Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the December meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Potential Deputies: (no objections by Barony & will work on getting them Warranted)
Ajax (Eirikr’s squire sibling) – does not have a vehicle and cannot store loaner gear
Cristoff – was suggested, but I have not spoken with him yet
Kicked back by DEMHC for lack of recent fighting experience. Will follow up with DEMHC on developing a Marshal Training Program for Heavy Combat.
Update: Did Marshal training with Ajax at Red Tower (inspections, how to run an authorization, how to marshal the field, etc). Will continue to work with them on getting Warranted.
Changes will be coming to reporting structure per SEM/KEM in January 2025
Upcoming practice considerations:
1/12/2025 – NO Practice Panhandle (snow storms projected)
1/19/2025 – Practice as weather permits
1/26/82025 – Practice as weather permits; FC/WC – will need stunt marshal
2/2/2025 – Regional practice location Panola State Park 1000 am
Practices have been happening. As always, thank you to our crew of Stunt Marshals, keeping practices going while I’m gallivanting around the country doing Mundane work stuff.
Upcoming! War College/Fighters’ Collegium. Ayako will be teaching basic spear defense for rapier fighters, coordinating with Duke Timothy, who will put it into context for meleé.
If you, your significant other, or your offspring are interested in fighting rapier, let us know. You may contact me directly (rm.southdowns@meridies.org).
Sunday afternoons, weather and other events permitting. Watch the Facebook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” (That’s the official announcement point), or the Baronial Discord server channel “Rapier”
The month of January will be my last full month as Provost. I will be handing off the office to Sumarliði officially at our February business meeting.
Class night for January will be on the 22nd. Lady Hessa has graciously offered to teach a class for us on gefrens (German hair accessories) and answer questions about hair accessories in general. This will be an online class via Zoom.
We are looking for volunteers to teach February 26 and March 26 – both of which I believe should be in-person in Doraville. The rest of the year (minus Nov. and Dec.) are also open, but with meeting location still in flux, scheduling online via Zoom is probably our best option at the moment. Please reach out to myself or Sumarliði if you would like to teach.
I’ll get into Midwinter class specifics more when we discuss the upcoming event, but there is still time if anyone wishes to sign up to teach. Deadline for teacher sign up is January 17 – Friday a week from now – so please encourage anyone you know to sign up before the deadline passes
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
Be ready for the cold weather that’s coming, take care and be safe.
As always, we’re proud of our group and seeing some of our members being recognized by another Barony for the service that they’ve been doing.
SCA Business
Midwinter – Feb. 1st
Genovefa
Things are coming together well, firm cut-off date of Jan. 17th for scheduling, so please submit activities before that date so we can get the schedule out early.
We do outdoor space if you want to teach outdoors
Social Media posts will start coming out soon, please share/comment/like the posts to help push the posts out there.
Classes don’t have to be performing arts related, so if you have a class that you’d like to teach, please feel free to submit them!
Will go over the staff list again to see if there are any holes, we could always use more troll shifts.
We must set the sanctuary back as part of using the site, so please help pitch in to reset the space before we leave.
We do have Friday night reserved for set up as well, will figure out time
There are two gender neutral bathrooms, a quiet space is planned for, and the site has an elevator.
There will be signs on doors and we will be putting together a site map with rooms labeled
There is space big enough for dance classes and a decent sized kitchen if anyone wants to teach a cooking class as well.
Standard A&S faire planned, with a couple tweaks
Novice category, Laurel category, both by populace vote
RUM Bid
Genovefa and Sumarliði
Looking to use the same site that we’re using for Midwinter
There might be another bid in for RUM, will still work on our bid regardless
Bid presented, motion to vote on bid, bid approved and will move forward to submit to RUM.
Non-SCA Business
Last weekend, Alisandre, Pietro, Brendan, and Raven went to Raleigh to see a museum exhibit on the Venice Ottoman Empire, will be moving to Savannah at the Jepson Center at the Telfair Museum next. Had some kaftans and items on display.
Forth Castle is planning a demo at the exhibition. – March 29th – and have asked if people in the Barony would be interested in helping out at the demo.
The business meeting was closed @ 8:32 PM EST
The next business meeting will be held on February 5th, 2025, 7:00 PM EST via Zoom Meeting.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the December meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Potential Deputies: (no objections by Barony & will work on getting them Warranted)
Ajax (Eirikr’s squire sibling) – does not have a vehicle and cannot store loaner gear
Kicked back by DEMHC for lack of recent fighting experience. Will follow up with DEMHC on developing a Marshal Training Program for Heavy Combat.
Update: Did Marshal training with Ajax at Red Tower (inspections, how to run an authorization, how to marshal the field, etc). Will continue to work with them on getting Warranted.
Castle Wars: Trained two new HC Marshals, Craig MacDuff & Stuart Rymer
Event report in progress – due today
Changes will be coming to reporting structure per SEM/KEM in January 2025
Upcoming practice considerations:
12/8/2024 – Practice w/Duke Bryce as stunt marshal
Practices have been happening. As always, thank you to our crew of Stunt Marshals, keeping practices going while I’m gallavanting around the country doing Mundane work stuff.
Just to put this in the minutes; it has very little relevance to anyone who isn’t a marshal. Quick admin note: A new Meridies Marshal’s Rulebook (starting 1 December 2024) went into effect on 12/1. Whether anyone realized it or not, this book includes material that applies to ALL marshals, including rapier. So, my droogies, get a look at it. Among other things, there are changes to the authorization procedures, and some new reporting guidelines. Some things are now easier, some slightly stupider. Wait a couple of months, and those reporting guidelines will change again (so the KEM tells me). Hooray bureaucracy!
Castle Wars included meleé games which helped the Captain-General of the Meridian Rapier Army choose her regional commanders. If I’m not mistaken, Captain Ogata Mitsuko was chosen as commander for the Middle Watch? Yes?
Friday evening tournament at Castle Wars was dubbed “South Downs Sunday Rapier Practice Roadshow,” and was won by Ld. Valdemar Varg. The 3-way tie for second place was a fun twist, requiring more fights, and eventually a 3-way meleé. Many thanks to Mistress Wuennomon for keeping track of the lists.
Live Weapons practice had 8 people at practice last month
Working with Mistress Peryn to figure out Dec. practice date
Suggested Sat.Dec. 28th, waiting to hear back confirmation.
Castle Wars had 41 people signed in on the range for both archery and thrown weapons
Shoutout to Nathri and Katya from Bryn Madoc for their help with setup on the throwing weapons range
Their Majesties held their weapons champion tourneys at Castle Wars
9 People registered royal rounds at CW
Looking for a deputy, especially for helping running the range at events since newcomers do love coming to check out the range. Need help inspections, signing in people, calling the range, recording royal rounds, etc.
I do not have much to report for this month. No Class Night for November or December due to Holiday scheduling. There were a bunch of great classes at Castle Wars, but I will let Sumarliði cover those in more detail.
We need volunteers to teach classes for January and February class nights. We should know relatively soon whether those will be in person or online. Also I will be putting out the call for teachers for Midwinter A&S as soon as I have touched base with the Event Stewards and gotten a plan for that put together – be on the look out.
CW – Sumarliði
5 classes at Castle Wars
People enjoyed the classes
Paperwork should have been provided to RUM chancellor to put into the RUM database, shout out to Dorian for helping wrangle the paperwork
Sumarliði will be taking over as Provost in Feb. after Midwinter
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
When you put in a bid, please give me the information before you start the flyer so the information can go up on the website.
Think about what information a newcomer would need to know on the website so we can better inform people about our events. (ie, what kind of foods will be there, general things they might need, etc)
Have access to event email groups that we can use to get information out
Please send info or any changes that you need on the website to web.southdowns@meridies.org.
Minister of Children (VACANT)
Position is still open, if you are interested, please contact Lady Raven.
Thank you to all that helped with Castle Wars, giant shout out to Genovefa!
Baroness Rhiannon
Thank you to everyone who helped out for Castle Wars, only thing that came up was to put out more information about the pods at Bert Adams if we use this site again
SCA Business
Castle Wars Post-mortem
Salim
Took notes on what to do differently, things that well and what didn’t
Working with autocrat for Fools War to help them run the event better in the future
Things to work on:
Communication via FB or websites to make sure that information gets put out there
Merchants, department heads, just getting general info out there
Troll location was good this year, just maybe more space
Portapotties would be good for this site
Pods were a success, but hopefully we will be able to get more information out about the pods for people for future events
Making sure we have a designated set-up and break down crew to make sure things get run smoothly
Going to write a standard operating procedure for Castle Wars and using that site in order to make things smoother in the future.
Raven will be the liaison for that site going forward, so please make sure that you contact her if you want to use that site.
Please send Salim receipts in order to get reimbursed for any event expenses
Sumarliði
Should make sure that we tell people that the cots in the pods will need extra padding for comfort
Brendan
Encourage people to get your whole group together to discuss where to put activities since the site is sprawling
Justina
Should onesie party becoming official party at Castle Wars that we hold every year, volunteering to host it for 2025
Midwinter A&S – Feb. 1st 2025
Master Mathias – autocrat presenting a bid
Proposed theme – Performing Arts focused
Hoping for lots of opportunities for people to entertain and be entertained
Hoping that the event will be focused on this particular theme
Site – McDonough – Church
Event is not free, we should make sure that it’s clean before Sunday service
Site has kitchen so we could do fundraiser lunch or food at this site
Site does have elevator access
Motion made to vote to approve proposed budget
Vote passes, bid is approved
Information will be passed along to Margavati to get information made for the flyer in order to get the information on the website.
Will send the flyer to the Kingdom calendar deputy as well
Red Tower Quiet Space post-mortem
Thanks to everyone who helped keep the space quiet and heat-safe!
Thanks for Justina and Brendan for their help
Would like to set better expectations for events going forward about popups/ saving space or room for it
Will make signage for the space going forward to make sure that people know that the space and bottles of water/etc are available for people to use and take as needed.
If you are interested in helping with DEIB classes or resources, please don’t hesitate to contact Lady Lily to contribute or help out!
Justina will seek clarification on teacher gift expenses for event bid budgets going forward
Non-SCA Business
None reported
The business meeting was closed @ 9:54 PM EST
The next business meeting will be held on January 8th, 2025, 7:00 PM EST via Zoom Meeting.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the July meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Practices have been proceeding, weather and other events permitting. Sundays starting around noon (concurrent with armored practice). Schedule changes, cancellations, and any other relevant information is shared on the FaceBook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” and we’re trying to get better about including Discord. Loaner gear is usually available, but it doesn’t hurt to check the “Atlanta SCA Fighting” group in advance. Sometimes when I’m not available, the “stunt marshal” might not be able to bring it.
If you have any trouble at all finding practice announcements, feel free to reach out directly to me or Baroness Mairghread. If you are using Discord, please @ us, otherwise your post will be lost in the chatter.
Thanks to everyone for working together to keep practices happening. My continued thanks to our celebrity stunt marshal team, particularly Baroness Mairghread. BTW, special shout-out to Cpt. Pietro, newly warranted.
Thanks to Baroness Mairghread, I’m now re-warranted as a youth rapier marshal. We do not currently have a youth rapier program per sé, but if there is interest, we can begin.
Thanks to Lady Sara, completed her Marshal’s warranting requirements, and will soon be on the team of Stunt Marshals so that practice can happen even if I’m not available.
We had 6 people in attendance this past month for Lady Genovefa’s class on Pickles in Period.
We will not have an A&S Class for the Barony this month. Our usual Class Night – 9/25 – is being set aside for last minute in person Red Tower prep.
Currently, the class schedule for the remainder of 2024 is complete. As we get closer to the end of the calendar year, we will be looking for teachers for 2025. If you have something you would like to teach or otherwise share with the Barony, please get in touch with either myself or Sumarliði.
Teacher sign-up for Red Tower has already gone live. As of the drafting of this report, we currently have 3 signups – 2 classes and a Fiber Arts Salon. We will be accepting sign-ups until Sept. 20.
Also please begin thinking about classes you would like to teach for Castle Wars and Midwinter A&S.
Been Chronicler for a year now, looking for a deputy!
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
I have done some things behind the scenes this month (or last month, rather). Thanks to all who submitted updates to their Dramatis Personae entries for our website. Those have now been updated! Thank you Pietro, who helped me fix an incorrect email address on our site, which was preventing people from sending in requests to have awards info added. I have also added the list of Swift’s Heart awardees to the site, in light of the nomination and voting before Red Tower.
Speaking of Red Tower, the site is live! All the information should be current, and I am updating things as I get new information. The PayPal link is not up yet but will once Bam receives it and sends it my way. If you are a department head for the event and have something specific you need to post, please let me know via email at web.southdowns@meridies.org.
I am in the process of completing my quarterly report. If you have any questions or need any support before I send it in, please let me know in the next week or so, since I believe the report is due fairly soon.
Minister of Children (VACANT)
Position is still open, if you are interested, please contact Lady Raven.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the July meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Practices have been proceeding, weather and other events permitting. Sundays starting around noon (concurrent with armored practice). Schedule changes, cancellations, and any other relevant information is shared on the FaceBook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” and we’re trying to get better about including Discord. Loaner gear is usually available, but it doesn’t hurt to check the “Atlanta SCA Fighting” group in advance. Sometimes when I’m not available, the “stunt marshal” might not be able to bring it.
If you have any trouble at all finding practice announcements, feel free to reach out directly to me or Ld. Eirikr. If you are using Discord, please @ us, otherwise your post will be lost in the chatter.
Thanks to everyone for working together to keep practices happening. My continued thanks to our celebrity stunt marshal team, particularly Ldy. Ogata, Master Ximón, Master Nikoslav, Baroness Mairghread.
Thanks also to those who are fighting the never-ending administrative battle to obtain their rapier marshal’s warrant. I look forward to adding you to the Stunt Marshal crew so that practices may proceed unabated.
This coming weekend is the Shire of Arenal’s 1559: Dios de los Muertos. The Meridian Order of the Blade will be hosting the annual MOB Open Tournament at this event. It’s “open” to any authorized rapier fighter from any kingdom except those with Grant- or Peerage-level rapier awards.
RUM coming up, contact me with when you need to stop by to get stuff for the event.
Stepping down at the end of the month, if you are interested in taking over, please contact me by the end of the month or contact the Seneschal or Baronage.
Not much to report for this month except of course RUM. We have an excellent class schedule that is up now on the event Facebook page. I hope to see you all there on July 20th!
We had 7 people in attendance this past month for Magister Lorenzo’s class on A&S Faires.
This month’s class will be on July 24 at 7pm via Zoom. It will be a Linguistic Overview of “William and the Werewolf” with Lady Sara Wandrownyczka.
I am currently looking for teachers for August and September – both in person classes. If you have something you would like to teach or otherwise share with the Barony, please get in touch with either myself or Sumarliþi. Also Please begin thinking about classes you would like to teach for Red Tower and Castle Wars, as those two events will be upcoming soon.
Looking for a deputy, coming up at a year as Chronicler.
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the June meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Practices have been scarce due to events and weather. I am looking forward to having more this month.
The practice on 9 June will be run by Baroness Margheraed as I will be at Giants Dance. There will not be loaner gear available. I am planning on holding practice the rest of the month if weather will allow.
The demo last weekend at Viking Alchemist Meadery went well and was well supported by artisans and fighters alike. His Majesty has expressed his appreciation for the help and I know the Owls Nest practice had some people come out due to the demo on Saturday.
It is hot out, please drink plenty of water before and during practice.
Practices have been proceeding, weather and other events permitting. Sundays starting around noon (concurrent with armored practice). Schedule changes, cancellations, and any other relevant information is shared on the FaceBook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” and we’re trying to get better about including Discord. Loaner gear is usually available, but it doesn’t hurt to check the “Atlanta SCA Fighting” group in advance. Sometimes when I’m not available, the “stunt marshal” might not be able to bring it.
If you have any trouble at all finding practice announcements, feel free to reach out directly to me or Ld. Eirikr. If you are using Discord, please @ us, otherwise your post will be lost in the chatter.
Thanks to everyone for working together to keep practices happening. I wouldn’t mind having a deputy step up who could take over from me in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, my continued thanks to our celebrity stunt marshal team, particularly Ldy. Ogata, Master Ximón, Master Nikoslav, et. al.
This weekend is the Southeast Renaissance Fencing Open (SERFO), a non-SCA historical fencing event. Most of your local rapier marshals will be attending (many competing). I encourage y’all to come see what it’s all about. This event is popular with SCA rapier and C&T fighters. The venue is on the Kennesaw State University Marietta Campus (635 Walter Kelly Rd, Marietta, GA 30060). No charge for spectators. Parking is free, but not immediately adjacent to the gym (689 Polytechnic Ln, Marietta, GA 30060). We’ll be there on Friday, 12nn-6p (Eastern) – Under-Represented Gender longsword tournament – Rapier & Dagger tournament – Saber tournament Saturday, 9a-7p – Three open longsword tournaments (different levels of skill/experience) Sunday, 9a-4p – Single rapier tournament – Sword & Buckler (C&T) tournament Weather permitting, South Downs weekly fighter practice is still being held on Sunday, 12nn. Baroness Mairghread (Charmone Newell) will manage the administration for rapier fighters. It is unlikely that there will be much in the way loaner gear.
We had Live Weapons practice last month alongside the cavalry practice. There were 3 participants. The pasture at Mistress Peryn’s farm has been cleared, and is beautiful for archery.
Peryn has scheduled the next cavalry practice for Saturday 6/29. I will be at Atlantia’s Bardic Madness event and will not be able to marshal the practice for archery.
Our storage costs have gone up by $29/mo, making each month cost $335
This will add an expense of $203 to the approved budget. May we take a barony vote if approved, for the records, please?
17 for, 1 opposed, motion passed
Second, our super cool deputy reeve did some magic with our Quarter reports from Q4 and Q1 and made the scary (but not really) ledger not have a negative number due to timing of when checks are written. We have a mystery $200, likely from me not separating the troll seed monies from the troll income cash before depositing it, so heads up to always deposit the troll cash separately. It confused the subtemplates on the file but Salim worked with Kingdom and we are all set for Q2.
Salim is taking over soon, so please be sure to cc deputy or include him in any exchequer questions or chats. This will super duper help the transition of the office to him.
We do have money to tide us to the next event, but as approved in the budget, we need fundraising to keep treading. Special deputy for reeve, Honorable Lady Majda Anwar, will take that lead in her report.
ps as a note, if any of y’all see my name Justina or Meg anywhere with an address that is not a PO box, please let me know- want to make sure people have the right address for sending mail to the barony.
Fundraising Deputy (THL Majda Anwar)
Looking into options for fundraising ideas for the Barony
Fundraiser lunches, bake sales, merch, silent auctions, etc.
Display devices on castle walls at Castle Wars/Fool’s War?
Gave a presentation with ideas on possible fundraiser ideas for feedback and brainstorming
Link to the presentation, please let me know if you have ideas for fundraising ideas!
Looking to get together a group of people to help pinpoint events and plan how to execute these ideas
Will post in the discord to look for volunteers, keep an eye out!
Unfortunately, we had to cancel / postpone last month’s class on Sacred Geometry due to technical difficulties. We will be rescheduling as soon as possible.
This month’s class will be on June 26 at 7pm – in person at Doraville Civic Center. It will be a A&S Judging Workshop with hands-on exercises presented by La Magnifica Signora Justina di Silvestri.
I am currently looking for teachers for July, August, September, and October. I will not know if those will be in person or virtual until in-person nights are officially scheduled for the later half of the year, but if you specifically need one or the other, we can be flexible and shift months around if possible. If you have something you would like to teach or otherwise share with the Barony, please get in touch with either myself or Sumarliþi.
Looking for a deputy, coming up at a year as Chronicler.
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
RUM has a webpage thanks to Margavati. I have taken on the duties of regional webminister and Margavati has agreed to take on the duties of Baronial webminister, she has a lot of experience doing this work and has a lot of plans for making our site better.
Minister of Children (VACANT)
Position is still open, if you are interested, please contact Lady Raven.
Next week’s meeting is a planning meeting for RT 50, please come and help us hash out some ideas
Looking for an autocrat or co-autocrat to help head up the discussion for RT 50.
It was wonderful to see everyone at Artsy Crown under the pavilion. Thank you to everyone who helped set up and tear down the pavilion!
Baroness Rhiannon
RT 50 planning
A lot of the event will be planned or ironed out in the next week or two, so please let us know if you’re interested in being an autocrat
Artsy Crown
Thanks for hanging out together as a Barony at the event, and congratulations to all the fighters in the Barony who fought in Crown as entrants for their great fights!
SCA Business
Royal University of Meridies
Lord Sumarliþi
Sign-up sheets for volunteers have been posted
Will need help with basic set up, tear down, etc
If you have any ideas or jobs that you’d like to do, let me know and we can find something for you
Sign up to teach!
Food options may be better as the dining hall will be open that day
Planning on Quiet Space like we did before previously
Baron Ximon
Vote for a check to hold the rental at the pavilion for the fighter practice after RUM
Will require a check for $150 to hold the rental, but they do not cash the check unless there’s damage or something after the rental.
Motion raised to approve funding for the pavilion, 18 in favor, 1 against, motion passed.
Red Tower 50
Still looking for an autocrat, please contact Lady Raven or Their Excellencies if you’re interested
Come to the meeting next week to discuss planning for RT!
Castle Wars
We currently have Camp Bert Adams reserved for Castle Wars in Covington GA
Please contact us if you are interested in running the event!
Currently looking for bids, please submit a bid if you’re interested in running Castle Wars.
Dance, Art, and Gaming Event in Trimaris
June 15th
Daytrip
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1950 Silver St., Jacksonville FL
Non-SCA Business
SERFO is this weekend, a couple of us are attending. It’s free to spectate, so come watch people fight!
Marietta, GA
Quick shout-out to our new member Hannah for winning her category in the Foundations Revealed contest that she entered! Congratulations!
The business meeting was closed @ 8:48 PM EST
The next business meeting will be held on July 3rd, 2024, 7:00 PM EST via Zoom Meeting.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the May meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Practices have been proceeding, weather and other events permitting. Sundays starting around noon (concurrent with armored practice). Schedule changes, cancellations, and any other relevant information is shared on the FaceBook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” and we’re trying to get better about including Discord. Loaner gear is usually available, but it doesn’t hurt to check the “Atlanta SCA Fighting” group or message us in advance. Sometimes when I’m not available, the “stunt marshal” might not be able to bring it.
If you have any trouble at all finding practice announcements, feel free to reach out directly to me or Ld. Eirikr. If you are using Discord, please @ us, otherwise your post will probably be lost in the chatter.
Thanks to everyone for working together to keep practices happening. I wouldn’t mind having a deputy step up who could take over from me in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, my continued thanks to our celebrity stunt marshal team, particularly Ldy. Ogata, Master Ximón, Master Nikoslav, et. al.
Big shout-out to folks recently giving rapier a try. Congratulations to a slew of new authorizees.
If you helped out transport and load the castle walls to Fool’s War, thank you so much!
We had 6 students in attendance at this past month’s class on basic concepts and language in Archery. I think it went really well – if a little long for the format.
This month’s class will be on May 22 at 7pm. It will be a virtual class night on Zoom and our teacher will be Master Rhydderch discussing Sacred Geometry. Come out to learn about the invention of geometry and its use in medieval construction and architecture, all without having to do any math.
I am currently looking for teachers for July, August, September, and October. I will not know if those will be in person or virtual until in-person nights are officially scheduled for the later half of the year, but if you specifically need one or the other, we can be flexible and shift months around if possible. If you have something you would like to teach or otherwise share with the Barony, please get in touch with either myself or Sumarliþi.
Aiming to have the May issue of The Read Tower Newsletter released this Friday.
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
We’ve begun to get the word out about RUM; please keep an eye out for the Paypal registration, schedule, etc to become available. I’m pleased and thankful to report that Baroness Emelina will be the Social Media Officer deputy! Thank you!
Planning on having a DEIB class on May 15 this month
DEIB Officer Q&A and Suggestions from the Barony about DEIB classes in the future
Come and ask questions about the DEIB Office and bring suggestions on what kinds of classes you’d like to see in the future
If you can’t come to the meeting, please feel free to send questions and suggestions to my email beforehand so your questions can be answered: dei.southdowns@meridies.org
Rough graphic is up gate token, please take a look or submit other designs to get some more ideas in
Site is Little Tallapoosa
Thinking about giving young heralds a chance to get some practice and have a chance to herald in combatants at the tourneys at RT50
Major kudos to everyone who’s been active at events, in and off the field and supporting and helping the barony shine at events. Thank you for making this group the best group!
Baron Ximon
Progress:
Golden Lily – May 11 – Daytrip
Artsy Crown – Memorial Day Weekend – Arriving mid. afternoon on Sat
Will need to go to storage to pick up the baronial pavilion, will need help on Friday to help set up the pavilion and help tearing it down at the end of the event
June
Warden’s Challenge – hoping to go
If you’re into archery and thrown weapons, come out!
RUM
Fighter practice after RUM – will discuss with financial committee about funding for that and securing the pavilion
You guys rock! Please write in recommendations so we can get people recognized!
SCA Business
Royal University of Meridies
Lord Sumarlidi and Capt. Brendan
Flyer has been made, will send it to the Exchequer and Deputy Exchequer to get Paypal set up for the event
FB Event is set up, thanks to THL Agnes for handling that
Sign-up sheets for staff positions will be coming soon
Red Tower 50
Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton
Did confirm site policies regarding fire pits, archery, and equestrian. The same rules as MacIntosh. Raised fire pits are okay, we can have archery and equestrian as long as things are set up correctly.
If you have any questions, please email Their Excellencies or Lady Raven
Looking at hosting various salons at RT
Castle Wars
We currently have Camp Bert Adams reserved for Castle Wars in Covington GA
Please contact us if you are interested in running the event!
Bardic Event in Trimaris
Jacksonville, FL
May 4th 2024, hosted by Barony of Castlemere
Please contact Mathias if you have any questions
Dance and Gaming Event in Trimaris
June 15th
Daytrip
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1950 Silver St., Jacksonville FL
Artsy Crown
Baronial encampment in the works
Lady Maren has moved out of the area to Chicago, and she donated some things to the Barony. Baron Ximon will be bringing some of the items to the potluck at the end of the month so come by and feel free to peruse and grab some things.
Maestra Isabetta – Looking for a deputy for quartermaster for Gulf Wars. If you’re interested, please contact me. Will just need a copy of your resume.
Job: You would be the person that department heads could come to for checking-out inventory and check back in at the end of war.
Non-SCA Business
None reported
The business meeting was closed @ 8:22 PM EST
The next business meeting will be held on June 5th, 2024, 7:00 PM EST via Zoom Meeting.
Notes submitted by Seong Myeong Su Daesaseong, South Downs Chronicler.
Magister Lorenzo called the April meeting to order. The Seneschal Lady Raven Helmsplitter, started recording the meeting and greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Lady Raven read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Practices have been proceeding, weather and other events permitting. Sundays starting around noon (concurrent with armored practice). Schedule changes, cancellations, and any other relevant information is shared on the FaceBook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting,” and sometimes other locations depending on circumstances. Loaner gear is usually available, but it doesn’t hurt to check the “Atlanta SCA Fighting” group in advance. Sometimes when I’m not available, the “stunt marshal” might not be able to bring it.
BTW, “Atlanta SCA Fighting” is still visible publicly and searchable, but is now “Private” to keep the bots out. If you have any trouble at all finding practice announcements, feel free to reach out directly to me or Ld. Eirikr. It should be readable to anyone, but you’ll need to join in order to post.
Thanks to everyone for working together to keep practices happening. I wouldn’t mind having a deputy step up who could take over from me in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, my continued thanks to our celebrity stunt marshal team, particularly Ldy. Ogata, Master Ximón, Master Nikoslav, et. al.
Big shout-out to folks recently giving rapier a try. Looking forward to seeing more folks having fun!
Meridian Challenge of Arms was successful. Congratulations to Master Ximón on his elevation to the Order of Defense and Ldy Ogata on her induction to the Meridian Order of the Blade. Barons Mark de Wytteney and Piers Simmons were the Royal Family’s choices to be included in the MCA Championship. Well done everyone!
April Class night will be April 24. This will be in person at the Doraville Civic Center. Our class will be Archery 101 with a focus on terminology and basic archery concepts taught by Lord Ælfric. This will be a lecture and Q&A style class – I will have items on hand to look at and help illustrate the discussion, but due to location, there will be no live demo shooting.
I am still looking for classes and teachers for most of the rest of the year – July, August, and October. Please reach out to me if you have something you would like to teach or if you have any suggestions for class topics that I might be able to request teachers to provide for us.
Always looking to interview the populace for each issue, so please fill out this form to get included! Eventually I’d like to collect these into one PDF so we have a good collection of information about our members: https://forms.gle/MNxww3KUQJo2VsEG9
Please submit photos, art, articles, shout-outs, or anything that you’ve found interesting and want to share! I’ll always be collecting stuff for the newsletters going forward. You can submit either through this form: https://forms.gle/8SyEF9D7c8rMCnZP6 or email me at chron.southdowns@meridies.org.
Putting together notes and will send them out based on the last meeting that we had for RT 50 planning
Working on ideas on how to honor the Red Ravens and token/fundraiser ideas
Going to put ideas together in a document to discuss and vote on
Feel free to send me emails or messages with ideas
If you’re coming to Coronation, please come by and hang out with us
THLady Alisandre will be providing a hospitality table, come eat some of her yummy food
Bringing the wing instead of the Baronial pavilion, so look for the green and white stripes
Lady Mairghread will be getting the walls out of the storage unit on Wednesday evening, please come help to move them out of the storage unit if you can
Fool’s War
If you’re coming to Fool’s War, please come help with the castle walls
SCA Business
Fool’s War
Sumarlidi
If you’re camping with South Downs, please sign up to bring food for camp so we can make sure that we have enough food for camp
Check out the sign up sheet on the FB encampment page or the discord
Baron Ximon
He will be taking a protege in camp at Fool’s War
Trimarian Dance Event
Halfdan Eldinghogg
June 15th, daytrip event in Jacksonville, FL
Event will be hosted by the most northern barony of Castlemere
Will be willing to split funds with SD, just asking for SD to send teachers for the event
Primary focus on the event will be the ball at the end of the day, but there will be courtly gaming classes and performance things through the day
Royal University of Meridies
Sumarlidi
Staff sheets should be going out for sign-ups on Sunday afternoon, please keep a lookout for that
Will have more information on staffing needs after this weekend
Remember that we need to get the ad together for Pop Chiv by May 1st to hit the deadline
Red Tower 50
We’re still working on finding a site for the event
Looking at Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton, still have a few questions that we need to hear back from
Need to find out about equestrian and archery, open fires, etc
Also looking at Camp Lumpkin, boy scout camp in La Grange
Some regulations with Serv-safe certifications to be able to run the kitchen
Still need to go down to take a tour of the site
Possible hour-long Commedia show in honor for Red Tower 50
Would like players from SD in the show, please let Master Mathias know if you’re interested in participating
Castle Wars
We currently have Camp Bert Adams reserved for Castle Wars in Covington GA in case the future event steward wants to use it
Bardic Madness Deepsouth
May 4th 2024, hosted by Barony of Castlemere in Jacksonville, FL
Star Wars themed event
Free event with fundraiser lunch
Will share flyer to the barony page
Kingdom Webminister
We currently don’t have a Kingdom webminister, please contact Majster Nikoslav to apply
Non-SCA Business
Patrick Wade suddenly passed away in December and there will be a Memorial Service on Thursday April 11, 2 PM at United Methodist Church, 85 W Church Street Jasper, GA. 30143.
The business meeting was closed @ 8:30 PM EST
The next business meeting will be held on May 1st, 2024, 7:00 PM EST via Zoom Meeting.
Submit your content to chron.southdowns@meridies.org to get included in the newsletter, and don’t forget to fill out the Kingdom content release forms so we can use your content.
Notes submitted by Signora Aelia Bassina, South Downs Chronicler.
Master Mathias Blackett called the April meeting to order. Our Seneschal, Master Nikoslav Mikolaevich, greeted the populace joining the Zoom meeting. Nikoslav read the Kingdom Anti-Bullying statement.
Call for Red Tower Bids, 5 months out from the event. Last call for bids before per policy Baronials will make a bid. In 4 months their bid will be accepted if we don’t get a different one.
Discuss and vote on RUM Bid
Unknown if RUM would be handling teachers’ gifts or for South Downs. Typically handled by RUM deans.
Mask & contact tracing has been dropped for now. Vax checks are still required for GA, however. Please be flexible as COVID rates may change and procedures may be put back into place. Please be respectful of others’ choices if they choose to wear a mask or social distance.
Deputy KM now has loaner gear and will take over the office around 15 May 2022 with the new heavy reporting cycle. My warrant is good until July, and I will be available to assist with transitioning if needed.
Upcoming practice considerations: This time of year practice is weather permitting; be aware last-minute cancellations may happen.
4/3/2022 – NO Practice (Coronation)
4/10/2022 – NO Practice (Fool’s War)
4/17/2022 – NO Practice (Easter)
4/24/2022 – NO Practice (Lemonade Days at the Park) or look at an alternate location (Blackburn)?
5/1/2022 – Practice
5/8/2022 – Depends on interest level (Mother’s Day)
Practices have been sporadic of late, primarily due to event activity (Hooray for the return of in-person events!)
My work schedule will make my ability to attend scheduled practices uncertain for the next few months. Any warranted rapier marshals who are able to help as celebrity guest rapier marshals for our practice, please contact me. We will need your help.
Also, no warrant is required, but it would be much appreciated if someone could coordinate our loaner rapier gear over the next few months as well.
The search for a deputy/replacement for my position continues.
March expenses were the storage space- still looking for a new storage site as the rate will go up in 2 months and thrown weapons supplies. Arrows, axes, and knives from the Live Weapons budget totaled $191.48. The remaining approved budget for Live Weapons is $108.52
Q1 2022 is due at the end of this month. I will be following up with folks on any outstanding business as I am moving all digital records to the kingdom Exchequer Drive.
I am looking for a deputy! If you find office management and spreadsheets fun, this is a really satisfying office to hold and an important one to the Barony! If you have any questions please let me know.
A reminder, there is a new process for reimbursement. If you have NEW barony purchases to request, please fill out a Purchase Request Form. If you have receipts for already approved purchases (such as budgeted expenses and approved bid event expenses- NO personal purchases may be on a receipt!), please fill out a Check Request Form. I am happy to help with these forms if needed. These forms are very helpful with record keeping and financial transparency.
The number of chatelaine things happening has ramped up /significantly/.
If you all remember Lisa Rogers from Coronation, it was her first event. I was fencing for most of the day, but I caught up with her during the Rose Ball and afterward on the ride home and I’m pleased to report that she enjoyed herself!
Yesterday I got confirmation that we have two newcomers attending Fools War this weekend. So everybody I’d like to introduce you to Lola and Johann.
Lola and I are getting to the site together on Friday. Johann will be arriving on Friday as well, probably later.
My plan is to do some site touring with these two before fencing starts up on Friday, then help get camps set up before Friday Night Fights. If you’re unfamiliar, Friday Night Fights is basically the WWE of combat sports in the SCA.
Interestingly, we received an email from another prospective newcomer Devin Roark. They’re very interested in attending some of our upcoming meetings and in-person events. Right now our contact has been limited to an email thread, but I’ve suggested they get set up with a Facebook account to keep up with the Barony and Kingdom pages as well as news on events.
Additionally, I’ve got a little update on the Gold Key. Since the last meeting, Nikon has generously laundered and packed up everything he had been storing at his house and moved it to Majda and Justina’s house. This is not Gold Key’s final resting place, just a temporary location while we settle on a date to get it cataloged and stored more appropriately.
Nikon was able to get everything laundered and packed up, it’s currently residing at Majda and Justina’s house.
I’m heading over there tomorrow to get things for Lola and Johann. Majda and I are also settling on a day to get everything cataloged and photographed.
Class this month will be Old English Pronunciation Basics by Lord Ælfric Hort.
I’d like to say thank you to Magnifica Justina di Silvestri for hosting the Theodosia Colloquia last month because it has helped fill our class schedule out to August!
We’ve got lots of interesting classes coming up. If you’ve got a class that you want to teach, please let me know! We’ve got a few slots still available and would be happy to have you teach!
Congratulations to all who were recognized at Gulf Wars and Coronation – this barony and her members continue to shine. Another great achievement was Mariana’s feast at Coronation, which is being praised far and wide.
We’ll see you at Fools War, where we will have the Baronial day shade set up.
Thank you all, as always.
SCA Business
Mairghread
It has been brought to my attention that I am trying to sabotage Isabetta’s event bid. I would like to set the record straight, I think she is doing an amazing job at autocrating.
Ogata
If anyone needs Gold Key, please tell me before 2pm tomorrow (04/07/2022). If you don’t, I can’t promise it will be at Fool’s War.
Justina
Thank you to everyone that helped with my elevation.
The business meeting was closed @ 2003.
The next business meeting will be held on 04 May 2022, 1930, Zoom Meeting.
