Reviews of Camp 2005
The July 2005 camp focused on the Bardic traditions within Druidry, of storytelling, music, poetry, history, mythology : the magic of words and sound. Because, back in 2002, we had also created a camp around Bardic crafts, this time, inspired in part by the silliness of Asterix, we called it : The Back to Bardix Camp ...
In the beautiful meadows, edged by streams, woodland and fields, the camp gathered
once more, the rich individuality of the community coming together in peace,
to share teachings, laughter, stories and tranquillity.
As has become traditional, there is Stav first thing in the morning, and then Circle Dancing just before the morning meeting,
when the whole camp is invited to gather in the main marquee to hear about the day's activities.
Teachers, performers and facilitators are introduced, and the prayers for the day are made, and a call for awen.
At this camp, amongst many others, we were honoured to have Kris Hughes of
The Anglesey Druidic
Order talk about the Awenyddion. Talyessin, Bard of Bath, gave a workshop
on writing Bardic poetry.
Liz
Williams, published fantasy novelist, gave a talk on writing fiction,
reaching into the language of the subconscious.
Graham Butcher
shared his vision of the Nordic gods and myths. Kestrel shared her knowledge of Taliesin,
the historical poet as opposed to the mythic hero.
Adrian Beckingham, author of a beautiful book on creation myths published with
the charity Survival, gave a fascinating talk. Ted and Megan offered the opportunity once again to find
effective ways of putting drama and storytelling into ritual.
The hugely talented Jim Faupel gave a workshop on Awen. Damh the Bard shared his skills of bushcraft within the context of modern Druidry. And amidst the workshops and talks, the camp hung out around firesides, with friendship and music.
On Saturday morning, it has become traditional for all who wish to be divided
into groups, each of which create a part of the rite that is to be shared
later in the afternoon. At the Back to Bardix camp, this ritual's focus
was the telling of one of our key myths, that of Cerridwen and Taliesin.
On Friday evening, Damh the Bard gave a wonderful performance of his music to a
very appreciative audience. He was followed by the extraordinary Bard,
Fiona Davidson.
On Saturday evening, with good humour and harmony, Arthur and Penny Billington
entertained us, and they were followed by that amazing performer and legend of British music,
Robin Williamson.
Late on Saturday, we were given the honour of a set by awardwinning stand-up comic, Will Hodgson.
Earlier in the camp, he'd been part of a workshop facilitated by Emma Restall Orr on that
essential part of the Bardic craft, satire.
If you have any words or photographs from the camp that you'd like to see up on this page, send them to us and we'll see what we can do. bobcat@druidcamp.org