(December 29th, 2015)

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This is related to the following event:
OAKS: A Rock and a Hard Place
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Captain's Quick Report: OAKS: A Rock and a Hard Place

  
   The year comes to an end -- or at the very least upon the conclusion of the next few days to come. 

  So too then, has it become accurate to deem today's OAKS -- the Oldfurlong Amazing Koncert Series, in the Southfarthing village of Oldfurlong itself -- the last of it's kind to end the year with such success in it's hosting of guest musicians and bands throughout the many months -- that I must insist such events as the OAKS itself, and others, are the marks of something extraordinary; something which bring many folk together in peace and often good cheer.  Hence where the songs of music and melodies amongst the Free Peoples have been played in merry spirit or soothing calm -- so too have we had harmony, if only for brief hours at a time, where Man, Elves, Dwarves and Hobbits are welcomed together at such events with open invitation -- and celebrate together that mysterious but powerful feeling of joy which music has bestowed upon us, for generations throughout the history of the land.

  These gatherings are examples of the Free Peoples coming together in fine moments to unite in purpose, and define something that binds us together outside of war and bloody or political conflict; that we hail from different races of traditions, history, and culture -- but demonstrate this ability for peaceful culture and joyful celebration together, as fellow beings with an intelligence beyond just mere survival instincts or driven hate and madness, that possess the Enemy too often.

  As these next days come to pass and the year concludes, and another begins anew; the OAKS concert tonight, with the organizer Miss Acorne, and the magnificent band 'A Rock and a Hard Place', have helped to conclude a year and becoming tradition of the Free Peoples to join in celebration of musical culture that bridges the gap between us all -- and gives further life to the bodies we inhabit, and the lives we lead upon our beloved Middle-earth.

  To all those whom bring such vibrant feeling of culture and celebration to this world -- ones that inspire us not just to fight for, but to also live for -- you together help give unto lands of Middle-earth hopes, dreams, and purpose to act in continuing to strive for a better future.  Not just for the new year to hence arrive, but to perhaps centuries also  beyond our time.

  An outstanding and Happy New Year, to all good folk of the Free Peoples, and to all those of kind hearts we have yet to meet, or already know.

Signed,

Captain Naismithea Willarc

Watcher of Roads
Representative of the Bree Captain's Guild
Officer of the Sworn Wanderers

 

P.S.
  The new year has already been basis for many new rumours and sharing of events planned to come, mostly in the Shire-bounds if your willing to make such a journey, or perhaps if you already live there already! 

  On many noticeboards listing events on the right-hand side column, or also publications like the Bramblebury Gazette, if you can get your hands on one, there are quite a few mentioned; The Bird and Baby Yard Party opens the new year with the Polnolunie band; there's a 'To the Professor' celebration for an esteemed member of the Writing Club the day right after that.  Further into the weeks will be another Yard Party with The Little Wanderers, a planned Shire Wassail by Hobbits for their local farmers, and the next Shire Angling Club fishing competition announced by Master Ponso to be hosted at the Brockenborings.
 

Overview Collection

(( Disclaimer: Hello folks, I'd like to caution you that taking a look at the embedded slideshows coming up below will likely not go too well if your in a hurry, and hoping to just get a 'general gander' at what the event was like.  The 'Overview Collection' above is more suited for that!

  Viewing the albums embedded below is more geared for those folks looking to get a /slightly/ more play-by-play spirit of how things unfolded.  In fact, I only recommend having a browse through if for some reason, you have an urge to well... just look at a lot and lot of screenshots -- many of the shot angles/perspectives being repeated in other screenshots but at different times during the event, etc!  Thanks for reading. ))

First Collection

Second Collection

Third Collection