Ipswich City Medieval Association Inc (ICMA) was born in May 1995 and became incorporated in the State of Queensland in May, 1999. ICMA has grown into a unique medieval group serving a dual role as a re-enactment society for the enjoyment of its members as well as a performance group for the enjoyment and education of the public.
Our aims include:
illustration & promotion of medieval lifestyles, arts crafts, sciences & philosophies;
to promote research into resources, opportunities & attractions of medieval activities;
to help preserve and give practical demonstrations of knowledge of skills that are rare or in danger of extinction;
to help improve safety standards for relevant medieval activities.
As an Incorporated Association, ICMA has its own Articles of Incorporation and elects it office holders annually at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Articles of Incorporation are available to members on application to the Secretary of the Association. ICMA is a non-profit organisation.
ICMA has commenced to concentrate its efforts around the 12th Century.
Based around the 'Duchy of Stonebridge' members enjoy a wide range of activities including feasting, fighting and the gentler arts and sciences of the medieval period. Members are well protected by the many armoured Knights and the archery skills of the many Yeomen within the Duchy.
As a Duchy, our ceremonial figureheads are, of course, a Duke and/or a Duchess. Our Duke and/or Duchess are elected by the members and govern for one year. The election of our figurehead has its basis in January 1066 when Edward the Confessor died. The lords and prelates of the Wessex Witan met in London, bypassed the grandson of Edmund Ironside and elected Harold Godwinson king. 2003 continues the reign of his Grace, Duke Robert IV, Bellum Dux, Marquis le Rouge, Grande Master the Lords M.O.B., Defender of Ancient and Antediluvian Eminence, Chevalier le Eminent, Defender of Stonebridge.
Now that Ipswich City Medieval Association no longer offer the Shoot the Bear archery range, we are now able to concentrate on skills that we are less well known for. Our ineffective despot Duke Robare continues to hold sway over that contriving and miserly Cardinal Phylp, and Lady Sir Krista continues to present a touch of femineity to the field of noble combat.
Within ICMA, those who aspire to knighthood are not chosen for their skill in combat. ICMA expects them to excel in combat as this is their chosen field. ICMA knights, squires and men-at-arms are expected to fabricate all their own garb, armour and weapons, and to successfully pass these skills on to others. All ICMA nobles are expected to discuss with authority, all aspects of medieval life as well as their particular areas of interest. Discussion evenings are held every month to enhance these skills. What good is a knight who does not have a repertoire of skills and experiences to draw upon, when he or she may be called upon to defend a position that may be assaulted in a number of ways.
Further, in mediaeval times, only the nobles were educated, thus ICMA expects all their nobles to attain an informed level of knowledge and be willing to pass them on. This is not to suggest that ICMA do not enjoy a jolly good knees-up when the time to celebrate is nigh. Indeed, Wine, Women and strong young bucks of good voice are always appreciated.
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This page last updated 15/06/03