Craig welcomes back Hamish for an update! Hamish talks about his work as a historical consultant on the new Pictish short film, Red Thistles, and his incredibly popular Ancient Caledonia Camp in Scotland, where next year you can learn to build a full-size coracle (19th-25th July 2026)!

We also dive deep into our must-book joint course for 2026: Butchery and Tanning at the stunning Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset (Easter 2026). This is the last chance to book this immersive Viking Longhouse experience!

Plus: Hamish's journey from historical leatherworker to tattoo artist, the economics of running courses, and the importance of a good hip-hop playlist in the workshop.

Butchery & Tanning at the ATC (£434.07, Longhouse stay included): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deer-butchery-cookery-bark-tanning-course-18-only-tickets-1357602739339

Ancient Caledonia Camp (July 2026): https://www.pictavialeather.co.uk/pictish (Check this link and Hamish's social media for tickets, which go live in December!)

Hamish (Pictavia Leaver): https://www.pictavialeather.co.uk

Instagram handle is @pictavialeather

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Craig is joined by his Wyrd Wessex co host Andy and storyteller Eileen Budd to delve into the ancient art of oral tradition. They discuss Eileen's fascinating journey from museum worker to travelling folk storyteller, and they get a peek inside her unique "Travelling Folk Museum."

Highlights include:

• Village Stories: The importance of working-class folklore and how it differs from "top-down" historical narratives.
• The Power of Objects: Eileen shares how everyday items, like a simple oil lamp or native herbs, can hold incredible stories. She also recounts a poignant experience with a young school pupil and a "cruisie lamp."
• A Family Affair: Discover how Eileen's legally blind childhood fostered a unique ability to listen and remember, leading to a passion for the stories passed down by her family.
• At Home With The Picts: A deep dive into Eileen's podcast about the Picts, exploring her fascination with their mysterious history and her interdisciplinary approach to understanding their culture.
• Cryptid Creatures: A debate on favourite cryptids, from the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves to the elusive Beast of Gevaudan. Eileen shares a chilling story of her parents' encounter with Nessie.
• The Viking Age Diet: Andy and Eileen discuss the challenges of a Viking Age diet and what modern comforts they'd miss most
• A Muffinier?! Eileen reveals the weirdest item in her kitchen, a very specific utensil with a wonderfully decadent name.
• Worst Food Challenge: The worst food ever tasted is revealed as a salted dried plum from a '90s "Bushtucker Trial" gone wrong.
• Upcoming Projects: Eileen shares what's next for her, including a BBC project, a series of events on the folklore of seaweed, time, and food, and her work with the International Storytelling Festival.

This is a fantastic chat about the magic of storytelling and how our shared histories connect us.

Find more of Eileen's amazing work on her website at linktr.ee/eileenbudd, on Instagram at @EileenBudd, and be sure to check out her podcasts, Scottish Folk and At Home With The Picts.

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features a conversation with actor Leela Bunce, who combines her background in clowning and physical theatre with her love of history. We discuss her unique approach to performance, including her past show about women in WWII and her current project, Kith and Kin. This immersive show, set in 9th-century Wessex, tells the story of an everyday woman preparing for a feast. The hosts and Leela also chat about her involvement in a historical Anglo-Saxon escape room at Avalon Marshes, a site she volunteers at and which inspired her work.

• Kith and Kin: A historical comedy set in Wessex, performed in both modern English and Old English. The show aims to highlight the vibrant and humorous side of the Anglo-Saxon period, using research and historical texts to create an immersive, sensory experience for the audience.
• Multi-Rolling: Leela discusses her love of playing multiple characters in a single show, as she did in recent productions of Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
• 
  

• Website: leelabunce.com

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.