Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
THL Mathias Blackett called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Working on newsletter
Not too late to submit content – still looking for articles, artwork, officer/guild columns! Please contact Lady Raven via Facebook or e-mail at mawrtyr88@gmail.comwith your questions or submissions
New deadline – before Gulf Wars, hoping to publish issue end of March/early April
Name for newsletter: The Read Tower
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Rapier practices are held Sunday afternoons (concurrent with armored fighter practice) and Tuesday evenings, usually at Blackburn Park. Check the Facebook group “Atlanta SCA Fighting” for updates and changes (such as cancellation or temporary location changes due to weather).
Attendance at practice varies dramatically, but rarely fewer than four, and sometimes as many as 14. We have some new (to us) folks joining us in the last few weeks as well. Welcome to Konrad, Will, David, and Somber.
Recent stuff:
Meridian Challenge of Arms was a successful day, thanks in large part to the support of non-fencers who came out to herald, marshal, make pretty scrolls, and other cool stuff. We rapier folk think you guys are awesome.
Special congrats to Master Wistric, who won the armatura challenge, and finished the day with an awesome match vs. Don Lazarus Gage.
Upcoming stuff:
Gulf Wars! If you’re going, and planning to fight rapier, Baroness Adela’s Gilded Companie will be under the command of Master Wistric. I understand Masters Wistric and Morgan will be representing the Order of Jerusalem.
We hear rumors that Her Excellency has suggested March 26 as the day to choose this year’s Baronial fighting champions. It also happens that Lady Raven has been discussing that date with other local groups for us to host a regional practice. Watch for further announcements on both topics.
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Armored fighters practice continues on Sundays – this pas week had a small turnout but practice was good
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Demo season is coming! Abel is coordinating Streets Alive! on 11 June over by Georgia Tech. Streets Alive is held several times a year, throughout the city – the 11 June event is the most likely to not conflict with other SCA events, so come on out!
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website!
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
Speaking of Heraldic and Scribal Symposia, the shire of Nant-y-derwyddon will host this year’s Knowne Worlde Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, in Knoxville, TN, 23-25 June, 2017. For more information, go to their: website
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Last week’s class was on bliauts, taught by Mistress Sunneva. This month’s A+S class will be on an intro to all things beer (yay!), and will be taught by Lord Camulocaros
Their Excellencies
Gulf Wars is coming!
Please volunteer for raffle tickets and $ for the barony. we have been challenged to provide 75 hrs of volunteering by Baroness Iron Mountain. She is certain that we can easily hit that, so we want to crush that goal 🙂
We are processing in with TRM on Tuesday for opening ceremonies – need volunteers for banner holders (need to wear black and white garb)
Thursday is Known Worlde party – volunteer! have fun! drink responsibly!
Coronation!
Challenges for scroll cases and for regalia. Next week’s project night will be building scroll cases. Mistress Serafina commented that her office has a pile of cardboard she can contribute to the scroll case cause.
Mistress Symonne will make a silk banner for the group that provides the most scroll cases, as well as perhaps some finger loop braiding.
This month will be our 5th Wednesday garb potluck! Stay tuned for further details.
Baronial rapier and armored championships! Will be held at the upcoming Regional Rapier practice on 26 March
MCA scrolls – 4 of the 8 champions scrolls were bestowed upon South Downers (yay!)
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Master Wistric will step up as Seneschal in April
Post-Mortem for Midwinter Arts + Sciences
Food location was great! Having it in the second-floor lounge area worked out really well.
Third floor setup for A+S also worked out really well – good space to organize all the competitions
Yay for multiple lounges – having space for attendees to relax on each floor was greatly appreciated
Mathias is talking to Duke Thomas about the possibility of using KSU as a future event site
Merchant space is still problematic – hallways were crowded. Maybe take one of the lounges as a merchant space? perhaps a classroom near the lunch?
Event Bids for 2017
Event site updates:
Mathias is talking to Duke Thomas about KSU, but it’s too late to get it for RUM. Maybe Fighters Collegium? Fall is really congested with big events. We just need a field, a place for court/feast (BBQ?)
Tallapoosa was also suggested, as we’re already familiar with the site
Mathias will post updates on Atlanta SCA
General future event discussions
Mathias and Wistric wants to get people together to see who tends to do what all the time, and come up with a strategy to determine what and how can we teach each other those skills so we can cover each other better?
This would also be a great opportunity to learn how to do a particular job. Jadi has offered to head up the autocrat roundtable
Margavati mentioned that many newcomers have a common problem – how to get involved if you don’t know where to start? Raven will look into how this can be added to the newsletter (as a column? in the information section?)
Upcoming bid deadlines
Bids for Red Tower and Castle Wars are due for next month’s (April) business meeting.
Upcoming Events
Fool’s War (7-10 April 2017)
Mistress Allesandra is heading up the A+S competitions, and she needs judges. You do not need an OVO to judge – just have someone vouch for your experience/knowledge.
Non-SCA Business
Project night 2nd and 4th Thursdays at THL Andreva’s and Mistress Jadi’s home
There is much interest in rebooting the South Downs Supper Club – for further info, check out their Facebook group
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 5 April 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
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Working on newsletter
Will post a call for content on website and FB group shortly
Content deadline for the first issues will be 28 February, for publishing late March
Need name for newsletter: The Tower Times? The Read Tower?
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Practices are going well! We continue to have practices Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weather and event schedule permitting).
We have several new fencers who are almost ready to authorize
MCA – the second annual Meridian Challenge of Arms – is coming, 25 February 2017, at University of West Georgia. Come on out and support the fencers of South Downs!
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
THL Mathias reported on behalf of Lord Robert; 3-4 fighters come out to practice each week.
We will have practice on Sunday of Midwinter A+S as much as possible, working around conflicts with War College and the Super Bowl
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Demo season is coming! Abel is coordinating Streets Alive! on 11 June over by Georgia Tech. Streets Alive is held several times a year, throughout the city – the 11 June event is the most likely to not conflict with other SCA events, so come on out!
There will be Gold Key at Midwinter A+S, so even if you don’t have garb yet, you’re set for Midwinter A+S
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website! And thanks to Lord Pietro, the South Downs’ FB group posts are now feeding into the website (so cool!)
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Will bring heraldry books to the research library at Midwinter A+S, and will be consulting – so if you’re working on a name or device, this will be an excellent opportunity to get help on your submissions
Submissions – Devices
Piers Simmons – passed Kingdom! Yay!
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Report will be part of the Midwinter A+S update below
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
Year-end Domesday report was submitted on time
We have money!
Their Excellencies
Reporting on behalf of Her Excellency Adela, His Excellency Lorenzo announced that the Meridian Knowne Worlde Party will be Thursday night at Gulf Wars, not Saturday! Everyone is encouraged not only to attend, but volunteer – earn volunteer points for the Barony (and yourself) while you sling drinks at the party!
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Seneschal report will be submitted in the next couple of days
Master Wistric will step up as Seneschal in April
(Kingdom-Level) Event Bids for 2017
Bid for Coronation fell through; Glenn Rhe got it
Red Tower (7 October 2017)
We got Booker T Washington Park in Chattanooga (where Crown Lyst was held) for Red Tower, complete with cabins and kitchen! Had hoped to get Hard Labor, but discovered it was already booked (need to book 13 – not 12 – months in advance)
Even though we have a site for Red Tower, we don’t have a bid – so please submit a bid to autocrat by the April business meeting
Because we didn’t get the bid for Coronation (was it awarded to Glenn Rhe before we could submit a bid?), we still need to submit a KLE bid – possibly RUM or Artsy Crown?
RUM
Pros
More time to plan event than Artsy Crown
Midsummer is not a busy time in the schedule
Easier event to run – RUM staff handles much of the event planning
Cons
Possibly one other bid submitted
Artsy Crown
Pros
Could co-autocrat with another group (Tir Briste? Another shire?)
No other bids have been submitted that we know of
Cons
Memorial Day weekend is coming up soon
Being a holiday weekend, potential sites may already be reserved
Potential site at Shrine (that we could work with Tir Briste on) is likely unavailable, since it is hay season
We need to replenish and expand our list of suitable event sites – some suggested are:
Wesleyan College in Macon, where RUM was held 3 years ago
Georgia Gwinnett College, where Saltare was held a few years ago
UGA, but would need collaboration with MARS (the UGA student SCA group)
Kennesaw State University (either campus)
There was a recollection of Mistress Peryn having once compiled a list of event sites – is it still available? still current at all?
The populace was asked to look for potential event sites over the next two weeks and provide any options to Mathias and his committee, who will then contact the sites and get more information
We used to have a deputy seneschal whose job was dealing with sites – can we do that again?
Lord Lucien volunteered to autocrat an event, as long as he could work with a more experienced co-autocrat; Mathias offered to help him – REVENGE OF THE HERALDS!
Other event bids needed – bids due for April business meeting:
Castle Wars
Iazzie and Piers are working on a bid for Castle Wars
Regarding our site at the Shrine in Macon: Mathias spoke with Sir Tim – the Shrine is very happy to have us, and thinks it may be a good idea for us to put up a permanent storage structure for Castle Wars and other event-specific supplies (Lord Brendan suggested a giant silo of Andro). This storage structure will be shared with Tir Briste. We would build it ourselves, with the understanding that we will be committed to holding Fools War and Castle Wars there for the next couple of years (at an agreed-upon rate). We should get a contract to guarantee prices for the period. Duke John recommended that we first figure out what size shed/storage building we will need to store all the things.
Maire will have a mtg with Tir Briste and will make sure everyone is on the same page. Added bonus – this could also allow us to move to a smaller SD storage unit.
Upcoming Events
Midwinter Arts + Sciences (4-5 February 2017)
Everything seems to be under control
Lost three classes this week, but it looks like replacement classes may already be lined up
Please pre-reg! Zeliha is managing registrations
Master Lorenzo is coordinating site cleanup – please get in touch with him if you can help
Site load-in starts at 7:00am Saturday morning – there are rumors of coffee and doughnuts being provided for the early birds
Lord Pietro is coordinating troll, and Mathias will be handling money (Maire has to work that day, and Zeliha needs to step away from her role as deputy for the time being). Volunteers for troll are welcome!
Bring your cash and your appetite! The Meridian Order of the Blade will sponsor a fundraiser lunch – several varieties of soups and stews will be offered, along with a drink and cookies for $5. Proceeds from the lunch will help establish a bank account for the MoB which will fund tournament prizes, etc.
There will not be a regional practice on Sunday, since War College will be the same weekend – but we will still have our regular practice that Sunday at Blackburn Park
Other SCA Business
Mistress Mara asked if we could have baronial business cards to hand out at demos, etc. Vistaprint is having a sale on business cards, so it would be rather inexpensive. Lady Raven volunteered to design them.
Rhiannon mentioned that Hedgehog Handworks is closing, as the owner is retiring. Some great deals on the website for embroidery supplies are available – check it out!
Non-SCA Business
Maire has started a new career as a tax preparer and is looking for clients – come see her if you need help with your taxes
Duke John mentioned the Atlanta Soldier Show will be held the weekend of 17 February at the Marriott Century Center (I-85 and Clairmont Rd), and will feature model military figures from all time periods, very cool
Netherworld will be open for one weekend only for Valentine’s Day event – reservations only
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 1 March 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Lucien d’Artois – our new Herald – called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Mentioned plans for newsletter
Plans to publish it quarterly, first issue (hopefully) end of March
Seeking artists, writers, photographers for content – would like to show what we are doing as a barony, and offer as much original content as possible
Baronial officers and marshals are welcome to contribute content – A+S Salon, Marshals’ Column, etc.
Other content ideas: articles from guilds; event summaries (with photos); recipes (does the South Downs Supper Club still exist?); How To Improve Your Fighting or Camping Kit; etc.
Articles should be ~250 words (about one page)
More information (including links to release forms) forthcoming, both on South Dows website (here) and Facebook group
Oh, and we need a title for the newsletter – ideas welcome!
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Practices are going well! We continue to have practices Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weather and event schedule permitting).
We have a new winter practice location for Tuesday evenings, at Gerrick’s house in Peachtree Corners, with a backup at Brendan’s office warehouse.
For the latest info on practice status, check Atlanta SCA Fighting group on Facebook.
THL Mathias took care of the insurance paperwork so we can have our practices where we need to have them.
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website! Midwinter A+S has a website! Yay!
Herald (Lord Lucien d’Artois)
Submissions – Devices
Bram Halfdannarson – passed Kingdom
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We have had some new people show up and they’re coming back, yay!
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
December was a great month! THL Mathias taught a great class on singing.
A+S competition season has started. Mistresses Allesandra and Sunneva will again offer their class on the basics of entering an A+S competition, including feedback, how do judges review work, what the judging sheets are all about, etc., just in time for Stella Nova at Midwinter A+S.
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
We have money! What shall we do with some of it? (See below!)
Their Excellencies
Scribal nights continue to be held on the first Monday of the month at Their Excellencies’ home.
Her Excellency Adela is planning on attending Black Gryphon (17-19 February) – if you are interested in carpooling or caravaning, please contact her
This year’s Meridian Knowne Worlde social is on Saturday night (edit: rumors abound that it may been moved earlier in the week, but I currently can’t find confirmation); Lady Ysmay and Sir Tim are running it and seek volunteers
More Gulf Wars: there is an open call for advertisements – events, non-merchanting announcements, etc., are sought out
There will again be a volunteer raffle at Gulf Wars! Volunteers can earn points for their local group (South Downs!) and raffle tickets to score lovely prizes!
Opening day procession is likely Tuesday morning of War Week. We would like to have banners made for procession, should have 8 total (6 new?) in time
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Midwinter A+S is coming! Now is the time to write recommendations for deserving gentles, as Crown will be attending! Mathias reminded everyone that if you are not 100% sure that a person has a particular award check the Meridian Order of Precedence – you would be surprised at the awards people deserve but DONT HAVE.
War College will be held in Alabama the same weekend as Midwinter A+S
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Fighting classees at Midwinter? Check with Lord Robert if you need support for your class
Upcoming Events
Bryn Madoc Twelfth Night (7 January 2017)
There will be fighting! Classes! Feasting! (Twelfth Night feast is potluck – check FB event page or website (below) for details)
We should start looking for closer-in event sites where we can hold MWA+S and we can spread out; weekend event with A+S on Saturday and fighting on Sunday at the same site, for example
Entry deadline for Stella Nova @ is coming up
We have a whopping 2 reservations (!!!) please pre-reg!
We have 11 teachers, looking for more – talk to Lady Veronica if you are interested
We need volunteers for troll, people to put up and take down directional signs. Master Ximon has volunteered to take care of the street signs
We need volunteers for setup, who can be on site early Saturday morning early. Because the site is not secure, it is recommended we set up Saturday morning (6:30-7:00am) instead of Friday night. Several people volunteered.
There is no official floor plan, but we’d love to have one set up for reference (chronicler’s note: there is now a simple one on the event program)
The Meridian Order of the Blade will sponsor a fundraiser lunch – stew, drink, cookies for $5. There was discussion about where can lunch be set up, especially if weather is bad?
We have two merchants already requesting space, we could possibly fit as many as 4 on the first floor merchants area, with maybe a couple more on a different floor
Please contact Zeliha if you would like to pre-register
Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Lord Pietro
Will there be a regional practice on Sunday, since War College will be the same weekend? Unlikely, but we will still have our regular practice that Sunday
Kingdom-Level Events for 2017
Bids for Red Tower and Castle Wars are due in April to encourage newer autocrats to step up – it’s never too early to put a bid together for these events!
Iazzie has offered to co-autocrat to help teach/supervise a newer autocrat
Red Tower (7 October 2017) – potential site is Booker T Washington Park in Chattanooga (where Crown Lyst was held).
We would need to put reservation in with 50% deposit. It’s a relatively expensive site with weird pricing structure, but we have the resources to give it a shot. Payoff could be HUGE
Bacon Bash is not a conflict in 2017
Duke John expressed concern that we have to go out of state for an event. Where else can we get a large cabin site for such events? We are always looking for closer-in sites, but there aren’t many that could handle an event this size.
Other SCA Business
THL Andreva and Mistress Jadi will host an A+S project night on the 2nd Thursday of the month (a week from tomorrow)
Margavati asked if anyone was planning on/interested in going to Trimaris’ A+S event this weekend?
Maire has completed taking over the baronial storage unit, and will have sign in/out sheets for all supplies to help keep track of everything
This year’s Streets Alive! is gearing up – Abel is coordinating, so stay tuned! Last year was a ton of fun, try to plan for it this year!
Non-SCA Business
Lord Bram will be taking part in Battle of the Nations as part of a 21 person team. The event will be in Barcelona – immediately, several people offered to serve as translator, crew, managers, etc. Because Barcelona 🙂
Secret Santa gifts were then exchanged among the populace
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 4 January 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
THL Bjorn called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Herald (THL Bjorn Gullharr)
Submissions – Devices
Iastreb Desislavich – passed Kingdom
Stella di Silvestri – returned from Kingdom
Court Reports
Castle Wars – Royal Court
Pietro di Conti – AoA
Castle Wars – Baronial Court
Wistric Oftun – Tower Or
Veronica de Lucca – Tower Or
Alisandre Ysabeau de la Chapelle – Baronial Arts Champion
Bjorn announced that he will be stepping down as South Downs herald, and Lucien d’Artois will step up as the new Baronial Herald. Bjorn got a big round of applause in gratitude for all his work.
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Mistress Allesandra taught a very well-received class last week on A+S submissions. There is a lot of interest in offering it again before Midwinter A+S, with more time before the event so everyone would have time to make adjustments to their A+S entries.
Allesandra is interested in teaching a class in January (topic TBD)
THL Mattias would like to teach a class on performing arts (discussion with Veronica will ensue)
Will there be an open A+S competition at MW, or just Stella Nova? As of now, there isn’t other A+S planned, but perhaps there should be to encourage non-beginners?
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website!
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
We continue to have practices Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weather and event schedule permitting).
We have a new winter practice location for Tuesday evenings, at Gerrick’s house in Peachtree Corners, with a backup at Brendan’s office warehouse.
For the latest info on practice status, check Atlanta SCA Fighting group on Facebook!
Wistric was named QRC at Magna Faire; everyone laughed that he will have to stand up in court again
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
Final numbers from Castle Wars – $5739.60 profit (more to follow in post-mortem)
Numbers are also available from Gulf Wars (need to get info from Maire)
We really need to look at where we should spend money for the Barony – conversation and plans are ongoing. Ximon suggested that we devote some time at next month’s meeting for proposals, etc.
We need to look at reducing/not increasing charges for events next year; we were quite fortunate in how we were charged for site rentals, etc. will discuss this further at January’s meeting.
Shower trailers for events at the Castle Wars site were suggested
Iastreb bought one of the pavilions we discussed previously and brought it to Crown. Was quite pleased with it, we could easily use 5 more.
Their Excellencies
Scribal nights that have been held on first Thursdays will now be on the first Monday of the month at Their Excellencies’ home.
The populace is encourage to write recommendation letters for those who they find inspiring – Midwinter is coming! Matthias reminded everyone that if you are not 100% sure that a person has a particular award check the Meridian Order of Precedence – you would be surprised at the awards people deserve but DONT HAVE.
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We have had some new people show up at 5th Wednesday social and/or went to magna faire, yay!
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
We had two injuries at Castle Wars
War Practice to be held Saturday, 10 December, in the shire of Depedale; likely SD practice Sunday as usual.
Recent Events
Castle Wars (17-20 November 2016) Post Mortem
Note: There is a more detailed analysis of the event compiled by CW staff. Please check with Wistric if you’d like to see it (Google Docs)
Pros
Live weapons field adjacent to rapier/armored was a big hit!
We had approximately an extra 100 people likely from Richard RaeFen’s memorial; would like to get the attendance numbers without the sad circumstances that increase attendance this year.
Having feast hall/tent available all weekend to hang out in was a great gathering spot
Excellent merchant turnout
Wistric has supply suggestions/needs for future
Feast was amazing, we should do it again! First Castle Wars feast in many years
Revel was excellent, but Justina stressed about the timing between court/memorial/feast/revel
Cons
Bulk of problems occurred during load-in
FIRE ANTS! Thorough fire ant treatment would cost $300 (suggested schedule: month before, 2 weeks before, and day before)
We need to address needing help to set up/staff/strike
Discussion about where to get more volunteers – within barony? encourage other groups? we should look at models of other large kingdom/interkingdom events
We go to other events to have a good time, we should make sure things are taken care of so others can have a good time. more service at our own events
Autocrats need to be more aggressive in recruiting volunteers
We need to develop culture where everyone is expected to help out in some way
We should work on how to get information out about what is needed
How to build rapport with other groups to coordinate service?
Traveler’s fare – there was confusion about whether it was being offered Thursday night (it wasn’t, but communication can be clearer about it)? Friday night kitchen tech failed. REMINDER – these were all experimental, hadn’t done at previous CW events. Overall, it was much appreciated.
With the drought and the high winds during the weekend, there was confusion about the burn ban.
Information point needs to be out on the field, not (just) at Troll
Need teachers for classes! Matthias will teach heraldry 101; Mariana has offered to teach a course as well
War college on same weekend – should contact HRM to suggest it perhaps there’s a better weekend to assign it into kingdom law than the same weekend as MW
Kingdom-Level Events for 2017
Bids for Red Tower and Castle Wars are due in April to encourage newer autocrats to step up – it’s never too early to put a bid together for these events!
Iazzie has offered to co-autocrat to help teach/supervise a newer autocrat
Red Tower (7 October 2017) – potential site is Booker T Washington Park in Chattanooga (where Crown Lyst was held).
We would need to put reservation in with 50% deposit. It’s a relatively expensive site with weird pricing structure, but we have the resources to give it a shot. Payoff could be HUGE
Bacon Bash is not a conflict in 2017
Duke John expressed concern that we have to go out of state for an event. Where else can we get a large cabin site for such events? We are always looking for closer-in sites, but there aren’t many that could handle an event this size.
Other SCA Business
Secret Santa! gift exchange will be at January business meeting
Non-SCA Business
Mattias and Mistress Mara just bought a house – housewarming party on 12/23!
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 4 January 2017, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lord Brendan de Hay (mka Ben Hay), South Downs Celebrity Stunt Chronicler.
Lord Bjorn called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report, thanks to Brendan for covering the meeting
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
All is well in rapier world. We continue to have practices Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weather and event schedule permitting). For the latest info on practice status, check Atlanta SCA Fighting group on Facebook!
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
This month’s 5th Wednesday class (due to the Thanksgiving holiday) will be on how to prepare your A+S project for competition, taught by Mistress Allesandra. The A+S class meeting is also the 5th Wednesday potluck
Interested in taking part in Stella Nova at Midwinter A+S? Registration for Stella Nova closes in 15 days (17 November)!
For registration, you only need to include your name, your (Laurel) sponsor’s name, and project category
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We have some new members! yay!
We will be taking part in ConjurationCon this coming weekend (5 November 2016). We will need dancers and ???
Castle Wars
Class schedule and Castle Wars patrol
Need two popups
Next meeting – we will paint arms of the populace for Castle Wars
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
We have money!
Yearly report sent in tonight (2 days late)
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website! (yay!) We also have a website for Castle Wars! (yay encore!)
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Castle Wars – schedule sent to Wistric and has been posted on website
Please contact Robert on Facebook if you are interested in helping marshal
There will be Youth Combat at Castle Wars (yay!)
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Submissions
Stella di Silvestri – submitted device
Iazzie – submitted new badge
Their Excellencies
Scribal night at-home will be tomorrow night (3 November)
Silk banners this weekend!
??? banners
Castle Wars – please volunteer! We need volunteers throughout the event, especially cleanup!
If you are interested in retaining for Their Excellencies, please contact them
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Nothing to report
Upcoming Events
ConjurationCon (5 November 2016)
Bryn Madoc and South Downs are co-coordinating the demo – if you are interested in taking part, please contact ???
If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with His Excellency Lorenzo
Crown List (11-13 November 2016)
Iazzie and Camulocaros will both be fighting in Crown List!
Baronial Pavilion will be near the field – all are welcome to stop by
Castle Wars (17 – 20 November 2016)
Takes place the week after Crown List
Still need volunteers:
Setup crew, starting at noon on Thursday 17 November
To help with stamping and threading site tokens – at meeting the Wednesday before Castle Wars
Troll
Kitchen cleanup
Site cleanup
Potty crew
Staff for Information Point
Revel at Castle Wars
Hat was passed for Revel donations. Justina has also coordinating a GoFundMe (not affiliated with South Downs, Meridies, or Society)
Need a tap for a commercial keg
Need beverage contributions
Zeliha is managing registration and announced she is happy to take reservations at the meeting
160 total registered
60 for feast (out of 100 spaces)
There will not be an overnight troll shift; troll will be closed between 2:00am and 7:00am
Registration will be extended – see website for details
Volunteer raffle – need donations!
17 merchants have registered for Castle Wars
Anyone interested in camping with South Downs, please contact Lady Alisandre
Memorial events
Jochi Naran (Friday night)
Sir Richard Raefen
Viking ceremony to honor 6+ people who have passed this year, will be held Saturday evening after Court
Bryn Madoc Twelfth Night (7 January 2017)
His Excellency South Downs will be attending
Feast will be potluck
Is anyone interested in creating a South Downs Twelfth Night event? It’s been done in the past, very low-key
Midwinter A&S (3 – 5 February 2017)
Will host Stella Nova
12 entries already received, six from South Downs!
Reminder: Stella Nova registration only requires Name/Laurel Sponsor/Category; no details are required at this point
Bids for Future Events
Kingdom Level events for 2017
Spring Coronation
Site: Booker T Washington Park, in Chattanooga
First weekend in April (31 March – 2 April 2017)
Portia is willing to help/autocrat
Other SCA Business
Informal Baronial At-Home at Castle Wars
Pavilion will be open for knitting, knitting instruction, and socializing
Begins at 10:00am
Closes before Court
There will be alcohol
We will also be working on relic bags (for those who don’t knit) – materials will be provided
Non-SCA Business
Andreva announced upcoming choir concerts, 2 and 4 December; please contact her for further information
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Bjorn called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
This month’s 4th Wednesday class will feature Italian hemstitching, taught by Lady Alisandre.
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
We continue to have practices Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (weather and event schedule permitting). For the latest info on practice status, check Atlanta SCA Fighting group on Facebook!
Lots of fighting at Red Tower – will discuss further in post mortem.
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website!
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Thank you to all who helped with Gold Key for Red Tower!
Are we interested in taking part in ConjurationCon (5 November 2016)?
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
Nothing to report
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Submissions – Name
Stella di Silvestri – passed Laurel
Court Reports
Red Tower – Royal Court
Tiberius of Meridies – Sovereign’s Pleasure
Sebastiannos Ionnides – Sovereign’s Pleasure
Ysabella Lucia Tirado de Aragon – AoA
Rebekah Zsido – AoA
Magnus Andersson – AoA
Camulocaros Bodogenicnos – Meridien Cross
Bjorn Gullhar – GoA
Red Tower – Baronial Court
Bjorn Gullhar – Red Raven
Pietro di Conti – Tower Gules
Jürgen der Veilfras – Tower Or
Juliane de Vivonne – Tower Or
Lucien d’Artois – Tower Or
Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain – Red Raven
Raven Helmsplitter – Heart of South Downs
Meridien Grand Tournament – Royal Court
Mandin Leon – OVO
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
Still waiting on some receipts from Red Tower, so report will be next month
Castle Wars – will need to get some lights/lantern for site, esp important for primitive site. Would like to buy 5 (approved by populace)
Also need to buy a printer/scanner, hoping to spend ~$100 by the time the new reeve takes over
Popups for barony – Maire has a lead on period canvas popups ($68), canvas only. Will need to get poles for them separately (6ft?) Lowe’s 2x2x6; dogbones; ropes, and containers/totes for each. Faire will be submitting a proposal outlining all prices. Looking to get 4 popups. Mikhail has a store in Stone Mountain and sells iron stakes. questions about details (black/blue vs white, costs,etc) Went to a vote (passed nearly unanimously)
Their Excellencies
Coronation is coming up this weekend – in case anything unfortunate should happen…
Other events Their Excellencies will be attending:
War of the Wings coming up (12-16 October)
Danelaw (22 October)
Silver Hammer (22 October)
Gatalop (29 October)
Panhandle (4-6 November) – Bill Bosch is bringing his smoker (!!!)
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Nothing to report
Recent Events
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2016)
Pros
No one complained about portapotties!
Feast!!!
Having feast hall/tent available all weekend to hang out in was a great gathering spot
Having rapier and rattan fight side by side
Lyst mistresses were awesome!
Rattan/rapier team tournament was a ton of fun!
Troll was well-organized
Cons
There was a fair amount of confusion about where things went on Friday (during setup);
Communication issues
Could use more space between the pavilions and the lyst field for walk space and safety
Kids – can we share the responsibility of supervising kids’ activities so everyone can enjoy the event more? Talk to the KMoC to get info for background checks, so more people can volunteer
Hand sanitizer in portapotties and more toilet paper
Torches at night? If we do this, then they’ll have to be monitored; option: everyone carries lanterns?
Solar powered lights in portapotties!! Like Pennsic? We should have them! Snorri (?) will be loaning a set of lanterns for all the portapotties for Castle Wars
Trash bags/cans for portapotties (for sanitary supplies, etc)
Need plan for trash pickup and site cleanup – better organization needed!
Upcoming Events
Demo at Darlington School (Rome GA) (21 October 2016)
Matthias was contacted about having us take part in a demo for high schoolers at the Darlington School, in conjunction with the Rome Shakespeare Festival. They’re particularly interested in anything late period
Event/demo is on a Friday morning (the afternoon before Danelaw), so anyone who can come out to help would be appreciated. Contact Matthias if interested.
Castle Wars (17 – 20 November 2016)
Still need volunteers:
Kids’ activities supervisor/coordinator
Set up coordinator – Maire volunteered, since she’ll already be onsite (for troll?)
Strike coordinator
Revel coordinator – does not mean you have to do it yourself, just coordinate
Site will open at 4:00pm on Thursday for attendees, set up starts at noon Thursday
Maire will be bringing 6 people to help set up, but can use more volunteers as well
Castle walls are currently living in Sir Tim’s garage, and he will help get them to site (per Mathias). We need to talk to Tir Briste to coordinate since we share the walls – can we get a neutral storage space for them? Perhaps a storage locker in Macon, and split costs with Tir Briste? or perhaps the Shriners would let us build a shed onsite? After some discussion, Ximon suggested we table the discussion until the next meeting
Feast is finalized, 4 courses – one from each of the cultures represented in the fighting scenarios
A+S – still collecting info
Spinning the hype!
There will be a fabulous ball Friday night!
Midwinter A&S (3 – 5 February 2017)
Site has been confirmed! MWA&S will be held at the University of West Georgia (where RUM and last year’s MWA&S were held)
The Meridian Order of the Blade (MoB) wants to do a fundraiser lunch – looking for lunch ideas. Perhaps the Companions of the Argent Rapier (CAR) will be interested in assisting?
Bids for Future Events
Kingdom Level events for 2017
If interested, it’s not too early to get a bid together Artsy Crown? Spring Coronation?
Portia is willing to help/autocrat
Event dates for 2019 – need to get them on the calendar now (!!!)
Midwinter
Red Tower
Other SCA Business
Justina is working on getting a local boy scout and girl scout troop together for an SCA demo; Bam also has a local troop up his way who would be interested. In addition to all the good things that demos do, this could help us get access to some of the local girl scout camps for events.
Youth Marshal needs gear, especially armored fighting gear – there is nothing in the loaner kit right now (Charmone)
Non-SCA Business
Margavati mentioned Abel needs to borrow a popup for western maker faire. He’s also working on something with flintlocks
Indian dance festival – Margavati is performing (Jimmy Carter Blvd)
Bam – has officially moved back to South Downs! And there was much rejoicing!
All the business issues having been addressed, the business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 2 November 2016, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Bjorn called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Was informed by Kingdom Chronicler that I need a warrant – His Excellency suggested we discuss sthis further after the meeting.
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
We had 12 armored fighters at the most recent Sunday practice
Looking at adding a Tuesday evening practice at Blackburn to the practice schedule
Seeking an Minister/Mistress of the Lyst for Red Tower; Mistress Margala is potentially available, would like to have at least one more MoL as well
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
Also seeking MoL for Red Tower – talk to Brendan if interested
Janet came by Tuesday evening wanting to learn armored fighting
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website!
We now have a hardworking deputy Webminister, Lord Pietro! yay!
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
DragonCon rocked! Fan table rocked! We had a great response, several potential new recruits
Their Excellencies
Nothing to report
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Nothing to report
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
This month’s 4th Wednesday class will be on how to troll an event, and will be taught by THL Maire. This will be just in time for Red Tower!
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
If you wish to give her money for Red Tower, she’ll be happy to take it
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Nothing to report
Recent Events
DragonCon (1-5 September 2016)
New idea from the demo/fan table – we should come up with a dedicated demo box that belongs to the Barony, so we don’t have to clear the table when we need the displayed items for other purposes:
A second banner
several samples of high-quality work to show off the range of skills we have (and new people can learn/aspire to)
Smaller, active demos in front of the fan table could be a good draw – big enough to draw attention, small enough to not block the table or passers-by
Posters mounted on foamcore to place in front of the table or hang behind it
Projector/laptop to project videos (example: the Scottish Highland dance group’s presentation)
We could use more marshals during the parade to help monitor fighters and crowds
Upcoming Events
Demo at Darlington School (Rome GA) (21 October 2016)
Matthias was contacted about having us take part in a demo at the Darlington School, in conjunction with the Rome Shakespeare Festival. They’re particularly interested in anything late period
Event/demo is on a Friday morning, so anyone who can come out to help would be appreciated. Contact Matthias if interested.
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2016)
Matthias contacted Siegfried in Bryn Madoc about possibly helping out with site heralding, as we still need someone. Is waiting for a respsonse.
Fundraiser lunch will be offered out to non-South Downs groups:
The Welcome Home group was suggested (Dalla Dyrfinna)? Matthias will reach out to Dalla
House Excelsior is already planning to do a fundraiser, so they probably won’t be interested
Feastcrat – the current iteration of the feast has been posted on the Facebook event page
Classes @ Red Tower – 16 class slots available in the schedule, 8 have been taken; if you’re interested in teaching a class, please contact Veronica. She will be posting the schedule soon.
Travelers’ fare – Maire will be taking care of Travelers’ fare Friday evening, and will cook enough to have leftovers available for Saturday breakfast.
Archery targets?
Tournaments at Red Tower (all with rapier and armored fighting):
Red Tower Tourney
Baroness’ prize
Third tourney – perhaps joint rapier and armored teams?
Pottycrat – Jürgen and a second person have volunteered – thanks!
Mistress Margala and Julianne will MoL the armored tourneys
Zerafina has volunteered to be the liaison for the Royal entourage
Mistress Allesandra has volunteered to be the Kid Wrangler
The Shire of Depedale will be loaning us a pavilion, and Master Geoffrey is loaning us benches (for feast?)
Should we have a handicapped gentle liaison? If not for Red Tower, then perhaps we should consider adding it to the list of volunteers for future events
We will be reusing site tokens from previous events for Red Tower
Still need volunteers for to coordinate waterbearing, as well as a merchantcrat
Castle Wars (17 – 20 November 2016)
Planning moves apace
Pietro is working on a temporary website
Still need someone to organize revel
Ideas for site tokens:
Possible leftovers from Red Tower?
Master Ximon suggested buying tokens in bulk from Chinese online vendors
Sir Iazzie suggested along the same line, buying old Russian coins in bulk would be both gentle on the budget and consistent with the event theme
We have reservations!
Maddie will be feastcrat
Veronica announced that she needs people to teach classes! Contact her if interested
There is a Facebook group for Artisans’ Row vendors
Midwinter A&S (3 – 5 February 2017)
Lady Allesandre has submitted a bid – MWA&S to be held at University of West Georgia (where RUM and last year’s MWA&S were held). Bid passed financial committee (yay!)
HRH Bart has asked Sir Tim to host a College of War the same weekend as Midwinter A&S, in Alabama (Montgomery?). This will be within the 200-mile radius for events, but it should be OK
If we focus our event on arts and sciences, could we do a long workshop option on Sunday, taking a specific class/topic more in-depth?
Other SCA Business
Based on previous reports from the Reeve, we have approximately $12,000 in the baronial bank account; how would we like to prioritize spending some of it?
Serving ware
Items for the demo box
Dedicated troll supplies set
It was suggested that we set up a survey to make recommendations in more detail. What do we need? How much would such an item cost? Survey will go on Facebook, baronial website, and the Yahoo! group.
Non-SCA Business
For those who attended DragonCon, your badge will get you a 50% discount at the Center for Puppetry Arts (through the end of September)
The business meeting was closed.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 5 October 2016, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Lord Bjorn called the meeting to order.
Officer Reports
Seneschal (THL Mathias Blackett)
Mathias pointed out that this (the playroom) seems to work out better than he expected. We will be here both tonight and next Wednesday (10 August)
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Lady Stella thanked everyone who took the survey – if you’d like to take it, it’s not too late – please contact Stella.
Will be discussing updates to plans for DragonCon later in the meeting
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
The Red Tower event website will be up shortly
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Court Report – RUM
Lady Allessandra Fiorvanti – Order of the Laurel
THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain – Meridian Cross
Lord Pietro di Conti – Meridian Cross
Lady Alisandre Ysabeau de la Chapelle – Meridian Cross
THL Mathias Blackett – Order of the Bough
Lady Stella di Silvestri – Tower Or
Lady Raven Helmsplitter – Tower Or
Lady Zeliha bint Sayyid – Tower Or
Clarification – you do not have to be a paid member to submit a name or device; non-members just pay an extra $5 per submission
All submission fees will increase to $10 per submission as of August 31, 2016; non-members will still pay extra $5 for their name/device submissions
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Great classes in July, featuring Talhoffer’s Judicial combat class, taught by Wistric and Sunneva
This month, Sunneva and Margavati will be teaching a class during the 4th Wednesday meeting (24 August) on artistic criticism, especially in the SCA:
Ways to receive criticism and what to do with feedback
Mock judging session to see how things work
If you have questions about judging forms you’ve received in the past, please bring them and they’ll review them.
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
We’ve had great turnouts over the past month, reaching approximately 10 armored fighters the past couple of practices
Loaner gear needs are being reviewed with Their Excellencies.
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
We still have practices Sunday afternoons (alongside armored fighter practice) and Tuesday evenings at Blackburn Park
Getting ready for Foxes! Looks like South Downs Rapier will have 3+ teams fighting for Her Excellency (hooray!)
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chairain)
We have a little money ($12,000)
A team from the Barony went through the storage unit, inventoried everything and made a list of things we will need to replace/add. A detailed list of items needed and pricing/costs will be ready to present to the populace by the September business meeting.
Their Excellencies
Tournament of the Foxes is coming up, hosted by our cousins in Vulpine Reach (Chattanooga)! Her Excellency will be sponsoring teams for rapier, armored,and archery! Please let her know if you wish to take part
Populace badge – presented 2 options for badge:
1 – On a tower gules, a compass star argent (potential conflict with a barony in Northshield (Manitoba, Canada)
2 – fret azure, muscled sable
Tower gules (Option #1) won by a wide margin. His Excellency will now open negotiations with the Northshield group. Duke John feels strongly that we should just go ahead with the tower badge.
Upcoming Events
DragonCon (1-5 September 2016)
Margavati has an idea to do a flash mob during the parade
Duke John – still needs volunteers to help pull chariot, at least 4 people
Ximon – commented about Wistric’s posts seeking volunteers, but he would like to get people together to plan out the parade beforehand
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2016)
Rebecca and Mattias are co-autocratting Red Tower
The event will be held at Little Talapoosa Park
Staffing needs:
The site herald is not able to make Red Tower so we need a site herald now. Please contact Mathias if you’re interested – or can this be outsourced to someone from another local group?
Need someone to do site booklets – Veronica volunteered since she is compiling the class schedule,and Maire has volunteered to provide paper (leftover from RUM)
Fundraiser lunch – no one has stepped up to do fundraiser lunch so far (benefiting baronial revel alcohol supply at castle wars), but Mathias will reach out to other groups to see if there’s interest. Someone offered the 15 bottles of wine they have in their car *right now* – could be mulled. Remainder of discussion will be offline
Feastcrat – making recipes from Bartolomeo Scappi (16th century chef and writer); curious about Bartolomeo Scappi? You can find more info about him at http://www.cooksinfo.com/bartolomeo-scappi
Classes @ Red Tower – 6 classes scheduled so far, room for 16. If you’re interested in teaching a class, please contact Veronica
Castle Wars
Most of staff is taken care of
Still need someone organize revel
Still need someone to organize kids’ activities
Media rollout will happen after pennsic
Midwinter A&S
Sir Timothy contacted Mathias about the possibility of holding a large melee practice at Midwinter
Iazzie and others feel strongly that we ought to protect the A&S focus of Midwinter clear – we should keep fighting activities on Sunday at the regional practice
Can our site at Blackburn handle a large melee armored and rapier practice?
The site we had in mind – Booker T. Washington Park, near Chattanooga – won’t work because the park is closed through the winter. Currently considering University of West Georgia as a potential site. We need to talk to Heather to see if this is possible
Other SCA Business
Sunneva is starting an eastside scribal night on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at Chez Townes. First session will be 16 August. Contact Sunneva for more info
Calligraphy & Illumination evenings at Mistress Alessandra on the evenings of Bryn Madoc’s fighter practice in Dacula (would this then be the “even further eastside scribal night”?)
Baronial scribal night at Their Excellencies will take place tomorrow night (4 August); please contact them for details/directions
Non-SCA Business
Duke John had several dozen eggs in his car, free to a good frypan
The business meeting was closed, and the populace went to vote on candidates for the Heart of South Downs and Chivalry awards.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 7 September 2016, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Matthias gave a brief orientation to our new meeting space – Friends’ meeting house in Decatur. Most meetings will be held in the lobby/greeting room. 11 meetings during the year, we will meet in the smaller classrooms in the back. Matthias and their excellencies will have keys to the building, as well as Lord Camulacaros (since he lives closest to the site).
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
Matthias will send Wistric some materials to add to the website, including updated details about the new meeting location.
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Veronica introduced her new deputy, Mistress Sunneva
This month’s classes (third and fourth meetings):
One class lined up – Wistric and Sunneva will teach German judicial combat as described by Talhoffer
Possible dance practice for the other session
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
We still have practices Sunday afternoons (alongside armored fighter practice) and Tuesday evenings at Blackburn Park
Tourney of the Foxes – we will be fielding melee teams in honor of her excellency
This Sunday (10 July 2016), come join us at the rapier and armored regional practice in Byron, GA!
Armored Marshal (Lord Robert Throckmorton)
We are looking for a deputy marshal – please contact Lord Robert if interested
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Lord Bjorn pointed out that we only have 2 business meetings between now and red tower to vote on baronial awards
It was decided that the men and women of the barony would meet separately after tonight’s meeting to discuss nominations for the Heart of South Downs and the Chivalry awards, then vote for each award after the August business meeting
We have a new deputy herald – THL Matthias (hooray!)
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
Lady Stella asked what we in the barony want to do to improve/change (if anything). Along these lines, stay tuned to the South Downs’ FB group for anonymous surveys where you can share your ideas (or just contact Lady Stella directly)
Next 5th Wednesday potluck will be in August – would like to know if we can use the kitchen for potluck (or class?!)? Inquiries will be made (yay!)
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain)
We have a little money ($12,000); the Seneschal and Reeve want to use some of it to go through the storage unit and make repairs to baronial supplies:
Banners? new? blinged out?
Poles for banners?
feast gear? etc.
Discussion about silk painting kits that the barony owns (discovered in the storage unit?): – perhaps we could do a silk banner class?
Ximon will need 2 guys (who are not afraid to lift heavy things) to help with inventory, so let him know if you want to help
Farouk asked about loaner armored gear? Sir Morgan is currently inventorying it, and the new marshal will want to coordinate. Donations are – as always – welcome
Concerns were said about potential financial losses for Red Tower, based on conflicts with a couple other events (Glenn Abhann coronation, bacon bash, etc). Moira and others addressed those concerns and described how the budgets are actually fine and these conflicts are not actually unusual.
Their Excellencies
Tournament of the Foxes is coming up! Her Excellency will be sponsoring teams for rapier, armored,and archery! Please let her know if you wish to take part
Regional youth fighter practice will take place during the Sunday figther practice after RUM
Scribal nights continuing, 2nd and 4th Thursdays
Upcoming Events
RUM (15-17 July 2016)
Co-Autocrats: Lady Veronica and THL Maire
Is in good shape. Schedule is approved and on FB event page, under the description.
Teacher bags, made by Stella! Next week’s meeting will be a project night, stuffing teacher bags. Please come and help!
Ximon offered to help set up, since he’s not going to be able to make the event.
Moira will need to go to the storage unit for supplies, so she may need help with that.
Troll will be outside, to manage the crowds in a timely an efficient manner.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! we can get on site at 7 for set up, 8 for the populace.
Fundraiser lunch will support the Southern Consortium Gulf Wars camp, and will have an extended schedule
Raven will have questionnaires for crash space posted by Saturday – if you can offer crash space (or if you know of someone who needs crash space for RUM), please fill out the questionnaire
Hotel space is no longer being held, but they will extend the rate as long as rooms are available
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2016)
Rebecca and Mattias are co-autocratting Red Tower
The event will be held at Little Talapoosa Park
His Majesty will be attending Red Tower, as well as His Highness (but he may be attending Glenn Abhann coronation instead)
Request for additional handicapped portapotties, to accommodate people wearing garb, people with chronic health issues etc. – the extra room makes everything easier 🙂
Event theme is italian
Interested in teaching a class? Please check with Lady Veronica
Master Geoffrey is planning to host the Cock and Feather Tavern Friday night
We may have a woodburning class on an upcoming class night to help make site tokens
Need volunteers:
Saturday breakfast
Fundraiser lunch – sponsored by South Downs, for the Castle Wars discretionary fund (to fund things the SCA won’t pay for – revel, etc.)
Do we have MoLs lined up for armord and rapier tournaments?
Do we have a field herald?
Royal wrangler
Royal lunch – Justina will coordinate
Children’s activities wrangler – Mistress Allesandra has volunteered
DragonCon (1-5 September 2016)
Confirmed for parade and fan table – Stella is coordinating
Castle Wars
Feast bid is down to $8/person
Met with portapotty people; looking at adding three additional portapotties to accommodate needs at this site
Volunteers needed:
Travelers fare
Breakfast – Mistress Mara has volunteered)
Pottycrat
Field steward
Site tokens
Midwinter A&S
Due by the September business meeting
Potential site: Booker T Washington park in Chattanooga
Still need autocrat/bid – Lady Alisandre has offered to put together a bid; anyone else, September business mtg is deadline for bids
Potentially a weekend event?
Regional fighter practice on that Sunday – at Blackburn?
Stella Nova (novice A+S competition) will take place at Midwinter A& S
Other SCA Business
Justina is traveling to San Diego for ComicCon, and would like to bring largesse from SD to the san diego SCA group (Caid’s colors are azure, argent, and or). If you would like to contribute, please contact her directly
Sari Safari – Jadi is planning a field trip Sunday of RUM to go to local sari shops and have indian food for dinner afterwards
Marietta project nights are restarting at Mistress Jadi and THL Andreva’s house
His Excellency is interested in making T shirts for the barony – would welcome ideas for t-shirt design as well as for a (new) populace badge
Non-SCA Business
Duke John had several dozen eggs in his car, free to a good frypan
The business meeting was closed, and the populace went to discuss nominations for the Heart of South Downs and Chivalry awards.
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 3 August 2016, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
Notes submitted by Lady Raven Helmsplitter (mka Helena Bretherton Hay), South Downs Chronicler.
Officer Reports
Chronicler (Lady Raven Helmsplitter)
Nothing to report
Arts & Sciences (Lady Veronica da Lucca)
Lady Justina will be teaching a veils (and hairstyles?) class during the 4th Wednesday meeting (29 June)
We are now having two classes each month, the 3rd and 4th weeks. We have an opening for the 3rd week session – please contact Lady Veronica if you are interested.
Reeve (THL Maire Dhocair Inghean Chiarain)
We have money and we’re looking to spend some of it!
Chatelaine (Lady Stella di Silvestri)
We have a demo coming up (Streets Alive Atlanta, 12 June). Event starts at 3pm, but we’ll be able to set up an hour early (2pm)
Herald (Lord Bjorn Gullharr)
Submissions
Pietro’s device passed Laurel (hooray!)
Rapier Marshal (Lord Brendan de Hay)
We have practices on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, as usual
Webminister (Master Wistric Oftun)
We have a website
Will be working on event websites for Red Tower and RUM (if RUM still needs a website)
Baronial Business
Streets Alive Atlanta (12 June 2016)
We don’t know yet where we’re going to meet, but Sunday, 12 June is the date. Sawyer is the point person for the demo.
Sawyer is trying to secure a secure parking lot for us.
RUM (15-17 July 2016)
Co-Autocrats: Lady Veronica and THL Maire
Everything is going smoothly
Still need a crash space coordinator (Lady Raven volunteered)
We still need several volunteers to staff Troll. Troll will be set up with several lines – teachers’ line, pre-reg line, and a day-of registration line; we hope that this will make it easier to get the teachers set up before their first class.
Sable Sword and Legion of the Bear would like to teach a track of classes. They will need to contact the RUM Chancellor so their offer can get into the schedule.
House Excelsior and the Southern Consortium will host a fundraiser lunch to support their efforts to build a (feast?) hall at Gulf Wars
We are hoping to host a regional fighter practice at Blackburn on the Sunday following RUM, similarly to what we do with Midwinter
Red Tower (30 September – 2 October 2016)
Rebecca and Mattias are co-autocratting Red Tower
The event will be held at Little Talapoosa Park
Looking for ideas for tokens – please contact Rebecca if you can help
The event theme is Italian
We have $75 in the budget for pest control (fire ants)
Red Tower theme: Italian
Positions needed:
Cook for Saturday and/or Sunday breakfast (need both);
Armored marshal;
Pottycrat (Ximon volunteered, depending on availability);
MoL (Maire and Domnhall are both interested);
Site Herald (Bam has been volunteered by Maire (this is what happens when you miss a meeting ;-));
A&S officer (Veronica volunteered);
Minister of Children;
Wooden Spoons accommodations; Wooden Spoons would like to host a Red Hat Tea at Red Tower for a birthday celebration.
New Baronial Meeting Space
We have a potential site! The Friends Meeting House in Decatur (where Midwinter 2015 was held)
If we sign a long-term (6-12 months) contract, we can get the site for $20/week, with flexibility to expand into the sanctuary when needed ($50/night)
Keys can be available to Their Excellencies, the seneschal, and someone who lives nearby.
Pros:
Plenty of parking
Flexibility on payment schedule
Flexibility on space
Cons:
Default space will be smaller than we have now
Motion to vote, seconded, and passed unanimously!
First meeting at the new site will be the July business meeting
DragonCon (1-5 September 2016)
Gerrick is coordinating rapier fighters for the parade
Duke John’s chariot repairs/upgrades are coming along nicely
Still need 4 people to pull chariot – talk to Ximon to volunteer
Ximon wants to regroup in a month or so to practice working with the chariot and the parade
Still trying to contact DragonCon staff to set up a fighting demo
We are signed up for the fan table; Stella will put together a shift list
Stella will arrange for wristbands for the parade participants
Castle Wars
Today is the last day for bids for Castle Wars! Master Wistric has submitted a bid to autocrat, with Joe Devlin as his co-autocrat
Castle Wars will take place at the Al-Sihah Shrine in Macon, which has an indoor feast hall and a kitchen, so we can do a feast!
Cost for the Shrine is roughly the same as McIntosh Reserve ($1 per person more expensive than McIntosh, but there’s no parking fee)
Last year we had 637 people; we may not expect quite as many this year, but we still had 400 onsite at Castle Wars 2015
Volunteers needed!
Cooks for Travelers’ Fare Thursday + Friday
Cooks for Breakfast (Friday + Sunday)
Discussion about feast:
Feast ($15) that’s worth it and hyped;
Feast will be prereg *only* with hard cutoff date
Questions about feast charges – too high? Mariana mentioned that even an elaborate feast only costs $8 per person maybe $10 per person at the most. Requested feast price change to $8
Still kicking around ideas for a theme
Can set up Thursday morning
Motion to vote, seconded, passed unanimously
Midwinter A&S
Due by the September business meeting
Potential site: Booker T Washington park in Chattanooga
For those contemplating a bid, if the event is a full weekend, the budget will necessarily be different and should look more similar to a Red Tower budget
Other SCA Business
None
Non-SCA Business
None
Next South Downs business meeting will be held Wednesday, 6 July 2016, at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House.
