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Who's who of Jousters
2010
Who's Who of
Re-enactment Groups 2010
Quick links to:
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Black Wolf
Black Wolf are a 12th to 13th century group of
Warrior Traders, during the 60 years of the 2nd, 3rd
and 4th crusades, situated in Outremer (the Middle East),
where we lead a nomadic lifestyle under the noble eye of Duke Robert.
The French Duke’s entourage emanates from all over the known world.
From the West, the Anglish, Italian, Scots and Irish, while from the
East; fighting men and women from the lands of the Magyars ,Kipchak, and
those from Armenia and the Christian Arab forces.
We aim to display a high level of workmanship and correctly portray the
time period of our group. Our static display portrays life in
medieval camp and on the road while also giving insight into how
medieval people lived. We are warriors, traders and merchants doing
God’s work.
Website:
http://sites.google.com/site/dukesblackwolf
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Companie of Knights Bachelor
The Companie
of Knights Bachelor, formed in 1989, is one of Queensland’s oldest
re-enactment groups, portraying the culture, lifestyle and combat of the
late 12th century in the Middle East, known then as the Holy Land or
Outremer. The Companie re-creates the era of the 3rd Crusade, the
time of Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, of brave knights and
beautiful ladies, with the excitement of a medieval tournament, using
real weapons and the clothing of the time. They also aim to give
the public a glimpse of the sights, sounds and smells of day-to-day life
in a 12th century encampment, and demonstrate arts and crafts of the
era, such as cooking, music, spinning, calligraphy and medicine.
Companie members enjoy learning new skills and involving the public in
their displays. New members are always welcome.
Email:
michelle.barton@greencrossvet.com.au
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Companye of Northumbria
The Companye
of Northumbria portrays the period of 1066 to 1215, an age when England
became England. They present a group of artisans and merchants of
diverse backgrounds gathered in Northumbria, thus sharing a rich blend
of cultures. They welcome everyone to their camp for an in-depth
introduction to the lives and crafts of ordinary people living in
extraordinary times.
Contact:
Martin Wynn-Hugues
Phone: 07 3289 4750
Email:
martin_wynnhugues@health.qld.gov.au
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Company
of the Phoenix
The Company of The Phoenix is
a medieval living history group based in Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia. Formed in 2002 with the purpose of accurately
recreating the High Medieval period of European History. Company of the
Phoenix portrays a wide variety of people (personas) - from Noble Ladies
and merchants, tradesmen and archers, to men-at-arms and knights, tavern
keepers and gunners. In early 2003 we expanded to represent local
merchants and nobility, as well as travellers such as pilgrims,
merchants and traders.
The Company of the Phoenix is
a very sociable group, running not only public events, but also events
and social occasions for the group members. We are very family
oriented, and have several children, from toddlers to young adults who
perform with us, along with their parents.
Email:
webmaster@phoenixcompany.org.au
Website:
http://www.phoenixcompany.org.au/
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Company Of The Wolf
Company of
the Wolf represents a free Mercenary company from the High Middle ages.
Company of the Wolf displays a timeline of the great warring periods of
the middle ages, from the later Crusading period of 1250, through the
Hundred Years War, to the end of the War of the Roses and Bosworth Field
in 1485. As fits a collection of the finest hired blades in Europe, our
ranks include members representative of the landless nobility, down to
humble foot soldiers, and camp followers, drawn from across Western
Europe.
Contact:
Tim Wilkins
Email:
Shenko-wolf@hotmail.com
Website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Company_of_the_Wolf
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Condottieri
We are a
group dedicated to recreating an Italian Condottieri encampment in the
year 1480. Various aspects of the lives of Condottieri, Soldiers,
Citizens, Craftsmen and Camp Followers are brought to life for the
entertainment and enjoyment of all. This includes the clothes they
wore, the foods they ate, the games and entertainments they enjoyed,
their arts and crafts and their military and martial skills.
If you are looking for a fun and family friendly environment in which to
experience the Renaissance please talk to one of our members or contact
us.
Email:
enquiries@condottieri.com.au
Website:
www.condottieri.com.au
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Cottereaux - Company of the Dagger
Cottereaux - Company of the Dagger
portrays life on the road for a group of travelling knights, their
men-at-arms and their squires. The group have a predominantly
European background with a smattering of mercenaries from far and wide.
They are travelling through to the 4th Crusade, which was the sacking of
Constantinople. The year is 1204AD. The name is derived from a
French word meaning ‘dagger’. The carrying of a dagger as personal
weapon became synonymous with mercenaries.
Contact: David Hardiker
Email:
davidanita@optusnet.com.au
Website:
http://www.cottereaux.com/
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Crimson Cog
The Crimson
Cog is a high-gothic medieval group based around the ascent of the
Hanseatic League (merchant organisation spanning Northern and Western
Europe) during the period of interregnum in Germany(1250-1300).
The group boasts a household of knights and merchants (aiming for high
authenticity), and displays and activities include tablet weaving,
weapon and tool displays, fire twirling, storytelling for children,
medieval cooking and felting.
Contact:
Nicholas Hale (president of The Crimson Cog)
Phone: 0438 213 348
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Damascus
Damascus is a
living history organisation based in Brisbane, Australia. Our aim is to
recreate and re-enact the Knights of the Order of the Hospital of St.
John of Jerusalem at the end of the 12th century, otherwise known as the
Knights Hospitaler.
At this time
Richard the Lion Heart of England was coming to the end of his crusade
against Saladin and the Islamic peoples of the holy lands (modern day
Israel, Palestine and Syria).
As a small group
we portray an encampment and the day to day activities of the 'Hospitalers'
whilst on their way to join Richard in his crusade. We recreate
the clothing and day to day possessions of the time in addition to
staging combat displays and actively encourage people to enter our camp
and learn a little about the Hospitalers and what they were fighting
for.
Contact:
Lance McNamara Phone:
0432 511 725
Email:
maconmara@yahoo.com
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Das
Törichte Leben
Das Törichte
Leben is a late-medieval living history group based in Brisbane
Australia, where individuals endeavour to re-enact daily life in the
Swiss Cantons circa 1477. Das Törichte Leben takes its name from a band
of discontented free citizens and country-folk from the Canton of Zug
who gave mercenary service during the Burgundian Wars (1474-77).
Additional citizens from surrounding Cantons joined the band and marched
on Geneva to demand payment. This band adopted the name "Das Törichte
Leben" which is German for "The Foolish Life", and adopted the Saubanner
as their emblem. The Saubanner depicts a large sow and three piglets. At
that time, the sow was seen as a symbol of discontent.
Each group member researches and displays a medieval lifeskill or trade
they are interested in such as food, pottery, leatherwork and metalwork.
We also research and display the military skills associated with the
confederate soldier in medieval Switzerland.
Email:
dtllhg@gmail.com
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Eslite d'Corps
A group who
portrays the 14th century period of 1340-1380AD during the reign of King
Edward III of England. Eslite d'Corps pride themselves on high quality
performance and portrayal of individuals in an English knight's retinue
and household and their guests. Activities include combat, arts,
everyday life and culture and much more. Eslite d'Corps is the French
medieval phrase for "body of picked men". It's modern translation today
means "the best in a chosen field" giving the group two goals for its
members to aspire to. Also known as EdC, they focus on high profile
personalities and their ranks include well known names such as the
renowned Sir Justyn Webbe, the infamous Baron Christian Christiansson of
Denmark and the master gunner Mr Wat Dabney.
Email:
sirjustyn@sirjustyn.com
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Historia Germanica
This group
portrays the era of the Landsknechts, fearsome German mercenaries of the
16th century. The Landsknecht fought as mercenaries all over Europe and
North Africa and for some of the most famous monarchs of the period such
as King Henry VIII of England and King Hans of Denmark. When their
bright and outrageous clothing raised the ire of the nobility they
complained to the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian. He knew how brutal,
short and grim life was for the Landknecht soldier, so he granted them
the right to freedom of expression with their clothing. Also when the
Pope banned codpieces, the Landsknechts were given greater impetus to be
as extravagant as possible with their creations, some which resembled a
bad medical condition!
Contact:
Anna Margot Collins
Phone: 0404945177
Email:
margot@millton.net
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Janissary Barracks
The Janissary
Barracks was established in 1999 to study and re-enact the lifestyle in
the mid 15th Century Ottoman Empire. The members of the group have
a diverse range of expertise ranging from construction of Turkish
composite bows and other weaponry, building Ottoman tents, specialising
in costume designs and making, Turkish music, traditional Turkish oil
wrestling etc. At a Janissary Barracks encampment it is possible
to see the sultana of the Ottoman gardens, tulip, in bloom, sample a
piece of sweet Turkish delight, and learn how to cook mouth watering
Middle Eastern dishes.
Contact: Dr Zafer Saraç
Email:
saracz@bigpond.com.au
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Kazuri Tribe
Kazuri Tribe
is a Tribal Style Belly Dance Troupe in Brisbane who cover a large
variety of dance styles. During the 2008 and 2009 Abbey Tournament,
Kazuri Tribe re-enacted as 14th Century Syrian women from towns and
villages. In 2010, Kazuri Tribe will celebrate the role of women in 14th
century Syria, through dance, massage, henna, and embroidery workshops.
Discussions of the role of Syrian women in 14th century society and the
demonstration of a variety of beauty tips from the past will be
conducted.
Contact: Fiona
Email:
kazuritribe@yahoo.com.au
Phone: 0404084457
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Knights Guild of Wessex & Mercia
The Knights
Guild of Wessex and Mercia research history from the 12th century
renaissance. We meet on an event by event basis and our activities
range from feasting (weddings, parties, fundraisers) to sewing days and
archery tournaments for our members to school camps and activity days.
Contact:
Phone: 07
3208 0379
Address: PO Box 2076, Chermside Centre 4032
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Knights
of Empire Germanica
Knights of
the Empire Germanica is a Brisbane based re-enactment group depicting
the Germanic nobility of the Holy Roman Empire from the 1360 to 1415 AD,
recreating the colour, traditions and day to day life of the nobility
and their retainers during that time. As a family oriented group
KEG strives to create an environment that enables learning about
medieval Germanic life. Re-enactment is a fun way of bringing
history to life in an exciting and hands on manner. KEG's members
get to actively create and use their equipment and find out how it all
works in a real life setting. Through combat, arts and crafts each
member of KEG experiences medieval living for themselves.
Email:
knights_empire_germanica@hotmail.com
Phone: 0432
545 115
Website:
http://www.knightsempiregermanica.webs.com
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Knights of the Long Dog
A group which
portrays the 14th century period of 1350-1400 during the reign of King
Edward III of England. The predominantly female group takes King
Edward’s Queen, Philippa of Hainault, as their Patron. Knights of the
Longdog are on a noble quest to educate people about the important role
Greyhounds played in Medieval times, and about what wonderful pets
Greyhounds make. The group represent a new generation of champions –
they don’t wear chain mail, joust or win sword fights. But they’re
brave, fearless, and loyal - much like their Hounds.
Email:
Cambridge_Nyima1@bigpond.com
Website:
www.friendsofthehound.org
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Knights Order of Lion Rampant
Knights Order of
Lion Rampant recreates the culture of Chivalry that flourished in the
late 14th centuries. It is a non-profit organisation dedicated to
re-enacting and researching the life of the European nobility and their
retainers at the end of the 14th Century. Members of Lion Rampant
combine theatre, martial arts, historical research and crafts to
recreate the appearance and atmosphere of a tournament encampment in the
mid to late 14th Century. Based in Brisbane, Australia, the group
perform throughout South East Queensland.
Phone: 0432
251176 or 0411594944
Email:
enquiries@lionrampant.com.au
Website:
www.lionrampant.com.au
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The
Marxbrüder
The
brotherhood of Saint Mark, was originally founded in 1474 and based in
Frankfurt Germany. They were well known throughout Europe for the
quality of the students they produced. We are a revival of that German
‘Fecht Schule’ or “fight school”. Our crest is the winged lion and it
symbolizes courage, strength, nobility and grace.
The focus of the school is to teach the art of the long sword and
various other weapons/disciplines in a safe and friendly environment for
the enjoyment of all. Like our forebears, overall strength and fitness
also plays a significant part in our training structure.
Above all we foster in our school a code of honour, chivalry and respect
akin to the knights and noble warriors of old.
Contact us for more information.
Contact:
Hochmeister Matthew J Hoffmann
Mobile: 0422 903 576
Email:
hochmeister@marxbruder.com
or
matt_hoffmann78@yahoo.com.au)
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Midgard
The Midgard
militia are re-enacting a town militia between 1370 -1430 AD, and mainly
consists of archers. Spears men along with the usual camp followers and
crafts people needed to keep the militia functioning. A town militia
was often a well equipped and disciplined fighting unit that was usually
formed to defend the town against invading enemies and neighbouring
towns. They were very effective fighting units, as good as or even
better than some of the elite troops of the regular army of the time.
Contact:
Lisa Thoresen
Email:
vikingsjon@yahoo.com.au
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New England Medieval Arts Society
The 24 year
old, New England Medieval Arts Society, NEMAS, is a ‘Dark Age’
re-enactment group based in Armidale NSW, with coastal and northern
outposts. NEMAS has built many long houses with a strong link to
the later centuries of 1st millennium, and has a strong membership.
We specialise in the culture, combat and costume of the migration
period, including Saxon, Roman, Greek, Viking and Eastern periods.
NEMAS offers an authentic living experience by way of bringing to life
the fabric and steel of a bygone era. With a strong contingent of
archers, axemen, swords, shield, leatherwork, blacksmithing, fabric and
felt-making, cooking, building and living the life without modern needs,
NEMAS’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading re-enactment groups is
legendary. The group hosts the biennial Armidale Easter Gathering,
bringing together around 450 of Australia's and New Zealand's leading
Dark Age and Medieval re-enactors.
Website:
http://users.tpg.com.au/gpost
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New Varangian Guard -
Rusland
and Joth-Gar Branches
The New
Varangian Guard re-enacts the cultural and military lifestyles of the
Byzantine Empire and her allies during 950 to 1204 AD providing a focus
for people interested in historical re-enactment and recreation. We aim
to provide opportunities and venues for members to practice, display and
teach the skills, arts and crafts that they pursue and make our
recreation as realistic as possible without compromising safety, the
law, or personal enjoyment.
Contact:
Patrick
Email:
timetrooper@bigpond.com
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Oltramar
Oltramar is a
historical display focusing on the lifestyles and culture, equipment and
accoutrements of the European nobility who settled on Cyprus around the
time of the Third Crusade, in the late twelfth century CE. We chose to
examine this place and era because during the Third Crusade Cyprus
became a major trading base between the Holy Lands and Europe, which
resulted in a melting pot of European, Byzantine and Arabic culture and
goods, and makes it a very interesting and flamboyant place to study.
In our
display, particular attention is paid to maintaining a high standard of
equipment and knowledge through intensive research and reconstruction.
Most of our clothing and equipment has been handmade by our members and,
as far as possible, all items are as historically accurate as we can
make them thereby making the group's public displays instructive and
stimulating, and also creating a deeper understanding of the period
through hands-on experience. We aim to extend an enjoyable and
educational experience to the public through practical reconstructions
and displays of equipment and skills from a variety of cultures; to
promote research and public interest in the period through means of
quality displays, and in doing so flesh out the dry bones of written
history by bringing at least a small part of it to life.
Email:
oltramar@optusnet.com.au.
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Order of the Dracul
The Order of
the Dracul is a Brisbane based Living History Group focussing on the
life and times of Prince Vlad III of Wallachia, better known in history
as "Vlad the Impaler", and whose life and exploits form the basis of
Bram Stoker's fictional character "Count Dracula".
The Order is
not a "Dracula" fan club nor seeks to glorify his deeds. Rather it
seeks instead through research and re-enactment, to separate the man
from the myth. The Order invites those with an interest in living
history as well as this fascinating time and place to join.
Email:
weierdo@bigpond.com
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Pavia 1525
The Battle of
Pavia took place at the end of a long siege on the morning of the 23rd
of February 1525 between the forces of the Holy Roman Empire and the
Kingdom of France. It is seen as a pivotal battle in both military and
political history. This titanic clash saw France defeated and the
French king captured. Pavia 1525 is a “living history” society
dedicated to reconstructing and recreating diverse aspects of this
battle and the proceeding campaign.
Activities
include: Combat skills; swordsmanship, cavalry and infantry techniques,
period firearms and other military skills. Lifestyle aspects of an army
on campaign, such as food, camping, games, music and crafts.
Reconstruction of period items such as arms and armour, clothing and
camp items. The re-enactment of segments of the battle and proceeding
engagements.
Email:
deanmaynard@hotmail.com
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Prima Spada School of Fence
Prima Spada represents a school of Renaissance fencing
seeking to revive, teach and practice the ancient art of
Western European Swordplay, based on the concepts and
philosophies of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth
century Spanish Masters of La Destreza, and the Western
Martial Art of Sword as depicted by Gerard Thibault d’Anvers.
Prima Spada incorporates these principles while utilizing
the Rapier, Sword, Great Sword and companion weapons of the
period such as dagger, buckler and cape.
It is hoped that Prima Spada`s display will offer you some
insight into the combat art of the Spanish Renaissance
sword, the skill of its execution, and the unique fencing
style that is Prima Spada.
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Reafan
Reafan’s aim
is to capture the life style and culture of the 10-11 C using wherever
possible, authentic methods and techniques. They are a family-oriented
group with a wide range of skills include spinning, hand sewing, tablet
weaving, embroidery, nalebinding, leather work, jewellery, open fire and
clay oven cooking, pottery and lost wax metal casting.
Email:
gargoyle01@gmail.com
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Rognvalds Lith
Rognvald
Ingvarson was a Swede who served in the Varangian Guard. The club takes
it's banner from a mid 11th century runic inscription from Ed, Uppsala,
Sweden. The runes inscribed read “Rognvald had these runes carved: In
Grikland he was the Leader of a Lith". A lith is also known as "Wartroop"
or "Host".
Formed in
2003, on the Far North Coast of NSW, Rognvalds Lith has become the
Northern Rivers forefront for living history. Displays of Viking
culture and their contemporaries is our main focus.
Website:
http://www.rognvaldslith.com.au
Email:
rognvaldslith@lizzy.com.au
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Saga Vikings
Saga Vikings
covers the period from 793 to 1066, and shows village and family life
through the various crafts and skills of Northern Europe at the time.
Email:
ariann@tpg.com.au
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Shuvani
Romani Kumpania
Shuvani
Kumpania is a tribute group dedicated to lifting the veil of predjudice
and misconception which has shrouded the Romani nation throughout its
history and into the present day. At the festival, the Kumpania
presents a specualtive re-enactment of the lifestyle, culture, music and
dance as it may have existed in the fifteenth century in Moorish
controlled Spain.
Email:
souldance7@bigpond.com
Website:
http://www.souldance.com.au/shuvani.htm
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Society
for Creative Anachronism
The Society
for Creative Anachronism is an international non-profit educational
organisation that is dedicated to the research and recreation of
pre-17th century European History, with a particular focus on its
practical applications in arts and sciences, including costuming,
cooking, martial arts, dance, calligraphy and illumination, metalwork,
archery and music (to name but a few!). We are a family friendly
organisation and have activities for all family members of any age.
You can find out more about SCA in Australia by visiting
http://www.sca.org.au/.
Information
on local Brisbane groups can be found at
http://www.sca.org.au/st_florians/ (Southside) and
http://www.sca.org.au/riverhaven/ (Northside and surrounding areas).
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Staraya Ladoga
The Stray
Dogs are a Viking re-enactment group portraying the Rus Vikings of
Staraya Ladoga, Russia in the late 900s. The group is based in
Brisbane, Queensland and is involved in local shows and festivals,
including the Abbey Medieval Tournament at Caboolture, History Alive at
Fort Lytton in Brisbane and the Armidale event in NSW. Their campsite
displays traditional Rus Viking style tents, cooking hearth with period
equipment, woodworked items including seating and chests made from
patterns in archaeological Viking finds. Activity at the campsite
includes traditional Viking activities - tanning of hides using
traditional natural tanning methods, longbow archery, cooking and craft
activities. Evenings are spent feasting, carousing with copious
quantities of ale and mead, music and Skaldic verse. In between
performances, the Stray Dogs work on clothing research and construction
by hand, shoe-making, armour and weapon production by hand and social
get togethers.
Email:
starayaladoga@optusnet.com.au
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Traders of
Frojel
Traders Of
Frojel, formed in 2004, consists of several families who meet monthly in
the South Burnett and Cooloola area. Frojel was an international
trading port on the Viking island, Gotland, from about the 7th century
to 1360AD. Vikings were known as "Traders with the sword".
They dealt in many different goods such as slaves, fur, honey, Norwegian
soapstone, wax, tools, weapons, silver, Friesan cloth, black basalt,
wine, glass, jewellery, spices, salt and luxury goods in general.
Vikings were also skilled in many occupations. To help us to
portray these times as accurately as possible, we research and practise
many of these skills.
Contact:
Don Campbell
Phone: (07) 4168 4185
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Traders of the Lost
Art
Traders of
the Lost Art are a family of traders during the 11th Century,
who travel the inland trading routes between Denmark, Kiev, Novgorod to
Constantinople in Turkey. Along the way they buy, sell and trade
medieval household goods. Visit their trading encampment and see
the amazing range of goblets, bowls, furs, hides, antlers, chests, boxes
and everyday items that were used in medieval times. Their camp is
also open for people to see how they lived in those times.
Contact:
Michelle Riley
Email:
vikingtraders1050ad@gmail.com
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Zenobia Traders
Zenobia
Traders represent 7th Century Egyptian women and their
culture.
Contact:
Marlene Faisal
Email:
marlenefaisal@bigpond.com
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