Children and adults gathered around the equestrian ring at Hugh MacRae Park as armored knights fought with swords. The knights belonged to a local branch of the Society of Creative Anachronism known as Shire of Seareach.
Lee Beebe, also known as William of Nunn, joined the Shire of Seareach 15 years ago after watching a demonstration in the same park. Beebe, who teaches history, science and archery at Leland Middle School, said the society allows members to delve into their favorite era and culture of history.
The society is beneficial for people who need a positive outlet, Beebe said.
“We have some people with anger management issues. This enables them to take that out in a healthy way,” he said.
The chapter consists of roughly 20 paid members who create their own characters and costumes based on world civilizations that lived before the year 1600. Members refer to the Wilmington area as Atlantia County.
Beebe said he was looking for a way to stay active as he left the Marine Corps with a disability he sustained after a wall in a hangar, a building used for housing aircraft, fell on top of him.
“I have no feeling from my fingers to my elbows,” he said.
Nerve damage and short-term memory loss don’t stop Beebe from holding his sword and shield during battles.
“This has allowed me to stay active, despite my disability. It has helped me get stronger,” he said.
Beebe’s family is also involved in the Shire of Seareach. His wife, Melanie, uses a medieval-style loom to weave colorful cotton trim used for backpack straps, belts and dresses. She also educates people about the society’s symbolism.
She pointed out the blue-and-yellow flags, along with the smaller flags, used for individual fighters.
“My husband’s has three red crosses and a white tree. The crosses symbolize our Christian faith, and the tree represents strong ties to family,” she said.
Their son, Ryan, described the weaving process to anyone who walked by their white tent.
Austin Smith, also known as Takamori Yagami, told spectators about his character.
“I love the culture of the Japanese. I’ve always wanted to build samurai armor, so this gave me a good excuse,” he said.
Marie Marshall, the demonstration’s coordinator, said the event was the first one to take place in Hugh MacRae Park in five years.
“There were a couple hundred people who came throughout the day. Typically, we only get 40 or 50 spectators at these events,” she said.
Marshall said the Society of Creative Anachronism is 50 years old, and the Shire of Seareach was founded in 1988.
While Renaissance fairs are designed to entertain attendees, the society’s medieval demonstrations are designed to entertain the participants.
To fight with adult-sized wooden swords and shields, a fighter must be at least 16 years old. The Shire of Seareach, a nonprofit organization, also welcomes children, who fight with padded weapons and specialized armor.
The group sometimes interacts with the Barony of Raven’s Cove, based out of Onslow County.
For more information, email Marshall at [email protected]
email [email protected]
