Having returned home just last night (if I'm going to pay all that money to fly across the pond, I'm going to stay for more than a weekend), it appears I am the last one to post about Oxonmoot. This was my first Oxonmoot and a thoroughly enjoyable, fantastic time it was, a great delight in being amongst so many Tolkien enthusiasts. Lady Margaret Hall, although a bit of a hike from the centre of Oxford, provides an idyllic setting amidst its gardens, excellent fare, and none too shabby student accommodations.
I will be posting on the "I met a fellow Downer" thread, but to complete the picture of Oxonmoot I thought I'd post a few more photos of the festivities.
Before the masquerade party we enjoyed a barbeque on the garden terrace. Some of us are missing, but I'm not going to photoshop anyone in--that's Hooky's speciality. Here's Squatter, Poison Ivy, Hookbill, a Downer-in-training, Faramir Jones, and Estelyn.
Estelyn has sewn a book to collect her Tolkien adventures and souvenirs and it includes a page for Downers' signatures. Here's a look at that page:
Enyalie at Tolkien's gravesite commemorates not only The Professor but the friendships we have formed from sharing our enthusiasm for his work. This year we also paid respects to someone who has ably supported that thirst for information and understanding. Humphrey Carpenter's grave is a short walk away from Tolkien's. If ever I am able to attend another Oxonmoot, I will remember to bring flowers to his grave.
I had met Estelyn and Squatter five years ago--five years!--but this year it was a great delight to meet other Downers--Guinevere, Rune, Poison Ivy, Hookbill, Faramir Jones, narfforc. Kudos to the Tolkien Society for providing such an opportunity.