Category Archives: Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

Society ANNOUNCEMENTS, Announcements, Events, Meeting Minutes, Midwinter A&S

March 2019 Baronial Business Meeting minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

6 March 2019, 7:30pm

Doraville Civic Center – 3744 Central Ave., Doraville GA

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter, South Downs Chronicler.

THL Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Our Seneschal, THL Mark de Wytteney, sez “Welcome! If you did not sign in, please sign in!”

Officer Reports

  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer, reported by THL Mark)
    • We have practices and have been going well – people are successfully shooting targets and not each other! Yay!
    • Practices for the next several months have been scheduled and are posted on the South Downs and Owl’s Nest Live Weapons Facebook group. Current averages for Royal Rounds and tassels can also be found here.
    • Mara needs specs for the live weapons field for Coronation
    • Mara will be asking Bryn Madoc for help with setting up the field again (and will remind them to save their receipts this time)
    • Members of the Barony of South Downs received 5 tassels at Midwinter A&S; four-year-old Liam is the youngest to earn a white tassel (yay!)
    • She also has requested for volunteers to help make tassels for the archers. Instructions are available on the Facebook Live Weapons group; if interested in helping, please contact her directly.
  • Arts & Sciences (Lady Alisandre de la Chapelle)
    • We have A&S in the Barony, and it is good! Yay!
    • Lady Alisandre thanked everyone who taught classes at Midwinter A&S
    • This month’s class, “Who Was King Arthur, Anyway?”, will be taught by Cellach Ingen Oengusa, followed by THL Madelena da Firenze’s class on making bysockets in April.
    • Thanks to the response from the populace, Baronial Arts & Sciences classes are nearly completely scheduled for 2019, but there’s still opportunities to share you knowledge! If you are interested in teaching a class, please fill out the form or contact Alisandre directly.
  • Herald (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • Awards at Gulf Wars:
      • Isabetta de San Marco – Sovereign’s Pleasure
      • Quintus Valerius Gracchus – Legion of the Bear
      • Bram Halfdannarson – Meridian Majesty
      • Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain – Meridian Majesty
      • Piers Simmons – Court Barony
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • We have money! yay!
    • We made a profit of $XXX at Midwinter A&S
    • Current balance in the baronial bank account is approximately $9,700
    • February report will be submitted to Kingdom after tonight’s meeting
    • The names for the new signatories (see February meeting minutes) have been submitted
  • Chatelaine (Lady Justina di Silvestri)
    • Lady Justina thanked everyone who came out to help at Anachrocon
      • We had 10 people sign up to receive emails
      • Had several conversations with attendees who were somewhat familiar with the SCA
    • Justina announced that the shire of Owls Nest will be hosting monthly newcomers’ picnics
    • Owls Nest will be hosting a demo at Kennesaw State on 15 March. His Excellency has asked the Gold Key Deputy to help out.
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • We are still holding practices when the weather allows.
  • Quartermaster (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • We have stuff!
    • We are continuing the hunt for a new storage site – stay tuned!
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Zhelana has volunteered to serve as deputy webminister; she has been set up with a deputy-webminister login and webminister documentation
    • Announced the investiture of Their Excellencies, Wistric and Sunneva
    • Midwinter A&S web page:
      • Added directions
    • Spring Coronation web page:
      • Updated event text
    • Updated the Baron & Baroness officer page and email forwarder (Wistric and Sunneva)
    • Updated the Seneschal officer page and email forwarder (Mark and Juliane)
    • Updated A&S officer page and email forwarder (Alisandre)
    • Updated Webminister officer page and email forwarder (new deputy: Zhelana)
    • Changed equestrian email forwarder from Lorenzo to Pietro (please let Pietro know if there’s someone more appropriate)
    • Updated awards for:
      • Mistress Adela Scrijver van Brugge
      • Lady Alisandre Ysabeau de la Chapelle
      • Lord Bram Halfdannarson
      • Master Lorenzo Petrucci
      • Mistress Sunneva di Cleia
      • THL Veronica de Luna
      • Master Wistric Oftun
    • Zhelana added new pages for:
      • Lady Agnes Halydaye
      • Cellach Ingen Oengusa
      • Lady Annelise Wulf
    • Added link to “An Unofficial Guide for Newcomers to the SCA” by Avelyn Dale
    • Added “Baronial Likes and Dislikes” page
    • Added link to “RUM Class: Basic Heraldry” YouTube video to Wenyeva’s page
    • Updated live weapons practice dates on fighter practice page.
  • Minister of Children (Lady Myndee of South Downs, THL Mark de Wytteney reporting)
    • Lady Myndee won’t be able to make meetings in March, due to real-life responsibilities
    • Myndee will be running children’s activities at Fools’ War
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • Nothing to report
  • Seneschal (THL Mark de Wytteney)
    • Got seneschal’s warrant turned in
    • Thanks Juliane for filling in over the past month
    • We are still meeting here in Doraville, but we’re still looking for a new site to better fit our budget
    • If we can keep this space for a flat $220/month, we can stay here – it’s close enough to being on budget
  • Their Excellencies
    • Sunneva apologizes for missing the mtg
    • Midwinter A&S and their Investiture were awesome and they were humbled by the awesomeness of the populace
    • Lots of banner making – down to a science! Their Excellencies encourage everyone to consider making personal banners

Upcoming Events

  • Gulf Wars (9-17 March 2019)
    • Their Excellencies wont be able to attend, but they encourage everyone who goes to wear lots of black and white garb
    • A reminder to the populace: if you volunteer at Gulf Wars, make sure you fill out a form identifying you as a member of South Downs so our Barony get credit/money for your work as a member of South Downs. There is a great form on Kingdom website that you can fill out in advance.
    • There’s all sorts of volunteer positions available, some you didn’t even think were volunteer opportunities (dog walking! calligraphy!)
    • Sir Iastreb (Iazzie) commented it is also important that Meridies maintains our level of volunteering to make sure we get income as a Kingdom from Gulf Wars
    • Ca’ d’ Oro will be hosting a fashion show; there will be a social after the fashion show and they need volunteers
    • Courtesan/newcomers ball on Tuesday
    • Courtesans’ Meridian charter will be signed at Gulf Wars and they will be an official Kingdom Guild
  • Spring Coronation for TRH Sebastiannos and Morgan (5-7 April, 2019, co-Autocrat THL Juliane de Vivonne reporting)
    • It’s going to happen!
    • Site deposit and insurance have been done
    • 3 elevations – Nikoslav Mikolaevich, Mykael Halfdan, and Kerstyn Gartenerin
    • Baron Cormac Mor, OP, Wreath Sovereign of Arms, will be attending Coronation and holding classes all day as well as a roundtable lunch. He needs a whiteboard. Iazzie has three he can loan, but will need a reminder to bring them.
    • Clark and Fynlo walked the site to map everything out. They’ll get it done tonight, and the event site will be updated.
    • We need signage for site! Project night? How many signs? Put a list together and we can address it at project night
    • Feast – have to pre-register for feast!
    • Needs volunteers
      • Merchant liaison!
      • Pottycrat
      • Saturday breakfast
      • Sunday GTFO breakfast
      • Friday travelers fare
      • Scribal point
      • Rapier and armored MiC
    • Mariana is SafeServ certified

New SCA Business

  • There are rumors of a conflict in the making with our cousins to the north, the Barony of Nottinghill Coill of the Kingdom of Atlantia. Hmmm…
  • Iazzie mentioned that our baronial financial policy states that an event Marshal in Charge (MiC) is comped, and asked if this is still the case? If so, does this extend to all the MiC for each martial discipline (armored, rapier, live weapons)? Is this something we want to extend to kingdom-level events?
      It was decided this issue will be tabled until the next business or financial committee meeting

 
Next business meeting will be held Wednesday, 3 April 2019, at the Doraville Civic Center.

Thanks!

–Raven

Society ANNOUNCEMENTS, Events, Fighter Practices, Meeting Minutes, Midwinter A&S

February 2019 Baronial Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

6 February 2019, 7:30pm

Doraville Civic Center – 3744 Central Ave., Doraville GA

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter, South Downs Chronicler.

THL Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Our new Seneschal, THL Mark de Wytteney, sez “Welcome! If you did not sign in, please sign in!”

Officer Reports

  • Herald (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • Awards – Menhir
      • Mistress Mara Palmer – Split Arrow
      • THL Piers Simmons – Order of the Bough
      • THL Marianna Cristina Tirado de Aragón – Order of the Laurel
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Armored
      • Lots of discussion lately about warranted marshals; essentially, the kingdom’s marshallate has not been functioning consistent with Society’s rules about establishing marshals. In response, the kingdom Earl Marshal has asked all local groups to provide him with a list of their armored, rapier, and live weapons marshals.
        • Lady Mairghread, as our local Knight Marshal, is collecting all the information for South Downs – if you are a marshal, please give her your contact info as soon as possible.
        • Only warranted marshals can run an event, with the clarification that *any* warranted marshal can run an event, they don’t have to be the local group marshal.
        • Further clarification, per THL Juliane’s question: the person running the tournaments does not have to be a warranted marshal, but the marshal with the responsibility for the event has to be warranted.
        • Rules for the Society and kingdom marshallate and potential changes were discussed – there will be changes coming down the pike, so stay tuned!
    • Youth
      • Nothing to report
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • We are still holding practices when the weather allows.
    • There will be a regional fighter practice at Brook Run/Levetan Park this Sunday, following Midwinter A&S (weather permitting) – come on out!
  • Chatelaine (Lady Justina di Silvestri)
    • We’ve had some awesome new people who have recently joined the Barony – welcome!
    • After Midwinter A&S and the Gold Key streamlining/purge, Justina will update the Gold Key spreadsheet
    • Countess Ysmay is requesting write-ups about the SCA for newcomers
    • Will host a salon and newcomers’ Q&A
    • Anachrocon will take place over Presidents’ Day weekend!
      • There’s a Facebook group for Anachrocon, for the latest info
      • Rapier fighters have volunteered to host a demo – will there be any armored fighters going?
      • Signup sheets for volunteering are online
      • Anachrocon is coming in February! Please stay tuned for updates, but in the meantime, teachers are needed to teach at Anachrocon, if interested, please contact Justina.
    • Upcoming demo
      • OwlCon at Kennesaw University on 16 March. His Excellency has asked the Gold Key Deputy to help out.
  • Arts & Sciences (Lady Alisandre de la Chapelle)
    • We have A&S in the Barony, and it is good! Yay! Now that Mistress Sunneva has stepped up as Baroness South Downs, her deputy Lady Alisandre has stepped up as Minister of Arts & Sciences
    • Thanks to the response from the populace, Baronial Arts & Sciences classes are nearly completely scheduled for 2019, only three class slots still available “because y’all are amazing!” But there’s still opportunities to share you knowledge! If you are interested in teaching a class, please fill out the form or contact Alisandre directly.
    • Midwinter will rock – we will be offering lots of great classes!
    • Our next A&S class will take place on 27 February, when Lady Justina will teach “Taking a Bite Out of History: Your Ancestors Were Cannibals!”
    • In March, Cellach Ingen Oengusa will teach a class “Who Was King Arthur, Anyway?”, followed by THL Madalena’s class on making bysockets in April.
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • We’ve had some unexpected expenses come in (exploding coffee pots!), which is why it’s important we are careful with our expenses
    • There was a vote on having the following officers removed from the baronial bank account, since they are no longer relevant officers for the bank:
      • Laura Thomason
      • Owen Townes
      • Joseph Coffee
    • There was then a vote to confirm the following offers to be added to the baronial bank account, as they are now relevant officers for the bank:
      • Erin Garrard
      • Christee Cartee
      • Mark Baron
      • Meghan Vaughan
    • Andreva is also head troll and reservationist for Coronation; please get your reservations in, and please consider volunteering for troll.
  • Quartermaster (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • We have stuff!
    • We’ve begun looking at alternate storage spaces nearby; we are currently paying +$300 per month for our storage space. Some things that may make a difference in costs:
      • Do we need the space to be climate-controlled?
        • Textiles? We have three bins
        • Paper goods – we discussed options to help keep textiles and paper goods dry (silica packets, baking soda)
      • Finding a non-climate-controlled site could save us significant money. At our current storage site, the non-climate-controlled spaces are $150 per month, less than half of what we are paying now. Other sites have larger (non-climate-controlled) spaces for just a little bit more, that would allow us to store the castle walls at the storage site as well
        • 20’x20′ at Extra Space: $207 per month
        • 20’x20′ at Public Storage: $170 per month
    • Do these facilities offer 24×7 access?
    • If we move, when would we move? We are paid through the end of February at the current storage facility. It would be great if we could move out before Fools War, to simplify moving the castle walls.
    • We could perhaps move on 24 February, after MCA?
    • Would we get a discount at the new site if we pay for a full year in advance?
    • What are the insurance requirements at new storage facilities? We are currently required to have it.
    • A supplies list will be needed for Midwinter; Alisandre and Justina will provide a list
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Updated the Officers page to bring Quartermaster and Minister of Children listings current
    • Updated awards for:
      • Wistric Oftun
      • Sunneva de Cleia
      • Andreva Rigaldi
      • Stella di Silvestri
      • Rhiannon verch Madyn
      • Marianna Cristina Tirado de Aragón
    • Updated devices for:
      • Margavati Bai
      • Marianna Cristina Tirado de Aragón
    • Updated pages for:
      • “History of Chess” class notes to Iastreb’s profile page
    • Submitted Y2019 Q1 report to Kingdom Webminister
    • Updated legal disclaimer for Y2019
    • Posted polling results
    • WordPress user adjustments:
      • Renamed admin user form from “sd-admin” to “webminister”
      • Created a deputy webminister userid (Pietro took a moment to mention that is is looking for a deputy, so if anyone is interested, please contact him directly)
      • Added “lorenzo” login (“baron” login is still Lorenzo for now)
      • Downgraded “artsci” user from administrator privileges to author
    • Midwinter A&S web page updates:
      • Posted event schedule
      • Posted class schedule
      • Link to the regional fighter practice
      • Link to Sari Safari
      • Link to sign up Midwinter A&S Faire
      • Added Baroness Sibella’s note about no live weapons on the University of West Georgia site
      • Added Alisandre’s notes about not being able to have merchants on site, and about the research library
      • Updated staff list
      • Added admission cost
    • Created event page for “Coronation of Morgan and Sebastiannos” 5-7 April, 2019
      • Posted Pop Chivalry flyer
    • Updated 2019 class schedule on main A& page
  • Minister of Children (Lady Myndee of South Downs, THL Mark de Wytteney reporting)
    • HRM Gwenwhyfar has been working on getting deputies approved for background checks – YAY!
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • Nothing to report
  • Their Excellencies
    • Master Lorenzo sez “I QUIT!” Motion seconded, voted on, and approved 😀
    • HRM thanked Lorenzo for everything he’s done in the Society, beyond being Baron South Downs

Other SCA Business

  • Midwinter Arts & Sciences (9 February 2019)
      • We’re having an event this weekend!
      • Need setup crew for 7:00am; site opens at 8:00am, classes start at 9:00am
      • Also need cleanup crew; it was suggested that someone should go and take photos of each room before setup begins, so we know how each room needs to be restored at the end of the day
      • Need a social media person to respond to Facebook comments (especially thoes comments about having problems finding the site)
      • Evening court will be held in the ballroom but we have zero chance of getting in there before 3:00pm, and we will need someone to help direct attendees to the ballroom
      • Margavati mentioned Sari Safari will take place on Sunday, for anyone who won’t be going to the regional practice. Please join the FB group for the event (or contact Margavati) for details
      • There will be a garage sale at Sunday’s regional practice – BYOT (Bring Your Own Table)
  • Spring Coronation for TRH Sebastiannos and Morgan (5-7 April, 2019)
    • We have a site (Camp Benjamin Hawkins), we have insurance in process, we have the flyer posted in Pop Chivalry!
    • The event is being branded as “TRH are throwing a party!”
    • Juliane will be doing memes of TRH and TRM
    • We need staff/volunteers, especially someone to work on parking logistics
    • Sebastiannos has volunteers from the Order of the Bear lined up
    • Feast will be held during court
    • Marianna has plans for feast
    • The muses will make an appearance
    • Site tokens are being taken care of by Sebastiannos
    • Feast tokens will be place cards – as above-the-salt feast will be pre-registration only, place cards will work.
    • Feast will be all finger foods and open bar; when you come into feast, food will already be on the table
    • Kebab marshal! Everyone sign a release! 😀
    • Queen’s yeoman tourney is definite for coronation
    • Pre-reg is open!
  • Gulf Wars (9-17 March, 2019)
    • Justina invited everyone to come visit the Ca’ d’Oro at Gulf Wars, and they’ll be hosting both a salon and a ball
  • Artsy Crown (24-27 May, 2019)
    • The seneschal for Owl’s Nest is looking for volunteers for Artsy Crown – if interested, please contact THL Charles de Joscelynne

Non-SCA Business

  • Margavati brought fabric that needs a new home

Next business meeting will be held Wednesday, 6 March 2019, at the Doraville Civic Center.

Thanks!

–Raven

Society ANNOUNCEMENTS, Announcements, Castle Wars, Dragoncon, Fighter Practices, Meeting Minutes, Midwinter A&S, Red Tower

January 2019 Baronial Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

2 January 2019, 7:30pm

Doraville Civic Center – 3744 Central Ave., Doraville GA

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter, South Downs Chronicler.

THL Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Master Wistric sez “Welcome! If you did not sign in, please sign in!”

Baronial Polling Results
HRM Gwenhwyfar announced that after a great turnout with votes and comments from the populace, the new Baron and Baroness South Downs will be Master Wistric Oftun and Mistress Sunneva de Cleia! Huzzah!

Officer Reports

  • Herald (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • Awards – Magna Faire
      • Lady Stella di Silvestri – Order of the Velvet Owl
    • Submissions
      • THL Andreva Rigaldi – device and name change registered Margot de Saint Denis
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Armored
      • Lord Bram has offered to step up as deputy armored marshal
      • Lady Mairghread will discuss with their new Excellencies how they would like to handle choosing their new rapier and armored Baronial champions
    • Youth
      • Completed reports for the youth program
      • Is working on rewriting the rules for youth rapier
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • We are still holding practices when the weather allows.
    • We are looking for a new site for Tuesday evening practices, given the ongoing problems with lighting at both Blackburn and Brook Run parks.
  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer)
    • December’s practice was rained out
    • Practices through May 2019 have been scheduled and are posted on the South Downs and Owl’s Nest Live Weapons Facebook group
    • Mistress Mara needs to get in touch with anyone who’s earned a tassel, so she can arrange to have the tassels presented in court
    • She also has requested for volunteers to help make tassels for the archers. Instructions are available on the Facebook Live Weapons group; if interested in helping, please contact her directly.
  • Chatelaine (Lady Justina di Silvestri)
    • We’ve had some awesome new people who have recently joined the Barony – welcome!
    • Anachrocon is coming in February! Please stay tuned for updates, but in the meantime, teachers are needed to teach at Anachrocon, if interested, please contact Justina.
  • Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
    • We have A+S in the Barony, and it is good! Yay!
    • Thanks to the response from the populace, Baronial Arts + Sciences classes have been scheduled through July 2019 “because y’all are amazing!” But there’s still opportunities to share you knowledge! If you are interested in teaching a class, please fill out the form or contact Mistress Sunneva directly.
    • Our next A+S class will take place on January 23, when Sir Iastreb will teach the History of Chess; Iazzie described it as more of a survey of the evolution of chess from its earliest historical versions to modern chess as we know it today.
    • Lady Justina will teach February’s class, “Taking a Bite Out of History: Your Ancestors Were Cannibals!” followed by Cellach Ingen Oengusa’s class “Who Was King Arthur, Anyway?” in March, and THL Madalena’s class on making bysockets in April.
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • We have some money! Huzzah! We don’t have specifics yet, as the report just arrived today, so she hasn’t yet had a chance to analyze it.
    • Andreva pointed out that the profits the Barony makes on our big events goes toward paying for the storage unit and meeting site rental fees, and not much more than that. So please consider hosting fundraiser lunches at events, as those profits go towards any other needs and requests for Baronial supplies
    • Gulf Wars is coming! Make sure you designate the Barony of South Downs as your local group when you volunteer – local groups will receive funds based on the number of volunteer hours logged by their members.
  • Quartermaster (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • We have stuff!
    • Lucien thanked everyone who came out on project night to help mark new baronial kitchen supplies, etc.
    • Inventory weekend coming to a weekend near you! Please stay tuned and come and help out!
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Worked on disk cleanup
    • Midwinter A+S site updates:
      • Class signup link
      • Fighter practice page – updated live weapons schedule for early 2019
      • Live Weapons marshal page – added links to Meridies archery scores and How to Make Tassels instructions
  • Minister of Children (Lady Myndee of South Downs, THL Mark de Wytteney reporting)
    • Not much has happened in the past month, but Myndee and her deputy have volunteered to run children’s activities at Fools’ War
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • Wistric thanked everyone who helped with the Baronial polling
    • We need to find a new meeting site, as the rental rate has been raised from $50/week to $70/week beginning in March 2019. Perhaps we can go to St. Philip’s in Buckhead? But we’re definitely open to new site options.
  • Their Excellencies
    • His Excellency also thanked everyone who helped with the Baronial polling, and is looking forward to the new Baron and Baroness South Downs
    • He then asked if anyone was going to Magna Faire, and what activities they were planning on taking part in – A+S? Fencing? Anything else?

Other SCA Business

  • Midwinter Arts + Sciences (9 February 2019)
    • We’re having an event next month!
    • Classes are coming along
    • Many volunteer positions have been filled, but volunteers are still needed – please contact Lady Alisandre if interested
    • Still looking for a group to host the fundraiser lunch
    • Evening court will be held in the ballroom but we have zero chance of getting in there before 3:00pm, so morning court will take place in the lecture hall
    • We are going to try to have evening court start at 4:30pm because there is a lot that will happen at court and we have a hard out of the site at 6:30pm
    • Now that we know who is being invested as Baron and Baroness South Downs, we can move forward full force with planning the investiture
    • Please pre-register for Midwinter A+S, it will make troll go a lot easier and more quickly
    • Speaking of troll, volunteers are still needed for troll shifts, especially first thing in the morning
    • Regional Fighter Practice – it’s happening (weather permitting)! Will be held Sunday, 10 February 2019, at Brook Run Park (usual practice location and time) We will have signage advertising the Regional at the Midwinter site
    • Inquiries have been made about crash space for Midwinter – Mara will be coordinating, so if you can offer crash space (or know someone who needs it), please contact her directly
    • There is interest in holding a Baronial yard sale, since the Barony has a good amount of stuff we no longer need, and there’s also people who want to donate. We’ll hold it perhaps at Midwinter, the Regional practice, or Fool’s War. There were a lot of ideas offered for the yard sale, and a volunteer to serve as point person was requested. Since Owl’s Nets has expressed interest in helping (as they have stuff to donate as well), it was suggested that Adaire be contacted to organize the yard sale.
    • The Courtesan’s track is still seeking volunteers to teach any of the Courtly Arts, social aspects of court, etc. Family-friendly classes are welcome.
  • Spring Coronation for TRH Sebastiannos and Morgan (5-7 April, 2019)
    • Juliane is going to look at the site this week. The new site, which is also where Fools’ War will be held, sounds really promising. HRH Sebastiannos is really excited about the site.
    • Discreet cigarette smoking is allowed – please religiously police your cigarette butts
    • Dogs are welcome on site (with all required paperwork) – if you bring your dog, please religiously police their butts 😉
    • A lot has already been negotiated with the site, thanks to Fynlo and the Fools’ War team, and the Boy Scouts (who own the site) are really excited about having us (the SCA) use their site in the future
    • Juliane has put a bid together already, and is working through requests from Sebastiannos for feast arrangements. She will discuss these requests with the finance committee to get them implemented.
    • Stunt Bards! (for feast?)
  • Red Tower (4-6 October, 2019)
    • Lady Veronica has volunteered to put together a bid
  • Castle Wars (21-24 November, 2019)
    • THL Piers is interested in autocratting, but has concerns about some issues with the site, including pricing and SERV-Safe certification for kitchen workers.
    • The event site will be the same Boy Scout camp site as Coronation and Fools’ War
  • Anachrocon (15-18 February, 2019)
    • Takes place over Presidents’ Weekend; it does conflict with several events, but we’re looking for volunteers
    • These are our people we just have to draw them in
    • We are seeking teachers for classes – please contact Lady Justina if interested
  • JordanCon (26-28 April, 2019)
    • Fantasy literature convention, in honor of author Robert Jordan
    • Will be held at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
    • Tiff Frankin is point person for Meridies
  • Questions from HRM Gwynhwyfar
    • She wanted, first of all, to let everyone know that HRM Adhemar would have liked to have been at the meeting for the Baronial announcement and thank everyone personally
    • After the meeting, representatives for Meridies will need to come to a final decision about kingdom-wide fundraising for the Knowne Worlde party at Gulf Wars
      • Party theme – Hogwarts! HRM will be Fleur Delacour
      • There will be a fundraiser raffle, and items are being requested for the raffle
      • HRM wants to have an army of dementors, and mentioned something about thousands of glowsticks?

Other SCA Business

  • Mistress Allesandra mentioned that while Midwinter A+S is going on, the populace is welcome to enter the A+S competitions, and “we have like 400 laurels who would love to help you!”
  • Lady Stella is still looking for someone to take over organizing the baronial activity at DragonCon, as she won’t be able to be there for registering our group. Justina reminded us that we’ve been invited by the alternate history track to provide some classes

Non-SCA Business

  • His Excellency, Master Lorenzo, said that a couple of lovely chairs had been left behind at the baronial holiday party. If you left one, please come get it!
  • Dinner – Shaking Crawfish!

Next business meeting will be held Wednesday, 6 February 2019, at the Doraville Civic Center. Happy holidays and a happy new year!

Thanks!

–Raven

Society ANNOUNCEMENTS, Meeting Minutes

November Baronial Business Meeting (and Candidate Q+A) Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

7 November 2018, 7:30pm

Doraville Civic Center – 3744 Central Ave., Doraville GA

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter, South Downs Chronicler.

THL Mark de Wytteney called the meeting to order. Master Wistric sez “Welcome! If you did not sign in, please sign in!”

Baronial Candidates Q+A

With the announcement of Their Excellencies Lorenzo and Adela’s intent to step down in the near future, three sets of candidates were nominated to serve as the next Baron and Baroness South Downs:

  • Master Wistric Oftun and Mistress Sunneva de Cleia
  • THL Lucien d’Artois and THL Juliane de Vivonne
  • Sir Iastreb Desislavich and THL Marianna Cristina Tirado de Aragon

The meeting began with a question and answer session with all the candidates, documented here (and on the baronial FB group) with this video:

Video of baronial candidate question and answer session

Baronial officers submitted their reports to be posted separately.

Officer Reports

  • Herald (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • Awards – Red Tower
      • Lord Brendan de Hay – Order of the Red Raven
      • Lady Raven Helmsplitter – Order of the Red Raven
    • Submissions
      • No new submissions, no change in status to existing submissions
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Armored
      • Nothing to report
    • Youth
      • Nothing to report
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • Nothing to report
  • Chatelaine (Lady Justina di Silvestri)
    • Nothing to report
  • Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
    • Nothing to report
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • Nothing to report
  • Quartermaster (THL Lucien d’Artois)
    • Nothing to report
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Added signup sheet for 2019 A+S classes
    • Updates to Red Tower website:
      • Schedule
      • Sitemap
      • Gods & Quests
    • Updates to Castle Wars website:
      • Land map
      • Merchant list
      • Rapier schedule
      • Courtesan salon
      • Meridies Pride link
      • Notice of cancellation of equestrian activities
      • Notice of closing of PayPal registration
    • Updates to Midwinter A+S website:
      • Added Midwinter 2019 to top level “Events” dropdown menu
    • Updated info for other upcoming events:
      • Fall Crown List
      • Magna Faire
    • Updated awards:
      • Lord Brendan de Hay – Order of the Red Raven
      • Lady Raven Helmsplitter – Order of the Red Raven
      • Master Wistric Oftun – Argent Comet
      • Lord Davio de la Rouge – Argent Comet
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • Nothing to report
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • Nothing to report
  • Their Excellencies
    • Nothing to report

Thanks to THL Mark de Wytteney and Lord Nikon Dawidowicz for their help in coordinating and recording the Q+A session this evening.

Next business meeting will be held Wednesday, 5 December 2018, at the Doraville Civic Center. Please note that the first non-resident polling will take place at the December business meeting.

Thanks!

–Raven

Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 2018 Baronial Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

7 March 2018, 7:30pm

Little Tree Studios

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.

Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois) called the meeting to order.

Officer Reports

  • Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
    • Events – Midwinter A+S
      • Lady Mairghread Wilson – Kestral’s Talon
      • Lady Emmelina le Norreys – Baronial A+S Champion
      • Lady Alisandre de la Chapelle – Swan’s Grace
      • THL Sibella Denton – Sable Keep
      • Lady Raven Helmsplitter – Falcon’s Faith
      • Lord Konrad Windhorn – Phoenix’ Spark
      • Lord Mark de Wytteney – Falcon’s Faith
      • Lady Melusine LaPucelle Dix LaFayette – Falcon’s Faith
      • Lord Lucien d’Artois – Red Raven
      • Lady Juliane de Vivonne – Red Raven
      • Lord Brendan de Hay – Chivalry Award
      • Lady Maire Dhocair inghean Chiarain – Order of the Bough
    • Submissions
      • Lady Juliane de Vivonne – new badge
      • THL Mathias Blackett – new household name and badge
      • Mistress Mara Palmer – new household name and badge
      • Lady Ruqayah al-Zarqa – device change
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Armored
      • Armored practice has resumed now that the weather is cooperating (fingers crossed!)
      • Lady Mairghread will not be at practice this coming week (Sunday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 13) because she will be at Gulf Wars – would like to have another marshal volunteer to lead practice
      • Lord Mark de Wytteney is our newest authorized armored fighter (yay!)
    • Youth
      • Will be teaching a youth armored fighting class at Owl’s Nest’s Newcomer’s Collegium on April 28. Mathias and Sir Iazzie will be also be teaching an alternative weapons class at Newcomer’s, and Mark also volunteered he is teaching a class.
  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • Practices. We are still having them, Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evening practices at 7pm, temporarily moved to Blackburn Park due to the lighting situation at Liane Levetan. We’re averaging 2-12 people. For updates regarding rapier practices, go to the Atlanta SCA Fighting Facebook group.
    • Thanked everyone who came out to this year’s Meridian College of Arms, hosted by the Shire of Arenal! Everyone who went had a great time, and the Barony fielded three fencers, and several event support staff.
    • Mairghread mentioned that the Kingdom Youth Rapier Marshal, Master Ysabel de Sancte Croix, is looking for a Youth deputy. Please contact Master Ysabel directly if interested.
  • Chatelaine (Master Wistric reporting for Lady Justina di Silvestri)
    • Demo at Anachrocon (2/17-18) went really well and had a fair number of people already interested in history showed further interest in SCA, with at least 2-4 people get more detailed information on the upcoming events of Fools War and Newcomers Collegium, and a few new people joined the fighter practice group. Everyone who showed up was fantastic and engaging to attendees- was a great experience.
    • Demo for the Knights Templar at the Atlanta Masonic Temple (2/24)- Lord Mark and Jarec did a brief demonstration and lecture on the history of the Templars and the kit and fighting style. The audience was engaged and came up to us with questions after. They have reached out to offer a donation to the barony as thanks.
    • Gold Key: I am going to itemize and input info of the gold key into a google doc so that we can keep a running record of what we have. I hope in the upcoming months to have a shirt/chemise drive… if anyone has any ideas or tips getting more underclothes to gold key, I am very open to suggestions 🙂
    • April SCA swap/giveaway/yard sale: April 11 is a project night, and it looked like my post in the South Downs Facebook group was well received, so let’s have an SCA swap meet! Bring garb you no longer wear, craft items, feast gear, camp gear, fabric, etc. This is a great opportunity for newcomers and people who need SCA gear to be more comfortable at events, to try a new craft, and for more seasoned members to declutter their homes.
  • Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
    • Our February A+S class topic was Building a Collapsible Banner Pole, taught by Master Ximon Martillo de Cordoba. Everyone enjoyed the class (and the double entendres).
      Ximon thanked Mark and Meulsine in particular for their assistance.
    • This month’s class, “How to Run a List Field,” will be taught by Juliane.
    • Reminder: Caterina will be teaching a Paypal class for the Barony in July,
      as well as at Newcomer’s Collegium. THL Andreva encouraged everyone to consider taking the class, because the more people who are approved to handle the new Paypal registration/payment system, the easier it will be for those running troll at events.
    • Artsy Crown – Mistress Sunneva will touch base with Lord Piers to get A+S class registration going
    • Sunneva and Emmelina will be spearheading a baronial (encampment) beautification effort, starting soon – stay tuned!
    • Sunneva has made a schedule for all of 2018 as a Google Docs spreadsheet so you (yes, you! you know it’s one of your new year’s resolutions) can sign up to teach a class at one of our monthly A+S nights. She is pleased to report we have classes scheduled through August.
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • Andreva reported that we have money! $9,234.73 is in our new bank account.
      The old Bank of America account will be closed shortly.
    • She reported that we had 220 people at Midwinter A+S, including 13 children and 28 paid non-members (including the cast of the local production of Spamalot).
      Profit from the event totaled $983.37 (yay!)
    • Andreva will run troll for Artsy Crown, as she has taken the Paypal class. She encourages everyone – especially if you are interested in volunteering at Troll – to take the class, so you can help with reservations and taking credit card payments onsite. At future events, the Head Troll will likely need to have taken the Paypal class before the event.
    • Lisa – who has been running Paypal for our events – is looking for a Paypal deputy. Please contact her directly if interested.
    • Andreva is also looking for a deputy – if you’re interested, please contact her directly. If you can use Excel, you can do this job!
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Updated:
      • Meeting site address to 2838 Franklin
      • Justina as Chatelaine
      • Emmelina as Baronial Arts Champion
      • Sunneva as A&S Minister
      • Ximon’s device
      • Red Raven list to include Mistress Margavati, Ximon, Lord Sebastianos, and Mistress Serafina. Still need to confirm some award dates, though likely sometime 2009-2013. Lorenzo already was listed
      • Linked to “demo suggestion” form on Chatelaine page
      • Posted A&S class list
      • Events: Artsy Crown (new page), Festival of Vices and Virtues, Newcomers, Golden Lily, Fools War, Dreamstone
    • Sent webminister writeup to Chronicler for newsletter
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • Still need articles for the Winter 2018 issue of The Read Tower, due Saturday, March 10, before the clock springs forward for Daylight Savings Time; goal of the newsletter is to inform, particularly newcomers, about what we do, why we enjoy what we do in the SCA, and why a newcomer would want to take part. Examples:
      • Officers’ column: each Baronial officer has a column where they can describe what they do, what’s cool about what you do as that officer, and anything (events, practices, etc) you want to publicize. Roughly 500 words (a page or so?). Officer columns due March 7 before midnight.
      • Guild reps: again, you have a space where you can let the populace know what you do, why you find it cool, and what your Guild has going on. And again, roughly 500 words would be great
      • Articles I’d like to have written, 500-750 words (ish); if you’d like to write an article, please let me know and we’ll chat:
        • Reveling at Castle Wars: one of the things that makes Castle Wars special, the camping and reveling; article and photos  STILL NEED
        • Presentation (?) Herald at Crown: what it’s like to process with a combatant at Crown and announce them at the beginning of the tournament? STILL NEED
        • Rapier activity beyond the world of the SCA (SERFO/HEMA) (thanks, Brendan de Hay!)
        • A+S Competitions at Midwinter A+S (Thanks, Sunneva!)
        • Class handouts, recipes, etc. – please include images (I can scan if necessary), and a writeup introducing the material (ongoing)
        • Artwork and photos – again, I can scan artwork if necessary (thanks, Andreva, for the 40 Year photos!)
        • Would love an article for the *next* issue on something about Gulf Wars (suggestion: the Al-Mahala salon, or Ca’ d’Oro). And please submit pictures! Thanks!
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • No report…
    • But wait! We have a new person at the meeting! Wistric asked everyone to introduce themselves, so we did 🙂
    • The shire of Tir Briste has set up a fire ant management plan in coordination with the management at Al-Sihah Shrine (where Fool’s War, Artsy Crown, and other large events will be held), and has given us permission to come out to the shrine several times before events to destroy ants. Tir Briste (and the Fools War autocrat) will need help, so when the treatment dates are announced, please consider helping if you can, especially since we will need to do the same in advance of our own event, Artsy Crown
    • Mark had talked to people in Tir Briste about who handles the mowing and if there are better options; the site is large and high grass contributes to problems with the ants and other critters.
  • Their Excellencies
    • Gulf Wars
      • Who’s going?
      • If you’re planning on going to Gulf Wars and plan to be on site by Tuesday morning of War Week, please let Her Excellency know – she would love to have members of the Barony take part in the procession and carry the Baronial banner, looking fab and badass 🙂
      • If you plan on camping with the Barony for Fool’s War, please make sure Her Excellency know you are doing so – we need to make sure we have enough in our group for the space allotment we’re looking for.
    • If you have any additional comments about Midwinter A+S, please let Lady Alisandre know.

Upcoming Events

  • Artsy Crown (26-29 May 2018)
    • There will be two fundraiser lunches, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. If interested, please let Lord Piers know – he’s giving South Downs first dibs.
    • Other than that, everything is moving along well.
    • PayPal:
      • We are 85% set on PayPal for this event.
      • Do we have any PayPal readers? How many will we need? Does anyone have any?
      • Does the barony wish to invest in a couple of readers? We don’t know yet if Kingdom has decided to move forward with this PayPal experiment (although being able to pay online and take credit cards at the door is really helpful)
      • There were a couple of PayPal issues that have been cleared up – specifically, we had problems with tracking reservations for multiple feasts (Artsy Crown has two, one on Saturday and one on Sunday evening
    • Lady Emmelina offered to coordinate a fundraiser art sale at Artsy Crown, with proceeds going to the Castle Wars revel (yay!); need to figure out logistics/space between classes, lunch, etc., but everyone loved the idea
    • Lucien will serve as quartermaster for the event, since Ximon can’t attend
    • Piers will make arrangements for the trailer to be towed from the Base to and from the event site.
  • Red Tower (5-7 October 2018)
    • Will be held at Hard Labor Creek in Rutledge, GA
    • We have an autocrat! Lord Mark de Wytteney!
    • We have a theme – Gods Among Us (Greek!)! Every activity will have a Greek god or goddess sponsor
    • Some ideas were developed at dinner after 40 Year
    • Youth activities idea – have people volunteer greek gods in disguise, and the kids can spend the day trying to figure out who is a god
  • Castle Wars (15-18 November 2018)
    • Will be held at Al-Sihah Shrine in Macon, GA
    • We have an autocrat! Lady Juliane!
    • Theme: War of the Roses
    • She is busy putting together the bid, and needs staff in every department
      • Mairghread volunteered as MiC (or to help find one if she can’t make it)
      • Feast? Beast? Should talk to Sir Lochlann
      • Mark volunteered as Landcrat
      • Andreva will help with reservations
      • Ximon offered general assistance
      • Raven offered to do the flyer and site booklet

SCA Business

  • Emmelina still has the baronial court backdrop – it needs to get to GW, and is at her apartment in Smyrna. Arrangements were made
  • Andreva will be hoteling at Artsy Crown, and is looking for someone to share expenses
  • A discussion began about recognizing Caterina for all the work she has done for our Barony, even though she is not a member of South Downs
  • Andreva reminded everyone that *we* are hosting Artsy Crown – start writing recommendation letters to the Crown for worthy people!
  • Bekah thanked everyone in advance for all who will be helping at Newcomers.
    • She is looking for someone to do a protocol and precedence class – possibly Mathias?
    • She would also like to offer a fun hands-on class if possible. Wistric suggested that perhaps he could do an introduction to finger loop braiding class
  • A discussion about possible event sites started. The Masonic Temple on Peachtree was suggested as a possibly suitable Midwinter A+S-type site; also, the site where this past weekend’s con (in Gwinnett?) took place – perhaps they’d be interested in our doing a demo next year?

Non-SCA Business

  • Margavati’s Indian dance group will have a recital at the Georgia World Congress Center on March 25; tickets are available.
  • Sawyer has some extra moldable plastic if anyone wants it

Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 4 April 2018, at Little Tree Art Studios.

–Raven

Events, Meeting Minutes, Midwinter A&S, Red Tower, Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

February Baronial Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

7 February 2018, 7:30pm

Atlanta Friends Meeting House

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.

Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois) called the meeting to order.

Officer Reports

  • Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
    • Lucien announced that the heralds will have a consultation table set up at 40 Year, so come by with your questions.
    • Submissions
      • Five baronial badges were registered at Laurel
      • Mathias Blackett – household name and badge
      • Juliane de Vivone – badge resubmitted
      • Ruqayah al-Zarqa – device change
    • Duke John was asked about the history of the Kestrel – he said it was inspired by an award offered by the Shire of Sol Haven, which recognizes those who contribute to the local group but aren’t actually a member of the group
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Armored
      • We’ve had a great turnout at practices, so much so that the new fighters have had to swap out loaner gear between them (yay!)
      • Several of the new fighters are ready to be authorized.
      • One fighter (Brady) is technically a member of Owl’s Nest, but he’s been training with Mairghread; still needs a gorget. Lord Mark has offered to build one for him this weekend
    • Youth
      • She has two fighters who want to authorize by Pennsic
      • One of the youth fighters asked if she (Mairgrhead) could run youth combat at Newcomers’ Collegium, but she hasn’t yet received her paperwork from Kingdom
  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
    • Last practice got rained out
    • Our next series of practice have been posted to our FB group
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • Practices. We are still having them, Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evening practices at 7pm, temporarily moved to Blackburn Park due to the lighting situation at Liane Levetan. We’re averaging 2-12 people.
    • We are still waiting for updates from Liane Levetan Park about the lighting situation and work order
    • Thanks to all who’ve helped cover marshaling practices while Ben is working!
    • For updates regarding rapier practices, go to the Atlanta SCA Fighting Facebook group.
  • Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
    • After two years in the office, Lady Stella announced that she is stepping down as Chatelaine and that Lady Justina will be stepping up as our new Chatelaine. Thank you for all your hard work, Lady Stella!
  • Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
    • We had a great turnout at Midwinter A+S; 14 classes were offered.
    • Sunneva has made a schedule for all of 2018 as a Google Docs spreadsheet so you (yes, you! you know it’s one of your new year’s resolutions) can sign up to teach a class at one of our monthly A+S nights. She is pleased to report we have classes scheduled through July.
    • This month’s class on building a breakdown banner pole will be taught by Master Ximon. He points out that this is not a historically accurate banner pole, but it does pass the “10-ft rule”
    • Sunneva is looking for a deputy, and asked if you contacted her previously about this, to please reach out to her again.
  • Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
    • Andreva reported that we have (some)money! Approximately $10,000
    • We have a new account at Regions Bank, and are currently waiting on the new checks to arrive and to finish closing out the old Bank of America account. Because of this,
      she needs to have all receipts in by March 1
    • She reported that we had 220 people at Midwinter A+S, including 13 children and 28 paid non-members (including the cast of the local production of Spamalot)
    • Andreva is also looking for a deputy – if you’re interested, please contact her directly
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Updated:
      • Class schedule
      • Live weapons practice schedule
      • Web pages for new baronial awards
      • Posted photos from 40-Year, cub scout demo, and Midwinter A+S
      • Class notes
      • Is adding members’ devices to their webpages
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • Still need articles for the Winter 2018 issue of The Read Tower; goal of the newsletter is to inform, particularly newcomers, about what we do, why we enjoy what we do in the SCA, and why a newcomer would want to take part. Examples:
      • Officers’ column: each Baronial officer has a column where they can describe what they do, what’s cool about what you do as that officer, and anything (events, practices, etc) you want to publicize. Roughly 500 words (a page or so?)
      • Guild reps: again, you have a space where you can let the populace know what you do, why you find it cool, and what your Guild has going on. And again, roughly 500 words would be great
      • Articles I’d like to have written, 500-750 words (ish); if you’d like to write an article, please let me know and we’ll chat:
        • Reveling at Castle Wars: one of the things that makes Castle Wars special, the camping and reveling; article and photos  STILL NEED
        • Presentation (?) Herald at Crown: what it’s like to process with a combatant at Crown and announce them at the beginning of the tournament? STILL NEED
        • Rapier activity beyond the world of the SCA (SERFO/HEMA) (thanks, Brendan de Hay!)
        • A+S Competitions at Midwinter A+S (Thanks, Sunneva!)
        • Class handouts, recipes, etc. – please include images (I can scan if necessary), and a writeup introducing the material (ongoing)
        • Artwork and photos – again, I can scan artwork if necessary (thanks, Andreva, for the 40 Year photos!)
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • Anachrocon – if you have Viking garb, wear it! If you don’t, wear what you like.
      There was a problem with setting up classes, so we’ll just have fighting otuside and an inside table for recruiting. Wistric will update the Anachrocon schedule on the FB group page
  • Their Excellencies
    • Gulf Wars
      • Who’s going?
      • If you’re planning on going to Gulf Wars and plan to be on site by Tuesday morning of War Week, please let Her Excellency know – she would love to have members of the Barony take part in the procession and carry the Baronial banner, looking fab and badass 🙂

Event Report

  • Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
    • Lady Alisandre sent in an event report as she was not able to attend the meeting
      • We need to find an alternate site instead of UWG – the way the University handles reservations makes it difficult to confirm the site until just a couple of weeks before the event. Suggestions from the populace:
        • Red Top Mountain (where Owls Nest will host Newcomers’ Collegium)
        • Sir Iazzie suggested Gwinnett County Fairgroungs – we could use one hall as a sleeping hall,
          and one divided up for classes. Lots of parking.
        • Cobb County Fairgrounds
    • Everyone agreed that Midwinter A+S was a great and successful event!
    • Lord Pietro was tasked with passing along cheers to Alisandre

Upcoming Events

  • Artsy Crown (26-29 May 2018)
    • Our bid has been submitted; we haven’t heard anything back yet but Iazzie feels confident that we will get the bid
    • Sir Lochlann will do the fighters’ feast Sunday night
    • Need someone to take care of Sunday breakfast – Lady Illy volunteered
    • Need someone to take care of Monday morning GTFO breakfast
    • Help with Royal lunches (Lady Justina will be the royal liaison, but will need help)
    • Still need to determine who will do the fundraiser lunch
    • Iazzie has reached out to the autocrat for Fools’ War (also held at the Shrine) – they will be treating the site for fire ants, so it should be in pretty good shape before our event
    • Lady Emmelina offered to coordinate a fundraiser art sale at Artsy Crown, with proceeds going to the Castle Wars revel (yay!); need to figure out logistics/space between classes,
      lunch, etc., but everyone loved the idea
  • Red Tower (5-7 October 2018)
    • Will be held a Hard Labor Creek in Rutledge, GA
    • We have an autocrat! Lord Mark de Wytteney!
    • We have a theme – Bacchanalia! Please send Mark any ideas you may have for the event
    • Some ideas were developed at dinner after 40 Year
    • Iazzie mentioned that he knows a couple of people who are interested in doing feast

SCA Business

  • Lady Justina got great feedback for Period Heroes at Midwinter (yay!) Contributions are always welcome! Period Heroes will make an appearance at Ca’ d’ Oro at Gulf Wars
  • Wistric mentioned the state of the storage unit; seems there’s a lot of materials for unfinished (unstarted?) projects
    • There’s a fair amount of leftover fleece from the Red Tower sheep – Illy suggested that it could be used for cows for Bryn Madoc (Danelaw?)
    • An entire bin of moving blankets which will be turned into storage bags for the thrones
    • Baronial regalia? A linen unfinished cloak or cassock with baronial arms – it may well be a cover or shade for the thrones for court (fits into a frame). The frame has been lost over the years, so it could become a project for something else. Wistric will bring the fabric to the next meeting.
    • A full bolt of canvas that was originally going to be a painted wall; perhaps it could become two smaller walls (easier to handle
    • Several unfinished banners that Baroness Rhiannon had worked on once upon a time; Ximon would like several volunteers to help with it
    • Several bolts of cotton duck (white, green, black) – perhaps can be used for loaner gear? Mark volunteered to help with this
    • Additional silk for banners – we definitely need more banners as a Barony! Also a frame and paint; could become a group project night, teaching how to make a painted silk banner
    • Lady Juliane would love to encourage South Downs to be more spiffy in 2018
    • Ximon suggested that we break down the banner project into easier manageable sessions: develop design, assess silk pieces, etc.
  • Mairghread mentioned that Thor’s Mountain baronial candidates are now down to 4 (one had had his membership lapse); the remaining had a Q+A event that was recorded and posted. The new Baron and/or Baroness will step up at May Faire. Her Excellency Thor’s Mountain has been ill, and the Vicar has stepped up recently to handle administrative issues.
  • Juliane mentioned that His Excellency is interested in restoring the Red Raven as a polling order; is there a gap in the OP that needs to be added/corrected?
  • Ximon thanked everyone who contributed to the MoB fundraiser lunch at Midwinter A+S

Non-SCA Business

  • Andreva’s chorale has a concert coming up, featuring folk songs in a lot of different languages. Concert is in May 18 and 20
  • Mairghread will be on active duty orders for the next couple of months, and it may impact her attendance at Gulf Wars. Sunday practice availability will also be spotty for the next couple of months, due to needed house repair
  • dilly dilly!

Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 7 March 2018, at our new site, Little Tree Art Studios.

–Raven

Events, Meeting Minutes, Midwinter A&S, Red Tower, Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

January 2018 Baronial Mini-Business Minutes

South Downs Baronial Mini-Business Meeting

17 January 2018, 7:30pm

Little Tree Art Studios

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.

Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois) called the meeting to order.

Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)

  • Do we know how many have pre-registered yet?
  • We only have 15 classes submitted so far
  • We still need volunteers:
    • One person to supervise vigil and Order meetings, to be a runner for meeting attendees as needed
      • Two people have volunteered, two teens who helped at the last event with cleanup
    • Someone to put up road signage (Sir Iazzie volunteered)
    • Lady Alisandre will need some things from the Baronial storage unit – she will compile a list of things for Master Wistric to get from the storage unit, and this will be a good test for the new request sheet
  • The schedule being developed for the Order meetings, vigil, Meet & Greet, etc., is really complex
  • Andreva may be able to serve as voice herald to announce class changes and meetings, but if she cant, she will find someone who can (perhaps Lord Knut?)
  • The annual Sari Safari will take place on Sunday after Midwinter
  • Do we want to do a Regional Fighter practice as done in past years?
    • Should we hold our Baronial Championship tourneys at this practice?
    • How elaborate do we want the practice to be? Cookout, etc.? A reminder that that Sunday is also Super Bowl Sunday, so it’s possible we might not have as strong a turnout as we would otherwise
    • The populace decided that we should just have a regular practice, but extend the invitation through the Midwinter event
  • We won’t be able to get onsite to set up on Friday evening, so we will need as many people as possible onsite Saturday morning at 7:00am to help get everything set up
  • The fundraising lunch will either be held in a classroom or at the end of the 2nd floor hallway (as last year)
  • Site tokens have been ordered but have not yet arrived. Plan B (in the event we don’t get the tokens on time) will be to use leftover tokens from Red Tower, which are already strung (yay!)

Baronial Storage Unit

  • Wistric announced that a lot of progress has been made on organizing the Baronial storage unit – he’s posted several pics on the FB group to document the work done and those who’ve come out to help. We will need approximately 12 storage tubs to continue organizing All The Things – having identical tubs will make it easier and more consistent to manage everything. The populace approved $150 to purchase more tubs.

Cub Scout Demo

  • Lisa reminded the populace about the Cub Scout Demo for her son’s pack next Thursday, and encouraged everyone to come out and take part – it’s a lot of fun, and they loved having us come out the last time. The demo starts at 7:00pm. For more info, check out the event that will be set up on the baronial FB group.

Anachrocon (February 16-18, 2018)

  • We’ve been asked to take part in the in the con by holding a demo (fighting, maybe live weapons?)- maybe also teach classes? The deadline to get into the con booklet has passed, but we can still take part. Master Ximon and THL Andreva both said they’d go.

Other Business

  • Castle Wars 2017
    • Does anyone know who ended up with the waivers from Castle Wars? The deputy needs to have them. Whoever has them, please get them to Wistric.

Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 7 February 2018, at our new site, Little Tree Art Studios.

–Raven

Announcements, Meeting Minutes, Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 2017 Baronial Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

6 December 2017, 7:30pm

Atlanta Friends Meeting House

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.

Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois) called the meeting to order.

Officer Reports

  • Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
    • Submissions
      • Lady Stella’s device registered at Laurel
      • Lady Juliane’s badge rejected and resubmitted to Laurel
      • Mistress Margavati is next
    • Awards – Castle Wars
      • Peryn Rose Whitehorse – King’s Lancer
      • Pietro di Conti – Companion of the Argent Rapier
      • Piers Simmons – Falcon’s Faith
      • Mairghread Wilson – Falcon’s Faith
      • Justina di Silvestri – Phoenix’s Spark
      • Stella di Silvestri – Swan’s Grace
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Practices are going well, especially Sundays at Liane Levetan Park. Recently,
      turnout has been hit-or-miss because it’s now event season
    • Tuesdays have been hit and miss, Owl’s Nest fighters don’t come out consistently
    • We have two more youth fighters! yay!
    • Definitely getting a strong response with youth fighters
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • Practices. We are still having them, Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evening practices at 7pm, temporarily moved to Blackburn Park due to the lighting situation at Liane Levetan. We’re averaging 2-12 people.
    • We are still waiting for updates from Liane Levetan Park about the lighting situation and work order
    • Thanks to all who’ve helped cover marshaling practices while Ben is working!
    • For updates regarding rapier practices, go to the Atlanta SCA Fighting Facebook group.
  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
    • Practices are still going strong! We’ve been averaging 10 shooters at practice
    • We now have both 10- and 20-yard target ranges
    • We have youth archery!
    • Our next practice is Sunday, 17 December – for more info, check out our website
    • Still waiting to hear about practice dates for 2018 –
      our hosts are trying to coordinate their scout calendar. Stay tuned!
  • Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
    • If you haven’t joined the South Downs Facebook group, do so! It’s the best place to keep up with what’s happening in the Barony
    • We’ve had some new people show up to the Barony 🙂
      Be nice and welcome them!
  • Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
    • Welcome to Mistress Sunneva, our new A+S Officer!
    • There is now a Google Docs spreadsheet posted on the Baronial Facebook group where you can sign up to teach a class in 2018
    • Midwinter A+S is the next event on the Baronial calendar. Sunneva will post a signup sheet to teach at Midwinter on the Baronial Facebook group soon – stay tuned!
  • Reeve (THL Mathias Blackett)
    • We have money! Not sure exactly how much (so soon after Castle Wars), so no more spending until he figures it out
    • We had a small profit from Crown List – everything was budgeted and spent well, but expenses were higher because of the site, and attendance was less than usual for this type of event
    • After Kingdom took their split, and the rest of the profits were split among the three hosting groups, we made ~$166
    • Lady Juliane suggested that perhaps we don’t go outside of Georgia for our event sites
    • We also had a lower turnout than usual for Castle Wars (adults, 479??) but a lot of kids (brought total number up to 529). However, kids aren’t counted for event purposes, per Kingdom law. Usually we’re at 700.
    • Expenses were also higher – even though the SCA doesn’t charge for kids, kids are charged a park fee (which we ultimately cover).
    • For the next two years, Castle Wars will be held at the Al Sihah Shrine Temple in Macon, which will cost us less
    • Spending was also careful and well done. Expenses totaled $7124, and we made a profit of $2808. This is lower than in the past but we still came out ahead.
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • We have a website!
    • Updated:
      • Have continued to update the populace pages
      • Updated several titles
      • Updated Castle Wars map and photos
      • Updated event calendar
      • Setup Midwinter A+S pre-registration page
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • The Baronial Newsletter (“The Read Tower”) has been published! Yay! Thanks to all who contributed to the issue, and for everyone’s patience as I got this inaugural issue done
    • (Please note: this part is more detailed than the original officer report 🙂 ) Will begin working on the Winter issue after the holidays. I’m looking for the following content; I want to highlight what we, the populace of the Barony do, and what we find fun about the SCA:
      • Officers’ column: each Baronial officer has a column where they can describe what they do, what’s cool about what you do as that officer, and anything (events, practices, etc) you want to publicize. Roughly 500 words (a page or two?)
      • Guild reps: again, you have a space where you can let the populace know what you do, why you find it cool, and what your Guild has going on. And again, roughly 500 words would be great
      • Articles I’d like to have written, 500-750 words (ish); if you’d like to write an article, please let me know and we’ll chat:
        • Reveling at Castle Wars: one of the things that makes Castle Wars special, the camping and reveling; article and photos
        • Presentation (?) Herald at Crown: what it’s like to process with a combatant at Crown and announce them at the beginning of the tournament?
        • Rapier activity beyond the world of the SCA (SERFO/HEMA) (thanks, Brendan de Hay!)
        • Class handouts, recipes, etc. – please include images (I can scan if necessary), and a writeup introducing the material
        • Artwork and photos – again, I can scan artwork if necessary
    • Thank you all! I hope you enjoyed the issue
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • We need to develop an event site database; look for sites for different kinds and sizes of events
    • Updated Con database
    • We need to start looking for a new meeting site – good parking, decent meeting room. Perhaps a pub? Coffeehouse?
  • Their Excellencies
    • Christmas party at Their Excellencies! You all should come! 16 December. Please carpool if you can, as parking may be somewhat limited. Please check out the Baronial FB group or the event site for more details.
      • Dirty Santa ($20 limit)
    • Thanks to everyone for Castle Wars! Everyone helped through the weather, much appreciated
    • Please write more award recommendations – specific person, specific reasons. All awards! Kingdom *and* baronial!

Upcoming Events

  • Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
    • We have a site! University of West Georgia (not Little Tallapoosa, Mathias!)
      • University of West Georgia changed their scheduling – classes don’t get scheduled there until the very end of the semester, so getting the site confirmed was tough. It might be a good idea to find another site
    • The Meridian Order of the Blade will sponsor a fundraiser lunch of a variety of chilis and stews. Will need crockpots.
    • Mistress Sunneva is in charge of classes -if you want to teach, talk to her
    • THL Andreva and Lord Farouk will do the royal luncheon.
    • Lord Piers will head up troll, with help from Lords Lucien and Pietro
    • Juliane is co-autocrat
    • Need merchantcrat
    • Katerina from Owls Nest has offered to do PayPal for pre-reg, but we have some fees that need to be taken care of from Castle Wars and Crown before we can get PayPal cleared
    • Library again? wasn’t utilized much last year, although the idea was cool.
    • There will not be a heraldic consultation at MWA+S unless someone volunteers, but there will be one at 40year
  • Cub Scout Demo (25 January 2018)
    • At the University Heights Methodist Church, at 7:00pm
    • We’ve been invited by special request of the Cubmaster (again!) 🙂 The Cubmaster is a big DragonCon and photography aficionado
    • Each den provides a speaker for one meeting each year, this den has a theme of knights in shining armor, etc., and they’ve loved having us over in past years
  • Artsy Crown (26-29 May 2018)
    • Sir Iazzie is submitting a bid
    • Would be held at the Al Sihah Shrine in Macon
  • Red Tower (5-7 October 2018)
    • Do we have a site?
    • Andreva is putting together a bid

SCA Business

  • Castle Wars Post-Mortem
    • It went really well – everyone helped so much
    • What could have gone better:
      • Made a mistake with rapier marshal, had tournaments instead of melee
      • Parking can be moved to the other side
      • Portapotties can be moved to better places
      • Troll – receipts need to be given to every single person; this is a rule that changes depending on kingdom seneschal
      • Merchants complained about where they were placed
      • Merchants should be closer to artisans row
      • Bigger bottles of hand sanitizers at portapotties that aren’t soap
      • If we have an event at Mackintosh again we need to keep in mind “Lake Mackintosh” from past years (rain) and how that may impact site layout
      • Shrine – keep on top of fire ants
      • Mairghread commented on calibration issues in the fighting, recommends that MiC brief fighters ahead of time on Meridian calibration standards.
      • Make sure your rapier and armored marshals get along
      • we need to figure out how to deal with the castle walls. Ximon suggests a 25ft Uhaul truck to carry all the things.
    • What went well (yay!):
      • The revel space was a great idea, even beyond the weather issues – where can the revel take place at the shrine?
      • Yay Stella for running camp! And keeping everyone caffeinated!
      • Camp kitchen rocked!
      • Ximon mentioned how much he likes Mackintosh
      • Thanks to Wistric for making sure all the things got done; he pointed out that Lucien is the man for everything he took care of
      • heater and pavilion for troll was awesome

    Non-SCA Business

    • Margavati brought a bunch of stuff she’s clearing out from her house

    Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 3 January 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.

    –Raven

Meeting Minutes, Society ANNOUNCEMENTS

November 2017 Business Meeting Minutes

South Downs Baronial Business Meeting

1 November 2017, 7:30pm

Atlanta Friends Meeting House

Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.

Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois) called the meeting to order.

Several new people came to the meeting, so we all introduced ourselves, and shared our office (if applicable) and interests we each have.

Officer Reports

  • Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
    • Submissions
      • Anneliese Wolf’s name and device were registered at Laurel.
    • Awards – Red Tower:
      • THL Mathias Blackett – Red Raven
      • Duke John of Ean Airgead, Lord Pietro di Conti, Mistress Mara Palmer – Kestrel’s Talon
      • Lord Brendan de Hay – Falcon’s Faith
      • Lady Emelina le Norreys – Swan’s Grace
      • Mistress Sunneva de Cleia and Master Wistric Oftun – Phoenix’s Spark
      • Beatrice – Sparrow’s Wing
      • Marianna Cristina Tirado de Aragon – Heart of South Downs
      • Lord Lucien d’Artois – South Downs Chivalry Award
  • Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
    • Practices are going well, especially Sundays at Liane Levetan Park. Recently,
      turnout has been hit-or-miss because it’s now event season
    • Tuesdays have been hit and miss, Owl’s Nest fighters don’t come out consistently
    • No practice this weekend (5 November) because of ConjurationCon and regional practice in Tir Briste, so go there instead!
    • We have one more youth fighter (Eric) yay!
    • Lady Mairghread will be MiC of Friday night activities at Castle Wars. We are hoping to have (again) Knight Bowling and Friday Night Theme Music for fights (but we need another DJ
  • Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
    • We’ve been averaging 10 shooters at practice
    • We now have both 10- and 20-yard target ranges
    • We have youth archery!
    • Our next practice is this coming Sunday (5 November) – for more info, check out our website
    • Mistress Mara has a link to arrow sources – check with her for more info
    • The populace inquired how many tassels does the baronial populace now have? The answer: a LOT!
  • Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
    • Practices. We are still having them, Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evening practices at 7pm, temporarily moved to Blackburn Park due to the lighting situation at Liane Levetan. We’re averaging 2-12 people.
    • We did hear back from Liane Levetan Park about the lighting situation – they’ve put in a work order
    • There are lots of rapier activity planned for the fall event season – come out to events and get your stab on!
    • For updates regarding rapier practices, go to the Atlanta SCA Fighting Facebook group.
    • No practice this weekend (5 November), due to ConjurationCon and the Tir Briste regional practice – come join us there!
    • Ximon mentioned that we should work in some more demos – if you have any leads on demo opportunities, please let Brendan know
    • Upcoming – SERFO (HEMA fencing tournament in Atlanta)! and Castle Wars!
  • Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
    • If you haven’t joined the South Downs Facebook group, do so! It’s the best place to keep up with what’s happening in the Barony
    • Speaking of demos, ConjurationCon will happen the weekend of 4 November – come on out! We’re coordinating efforts with Bryn Madoc – come on out, it’s a lot of fun! Touch base with Stella or Piers if you are planning to help out, so they can know who to expect.
  • Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
    • Lady Alisandre taught October’s class on making fencing shirts – it was an excellent class
    • Volunteers are needed for future activity/class nights! If you are interested, please contact Lady Veronica until the end of the month, or Mistress Sunneva beginning in December, as she will be taking over as the Baronial Arts + Sciences officer (yay!)
    • This month’s class night is scheduled for the night before Thanksgiving – it was suggested that we reschedule until the following Wednesday, in conjunction with the fifth Wednesday potluck
  • Reeve (THL Lady Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain)
    • We have money! and checks! (no) thanks to Bank of America. We may be changing banks – Bank of America has been difficult to work with. Researching options now.
    • Reservationist for Castle Wars reports almost 100 pre-registered, very low number at this point
    • Sir Iazzie suggested that in addition to “spamming” the kingdom with advertisements, announce that reservations can be taken at Crown List
  • Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
    • Updated:
      • Artisan’s Row page (Castle Wars)
      • Officer’s Page (Master Ximon as Quartermaster)
      • Awards pages
  • Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
    • The Baronial Newsletter (“The Read Tower”) is in progress – really! Hope to have it released in the next couple of weeks (before Christmas)
  • Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
    • Lady Juliane de Vivonne is the new deputy for site researching
    • We need to look for sites for different types of events, small to Knowne World level events
  • Their Excellencies
    • We will see you all the next few weekends at ConjurationCon, Crown List, and Castle Wars!

Upcoming Events

  • ConjurationCon (3-5 November 2017)
    • Most of the info has already been conveyed – come on out!
  • Fall Crown List (10-12 November 2017)
    • At Little Tallapoosa Park, co-hosting with the shire of Depedale and the Barony of Bryn Madoc
    • Mattias has nothing new to report
    • The newly-(re)formed Moneyers Guild will meet at Crown List; the Moneyers Guild is about making coins
    • Pottycrat is still needed – Mairghread volunteered to do it on Saturday when she’s there (daytripping)
    • Mathias is serving as acting seneschal at Crown list, as Wistric will not be able to make it
    • Barony may need to bring tables and dayshades – need to arrange trip to storage unit to get them; maybe coordinate carrying stuff from Crown List to Castle Wars, as they are on two consecutive weekends
  • Castle Wars (17 – 19 November 2017)
    • Need to determine who can serve as reeve on site, as Mathias won’t be there. Maybe Maire?
    • Needs help to attach tokens to things (strings? ribbon?). It was determined that this can be taken care of at next week’s meeting, since it’s project night 🙂
    • Wednesday before Castle Wars, we will meet to help load the trailer. Ximon has offered to pull a trailer with his truck, as he will be attending the entire weekend.
    • Need to approve funds to rent trailer, approved unanimously (~$200)
    • Lorenzo has a trailer that can be used for overflow if necessary
    • Juliane did her Iazzie impersonation to remind everyone that “THE BARON AND BARONESS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SET UP AND TEAR DOWN THEIR OWN STUFF. MUFFIN.”
    • Discussed alcohol policy – no open containers, no visibly pouring into cups etc.
    • Castle walls – Iazzie has repaired them and built a gate system for them. They still need to be painted grey this weekend at THL Kynwric’s house. more work to be done after Castle Wars on them (sealing/varnish). Expect to need $400 on repairs, with $ available to make 10 more walls.
  • Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
    • Alisandre still waiting to hear from Sibella to confirm site availability (University of West Georgia)
    • The Meridian Order of the Blade will sponsor a fundraiser lunch of a variety of chilis and stews
  • Cub Scout Demo (25 January 2018)
    • At the University Heights Methodist Church, at 7:00pm
    • We’ve been invited by special request of the Cubmaster (again!) 🙂 The Cubmaster is a big DragonCon and photography aficionado
    • Each den provides a speaker for one meeting each year, this den has a theme of knights in shining armor, etc., and they’ve loved having us over in past years

SCA Business

  • Lady Alisandre will be making candied orange peel this weekend at her home, and has invited anyone who wants to learn to make it to come over and learn/help.
  • Iazzie is working on doing some short Cervantes and Shakespeare plays for future A+S opportunities. Perhaps resurrect the actors’ guild (of sorts)?

Non-SCA Business

  • Nothing new to report

Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 6 December 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.

–Raven