Bringing the Barony Together

There have been questions at each of the three Candidate meetings about how to improve the Barony in some way. We belive there is room for improvement when it comes to Baronial unity. Skrealing Althing is far from the "center" of Ealdormere, and the Cantons can seem very isolated from each other. We need one another. The Bond of being part of a Greater Barony can encourage great endevours, refresh our enthusiasm and provide support in challenging times. The first step is to build the feeling of belonging.

To accomplish this goal we need to bring members new and old together to have fun interacting with each other. Baronial projects are good ways to do this, but many Baronial projects are done independantly by individuals in their own houses, bringing it together for the final step. What we envision is something everyone can participate in easily, in a group setting. This way people get to know one another as something is being created for The Barony.

One idea we have is to paint wall hangings at events. The canvas is hemmed before the event and a design of a medieval theme, such as a tapestry scene, is outlined on it. Then at the event the various parts are filled in with paint in a paint by numbers fashion. We could easily do one per event and then have a wonderful set of decorations to give our halls more atmosphere. We could even branch out a little and create things like Coke machine covers and the like. This way people interact on the projects and have a chance to contribute to the atmosphere at events.

We can also learn a new song at an event together. Cristabell has a lot of experience in teaching songs to large groups of "not so experienced" singers. Trust me if she can teach Wilhelm how to sing a song, she can teach anyone. This way we can have a song or two that every one in the barony knows and can sing together. Obviously this is not a one time project, part of the secret is to keep re-enforcing what has been learned before adding something new. This way our event halls can be filled with songs being sung together, as a barony, making everyone feel more included.

These are just two ideas that we would be interested in leading at events. We also have other ideas of things that could take place at gathering of other types, like meetings, practices, and A&S days.

Highlights from Practicum

Practicum was a wonderful event this year! We all had so much fun.

Our Happy Family at the Practicum Ball

We filled our day with the second hand garb sale and teaching classes. Wilhelm taught an introduction to Rapier class. I co-taught an introduction to Black work embroidery with Lady Aelswitha. I was even lucky enough to take the gold leaf class by Lord Manus. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Garb sale so that we could also participate in classes. Agnes and Jason were at the table for much of the day. Lady May also helped out at the end of the day so that Agnes could teach. It was really fun to find out who had originally made some of the garb being sold. All the items are off to good homes. We also raised almost $200.

Court also held some very meaningful moments for us. Cristabell was given the opportunity by Baroness Xristinia, our kind and gentle Vicar, to thank many of the writers and artists who have contributed so much to the Chronicle in her first year as Editor. A colourful quill was presented to these writers and artists, a terrific tool of the trade, and "a feather in their cap". The second piece of business, near and dear to our hearts, was the presentation of the Great Chalice of Skraeling Althing. Lady Moira ni Namara is this years worthy barer of the cup. Chosen for her service to the Barony, attention to historical detail in her arts and science endevours, as well as her generous, admirable deportment. We are very proud to see Moira take up the position that we once held.

The evening ended on a terrific note with a dance floor full of smiling faces. Lady May of ye Wold organised and ran a most enjoyable ball. We were thrilled with the number of people new to dance who took to it so naturally. The balance between dances being taught and dances being danced by those who knew them was just right for us. We even had a rare opportunity to dance together. Thanks to Mistress Aelflaeda, who allowed Lillyana to nap on her lap for a couple of songs.

Thank you to all who helped make the day a success! Let's do it again soon.

From the Harrowgate Heath Meeting: more about scheduling events

This weekend Harrowgate Heath hosted its all Candidates meeting on Sunday afternoon. Gina did a terrific job chairing it. After the round of questions we had an opportunity to mingle with a number of friends we had not seen in a while. While we chatted, the topic of event scheduling came up again. Many members expressed support for moving towards a more co-operative event scheduling process of some kind. However, not everyone is willing to acknowledge the conflicts we have had and the potential for future ones. Unfortunately even some of those who see the problem feel like the solution is out of reach because the issue has been raised occasionally for many years with no progress being made.

Not everyone understood the importance of the latest proposal; to put at least a two week buffer between events in the Barony. It was proposed so that fewer people have to make the choice to attend one Skrael event over another. Over the years we have observed that even members of the Barony will choose between which Event to attend if two of them are scheduled close to each other. Obviously people outside the Barony who have to travel further are more likely to choose only one of two Events in the Barony if they are scheduled too close to each other.

As an example, this problem was last encountered when Hare and Hallowmas were only one week apart; many people felt they had to choose between the two. It could be a problem again in the future when our Barony has the opportunity to host Kingdom level events, such as a Spring Coronation or Crown Tournament. Poor scheduling could seriously impact traditional spring events such as Dandelion Festival or other spring events a Canton may wish to introduce. It would be better to work together to have our events spread out so that people can enjoy as many of the events offered in Skrael as possible.

We do see this as a real problem, but we also have faith that a solution can be found. It will require perseverance, understanding and compromise. A little effort now could lead to years of lower stress, more enjoyable event planning in the future. You can count on us to consider how our actions now could impact our Barony and it's residents in the future.

Tough Issues: Event Scheduling

As we see it, part of the role of the Baron and Baroness, along with the officers who make up the Baronial Council is to make the game run smoothly for every one else in this club. Sometimes paving the way for carefree fun requires dealing with some tough issues.

One of the tough issues facing Skraeling Althing currently is event scheduling. With four Cantons each with their own traditional events and a desire to grow or try something new once in a while there is barely enough room on the Calendar. When two events with in the Barony are too close together attendance, volunteer energy, and general support for one another all suffer. By Kingdom law, the weekends are filled first come first serve. Conflicts are allowed at the discretion of the group who booked the date first. Most relevant to our current topic; three events in one month in the same Barony is not considered a conflict.

However; we think the Barony can do better than this. We think that all the Cantons would be happier and have more successful events if we showed support for one another's effort. We have suggested to the Baronial Council that a Baronial policy or procedure be put into place to facilitate a more cooperative approach to booking event dates. Baronial council is a long way from implementing any kind of plan, it will require contributions and agreement from all of the Cantons. However the ideas we strongly support include: spacing events so that there are two weekends between events within Skrael, having an annual event scheduling session, and making greater use of "small e" events and activities instead of listing everything on the Kingdom Calendar. The end goal is for every one to find a way to have the kind of events they want to have without any unfriendly competition between Cantons.

If we are selected as the next Baron and Baroness we will continue to bring our ideas to the table at Council meetings. It is traditional in Skrael that the Baron and Baroness do not have a vote on council, and we respect that tradition. Therefore we plan to contribute by seeking out possible solutions and looking at problems from all points of view so that we may provide well formed opinions to the officers who may seek our council.

Cristabell enjoying feast at Dandelion

St. Valentine's Day

In honour of St. Valentine's Day we would like to share a couple of things we love most in the SCA:

We love how beautiful every one looks in their garb. The swirls of brocade and silk by candle light, beats jeans and sweatshirts under florescent lights hands down. The sweeping line of a Renaissance gown, or the snug fit of a pair of hosen can flatter a figure unlike most modern clothes.

We love the camaraderie. Nothing feels better than leaving the field shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of allies (new or longstanding) after a hard fought battle at Pennsic. A very similar bond is built by helping neighbours raise their pavilions, all hustling to get a feast on the table, or cramming into a friend's basement and unrolling a sleeping bag to stay the night after an out of town event.

We love the friends we've made. There is not another club out there where such a diverse group of people gather together to learn and share their knowledge with one another. It does not matter the age, education, profession, or beliefs a person has, in the SCA we all have an opportunity to become friends.

Most personally, we love that the SCA brings the two of us together. We first met at an SCA event. Since then we have enjoyed many romantic adventures dancing at elegant balls, fighting in glorious tournaments, and serving side by side. The SCA activities and projects we share continue to help us stay connected as a couple.

Cristabell's SCA History

I first joined the SCA when I lived in Der Welfengau, in the Barony of Ramshaven. I was attending University. The following years lead me to live in a number of different parts of the Kingdom. I lived in Trinovantia Nova, at the time it left Ramshaven to become an independent shire. I lived in BenDunfirth where I first taught SCA dancing. Then I moved to Greyfells to attend university again. Finally; job opportunities and Wilhelm of course lead me to settle in Caldrithig.

At my very first event I was fortunate to find a place amongst the good gentles serving feast. From that point on I have taken pleasure in service to my fellow SCA members. The most rewarding offices I have held include: Seneschal of Caldrithig, Preaceptor of The Ealdormere Academy of Defense, and Autocrat or Co-autocrat of a number of A&S oriented events. Currently I serve the Barony as the Chronicler. I have also had the privilege of serving Their Majesties of Ealdormere on a number of occasions - as Lady in waiting to Queen Genevieve de Rosse, and Rapier Champion to Queen Genevieve Chastellaine D'Anjou.

My past service has allowed me to see how the SCA functions as an organization and how the magic of the game is built. I have been most effective in roles that called upon me to set a goal and then encourage and help organize others as we all work together to reach that goal. I am a very good cheerleader (pompoms not included).

If selected as the next Baroness of Skraeling Althing my experiences would be useful when helping others find their most enjoyable way to contribute to the SCA and to the Barony. Some people prefer to lend a hand by planning, organizing, making phone calls, or hashing out the details of a policy. These people belong on the councils and committees that make our game possible. Other people prefer to perform, parade, paint banners, or sing songs in praise of our lands and heroes. These people are the ones who can make us believe that a school gym really is the grand hall of a majestic castle. It is my hope that everyone who wishes to serve their fellow noble, will find the way that makes them feel most valued and most importantly happy, just as I have from the very first time I served feast.

Wilhelm's SCA History

Wilhelm serving his Majesty as Kingdom Rapier Champion

I've been in the SCA since I was 17. I had attended one event when I was 10 with a friend and his father (the event was in Ben Dunfirth), but it was seven years later that I came back. Since then I have been a strong supporter of the SCA, dedicating many volunteer hours to helping the SCA run and making it a better place for everyone.

I have been an officer of the SCA for sixteen years running, my first office was Exchequer of the Canton of Ben Dunfirth. I served in that role for 4 years, including the period of time when the Canton became a Barony. Some of the highlights of my SCA offices are:
-Kingdom Rapier Marshal
-Baronial Exchequer (twice)
-Canton Exchequer
-Canton Rapier Marshal
-Marshal of the Field

I have also served in less permanent offices/roles; gate keep for events, autocrat for events, clean up crew, marshal-in-charge, dance practice organizer, and many others. My focus has been on jobs that are necessary in the background to make the SCA run smoothly.

I've also served in a variety of more ceremonial roles: As Baronial Guard to Baron Byron of Rising Waters, Rapier Champion for the Barony of Skraeling Althing, Rapier Champion for the Kingdom of Ealdormere (several times), as well as other roles in the Royal or Baronial Entourage.

If I was selected as Baron, these years of learning how the SCA works in the background would be a great asset. Because I know how the SCA internal organization works I can better advocate on behalf of the hardworking Skraels who deserve support and recognition. My experiences have also shown me that every person in a public role requires support and assistance from a whole host of officers, volunteers and friends.