greg3 Posted December 10, 2016 (edited) In this update we commemorate one of Ballabreek’s greatest historical characters, Sir Dunnal. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Who? You may ask, well this is his story... It’s December 1316 and the people of the tiny settlement that would later become Ballabreek were living in fear. A violent band of outlaws calling themselves the Wolfpack had been terrorising the area for months: stealing winter food stores and killing/abusing the locals. Among those locals was Sir Dunnal, an elderly knight who one served in the king’s guard and was now living out his retirement in the village. When his daughter becomes one of the Wolfpack’s victims, he vows to do something about it. At first, he tried to convince the local villagers to stand up to the outlaws but they were too afraid and refused. As a result, when the Wolfpack returned to the village on 10th December 1316 they were met by a single elderly knight, wearing his old battered helmet and shield but holding a well cared for sword. Barely able to suppress their laughter at the sight, the outlaws attacked. What followed was described by observers as a dazzling display of swordsmanship as the old man killed 8 of the outlaws in minutes. However, their numbers began to tell and soon the valiant knight was brought to his knees, wounded but still spitting defiance. As the leader of the outlaws stepped forward to finish him off, the villagers finally found their courage and poured out of their hiding places. Armed with whatever was to hand, they set about the outlaws. Seeing his chance, Sir Dunnal launched himself at the Wolfpack leader plunging his sword into the rouge’s heart and ending the Wolfpack’s reign of terror for ever - but at a cost... Mortally wounded, the brave knight was carried to the local chapel where he died the next day. His last words were said to be a reminder to the villagers that “With courage anything is possible” (now the town motto) and a final promise to return should the village ever be in danger. He was laid to rest in the church on Christmas Day 1316. With this year marking the 700th anniversary of these events, the final battle is reenacted in the park - under the watchful gaze of a recently commissioned statue of Sir Dunnal - the golden wings symbolising his vow to protect the village. Here are a few pics of the event. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The reenactment has proved very popular among the locals.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The peasants setting about the outlaws with whatever they could find (household/farming implements, and even sticks and stones). Don't worry, the re-enactors are all highly skilled and well trained so no-one got hurt - don't try this at home!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Sir Dunnal getting his revenge!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can guess, this was just a way of using another of the recent CMFs!! (and an explanation for the fountain statue!!) Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!! Edited December 11, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Humdrum Posted December 11, 2016 I love how you keep coming up with these stories and events, combined with the nice photography they always make for a good read Again five thumbs up from me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LAKAbricks Posted December 11, 2016 Probably no other LEGO town has such a history as Ballabreek. Brilliant story to tell and explaination of the background of the village. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 18, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the comments... following last week's rather "bloodthirsty" instalment, this update sees the good people of Ballabreek getting into the Christmas spirit!! The park has become the focus of the seasonal celebrations Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course there's the traditional tree... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But this year's centrepiece is a large scale gingerbread house - the work of a group of local artists. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Musical entertainment is being provided by the "Merry"achis - performing traditional carols with a Mexican twist!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Also wowing the crowds is another local artist/ice sculptor - the "Ice Queen" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr She prides herself on creating her work without using powered tools!! (and yes, her sculpture is real ice - finally found a use for my mini figure ice mould!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So there we have it, 2 more Series 16 CMFs used (only 4 to go!!) and Christmas has finally come to Ballabreek. More festive events are planned for the next few days so watch this space!! Thanks for looking!! Edited December 18, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LAKAbricks Posted December 18, 2016 Hahaha... Great idea with the ice sculpture, Greg3. At first when I saw it I thought "What on earth is that?" I did not realize it was real ice. Are you planning to decorate the shops in Ballabreek? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 20, 2016 (edited) On 18 December 2016 at 4:05 PM, laka said: Hahaha... Great idea with the ice sculpture, Greg3. At first when I saw it I thought "What on earth is that?" I did not realize it was real ice. Are you planning to decorate the shops in Ballabreek? No decorated shops I'm afraid but the locals have now got a temporary ice rink to keep them entertained... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Queuing for tickets!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Get your skates on!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Fun on the ice!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Penguin themed skating aids help beginners (our local rink uses similar aids that have become social media stars having been given names and photographed in random locations around the island!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Some people might recall seeing a rink in Ballabreek 2 years ago. Unfortunately, last year, funding to run the rink dried up but this year a businessman has stepped in to sponsor the rink, here he's being interviewed for local radio. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks to his generosity, Oswald Cobblepot (or "Mr Penguin" as he's been christened by the locals) has become a local celebrity. However, rumours are beginning to surface that he might have links to organised crime (of course he strenuously denies all such accusations!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So is Mr Cobblepot up to no good or simply a generous man helping out the local community? Watch this space to find out!! Thanks for looking... comments always welcome!! Edited December 20, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 21, 2016 It might be nearly Christmas, but the police of Ballabreek are still hard at work... Today they're investigating a break-in at the Space Research Centre. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It seems that last night a lone individual broke into the centre via a rooftop air vent. Obviously a well equipped and professional burglar, he deactivated the sophisticated security systems and managed to download a number of computer files before escaping. The only clues to the perpetrator's identity are a few images taken from the security cameras before they were disabled... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It's not yet known exactly what information was taken or why, but investigations are continuing!! That's another CMF figure used (3 more to go!!) It's also a lead in to a story idea I have which will hopefully make use of the upcoming Lego Batman movie figs - here's a sneak preview!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking!! Hopefully the next update will get us back into the Christmas spirit!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 23, 2016 Ho, ho, ho... with just 2 days to go 'til Christmas, the big man himself has taken time out from his busy schedule to visit Ballabreek!! No reindeer sleighs here though, my Santa travels in style on a steam train!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Locals gather at the tram stop to visit him in his mobile grotto!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr "And what do you want this year young man?" "Lego please!!" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For some, this will be their first Christmas... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The train also allows locals to donate gifts to be given out to a number of charities... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Today also sees a local wildlife expert giving a talk on the real life of reindeer (the non-magical variety!) She's just returned from a 6-month trip to the Arctic Circle studying the creatures. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The reindeer is from a local wildlife park. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So that's 2 more Series 16 CMFs used up in my challenge to feature them all in my town, only one more to go before the end of the year!! Thanks for looking... and Happy Christmas!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dazz Posted December 23, 2016 The ice sculpture was a great idea. At first, I thought that it must be a rare LEGO part or even prototype, maybe something similar to Han Solo in carbonite. And I like how you keep the outside world updated about the events in Ballabreek. It's like you're our only connection to this remote place that would otherwise be totally unknown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 31, 2016 (edited) Well it's time for the last Ballabreek update for 2016 and what better way to mark the New Year than with a look towards the future.... and a big party!! This year the good folks of Ballabreek have decided to throw a Sci-Fi themed New Year's Eve party on the beach - and everyone's invited... so get dressed up and head on down!! Of course, the only way to get there is via a time machine... (the bouncers keep out any undesirables) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr On arrival you get a complimentary drink... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr After that, you may want to hit the dance floor and mingle with (among others).... Breakdancing aliens, people taking "the robot" way too seriously and the world champion of Musical statues (no matter how long you watch her, you won't see her move!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr All to the pumping tunes of DJ Palpatine... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr "And now young Skywalker... you will dance!!" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The more adventurous can try strutting their stuff on the ice... (the rink closes tomorrow so this is their last chance!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Once you've worked up a thirst, head to the bar... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside the cafe, food is available (and true geeks have the chance to see an actual Dalek TV prop) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course as well as the fun and silliness, New Year's Eve is also about looking back and taking a moment to remember absent friends... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So there we have it... another year in the life of Ballabreek comes to an end (and with all series 16 CMFs used at some point!!).... but what does 2017 have in store? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!! Thanks for looking and Happy New Year!!!! Edited December 31, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted December 31, 2016 Another great & entertaining update. All parties my as well not happen, those festivities can't be beat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carebear Posted January 2, 2017 everytime i take a look i see something else - love the way you keep on telling ( and adding ) a story arround this build Great Work!!! Greetings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
