May 23, 2007
Dear Knights,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this missive but alas, it must be done. After 10 years of teaching young people in South Florida swordsmanship, archery, heraldry, armoring and all that goes into making a Chivalrous Knight, we the King and Queen of Summer Knights must forego the summer of 2007 in order to address pressing health issues (specifically King Magnus’ Achilles tendon injury) and mounting difficulties in our personal lives. This decision was not an easy one to make and we agonized over it until, ultimately, unfortunate circumstances made it impossible to avoid this unpleasant outcome.
Over the last decade we have derived so much joy from teaching others about the Middle Ages. Our passionate pursuit for authenticity, historicity and our firm belief that the values of Chivalry make a better person for the 21st century have helped make Summer Knights so special for its enrolled Knights, its Household Knights and indeed, for ourselves as well. Over the years, we have been so very proud to follow the progress of our Knights and Household; they have shone above all others with their knighthood and Chivalry as their guide. And so it is all the more difficult for us not to deliver another spectacular summer of medieval fun in what has become a central part of our lives and a cornerstone of our character and values.
We would like to thank all the people who have helped us over the years; from parents and drivers that helped ferry knights to and from the Everglades archery range to the many, many friends and family that have added their help and contributions to make it all come together. We would like to offer special thanks to Dana Chatoo, one of the world’s great archers, Neil Ottoway, a Master Class Falconer (and trebuchet engineer!), and the great people at the Miami Elks Lodge for their lasting support and great friendship. Above all, we wish to offer our sincerest thanks and our highest praise to our mighty, mighty Royal Household and their families, without whom Summer Knights could never have succeeded year-after-year. It is our Royal Household, who worked so hard behind the scenes each year, which we will miss the most. Their dedication and hard work represent all that is magnificent in the next generation. The King and Queen have always felt truly blessed for their friendship and love; like the proudest parents of the brightest and the best young people on Earth.
We are not certain what the future holds for Summer Knights, but we know its past to be one of magic and discovery, filled with fond memories that will endure through the passing of time. We apologize for any inconvenience or hardship that our unfortunate decision may have caused anyone and we do hope for your understanding in this matter. And, once again, thank you all so much for helping Summer Knights become the first, and only, medieval summer camp in the world.
Yours in Chivalry,
King Magnus and Queen Branwyn
Sovereigns of the Master Knights