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
Porcia Secunda’s name registered at Laurel
Juliane de Vivonne badge returned for conflict, paperwork all ready completed for resubmission
Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
Practices have been hit-or-miss because it’s now event season (and also, it’s been COLD)
This Sunday (7 January) there will a crossover practice at Liane Levetan Park – everyone come on out and see how the other side fights!
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!
Come on out this Sunday (7 January) for crossover practice!
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 8-10 shooters at practice
Our next series of practice have been posed to our FB group
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
Nothing to report
Arts & Sciences (Mistress Sunneva de Cleia)
Midwinter A+S is the next event on the Baronial calendar. Sunneva has posted a signup sheet on the Baronial Facebook group for anyone who would like to teach at Midwinter.
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.
This month’s class on writing and folding letters in the style of 16th century Italy, will be taught by His Excellency himself, Master Lorenzo.
Reeve (THL Andreva Rigaldi)
We have a new reeve! THL Mathias is stepping down, and introduced THL Andreva as our new reeve. Welcome, Andreva, and thanks, Mathias, for all your work.
Andreva reported that she has no idea if we have any money,
although she is sure we do. Tune in next month to find out 🙂
Andreva just got her warrant yesterday, so she’s still getting up to speed
Andreva will be at 40 Year, but will likely be busy taking classes
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
We have a website!
We have a MWA+S website!
Updated:
Class notes have been updated
Updated several titles
Updated several pages for members of the populace
Updated event calendar
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)
We will have a brief business meeting later this month to discuss and vote on Sir Iazzie’s Artsy Crown bid
Beginning with next week’s meeting, we have a new site! Little Tree Art Studios, 2834 Franklin St, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
This Saturday (6 January) Wistric and crew will be inventorying the baronial storage unit. All are welcome to come help – please contact Wistric if interested
Next Wednesday’s meeting (10 January) is project night, and we will also teach a class on how to work a troll table so that you, too, can take a shift at our next event (Mid-Winter A&S) and help keep our guests moving smoothly and quickly through the line.
Their Excellencies
Meridian 40 Year
Who’s going?
The Barony is hosting an A+S competition at 40 Year- very novice friendly! There will be prizes!
We have been informed that in the arena where the grand procession, court, and the armored and rapier fighting will take place, The Barony will have a box reserved where the thrones can be set up, etc. We need decorations! Help us spiff up the baronial seating area!
The third meeting of this month, Master Vincent formerly of SD, now of the West, will be in town and would love to host a dance practice at the baronial practice
This month features a FIFTH Wednesday! You know what that means… IN-GARB POTLUCK!
Please write more award recommendations – specific person, specific reasons. All awards! Kingdom *and* baronial!
Upcoming Events
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
Lady Alisandre walked the site at University of West Georgia last week, and is confident that we can fit everything in the schedule into the space
Site tokens have been ordered; as they are being shipped from China, she has also come up with a Plan B just in case they don’t arrive in time
We still need volunteers:
Troll
Teachers
Help running the A+S competitions (Sunneva volunteered)
Lady Alisandre was asked if we will have PayPal reservations for Midwinter. Now that we have a Reeve, we can get this going
Artsy Crown (26-29 May 2018)
Sir Iazzie is submitting a bid
Would be held at the Al Sihah Shrine in Macon
Bid is just about ready, just need to figure out site fees
In addition to feasts on Saturday (feastcrat – THL Mariana) and Sunday (Sir Lochlann), planning on traveler’s fare Friday night, and breakfast Saturday and Sunday – need volunteers!
Inquiry from the populace – what does kingdom law say about the scenario of the fire ants winning Crown List?
Red Tower (5-7 October 2018)
Will be held a Hard Labor Creek in Rutledge, GA
Andreva was going to autocrat, but now that she is Reeve, won’t be able to do so.
Will find a replacement autocrat.
SCA Business
Demo at Anachrocon (16-18 February 2018)
Viking theme, but not exclusively Viking
Need volunteers to teach classes and participate in demos! Wistric will set up and Anachrocon FB event page
Good, small event with excellent opportunities for recruiting
The Shire of Sol Haven would like help from us with teaching A+S classes for their shire; their meetings are the fourth Thursdays of the month. If you’re interested, please contact Mistress Bronwyn for more information.
If you are planning to go to 40 Year and want to camp indoors, please contact Baroness Rhiannon – she is trying to coordinate a South Downs camp
Non-SCA Business
None
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 7 February 2018, at our new site, 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.
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.
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.
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
Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
Practices are going well, especially Sundays at Liane Levetan Park
Tuesdays have been hit and miss, Owl’s Nest fighters don’t come out consistently
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Practices. Nothing new. Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evening practices at 7pm, temporarily moved to Blackburn Park due to the lighting situation at Liane Levetan. We did hear back from the folks at Liane Levetan Park – they have put in a work order for the lights, so we’re hoping things will be fixed soon.
Brendan thanked everyone who has helped cover marshalling practices when he’s had work conflicts
There are lots of rapier activity planned for the fall event season – come out to events and get your stab on!
Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
Lady Stella, Master Lorenzo, and THL Mathias got their tassels
The October practice has to be moved to Sunday, 15 October (the Sunday of Coronation weekend)
Come on out to Red Tower! It will be fun for everyone, even new archers – loaner gear will be available if you’d like to try target archery
One of the shoots at Red Tower will be a stuffed animal shoot; Lady Justina suggested that she (or someone) could play teddy bear doctor to repair the shot stuffed animals,
so the kids won’t be upset at shooting stuffed animals
Mara has not gone over budget, and is almost done buying all the things
For more information about archery in Meridies, please check out their website
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
Lady Stella will be taking on 2 deputies:
Demo deputy is Lord Piers
Gold key is Lady Justina
Donations have been made to the Barony – a range of things that will be useful in general
Do you have suggestions for future demos? Stella is setting up a Google Doc that will make it easy to submit your idea and send it on to Piers and Stella
Speaking of demos, ConjurationCon will happen the weekend of 4 November – come on out! 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)
A+S quarterly report to kingdom is due soon – Lady Veronica passed around a sheet so everyone could list what they’ve worked on this past quarter
This month’s class is a surprise! (ETA: Lady Alisandre taught a class on making fencing shirts
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Nothing to report
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
Mini-business meeting last week happened – $1,000 was approved for upcoming expenses for Castle Wars,
including propane tanks, torches, etc.
Reeve (THL Lady Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain)
Distributed several checks, per the previous week’s meeting
Maire reminded everyone working on upcoming events that it is preferred to submit your expense receipts as much all together as possible, so that fewer checks are written
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions
Five baronial badge submissions have advanced to Society
Court Report
Tourney of the Foxes:
Veronica da Lucca – Order of the Velvet Owl
Meridian Grand Tournament (MGT)
Master Wistric Oftun received the Stallion’s Blood
Their Excellencies
Red Tower is coming up! Come out! Have fun!
Help out!
Justina will be teaching a class with Their Excellencies on how to be a courtier – this will be a great class for newcomers!
Castle Wars is coming up! If you haven’t written an award recommendation for someone in time for Red Tower and are thinking of doing so, do it now so it can be considered in time for Castle Wars. Their Excellencies love giving out awards!
Upcoming Events
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2017)
Everything is going well – Lady Julianna was nervous, but she met with Her Excellency and they put together lists of things that need to be done
We need people for set up (Friday @ 3:00pm), and tear down (Saturday night and Sunday morning); several volunteers offered
Still need a volunteer as pottycrat – easier than most events, since there’s a bathhouse and cabins,just the 3 portapotties on the field. Stella volunteered.
Need help with site heralding – Don Scott?
Mattias will herald the rapier tournament – Wistric wants to find out what’s being planned
Do we have popup tents available for the list mistresses?
Mattias was had ideas about hall decorations – will try to drape it in curtains to make it look like a Roman hall, then will put the South Downs banners
Can we set up a lounge long enough for His Highness Tim to lounge on?
Lucien has sign up sheet for troll – Friday 5-Midnight, Sat 7am – 1pm. Weather permitting, troll will be at main pavilion near field instead of main hall – need to put on the Red Tower FB page
Mairghread asked if we have enough ropes/stakes/etc to mark off fighting fields. If not, a good option would be flour to mark off the edges of the fields
Juliana needs a check to get things taken care of on site; she also needs cash advance check for cash for troll.
Question about portapotties – would it be possible to have hand sanitizer supplied in each of them?
Fall Crown List (10-12 November 2017)
Co-hosting with the shire of Depedale and the Barony of Bryn Madoc
Will take place at Little Talapoosa park, with Bryn Madoc and Depedale
Mattias doesn’t have much new to report
There was a small discussion about non-feast meals
Planning will get into high gear after Red Tower
Castle Wars (17 – 19 November 2017)
There was a problem with site tokens that were ordered – they turned out to be way too small. Piers is sending them back, and will get refund eventually.
He has already found an alternative token (with help from Wistric and Iazzie). This is within the existing budget, so no vote needed
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
Alisandre still waiting to hear from Sibella to confirm site availability (University of West Georgia)
SCA Business
As part of what was recently donated to the Barony, we now have a wrought iron cooking tripod and 2 portable holes, and an iron rose the was donated. Could we use it as a prize at (Midwinter A+S?) cooking competition? We could also use feast gear that was donated for volunteer raffles at upcoming events
Ximon thanked Lorenzo and Adela on behalf of the Meridian Order of the Blad for loaning them water coolers, and Veronica for providing a scroll last minute
Lorenzo told a story about having a runic scroll translated at MGT
Non-SCA Business
Nothing new to report
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 1 November 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Stunt Herald (Master Wistric Oftun) called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
We may have a new armored fighter from Trimaris
Practices are continuing Tuesday evenings with Owls Nest at Swift Cantrell Park, Sunday afternoons at Liane Levetan Park in Dunwoody.
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Practices. Sunday afternoons, concurrent with armored. Tuesday evenings around 7pm. We are seeking new practice sites. Levetan Park has disabled the field lighting at our practice site, and it’s getting dark earlier. Short-term, maybe we return to Blackburn for Tuesdays? Please contact Brendan if you have a suggestion.
Recent past rapier stuff:
Elements of Adela’s Gilded Companie journeyed north, leading the Meridian Rapier Expeditionary Force—Pennsic Theater.
Adela’s Gilded Companie fielded three squads at Tourney of the Foxes. One of those squads, led by Master Wistric, won the 5-person melee tourney.
Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
Stella got her tassel in court at Foxes
Royal rounds held again at practice
For more information about archery in Meridies, please check out their website
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions
2 personal badges for Lucien d’Artois advanced to Society level.
1 name submission for Konrad Windhorn advanced to Society level.
5 baronial badges submitted, items pended awaiting petition, which was subsequently provided, items to be added on a second ILOI at Kingdom
Court Report
Tourney of the Foxes:
Veronica da Lucca – Order of the Velvet Owl
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
There was a parade at DragonCon – great turnout from several kingdoms
Rapier fighters fought in parade
One heavy fighter from Calontir took part
Had chariot and two pullers (needed 4)
Duke John thanked those who helped, and reiterated that we need to have 4 people (at least) to pull
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
The August A+S class night, “Beyond Running Stitch: Hand Sewing Techniques,” was taught by Mistress Allesandra.
This month’s class, on “Dante’s Inferno,” will be taught by Sir Iazzie.
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Event pages have been updated
Live Weapons page has been added
Added Order of the Velvet Owl to Lady Veronica’s profile
Updated site with pictures from DragonCon
Their Excellencies
South Downs will host the fundraiser lunch at Crossroads;
volunteers needed! Funds will go towards the Castle Wars discretionary fund
Her Excellency thanked everyone who represented her on the field at Foxes
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
DragonCon was this pas weekend – it rocked!
Per Lady Stella – if you are on the DragonCon Facebook group, please let us know what recommendations you may have for improvements for next year’s DragonCon
Upcoming Events
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2017)
We have only 17 registrations so far
A pre-registration form and a Google doc for a signup list are in the works
Concerns were voiced about signage for the site, since it is relatively new – where should the signs go? Do we have enough signs?
Lorenzo has signs/banners from castle wars a couple of years ago that may be useful for the event site.
Charmone said that she has a prize that is being donated by dal raven(?) forge; needs to confirm with Tristram
Pietro has box of binders and clipboards that can be used for Red Tower
Juliana wants to create a laminated cheat sheet for all volunteer roles
Will there be a South Downs encampment? There are cabins and tenting available, but no specific baronial campsite.
Mariana discussed the menu for feast; menu will be posted both on the Facebook event site and baronial website Red Tower page
Need to make sure that there are volunteers to help clean up Sunday so we can all leave at a reasonable time
Also need volunteers to serve feast and clean up kitchen after feast
Fall Crown List (10-12 November 2017)
Co-hosting with the shire of Depedale and the Barony of Bryn Madoc
Will take place at Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton
As soon as we have the schedule approved by the Crown,
it will be posted
Castle Wars (17 – 19 November 2017)
Need more volunteers – please see the signup sheet to see what is still needed
Piers may be facing shoulder surgery soon, may be limited mobility
South Downs encampment – Alisandre will set up group for encampment, and will need volunteers to take meal / clean up duty
Their Highnesses will camp with House Excelsior; the South Downs encampment site has been established as well; 10 people = camp
Landcrat – Maire?
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
Alisandre says well know in a couple of weeks before we can confirm site at University of West Georgia
Artsy Crown (25-27 May, 2018)
Iazzie heard promising things from previous autocrat
Approximately 85% done with budget
SCA Business
Would love to find a different meeting site – recommendations and ideas are needed! Please check with Their Excellencies if you have any suggestions
Iazzie is working on getting castle walls replaced and expanded
Ximon had offered a six-pack of beverage of choice for anyone who helped pull the chariot at DragonCon; he made good on his payment at the meeting
Non-SCA Business
There will be a viking festival in Roswell the same weekend as Red Tower
The Fernbank museum is hosting a gladiator exhibit this month
All the business issues having been addressed, the lords and ladies of the populace adjourned to vote on candidates for the Heart of South Downs and Chivalry awards for business meeting. Once the voting was held, the meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 4 October 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions
Annaliese Wolf – name/device at Laurel (3nd month – post-commentary)
Stella di Silvestri – device at Laurel (2nd month of commentary)
Juliane de Vivonne – badge at Laurel (1st month in commentary)
Porcia Secunda – name at Laurel (1st month in commentary)
Lucien d’Artois – badge x2 at Kingdom
Konrad Windhorn – name at Kingdom
Court Report
RUM:
Mara Palmer – Broken Bow
Stella di Silvestri – Guiding Hand
Arabian Nights:
Mathias Blackett – Kingdom Bard
Armored and Youth Marshal (Lady Mairghread)
6-8 armored fighters at Sunday practices
Joint fighters practice with Owls Nest continues to go well
We have one new youth fighter (yay!)
Mairghread has requested $200 for additional loaner gear
Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer – THL Mathias reporting)
July practice hosted ~22 archers
Royal round was held at practice
Update on acquiring loaner and baronial gear: we’ve only had to buy 3 bows
We have two new marshals in training
If interested in shooting archery at foxes, please contact Mistress Mara; if you are taking part in other tournaments during the event, please be aware there’s a lot of waiting around between archery rounds
For more information about archery in Meridies, please check out their website
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri – His Excellency reporting)
Everyone is encouraged to sign up for DragonCon and take part in the parade!
Stella made up some baronial business cards for distribution at demos, etc., which should arrive Monday
We’ve had several new people come to events and practices recently
Stella is still looking for a deputy chatelaine, in charge of demos – if interested, please contact her
Reeve (THL Maire)
We have some money! yay!
We are spending a lot of money so we have to be careful, especially with the event season and our several events coming up this fall
Everything is paid up till the end of the year. With the site location changing for Castle Wars, we need to be extra careful with funds until we know more about how the change will impact the budget
Mara mentioned that she’s still running way below budget with archery needs.
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
The July A+S class night was on making viking aprons, and taught by Lady Juliana
This month’s class, on how to event steward, will be presented by Mistress Jadi. She plans to set up the class as a roundtable featuring participants who have extensive experience in event stewarding from both inside and outside the barony, who can provide a variety of viewpoints and experiences on event stewarding. Ximon volunteered. This is would normally be held on the 4th Wednesday, but there are schedule conflicts, so please stay tuned.
This month will be our 5th Wednesday in-garb potluck – everyone is welcome!
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Updated the Knight Marshal page
We need to add a Live Weapons Marshal page, now that we have a live weapons program
New profiles for Aidan MacKay, Konrad, Mairghread, and Piers have been added
His Excellency added the new baronial awards page to the website
Red Tower event page was updated
Castle Wars event page updated – the Castle Wars page includes a downloadable pre-registration form; it was agreed that the Red Tower page should also have a pre-reg form
Fighter practice page/schedule has been updated and expanded
Seneschal (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a barony (huzzah!)
Do we want to sponsor something at Meridian 40 Year? We should discuss and let Countess Thorkatla know.
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Their Excellencies
Their Excellencies have received several recommendations for the new baronial awards! The populace is encouraged to write more!
They also encourage the populace to write more recommendations for deserving gentles for all sorts of awards for upcoming events! Check the OP if you aren’t sure if someone has a particular award
Their Majesties are already putting the list together for Castle Wars
Foxes!
Her Excellency would love to sponsor several teams for the tournaments at Foxes – rapier, armored, and archery (team names: Adela’s Special Snowflakes? unless there’s only one team in a particular tournament, then they’ll become The Snowflakes?).
Her Excellency will be working on new tokens this weekend – everyone is invited to help (silk banner painting practice!)
There should be several rapier and armored teams – yay!
Upcoming Events
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2017)
Lady Emmelina created a lovely flyer for the event – look for it in the upcoming kingdom newsletter
A pre-registration form and a Google doc for a signup list are in the works
Site visit planned for tomorrow (3 August)
Volunteers needed:
Herald(s)
Head troll
Pottycrat
Royal liaison
2 list mistresses
(updates)Rapier covered per wistric
Serafina will do armored list
Hall steward (Mathias volunteers)
Children’s activities?
Travelers’ fare
Cleanup Royal site Sunday
Owl’s Nest is taking care fundraiser lunch; we will do fundraiser lunch @ Crossroads
Feast – THL Mariana is working on recipes, menu will be pinned down this weekend
Castle Wars (17 – 19 November 2017)
Flyer should be ready this weekend for submission to PopChiv
Most staff taking care of, just needs landcrat and heralds
Site map has been sent to Their Majesties so we can determine where they want their camp to be
Need donations for volunteer raffle
Lucien needs volunteers for troll
Maire said we need heaters and lights for troll
Fall Crown List (10-12 November 2017)
Co-hosting with the shire of Depedale and the Barony of Bryn Madoc
Will take place at Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton
Portapotties reserved
Event flyer about to go out
Everything is going smoothly
We (South Downs) will be the ones handling insurance
Maire mentioned that insurance for a group is taken care of for the first event of the year that group does
SCA Business
Mathias said there had been mention of 5th Wednesday in-garb potluck including some SCA dancing or bardic performances. He would be interested in getting some people together to do some commedia?
Ximon needs to talk with the reeve to get the check to cover the loaner rapier armor we bought from Tina (and the youth combat helm)
Sir Iazzie: The castle walls need repair/replacement (“rapier uses the walls, armored abuses the walls”).
Wants to talk to Sebastionnos about repairing/building a new wall and see how much it would cost.
We also need a gate of our own; with a second gate and repaired walls, we could do 2 castles for fighting scenarios.
Repairs very important, but we really do need *additional* wall pieces.
Hopefully we can store the walls and gates at the Shrine – currently they’re at His Highness’.
Can we get together with Tir Briste to help out with walls?
Fundraising idea – donate X$ to wall, maybe get your device on a wall? 🙂
His Excellency is going to test out new rope and stake wall for meridies royal encampment at pennsic
Lucien reminded everyone about the 2nd mini business meeting, possibly starting in August to help keep track of upcoming events (thru Midwinter A+S), to take place 3rd Wednesday of each month
After tonight’s meeting, we will meet for Baronial Chivarly / Heart of South Downs awards
Non-SCA Business
Lady Juliana suggests parking ideas for DragonCon. Parking Panda allows you to buy reserved parking spaces for much cheaper than public parking.
Other parking ideas;
Parking at the Cathedral for $20/day
Buy a monthly pass at the International Center parking garage for $120; pass is good for a full month, so if you need to park downtown at other times during September, it can be a good deal.
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 6 September 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. THL Mathias is tonight’s stunt seneschal.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Live Weapons Marshal (Mistress Mara Palmer)
Approximately 10 people showed up at the first practice
Lots of gear is arriving at Mara’s house, ready to sort/prep. She reports that we are still way under budget, so she’ll continue to order things 🙂
Next archery practice will be co-hosted with Owls Nest on 23 July (the same weekend as Arabian Nights)
Ximon is working on prizes for first archery tourney – breakdown banner pole, banner, etc.
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions
Annaliese Wolf – name/device at Laurel (2nd month of commentary)
Stella di Silvestri – device at Laurel (1st month of commentary)
Juliane de Vivonne – badge at Kingdom (in commentary)
Porcia Secunda – name at Kingdom (in commentary)
Lucien d’Artois – badge x2 submitted to kingdom
Conrad Windhorn – name submitted to kingdom
Court Report
None
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
The June A+S class was on Commedia del Arte, and taught by THL Mathias
This month’s class night will be on viking aprons, and taught by Beteena
The August class will be Mistress Jadi’s autocratting roundtable, featuring experienced event stewards / autocrats from both within and without our Barony. She expects the speakers will provide a range of viewpoints and experiences about stewarding events. Master Ximon volunteered to take part. However, it still needs to be scheduled, as she will be out of town for the usual class night in August. We may switch August class night with another meeting night (perhaps project night) to accommodate. Stay tuned!
Youth Armored Marshal (Lady Mairghread Wilson)
We have a new youth fighter (huzzah!)
The youth practice scheduled for this Sunday will move to Bryn Madoc, to join the regional event honoring (and surprising!) Duke Orlando as he marks his 40th anniversary of his knighthood.
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
(Lady Mairghread reporting) Mairgread will step up as marshal and Robert steps down to deputy, due to work issues. Asked for approval – stunt seneschal says “uh, yeah, dude.”
Tuesday heavy practice – considering combining South Downs armored practice with Owls Nest to boost numbers for each side? Good to support our neighbors 🙂
With Lord Robert stepping down, the question arose if Mairghread will MiC Red Tower? She’ll consult with Robert and other interested parties and get things sorted out
Mairghread will need to get the loaner gear from Robert, especially for Sunday’s practice. Still need loaner gear – His Excellency points out that we do have funds for gear 🙂
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Thanked everyone who’s been able to step up and cover marshaling responsibilities at practices when he’s been unable to attend
We are also looking at combining rapier practices with our brethren in Owls Nest – scheduling around traffic on Tuesday evenings is rather difficult, but we are looking at options
Brendan announced that Lord Piers will step up as deputy rapier marshal. The nomination went to the populace for approval; Lucien objected (then everyone started laughing). Deputy rapier marshal approved.
Their Excellencies
Encourage everyone to attend the fighter practice this Sunday in Bryn Madoc
Also encourage everyone to attend Tourney of the Foxes, hosted by the Shire of Vulpine Reach (25-27 August, at Harrison Bay State Park in Chattanooga). Event info here: Tourney of the Foxes.
Her Excellency is interested in sponsoring teams on the armored, rapier, and live weapons/archery fields, and is already for her representatives on the field. She will provide tokens, so come out and fight for the honor of your Barony!
Baronial Awards
At the last business meeting, discussions began about new awards.
Lucien said that at KWHSS, discussion of order names suggests that our names may not pass, since they do not follow standard structure
Flannait had an article about medieval order names that she presented at a class
Two things usually are included: every order name needs to have a designator and a substantive element that matches the way orders were named in period
Order of *heraldic charge” or *heraldic color” or order of two heraldic charges, etc. or abstract quality or virtue
We need to back to the drawing board on names, but the badges should be fine – have already been conflict checked (to date)
Duke John wanted to know why we’re getting pushback on the order names – no one cared for ages about what names were made up, so why suddenly now?
It was suggested that we should register the badges for now; names can be done at a later time (if at all), since these are non-armigerous so it’s not as important to register the names
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Lady Stella is in Korea, so did not get to submit a report? His Excellency stepped in to improv:
Korea is awesome!
She is still looking for 2 deputies
Lorenzo helped recruit new people at Mistress Allesandra’s 4th of july shindig. Recruit new people! please 🙂
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Placeholder page now exists for Fall Crown List (we are co-hosting with Depedale and Bryn Madoc)
Reeve (THL Maire)
Not present at meeting, but Their Excellencies confirmed that we still have money! huzzah!
Upcoming Events
Fall Crown List (10-12 November 2017)
Co-hosting with the shire of Depedale and the Barony of Bryn Madoc
Will take place at Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton
Kynric is co-autocrat
Illy Brownlee is feastcrat
Lady Alisandre is merchantcrat
Fighters’ Collegium (1-3 September 2017)
Yes, it’s happening! There had been questions about whether the new Kingdom Law regarding scheduling Fighters’ Collegium with RUM starts in 2017 or 2018, but it remains an independent event for 2017.
Being held at Dalwhinnie Fields near Selma, AL (site of this year’s Black Axe).
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2017)
Nothing to report
Everything going smoothly, visited the site and met with the portapotty people and the park staff.
Castle Wars (17 – 19 November 2017)
Flyer in progress, should be ready in a week or two
Still need volunteers – please contact Lord Piers or Sir Iazzie
Equestrian people have found their own water buffalo, so we now have an extra $500 in the budget
Is there a site token plan?
Event Bids
Fall Crown (10-12 November 2017)
Bid has been submitted, waiting to hear from Crown.
Midwinter Arts + Sciences 2018 (2-4 February 2018)
Lady Alisandre is working on a bid
Other SCA Business
DragonCon
We are all set for the parade (40 wrist bands) if you know anyone coming from other kingdoms, let us know so we can make arrangements
Master Ximon has news about the chariot. He posted on fb group the other day about chariot situation, offering to help compensate anyone who wants to pull the chariot (6 pack of your choice). If you’re planning on attending DragonCon, marching in the Parade, are strong, and thirsty, talk to Ximon or Stella
John wants to get in touch with Crafty Celt – he had mentioned that he was interested in riding in the chariot, but we’d then need 4 at a time to pull it
Last year, we had a situation with the chariot b/c people were using it to store things during the parade and then left those things behind. Please don’t bring anything to the parade you can’t/wont carry during the parade.
Rhi mentioned that the Netherworld people have their own plan at the end of the parade to make it easier to deal with all the stuff. It was suggested that there is already a plan – just need to minimize extra stuff and meet with chariot to help put stuff away. As long as we do that, we should be fine.
South Downs Supper Club
We want to bring it back! What is the South Downs Supper Club? A volunteer hosts the dinner, a group of people cook period recipes (usually with a common theme), other people donate $, everyone eats 🙂
For more information, check out the South Downs Supper club group on Facebook
Tina has a piece of female rapier armor that is now looking for a good home. She’s offering to sell it to the Barony for $50 to use it as loaner gear. Vote request to approve funds. Stunt seneschal says “yeah, sure dude.” Motion passes.
Ximon asked if anyone would be interested in his teaching a class on how to build a breakdown banner pole? Everyone said YAAAASSSS
Lucien needs a check for $50 to register badges. Vote seconded and approved
Mathias said there had been mention of including bardic performances or SCA dancing during our Fifth Wednesday potluck. He is interested in getting some people together to do some commedia at a future Fifth Wednesday. If interested, please contact him.
Lucien reminded everyone about the 2nd mini business meeting, possibly to start in August to help keep track of upcoming events (thru Midwinter A+S in February)
Non-SCA Business
THL Andreva brought cake in honor of her birthday (chocolate and stout cake – it was delicious!)
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 2 August 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lord Brendan de Hay (mka Benjamin Hay), South Downs Stunt Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Master Wistric chaired the meeting and offered fresh baked banana bread in honor of his and Mistress Sunneva’s wedding anniversary (huzzah!).
Officer Reports
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions
Anneliese Wolf had name and device submission pass kingdom and forwarded to Laurel
Stella di Silvestri resubmitted device to kingdom via heraldic consultation table at Crown List
Two badges and one name submitted for next month
This year’s Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium will be coming to fair Meridies! The shire of Nant-y-Derwyddon has the honor of hosting it, and will be held in Knoxville the weekend of 23-25 June, 2017. For more information, please visit the symposium website
Wistric, encouraging the populace to register devices in time for Meridian 40 Year (because banners with devices make for a spiffier event!), asked the populace who still needs to register devices, etc. to get a sense of who may need assistance in doing so.
Wistric also asked Lucien how many devices one can register (alternate heraldry) – Lucien replied that one can register as many as six names, devices, etc.
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Everyone continues to be happy with the Liane Levetan / Brook Run Park practice site in Dunwoody
Rapier practices continue to be held Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (Sundays with our armored brethren), weather- and conflicting-event-permitting
Youth Armored Marshal (Lady Mairghread Wilson)
There will be a regional youth practice on 7/9/17 (Jon Montgomery in charge), location TBD
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Meridian Fight Club will take place Sunday, 30 July, location TBD. His Grace Sir Bart will be in charge.
Mistress Mara was elected Baronial Archery Marshal by general acclaim
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Stella is looking for a deputy Chatelaine (still has 8 months left in term)
Regarding the Chatelaine office, Stella wants to split office into newcomers and demo coordinator
Speaking of demos, we will host a demo (again) this Sunday, 11 June, after fighter practice, at ATL Streets Alive. This Streets Alive will be on Marietta Street, on the Westsite. Want to volunteer? Fighters, artisans, dancers, etc welcome and needed! See Mistress Margavati or His Excellency Master Lorenzo for more information, or check out the FB event posted on Atlanta SCA Fighting
We have a giant box of postcards available for distribution at demos
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Placeholder pages now exist for Red Tower and Castle Wars event sites
Email issues are being worked on — spamblocker is really aggressive
Link set up to Lorenzo’s Artisan website
Please submit updates for personal profiles section on our website
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
The May A+S class on gnocchi making taught by THL Mariana had a great turnout – and the gnocchi were delicious!
This month’s class night will be on Commedia del Arte, taught by THL Mathias
July’s class night may feature an autocratting roundtable, possibly hosted by Mistress Jadi
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report, but thanks to Lord Brendan for serving as stunt Chronicler!
Reeve (THL Maire)
Not present at meeting, but Their Excellencies confirmed that we have money! huzzah!
Their Excellencies
Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium is coming!
23-25 June 2017, in Knoxville, TN; hosted by Nant-y-Derwyddon. For more information, go to their: website
Come on out and support Meridies!
The weekend before the Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium in Knoxville, the Knowne Worlde Dance Symposium will be held in Baltimore, MD (the lands of Fair Atlantia), 15-18 June, 2017. Interested? check out the website for more information.
Their Excellencies encouraged everyone to attend RUM (Royal University of Meridies), which will be hosted by the Shire of Crimson River in Clarksville, TN on 15 July
Tournament of Foxes (25-27 August) – Her Excellency is already beginning to recruit for Foxes teams! She has tokens, and she wants to show her support for ALL the teams – armored, rapier, and live weapons/archery! Event info here: Tourney of the Foxes
His Excellency is interested in revamping Baronial award structure.
Proposed new structure/orders
Entry to order once, as opposed to awards which can be given over an over. (sheet attached, received with general acclaim and mirthful commentary)
Discussion on merits of orders vs. awards.
Possibly adding a “Baron/Baroness’ Pleasure award for multiple recognitions
Lorenzo will post this for discussion outside the meeting (FB and website). Would like to have comments set up for vote by next month’s business meeting? Think about who you want to recommend…
Her Excellency reminded everyone to make Kingdom-level recommendations, and that she and Lorenzo would love to hand out awards at Red Tower
Some discussion of how award recommendations work, particularly for polling orders
If you’re having issues with OP spellings and accuracy, contact Mathias or Lucien
Seneschal (Master Wistric)
Margavati mentioned an old office, that of site deputy (within the senschal office), that focuses on researching and databasing potential event sites). Would anyone be interested in volunteering for this office? Contact Peryn and/or Lorenzo for help, as they had both done some work previously collecting information on potential sites.
Wistric and Maire discussed developing more event infrastructure. Recommend potential investments…
Kitchen stuff
Golf cart? (or include in event budgets?)
Pop ups?
Upcoming Events
Red Tower (6-8 October 2017)
Bathrooms too far away at Booker T, so we will be looking to add portapotties to the site.
We expect to make it work in current budget.
Checking with park staff for approval.
Need volunteers – if interested, please get in touch with Beteena.
Castle Wars (16-19 November 2017)
New site is confirmed – the event will be held at McIntosh Reserve in Whitesburg. This will require new budgets (with and without extra water for horses, since we can have equestrian activities. Adding extra water for horses, adds $2 for day trip, $1 for weekend.
Because the new site doesn’t have a kitchen or other feast capabilities, there will not be a feast offered this year.
Castle Wars Theme: William Wallace
Expecting MOB invitational tourney to add some people
Event Bids
Fall Crown (10-12 November 2017)
Bid has been submitted, waiting to hear from Crown.
Midwinter Arts + Sciences 2018 (2-4 February 2018)
Bid is in. No confirmation on hall until late September (College won’t confirm scheduling)
Looking for crazy cooking type volunteer to coordinate—could we manage a day board of Moroccan food (specific university in Morocco)? Day board included in admission fee.
Other SCA Business
DragonCon
Nothing to report
Archery!
Looking for a site for regular practice. Probable joint practice with Owls’ Nest at Viking Alchemist property (alternates include Portia & John’s in NE Atlanta or Mairghread & Piers in Cobb Co.)
8 June for first practice? First one starts at noon, then future practices will begin at 10:00am.
Sundays, probably 1 per month.
Budget proposal for archery/thrown weapons stuff—attached. Note that all numbers in budget are high estimates, actual cost will probably be less.
Will probably store equipment at Their Excellencies’ house
We anticipate having this ready in time for Red Tower
Recommended that we purchase 3-target system
We can use any budget overhead for loaner gear (Mara is pricing gear)
Ximon wants to donate a prize—break-down banner pole for first competitive shoot, Mara recommends waiting until July practice
Discussion on website/fb to encourage donations
Financial committee passes proposal (except for exchequer, not here tonight)
Barony passes proposal
Please note: Budget and information documentation will be made linkable once I have the PDFs –Chronicler
Lucien suggests that with all the events in the works over the next couple of months, we should have additional mini business meetings during other Baronial meeting nights (possibly project nights?) to facilitate updating the populace on event planning
THL Andreva and Mistress Jadi will be starting project nights again, on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month at their home. Please contact them for address/directions.
Non-SCA Business
24 June 24: the Festival Singers of ATL will be presenting a Fundraiser cabaret, $20 tickets, “Ease on Down the Road;” Andreva & Katie will be singing duets.
18 June – Margavati mentioned that a Makers Market will take place at Stove Works on Krog Street
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 5 July 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Master Wistric, our new Seneschal (huzzah!), chaired the meeting.
Officer Reports
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Talmere’s Lusty Month of May will be hosting this year’s Meridian Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, so come on out! (13 May, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Family Group Shelter
This year’s Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium will be coming to fair Meridies! The shire of Nant-y-Derwyddon has the honor of hosting it, and will be held in Knoxville the weekend of 23-2 June, 2017. For more information, please visit the symposium website
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Still working on getting the newsletter up and running – hoping to publish soon! Please contact Raven if you’re interested in submitting content.
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Seneschal Master Wistric reporting on behalf of Lord Robert
Reminder to all of new location (Liane Levetan / Brook Run Park, 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338)
Still looking for loaner gear donations!/li>
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
New practice location! Liane Levetan / Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. Everyone is really happy with it (not the least because of the ice cream truck at the park on Sundays)
Reminder that Dreamstone (5-7 May) is being held at Indian Springs Park in Flovilla, not the usual spot (Camp Daniel Morgan, where Rob Zombie is filming a movie this weekend)
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We’ve had a few new people show up at meetings and events – they have been excited and have felt welcome – keep it up!
Webminister (Lord Pietro di Conti)
Now that Wistric has become our Seneschal, Lord Pietro has taken over as Baronial Webminister (huzzah!)
We still have a website! huzzah!
Working on an artisan database; info, handouts, etc. you’d like to contribute, please give to Pietro
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Lady Veronica taught a painting and shading class last month for the Barony
Working on a class to teach at an event? Give it a run through by teaching it at the monthly baronial A+S class! A+S mistress is always looking for volunteers to teach classes. This month. THL Marianna has offered to teach a cooking class at her house (Italian! gnocchi!); Mattias has offered to teach a commedia class.
Reeve (THL Maire)
Not present at meeting, but Their Excellencies confirmed that we have money! huzzah!
Their Excellencies
Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium is coming!
23-25 June 2017, in Knoxville, TN; hosted by Nant-y-Derwyddon. For more information, go to their: website
Come on out and support Meridies!
Dreamstone is coming! This weekend (5-7 May), at Indian Springs Park. Pirates! Adventure! Ports of call (well, maybe)! Come join the People’s Barony of Bryn Madoc at Dreamstone XXXVIII! For further information, visit the event page on Facebook or here
Lusty Month of May is coming as well! Hosted by the Shire of Talmere on Saturday, 13 May, at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Family Group Shelter. For more information, please visit the event site
The weekend before the Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium in Knoxville, the Knowne Worlde Dance Symposium will be held in Baltimore, MD (the lands of Fair Atlantia), 15-18 June, 2017. Interested? check out the website for more information.
Fundraiser lunches! We have negotiated an agreement with the Shire of Owls Nest – Owls Nest will host the fundraiser lunch at Red Tower, and we will host the fundraiser lunch at Crossroads. If you are interested in helping out with the fundraiser lunch at Crossroads, please contact Their Excellencies.
Stella asked what the average attendance at Crossroads is. Sir Iazzie replied that the event is usually fairly small, but with the new, more central event site, turnout may be stronger.
Upcoming Events
Red Tower (6-8 October 2017)
Fundraiser lunch – already discussed
Event will be held at Booker T. Washington Park in Chattanooga
If anyone wants to volunteer on staff, please contact Beteena; Mara will be marshaling armored fighting
Beteena wants to go on a walkthrough to make sure there’s adequate land for camping before we pay the extra to allow camping
Wistric is going to make arrangements for insurance
Castle Wars (16-19 November 2017)
Site needs to be changed b/c site is not available. Possible alternatives – McIntosh? Piers reviewed how pricing/profits might change
A Dates can’t really change because of new kingdom laws
Master Ximon mentioned pricing issues with McIntosh he ran into when he autocratted Castle Wars there – costs need to be clarified, because his numbers were different than what Piers had been told
If we go with McIntosh, there will be no feast because there is no kitchen on site
Iazzie asked if anyone’s looked into Gwinnett County Fairgrounds? Could be worthwhile – no idea of availability/pricing
We should reserve the Shriner site now for future event years so we don’t run into this problem again, especially since we have a contract? agreement? with the site. Wistric will look into it.
A+S theme is Disney! Not too early to start planning your A+S project!
Event Bids
Fall Crown (10-12 November 2017)
THL Mathias is working with Depedale and Bryn Madoc on a joint bid, likely at Little Tallapoosa Park
Budget should be ready Monday
Artsy Crown 2018 (25-27 May 2018)
Iazzie will submit a bid with him as autocrat, and Lady Toki Ima as co-autocrat
Marianna will do Saturday night feast
Lochlann will do Sunday feast (bbq)
Duchess Sabine will do a breakfast
Matilda will do another breakfast
Adela/Mara offered to distribute danishes
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
Lady Alisandre is working on a bid
Other Events
DragonCon
Stella signed us up for parade – 40 wristbands
Ximon will start working on it, and has started putting the word out
Per last month’s meeting – we won’t do a table at DragonCon; too much effort
Atlanta Maker Faire (22 October 2017)
Is there interest? Sunneva is willing to volunteer
Notes submitted by Lord Brendan de Hay (mka Ben Hay), South Downs Stunt Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois called the meeting to order. Master Wistric, warming up to take over as Seneschal, chaired the meeting.
Officer Reports
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Talmere’s Lusty Month of May will be hosting this year’s Meridian Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, so come on out! (13 May, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Family Group Shelter
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Lord Brendan reporting on behalf of Lady Raven – nothing to report
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Deputy marshal Lady Mairghread reporting on behalf of Lord Robert
We need to make sure people are aware of new location (Liane Levetan / Brook Run Park, 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338)
Let Robert know about anything else needed…
Wistric points out that Owls nest is looking for folks to help with a demo, the Medieval and Renaissance Faire at Swift Cantrell Park on April 29
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
New practice location! Liane Levetan / Brook Run Park in Dunwoody
It’s time for the annual gathering of superfluous information to feed this year’s quarterly reports. Watch for update requests.
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
Deputy Webminister (Lord Pietro) has updated page, including a Dramatis Personae page listing members of the Barony and their interests / skills
Please submit profile updates using the form on the website
Stunt Chronicler’s note: Pietro has done some really good work on content. Everyone should check out atlantasca.org!
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Lord Camulocaros taught a class on the history of beer last month
The topic of this month’s class will be blending and shading (painted elements in your illuminations), taught by Lady Veronica; she will teach teach this at Fools War as well
Please send Lady Veronica info for quarterly report; paper being passed as well
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We welcomed new (and newish) folks – Nick, Jessica, and Conrad
Their Excellencies
Fools War is coming!
Lady Alisandre is coordinating the South Downs camp at Fools War, period tents will be placed toward field side, and modern tents by road ( we have 3 lots)
If you are eating with group, please post on Facebook tonight, so she can plan the menu
Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium is coming!
23-25 June 2017, in Knoxville, TN; hosted by Nant-y-Derwyddon. For more information, go to their: website
Come on out and support Meridies!
Castle Wars Discretionary fund – Owls Nest is looking for someone to host a fundraiser lunch at Crossroads (16 September 2017). This would be a good opportunity to increase the budget for the Castle Wars revel fund
Congratulations to Pietro and Mairghread, the new Baronial rapier and armored champions! They both fought well and honorably!
Their Majesties Meridies have announced a new program – the Youth and Family Achievement program, the goal of which will encourage families and children to get involved in the arts and sciences. Volunteers are needed – share your knowledge and skill with the youth of Meridies!
Event Bids for 2017
Red Tower (6-8 October 2017)
Lady Giuliana (w/ assistance from Mistress Adela), will autocrat
Event will be held at Booker T. Washington Park in Chattanooga
We will rent the group camp, which includes the hall in rental fee, cabin space, and camping
Will survey site at Artsy Crown
There is a bath house at the site, so there will not be any need for portapotties
We may lose some attendees from the south, due to the additional travel distance; however, as Bacon Bash does not conflict this year, we may draw additional attendees from the northern parts of the kingdom
Break-even at 270 people
Expected fees
Daytrip – $7 preregister, $10 at gate, camping $10-/-$13
Feast $8/head
104 paid feast spots (+16 high table) available
At least 80 beds (cabin?) available
Need rapier marshal (Master Wistric volunteers)
Theme is Roman
Need lunch, breakfast people (fundraiser?)
Castle Wars (16-19 November 2017)
Lord Piers will autocrat, with assistance from Sir Iastreb (If Yazzie wins Crown, Mistress Liz will step in to assist)
As discussed in previous meetings, site will be the Al Sihah Shrine in Macon
Site fees:
Total cost $7,024
$20 onsite, $18 pre-reg
Feast — $10/head; Lady Mairghread will feastcrat
Travelers’ fare and breakfast will not be offered
Will plan to have a fundraiser lunch available for hosting
Break-even is 250 weekenders, 125 day trips, 96 feasts (8-16 for high table)
We are expecting more attendees than last year (2016 had 600 adult attendees)
MoB invitational tourney could be a big draw for rapier fighters.
KLE (Kingdom-Level Event) Bids
Due to recent changes in kingdom law, we will not be able to bid on Fighters’ Collegium; we need to find another event to bid on
South Downs and Bryn Madoc both need an event to bid on
Joint bid with Bryn Madoc, Depedale, and South Downs on Fall Crown
Potential site for Fall Crown – McIntosh is current likely site
Even split on costs & profit
Complication – Fall Crown is scheduled the weekend before Castle Wars
Bryn Madoc and Depedale both have people available
Matthias will begin the bid process, and cancel the Tallapoosa reservation
Other Upcoming Bids
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (2-4 February 2018)
We need a bid
DragonCon
Closer than you think (1-4 September 2017)
His Excellency & Master Wistric were discussing whether the table is worth the effort
It’s a burden on Their Excellencies and the Chatelaine
Has there been a return on the investment?—NO TABLE
Parade is still important
Duke John suggested that a demo would be better / more fun than a table
Talk to Bam, Keith, etc. to find out who we contact about a demo room? Ximon will take point on querying that
Chariot needs humans, and may have an extra passenger (Vortigern), so more “horses!”
Finance committee pre-approved event bids, so voting on bids?
Red Tower—Passed
Castle Wars – Passed
Non-SCA Business
Museum Replicas sale is coming up – likely 20 May
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 3 May 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
