Another Exciting Regency Week!

Alton Regency Week - one of my favourite events of the year - started off with the traditional Regency Market last Saturday. The atmosphere was quiet but festive, with tempting stalls, carriage rides, Morris dances and guided walks. It was wonderful to see so many in costume, enjoying the sunny day in gorgeous Alton. 

It was lovely to meet many friends, old and new, admire their gowns and bonnets and and share our news. 

Jenny Colquhoun was back with her fluffy friend, Freddie Wentworth, who was smartly attired in uniform as he always is! 

Hazel Mills had been busy sewing gowns and reticules besides industriously writing her detailed, fascinating posts in "Jane Austen Daily" on Facebook. 

The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation was represented by Carla Balakgie and Julia Grantham - sadly its founder, Caroline Jane Knight, was not able to make it this year. 

Sophie and Abbie had a great selection of Indian-inspired accessories for sale this year. 

Some of the shops had fantastic window displays up.

This year, I decided to learn more about the local history of Alton and join a guided walk by Bob and Carol. It was fascinating, very informative but also very entertaining. I will take you on my tour in my next post. 

I spotted this cafe during my walk! Needless to say, it was very busy on the day. 

On Sunday, I joined the annual charity walk from Jane Austen's House to Chawton House, in aid of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. I always love being part of this event to support such a worthy cause. 

 We assembled near the Jane Austen statue for a group photo. 

A short walk across the field to the barn where our picnic was held. Jeremy Knight, a descendant of Jane Austen's brother, Edward, told us that he had salvaged the building from a local Sainsbury's car park, and what a fitting location for an old barn this field is!

Jeremy, Carol and Paul Knight in the barn. 

Local author, Zoe Wheddon, came to talk about her new book, "Jane Austen: Daddy's Girl", which describes the huge influence that George Austen had on Jane Austen. I enjoyed Zoe's earlier book, "Jane Austen's Best Friend", where Zoe explored Jane's relationship with her closest friend, Martha Lloyd.

Zoe Wheddon with Sophie Andrews ("Laughing with Lizzie") and Abbie. 

Our lovely host, Carla Balakgie.

Judges Tony Grant (blogger of "London Calling") and author Helena Kelly, announced the winner for this year's Short Story Competition: Ann Evans who wrote "The Dawn Chorus". This was followed by Ann's lively reading of her cleverly written short story, which delighted us all.  

 

Hazel Mills then entertained us with her detailed stories about Jane Austen's contemporaries. So captivating - one even had a Poldark connection! 

An altogether enjoyable day in great company!