Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, Polls

AWARD OF THE SWIFT’S HEART NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Award of the Swift's Heart logo

It is time again for the populace to Award the Swift’s Heart!

For those unfamiliar with the Award of the Swift’s Heart, this is the award bestowed by the populace, given to those individuals identified by the populace who have shown true kindness, and are helpful, considerate, and inviting. It was created last year to take the place of our previous gendered populace awards, the Heart of South Downs and the Chivalry Award.

The award is given no more than once per South Downs event, preferably at the event. The ceremony for the awarding is arranged by the previous recipient(s) in consultation with the baronage. We have three baronial events, clustered from Sep/Oct to February, so at most three awards per Anno Societatis.

Voting for the award(s) is conducted annually, prior to Red Tower, and the granting of the award(s) spread out over the event season.

STEP 1: NOMINATIONS (the thing starting now)

Nominations are now open and will continue through Wednesday, August 21, 2024 (to give people at Pennsic time to participate).

Every member of the populace may nominate up to 3 other members of the populace. Previous recipients of one of the South Downs populace awards are ineligible:

Heart of South Downs Recipients: https://southdowns.meridies.org/about-us/baronial-awards/heart/

Chivalry Award Recipients: https://southdowns.meridies.org/about-us/baronial-awards/chivalry/

Swift’s Heart Recipients: Justina di Silvestri, Ogata Mitsuko, Ælfric Hort, Sunneva de Cleia

Use this form to submit nominations: https://forms.gle/uqasDchJw1geX9179

If you’re unable to use the form, email the seneschal (sen.southdowns@meridies.org).

The results of the nominations will be received by a committee formed of the seneschal, baronage, and at least two previous recipients of a South Downs populace award – if you’d like to volunteer to serve on the committee, please do so.

STEP 2: POLLING

The committee will compile the nominations into a ballot. If you submitted a nomination, the ballots will be emailed to you at the email address on the nomination form. If you do not wish to nominate anybody, but do wish to receive a ballot, you can either submit a nomination form with the nominee names blank, or email the seneschal to let them know you’d like to participate in the voting.

Ballots should go out on or around August 28, 2024.

Ballots will be emailed out to all who request them. Voting will be ranked choice (indicate 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc).

The committee will review and count the votes cast to determine who the populace wishes to see awarded, and the next recipient of the Award of the Swift’s Heart will be recognized by the populace at Red Tower.

Announcements, Polls

Award of the Swift’s Heart Nominations now Open

It is time again for the populace to Award the Swift’s Heart!

For those unfamiliar with the Award of the Swift’s Heart, this is the award bestowed by the populace, given to those individuals identified by the populace who have shown true kindness, and are helpful, considerate, and inviting. It was created last year to take the place of our previous gendered populace awards, the Heart of South Downs and the Chivalry Award.

The award is given no more than once per South Downs event, preferably at the event. The ceremony for the awarding is arranged by the previous recipient(s) in consultation with the baronage. We have three baronial events, clustered from Sep/Oct to February, so at most three awards per Anno Societatis.

Voting for the award(s) is conducted annually, prior to Red Tower, and the granting of the award(s) spread out over the event season.

There are two steps to the process, Nominations and Polling.

STEP 1: NOMINATIONS (the thing starting now)

Nominations are now open and will continue through Wednesday, August 23rd (to give people at Pennsic time to participate).

Every member of the populace may nominate up to 3 other members of the populace. Previous recipients of one of the South Downs populace awards are ineligible:
Chivalry Award Recipients:
Swift’s Heart Recipients:
Justina di Silvestri, Ogata Mitsuko

Use this form to submit nominations:

If you’re unable to use the form, email the seneschal (sen.southdowns@meridies.org).

The results of the nominations will be received by a committee formed of the seneschal, incoming baronage, and at least two previous recipients of a South Downs populace award – if you’d like to volunteer to serve on the committee, please do so. (Wistric will be present to provide technical support since he came up with this probably over-complicated process).

STEP 2: POLLING

The committee will compile the nominations into a ballot. If you submitted a nomination, the ballots will be emailed to you at the email address on the nomination form. If you do not wish to nominate anybody, but do wish to receive a ballot, you can either submit a nomination form with the nominee names blank, or email the seneschal to let them know you’d like to participate in the voting.

Ballots should go out on or around August 28th.

Ballots will be emailed out to all who request them. Voting will be ranked choice (indicate 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc).

The committee will review and count the votes cast to determine who the populace wishes to see awarded, and the next recipient of the Award of the Swift’s Heart will be recognized by the populace at Red Tower.
Announcements

Looking for content for The Read Tower Newsletter

Hey South Downs! As the new South Downs Chronicler, I’m accepting content for our newsletter, The Read Tower from YOU!

Here are some forms that you can use to submit a little page about yourself so that the populace can get to know you and a form if you want to submit photos, artwork, or anything that you want to share with the barony in the newsletter!

Included in each form are the release forms from the Kingdom for photographers, models, and photos/artwork. Make sure that you fill those out so that we have permission to use your content. You can fill it out per piece or do a blanket release so you can do it once.

Populace Interview Form: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9

Photography/Art Submissions: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6

I’m also accepting any articles from anyone! If you wanna write about a cool project that you’re working on, or how an event or experience was for you, or write up an article about your personal SCA rabbit holes and include resources to recipes, patterns, and photos! These articles can be longer, think magazine articles length, and you can submit those to me directly with a Google Doc instead of the form.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong – chron.southdowns@meridies.org

Announcements

The SCA Board of Directors further lifts the suspension of in-person activity in North America, effective August 1, 2021, provided adherence to the items in this resolution;

1.         All attendees in North America must follow all national, province, territory, state, and local health guidelines at SCA events. In addition, at all North American SCA events:

a. Kingdoms may continue to require the use of masks at their events as they deem necessary;
b. As research has shown that minimal transmission occurs from food, the serving of feasts, inns, day boards, and buffet-style food is now allowed at the Kingdom’s discretion;
c. Large coolers to dispense water into individual personal containers are now permitted;
d. To facilitate contact tracing, all who attend any SCA-sponsored event in North America (including local meetings, fighter practices, etc.) must be signed in on a roster prior to entering the event; and
e. The following language is required to appear on all event notices, flyers, online announcements, and advertisements, as well as being posted in multiple locations (including gate) at any and all SCA-sponsored functions going forward:
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.

2.         Any Kingdoms that propose any deviation from the above restrictions must request a variance from the Society Seneschal in order to hold the proposed event. The Society Seneschal shall have the authority to grant or deny these requests. These requests will be reviewed by the Board using the same review method used for variances to Corpora; and,

3.         Enforcement of this resolution will be coordinated by the Society Seneschal and President of SCA Inc.

Questions or comments should be sent directly to president@sca.org and seneschal@sca.org, or your Board Ombudsman.

No matter what safety precautions we put in place, there is no substitute for each individual being educated about the risk to themselves and their loved ones and making responsible choices to protect themselves and others from this virus.

Link to document PDF: https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AugustInPersonActivityResolution.pdf

Announcements

From the Kingdom Seneschal.

Greetings unto the populace and assembled guests of Meridies. As Their Majesties discussed in Court, there has been much talk about how best to reopen the Kingdom. We know that there is no one solution that will please everyone. There are those among us who would have the Kingdom remain closed, while there are others who would have there be no restrictions at all. Neither of these is feasible. Bearing that in mind, after consultation between Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and myself, we have reached the following decision.
Beginning September 1, 2021, Meridies will follow the SCA Board of Directors resolution dated May 25, 2021. This announcement takes the place of the Meridian phased reopening plan.
The following requirements apply:
1. All federal, state, provincial, and local health rules and restrictions must be followed. If a local government does not allow gatherings above a certain size, or requires masks, those restrictions must be followed, up to and including further governmental shutdowns.1. Advance registration and payment is STRONGLY encouraged.
2. The following language MUST be posted prominently in multiple places at EVERY practice, meeting, social, and event, and in event notices, flyers, online announcements, and advertisements:
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.
3. A roster must be maintained for EVERY gathering, martial practice, A&S night, meeting, and event. There is a link on the Kingdom webpage to a fillable form, or you may print the form provided and submit to the roster deputy.
4. Advance registration and payment is STRONGLY encouraged.
5. The SCA, including officers and event staff, may not provide shared drinking containers or any food served in buffet, dayboard, or family style. Box lunches that are pre-prepared are acceptable, as are “Gatorade” style water coolers out of which individuals may fill their own individual cups. If an individual or household chooses to offer food to people, they MUST make it clear that they are doing so on their own, not as part of the event.
6. There will be no size caps on events or gatherings, and camping is allowed.
We are a Society whose core foundations are built on the ideals of courtesy, honor, and chivalry. I ask, no, I EXPECT everyone to honor those ideals. Consent is of vital importance as we navigate these waters. Chivalrous, courteous, honorable individuals do whatever is necessary to make those around them feel safer and more comfortable, whether it is wearing masks, asking for hugs, or maintaining a safe distance when asked.
I remain, as always, in Service to Meridies
Zayn al-Munajjima, called Mittens
Seneschal
Announcements

Board of Directors Announcement Concerning Reopening – must be posted at every in-person activity!

Image

Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to try to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events.  By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks.  You agree to take any additioanl steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.

Announcements

Relaying this from Kingdom Seneschal.

Good evening, everyone. As promised, below is a list of what has to happen now that the Kingdom has moved as a whole to Phase 1. Please read and acknowledge, and let me know if you have any questions. Please share with your marshallate, A&S officers, and whoever you think might need the information.
1. As per BoD requirements, all groups MUST collect a roster, which shall include a persons mundane name and means of contact AT A MINIMUM, for EVERY local fighter practice, business meeting, A&S night, and social. This roster shall be entered into the Google form maintained on the Kingdom website (HisRH will be testing this out this week, and we hope to go live by the weekend) within 7 days of each gathering. There is a 20 person limit on each gathering. If gatherings are held concurrently, a physical space must be maintained between the gatherings. Link to the roster form on Google is here: https://meridies.org/roster-submissions/ – how you choose to do this is up to you. You can have everyone sign in with the information on the form on a piece of paper, and have someone designated to enter it on the website, or you can have everyone who attends the gathering fill out the roster on their phones, or you can do it on a laptop. It doesn’t matter, what matters is compliance.
2. Local shall be defined as a metropolitan statistical area. Even though there may be more than one local group in a MSA, meetings/practices/gatherings shall adhere to the 20 person limit. A list of MSA’s can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/…/List_of_metropolitan…
3. Permission need not be secured for local gatherings every time such a gathering happens. To require this will encourage noncompliance.
4. Unvaccinated persons must wear a mask. We are on the honor system, and there can be no asking or requiring of vaccination status. There can also be no SCA sponsored sales or giveaways of “I’m vaccinated” tokens of any sort.
5. There will be no buffet style or family style food, period. There will be no shared water containers, but a 5/10 gallon “Gatorade” cooler that is prefilled and which remains sealed is acceptable (for now – this may change after the July BoD meeting). If a person brings (for example) cookies to share, those who partake do so at their own risk, and any such sharing CANNOT be sponsored by the SCA or any of its groups, branches, or disciplines.
6. The following signage MUST BE POSTED at EVERY gathering, practice, meeting, etc. This is a BoD requirement.
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to try to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.
7. Groups need to be thinking ahead making plans for events that might happen after August 1. As KSen, I am prepared to grant limited variances to distance requirements in order for the Kingdom to get back on a “normal” schedule.
If you have any questions, you know where to find me 🙂
I remain, as always, in Service to Meridies.
Zayn al-Munajjima, called Mittens
Seneschal
Announcements

COVID-19 Reopening Plan with new guidance

Greetings Meridies,
Since the country is slowly advancing from the pandemic and most (if not all) of the kingdom’s states opened in full, We believe, in the kingdom’s best interest, that the time has come to update the COVID-19 Reopening Plan with new guidance that will allow local groups to plan their activities with greater overall confidence.
After serious consideration and discussion, We are pleased to announce, beginning July 1, 2021, the entire Kingdom of Meridies will no longer operate under Phase 0 of the Reopening Plan. All groups will automatically proceed to Phase 1. This means that all Meridian local groups no longer need to track their counties’ COVID statistics. Gatherings of local groups, limited to twenty people, may resume for in person, daytrip activities.
Even as the outlook is bright, We are well aware that the Delta variant may still have a significant impact on our population. Furthermore, the upcoming holiday weekend may produce an unwanted spike in infection rates. Therefore, Meridies will remain in Phase 1 while We continue to closely monitor the variant to see if it proves to be a significant hazard. If so, We will meet again to strategize the most prudent steps to help manage the Kingdom to fully open. However, if vaccines prove effective against the various strains and the rate continues on a downward trajectory, We will once again consider adjusting all COVID restrictions.
We heard you, Meridies, and your frustrations in planning local activities and events beyond July. If all goes well, We will consider the following tentative plan effective August 1, 2021.
•Phase 2 new target rate will be 0.4 (increased from 0.3).
•Phase 3 new target rate will be 0.3 (increased from 0.2).
•Attendance may increase to 150 in Phase 3.
•Phase 4 new target rate will be 0.2 (increased from 0.1).
•Because Meridies has a small piece of both Florida and Kentucky, while Meridies operates in Phases 3 and 4, We will measure only the counties of Florida within Meridian borders (not the entire state). Our Kentucky populace members will refer to Tennessee state metrics.
Regardless of the phases, the following will remain in place.
•The mask mandate for unvaccinated members remains.
•All hygiene, safety, and food protocols remain.
•All groups MUST wait for a formal announcement from either the Crown or Our Kingdom Seneschal before advancing with any plans in August or beyond.
•All groups are required to maintain an attendance roster and secure permission for all in-person activities.
As always, in the best interest of the kingdom, this plan is subject to change at any time based on the state of the pandemic.
Yours In Service,
Timothy & Ysmay, King & Queen
Wulfstan & Thorkatla, Prince & Princess
Zayn al-Munajjima (Mittens), Seneschal
A&S, Announcements, Classes, Dragoncon, Meeting Minutes

September 2020 BARONIAL BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

02 September 2020, 1931

Notes submitted by Signora Aelia Bassina, South Downs Chronicler.

THL Lucien d’Artois called the July meeting to order. Our Seneschal, THL Juliane de Vivonne, greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Juliane read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.

Officers Reports

Herald (THL Lucien d’Artois)

  • Two new award recipients at the last court, Lilly and Aelfric.. 

Knight Marshal (Lady Mairghread Wilson)

  • Quarterly reports have been done.
  • Zero practices. And we will continue to not have practices until the end of January.

Rapier Marshal (Captain Brendan de Hay)

  • Nothing new.

Live Weapons (Mistress Mara Palmer)

  • Nothing new to report

Reeve (Mistress Alessandra Giovanna Fioravanti)

  • Nothing new to report

Quartermaster (THL Lucien d’Artois)

  • We have stuff.

Chatelaine (Lord Nikon Dawidowicz), Finnvarr mac Branain reporting

  • One person has expressed interest. I will be reaching out to the MoC because she has a small child. 

Demo Deputy (Lady Bú Feiyan)

  • Nothing new to report.

Arts & Sciences (THL Alisandre de la Chapelle)

  • We have A&S
  • We had people that entered into the largess challenge for Foxes.
  • There will be a barony Largess challenge coming up
  • There are classes coming up this month, 
    • We have a DEI class this month
    • Our monthly class is Magic and Superstition.

Chronicler (Signora Aelia Bassina)

  • First issue of the newsletter will be 1 October.
  • I am still looking for articles to be included. 
  • Barony decals are still available. Please support the barony, they are only $5 each!

Social Media Minister (HE Emelina le Nourreys)

  • We have interest in Social Media.
    • We are going to change the approval process for FB.

Webminister (Captain Pietro di Conti)

  • Received request from Lord Freybjorn (a Kingdom Webminister Deputy) for officer information to set up email addresses on a new kingdom email server; he has asked for Seneschal to be single point-of-contact.  Kingdom Webminister’s office has indicated they will eventually want all officer emails to be on their server.  Freybjorn has followed up by sending meridies.org login information to seneschal.  He is providing email accounts for officers but not deputies.  These will be email accounts, not email forwarders to personal accounts.
    • All officers will have a new email address that they will need to check as the emails will not be forwarded to personal emails.
    • This is to keep the historical documents available for officers that follow the current officers.
  • Sent quarterly report to kingdom webminister.
  • Added a new profile page and award for Lily of South Downs.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer (DEI), (Vidushi Mewadi Margavati Bai)

  • Not much to report
  • We did a class last month with the corporate DEI officer. It went well.
  • We would like to see new people come in.

Her Excellency, (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)

  • Wistric is back as the Baron of South Downs!
  • We want to thank everyone for their support and patience.
  • We are committed in moving forward with the SCA Core Values.
  • Passions are high online, but the barony has been amazing at conducting themselves.
  • Please remember these de-escalation techniques:
    • As questions
    • Practice radical acceptance of other people’s feelings
    • Think about separating the action from the person.
  • Keep up with the radical accountability!

His Excellency, (Master Wistric Oftun)

  • I have always thought of the barony as my people.
  • You all have made us proud these last few months.
  • THank you to everyone that has been participating in the virtual activities.
  • It’s good to be back!

Minister of Children (Lady Una Ulfrdottir)

  • Nothing to report.

Seneschal, (THL Juliane de Vivonne)

  • There are still things going on, even in these unprecedented times
  • I have a deputy! His name is Nikolslov!
  • I still don’t have a provost. It’s a great way to dip your toe into becoming an officer. Please contact me if you’re interested.
  • There are two things I want to run. I want to start making announcements within the next week and a half.
  • South Downs is the innovative barony. 
  • Start thinking about Midwinter and if we want to do it online. I want this event to stand out.
  • I am really proud of everyone!

Recent Events

  • 15 August 2020 – Virtual Meridies Kingdom A&S
  • 22 August 2020 – Foxes 2020: Plague-Con

Upcoming Events

SCA Business

  • Raven: Back on the 15th of August, we had Artsy Crown. Several people from South Downs assisted. It went really well. We had 6 or 7 classes. Everything was zoom meetings. We had a really good turnout. Stella earned a perfect score and was recognized in Court.
  • Lily: I was wondering about the DEI office. Is it structured like the other offices? Is there a future plan?
    • Margavati: Right now, there isn’t. My thinking is that there would be some kind of change over the office. There are a lot of enthusiastic people in the barony that I think would do well in the position. If you’re interested, please message me.
    • Juliane: The way it works is there’s usually a two year tenure. Except in extenuating circumstances. Generally speaking, it’s a two year gig. When you sign up as a deputy, please remember that you are making that commitment for two years.
    • Margavati: Regardless, I could still use functionally deputies. I welcome the assistance. This is a new thing for local groups. I welcome all ideas. I’m really here to help educate people and advise the barony as a group.
    • Juliane: there was a misunderstanding on what the kingdom DEI office does. Please come to me if you have any questions.
  • Kalbardr: We are in week one of the mystery box phase. If you have one, please take a photo of your box and send it to me. 
  • Lyk: I would like to see event tokens for Castle Wars. Juliane agreed.
  • Margavati: I am purely tech support for a Grave finds video thing. If you want to, it’s basically you would have everything around you that would be taking with you to the afterlife. The deadline is September 18.
    • There was the suggestion for putting a trigger warning on the video since some people have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

Business meeting was closed at 2033.

Next business meeting will be held 07 October 2020, 1930, Zoom Meeting.