First, those who have previously visited the castle during the coronation weekend will be glad to hear that the re- enactment programme during the 1st and 2nd of July will - as it has been for some years now - be provided by Buckingham's Retinue and I understand that, although their central character, Richard himself, has effectively retired from the field, he will make an exception for Middleham and take his usual part in the proceedings there.

On the 4th, 5th, and 6th of July. there will be further entertainment provided by the Heuristics, who specialize in all manner of "medieval entertainments", with their cookery demonstrations being especially popular. It would seem that English Heritage are pulling out all the stops for the coming Middleham festival period and visitors are unlikely to be short of additional amusements during their visit to the Castle.

For any friends visiting the town earlier in the year, I understand that displays of medieval combat are planned for the bank Holiday weekend of May 28th and 29th. These will be staged by the Escafeld Medieval Society who are noted protagonists of the use of the weaponry of the period.

Come one, come all to this veritable feast of entertainment in Ricardians' most favourite locale.