participants should expect” 

Readers might notice that this is a ‘taster’ event; it provides opportunities to experience aspects of the digital & multi-media educational tours that I am in the process of developing (or rather Dr, J. is on my behalf, as the technology is somewhat advanced for my time), which engage with the historic environment in absorbing and entertaining ways, while also providing opportunities to learn about and put into practice some of the methods used in archaeology. 

Seeking Sophie blends fact and fiction (including some of Jane Austen’s characters, and local material and places) in a ‘history mystery’ set in the Regency era, which contestants (there will be a small prize for the winner) – aided by Mrs. Leach and a brave band of associates – can solve by pitting their wits against a gang of vile villains. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted – involving tales of heinous crimes including abduction & forced marriage; false imprisonment – potentially resulting in capital punishment; highway robbery & murder; and other dastardly deeds! But intended to amuse as well as educate, it won’t be too grisly! The incidents, characters, and some of the places portrayed are invented, but informed by real case studies, and through extensive archaeological historical research into crime & punishment; love & marriage; death & burial; travel & tourism; and other topics – which Mrs. Leach examines through various ‘Academy’ events. 

The mission involves completion of several tasks. These include ‘decoding’ documents (in Derbyshire dialect for the braver contestants!) to reveals clues; listening to or reading witness testimony; and following a kidnapping carriage by musing over old maps; to determine the whereabouts of an heiress in dangerous company; and using archaeological techniques of detection to discover the secrets of a stolen hoard and buried body – and so set free fettered friends, and put an end to the rogues’ evil doings. But this is no typical heroine-rescue fantasy, for the theme of this year’s HOD festival is ‘Extraordinary Women’ – and fearless females play leading roles in this story! 

Evidence – in the form of letters and notes between allies – will be shared online in the days leading up to the event, providing background information, and outlining the brief, and providing a challenge that may be completed before the workshop. Anyone may try their hand at online tasks, but in-it-to-win-it contestants (whose entries will be scrutinised by Mrs. L., to be considered for the prize) need to attend a single short (c. 15-minute) workshop at the HOD ‘Antiquarian Academy’ event. In order to enable more contestants take part, the ‘micro-lesson’ will be repeated several times during the event (at 6.30 pm, 6.50 pm, 7.10 pm & 7.30 pm). 

Mrs. Leach will get contestants started on their quest (under her supervision & instruction) at a mini-workshop, using against-the-clock challenges to develop the basic archaeological skills needed to solve the case – including identifying ‘forensic’ evidence through artefact analysis, and interpreting ‘crime scene’ records. Completing the challenges reveals a code that permits access to the online case file and brief (contestants without internet access should contact Mrs. Leach after obtaining a ticket & at least 7 days before the event, to arrange access to hard copies of material, a small number only of which may be made available on request). Contestants may enter as individuals, or in a team (on a single ticket). If entering as a team, only one member attends the workshop; but the rest of the team are of course welcome to come along to see the displays (some of which may help them in their challenge). 

After the session, contestants will continue the challenge in their own time, elsewhere, which may include gathering evidence in and around the town, and perhaps the county (though it may be possible to complete challenges using local knowledge & other information and resources, such as search engines, and Google Maps; but contestants will perhaps get more out of the challenges if venturing out ‘into the field’, encountering late Georgian routes and sites that are still with us today – including pubs!). 

Contestants have a fortnight to submit their entries by email (submission of entries by post may be arranged prior to the HOD event). If there are several successfully completed entries, the winner wil be drawn. The prize for an individual winner will be a Regency-style miniature portrait; if a team wins, they will receive a group Regency-style silhouette portrait; in either case, this will require the individual or group to send in photo (instructions will be provided), or to come to the ‘Academy’ (by appointment) to have a photo taken. Individuals and groups taking part might instead (or as well) like to share photos taken during participation on the ‘Academy’ Facebook Page, Twitter, and / or this Blog, which might be used if winners. 

Places are limited, so pre-booking is strongly advised: participation cannot otherwise be guaranteed (mailing-list members are given priority access to tickets: to join the list, see this page). If all the places are not filled prior to the event, it may be possible to take part on a first-come-first-serve basis; please do not arrive at the venue more than a few minutes before the event begins, or if intending to participate, after the start of the final session. Please note that there is only sufficient standing space at the venue for a small number of visitors, so visitors (including would-be contestants & teams) might have to wait outside for some time until the display space is clear, should the venue be full on arrival. (Benches will be provided; but it may not be possible to provide cover – so bring an umbrella in case of rain or hot sun; also note there are no public toilets or refreshments at this venue.) 

The event is listed on the HOD website; and tickets will be available via the Eventbrite ticket page, here, or by contacting Mrs. Leach (using the details given on the HOD event page, here). Please note, receipt of (not application for) a ticket confirms participation in the 'tournament'; tickets not required for visitors not taking part as contestants. 

The letters through which the story unfolds – and which contain clues to solve the mystery – will be posted here over the next few weeks, and postings notified via the mailing list, Facebook, or Twitter: readers can subscribe to this website or the mailing list, or follow on Twitter or Facebook so as not to miss out. 

Mailing list members (to join the list, see this page) have priority access to tickets here (password access) until 31 August, at which time they will be made generally available (no password required).