We had attended several faires in Agoura and later Devore, but I couldn't say we were that into it. Sallie had her theater work at the Knightsbridge and she has already mentioned that. I have always been a history buff, majoring in it in college with a concentration on British history. After she attended the first Blackshire meeting she told me about it and that I should think about joining. She specifically mentioned that I would be welcome, if for nothing else, the fact I had a relatively new (then) Ford Explorer that would be useful in towing the groups trailer.
Anyway, I attended my first meeting (November I think (ed: 1994)) at the house Gary Kephart was sharing with Dave & Mary Wine, and Randy Lefkowitz. Met a lot of interesting (take that anyway you like) people, many of whom shared my own interest in history, except they were acting it out. It certainly looked like a group doing fun things and I was made to feel very welcome, even being invited to the next 12th Night party at which I won a set of wooden bowls no one would steal and which I have to this day.
My first faire with the group was Southern in 1995. Jerry Wood as captain, Talon as lieutenant and Mike Wine as ensign. I played pikeman Andrew Sackett, with John Tiffany as my sergeant. My wife was also with the group, before moving over to nobility the next year, but while I know a good number of people in that realm as well I have never regretted staying with Stoddard's.