Ousekjarr
Introduction
Ousekjarr is a group centred on the North Cambridgeshire area, with strengths in both combat and LHE and a strong family-friendly focus. The group was formed in 1994 by Cathy and Paul Murphy. It became a Herred 1st October 1997 when Cathy became the Group Jarl. Ousekjarr is now run by a witan or council and has 60 or so members across the country. We recreate the life and military history of the Vikings, Saxons, Celts and Normans between 800-1100AD. Our name means "brushwood island in the river Ouse", and is based on the time in the 10th Century when Cambridge was the furthest extent of the Danelaw. The city changed hands several times, leading to a mix of Danish and Saxon inhabitants who were never really sure where they stood.
Group and Society Officers
Ousekjarr has always made a major contribution to the running of the Society:
- Society Elders: Paul Murphy (Witan member), Benedict Coffin
- High Council Jarls: Sandra Orchard (2iC), Gareth Evans (Goose)(Society H&S), Cathy Murphy (Konungr)
- Society Membership Officer: Julie Luke (Witan member)
- RTT(C): Paul Murphy, Goose
- RTT(M): Goose
- RTT(V)s: Lyndsey Kindred, previously Jude Bloomfield (deceased)
- CATs: Benedict Coffin
- Group Secretary: Sue Austin (Witan member)
- Group Treasurer: Julie Luke
- Group Authenticity Officer: Benedict Brien (Witan member)
- Group LHE Officers: Lyndsey Kindred (Witan member)
- Group Health and Safety Officer: Goose
- Group First Aid Officer: Carol Tierney
- Group Combat Training Officer: Paul Murphy
Awards
Group Awards
In 2005, Ousekjarr were awarded the trophy for Best Group LHE award (2004).
In March 2013 Ousekjarr won The George Hay Trophy for Herred of the Year (2012),
In March 2018 Ousekjarr won The George Hay Trophy for Herred of the Year (2017),
In 2024, Ousekjarr were awarded the trophy for Best Group LHE award (2023).
Individual Awards
- 2000 Gareth Evans - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2001 Sandra Orchard - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2001 Paul Murphy - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2004 Vince Clarke - Gerry East Award for the best all round Drengr
- 2005 Benedict Coffin - Steve Hurley Memorial Trophy for the best clerical presentation during the year.
- 2006 Julie Luke - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2007 Jude Bloomfield - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2011 Sandra Orchard - Konungr's Gold Award of Merit
- 2012 Jude Bloomfield - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2013 Jude Bloomfield - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2013 Gareth Evans - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2016 Steve Almond - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2019 Paul Murphy - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2021 Gareth Evans - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2023 Sandra Orchard - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
- 2023 Gareth Evans - Konungr's Silver Award of Merit
Training and Meetings
Ousekjarr train regularly throughout the winter months in or near Haddenham, with at least one RTT(C) and often also an RTT(A) present and available to run testing. LHE Basic Skills tests could also be run on request. If you wish to come along, contact pjm[at]ousekjarr.org for details.
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