It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I have stepped into the role of Kingdom Seneschal! That means it's time for me to look to the future and begin the process of seeking my successor. My term does not expire until spring of 2021, but I would like to have a good overlap period before the change of office. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2020.

Applications should include a letter of interest and your SCA resume. If your mundane resume has relevant experience, include it too! Please send applications by email to ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

Full details of the Kingdom Seneschal’s Role are outlined in Corpora, Kingdom Law, The Seneschal’s Handbook, and the Policies and Procedures of Ealdormere. 

Kingdom Law: 

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ARTICLE VII - Duties of the Officers of State 

VII-100  The Kingdom Seneschal is the chief administrative officer of the Kingdom and shall act as a signing officer in all contractual matters involving the Kingdom.

VII-101  The Seneschal shall supervise the process of formation and advancement of local branches according to the Laws and operating policies. 

VII-102  The Seneschal will ensure that meetings of the Privy Council are conducted in an orderly fashion and that agendas and minutes of the meetings are issued promptly. 

VII-103  The Seneschal shall be responsible for reviewing the content of all proposed laws and law changes to ensure that they do not contradict existing Law or Corpora. The Seneschal shall maintain a current listing of Kingdom Laws. The Seneschal, in concert with the Chronicler, shall ensure that the Laws are published every 20 years. The Kingdom Seneschal shall ensure that changes to Kingdom Law will be made available to the subjects of Ealdormere on the Kingdom Website.

VII-104  The Seneschal shall be responsible for soliciting bids for Kingdom events as defined in Article IV and for the maintenance of the Kingdom Calendar of Events. 

VII-105 Contracts involving the Kingdom may be entered into only by the Seneschal with the approval of the Crown, in consultation with the Privy Council. Such contracts must be signed by the Seneschal, following the procedures outlined in the Kingdom Operating Policies, Section One - Financial.

VII-106 The Seneschal shall appoint deputies as necessary to fulfill requirements of the office. Deputies to the Seneschal may include but shall not be limited to:

Council Secretary - responsible for minutes of council meetings 

Chatelaine - responsible for providing assistance to and education of new and prospective members of the SCA, 

Calendar Secretary - responsible for maintaining the Kingdom calendar of events, 

Deputy of Youth and Youth Programs- responsible for organization of children’s activities within Ealdormere. 

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Other basics:
Must be a member in good standing
Must have reached the age of majority (18)
May not be sitting Royalty

Also note that for the duration of term, you may not fight or be fought for in Crown Tournament.

If you have any questions about the position, don't hesitate to chat with me, I would be happy to discuss the challenges and rewards with you. I promise, it's not always as hectic as it has been lately!

Lars

To the People of Ealdormere,

Fondest Greetings to you all.  I dearly hope that everyone is safe and well in these trying times.

​As you may have already gathered from the past few editions of The Tidings, my quest to find a replacement officer is still ongoing. My term is set to expire this September (at the time that would have traditionally been Fall Coronation), but I am in need of securing a deputy now.    This time is vital to provide for overlap/training time so that the incoming officer will be supported in their transition.

Applications are further extended until June 30th, 2020.

I urge anyone with questions about the position to contact me at ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com.  In person chats may be off the table currently, but I am also happy to set up a phone or video call.

The full rules and requirements to hold office can be found in the Exchequer’s Handbook, Chapter 1 (https://sca.org/docs/pdf/exchequerhandbook.pdf), but bare minimum: candidates need to be members in good standing, have reached the age of majority in the place they live (18 in Ontario), receive the Kingdom Newsletter, hold no other office, not be a landed Baron or Baroness or sitting Royalty and must not live at the same address as any other signatory on the accounts being managed.

The handbook outlines roles and responsibilities of a Branch and Kingdom exchequer. I encourage all candidates to read this section before applying for the position.

Interested parties should send their applications to both the Kingdom Seneschal and myself at the following addresses:
ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com
ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com

Please include your SCA CV, highlighting any relevant experience you have.  Modern experience is also very welcome.   It is recommended that the prospective candidate has held an exchequer position in the past.

Yours in Humble Service,

Jane Caldwell

Here is a text rendering of the Q&A with Their Majesties from 25 April 2020.

​Note that this is not an exact transcript of the Q&A. Some things have been expanded upon from the original conversation.

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Q: Just to confirm: the event bid schedule is also on hold? Or will we pick up the current bid schedule when things begin to reopen?

A: Their Majesties are currently planning to hold Crown Tournament on 24 October as planned. If that happens, we will be back on track for the usual schedule of things and so we are going to take event bids for Spring 2021 as usual on the assumption that we will be able to proceed as normal by then.

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Q: Given all the work happening behind the scenes to plan and coordinate, is there anything the populace can do to help those officers who are carrying the load?

A: If you have seen anyone who has been doing a lot of work to support the Kingdom during these times, write them in for an award! Also be sure to submit to your Barony. If you have skills (Internet, video, whatever)  or ideas that would help Their Majesties during this virtual time, They would be most glad to have you reach out and They will put you to work. 

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Q: Would the Kingdom apply for a variance from the rule that events must be advertised in two Tidings, in order to allow events to be planned in short order?

A: Society has given a blanket variance to make Kingdom websites official publications, so we can publish things there for the duration and have it count. Also, the publication requirement for non-Corpora events (i.e. Crown, Coronation) is defined in the Kingdom Seneschal's Handbook, so we have some leeway to waive that with the consent of Their Majesties and the Privy Council for local Kingdom events.

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Q: Is there a central Kingdom-wide "repository" of on-line classes, meetings, and bardic events being offered so that we can all join in?

A: The Kingdom Calendar is the place to advertise your online events. Contact Mistress Lucia, the Lord Clerk-Register (ealdormereweb@gmail.com) to help you reserve a time with the Kingdom Zoom account and get it on the Kingdom Calendar. 

If you don't need to use the Kingdom Zoom feel free to reach out to the Lord Gavin, the Calendar Secretary (ealdormerecalsec@gmail.com) to get your online event onto the Kingdom Calendar. 

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Q: This may be premature, but what guidance has the BoD provided for succession plans at this time?

A: The BoD is granting variances as requested more or less. They are trying to take things three months at a time, and so that is where the 31 July date comes from. We're unique because not only are we wholly within Canada, but we are wholly within Ontario. So, we will be following what the provincial government dictates unlike other Kingdoms that span multiple states and provinces that may allow for earlier opening in some areas. We hope that we will be able to open in midsummer, but we will see what the situation looks like then.

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Q: What kingdom does Ealdormere have in the Gift Box Exchange?

A: We don't know yet! If you do want to participate, let Their Majesties know so they can let the organisers know and we'll find out what Kingdom we get.

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Q: How much lead time & what criteria do we need to decide whether to hold a scheduled event?

A: We are hoping that by late July or August we can get back to having meetings and practices. Hopefully by late August we can schedule a Coronation event. The lead time is an unknown at this point in time. We're very much at the mercy of the plague, and the Government can only do 28-day lockdowns by law. We anticipate another 28 day lockdown after May 12. Premier Ford has been consistent in saying that things will be slow in opening up. We're hopeful for a day event during August but we don't know. 

If you're facing deadlines for an event and need to make a call, make it. For non-Kingdom events you don't need Kingdom permission to delay or cancel. Make the decision that is best for you and your group. All of the groups that had events scheduled for the summer, were sent an email in advance indicating that all events are cancelled through 31 July, and that all camping events are cancelled in 2020, so they have had a chance to figure out their plans.

Should you have financial burdens due to lost deposits or the like, reach out the Kingdom Exchequer (ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com) to take advantage of the relief fund that is available. On the other side of that, if things start to open up and your event is not a Kingdom event, we can make things work for that.

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Q: Will Their Majesties have meetings with Their Orders via zoom in the future?

A: Their Majesties will have some meetings for sure, just not sure how long it will take. Their Majesties will send an email to the various orders to get thoughts. Given that event time may be short They don’t want to stack events with meetings. Some may be in person, some may be online. This includes Hammer/Wain/Crucible.

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Q: If Milpitas is still in lockdown, insurance for named entities may present problems for groups wanting to host. So we know if SCA .org is working offsite?

A: Given the number of emails the Seneschal is still receiving - yes. 

It’s unlikely we will open before any groups in the US, but it seems likely that if an insurance certificate is needed we’ll be able to get it. The general non-named proof of insurance is always available if your needs don’t require a named one.

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Q: Is there someone we can contact if we want to offer a class etc. and poll to find out if people are interested before we offer?

A: FOOL may still have room for classes. Another option is the Zoom account as noted - contact the Clerk-Register. For a poll, perhaps just put a post on the Facebook group checking for interest. (At the time of the Q&A, there was still room at FOOL.)

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Q: To the best of Your knowledge, is everyone in our Kingdom COVID free? Is there a place where people can ask for help?

A: At this point, Their Majesties are not aware of any in Ealdormere affected. There are definitely cases in other Kingdoms. At this point, we do not have a place to reach out for help. If anyone hears or knows of such resources, please share them.

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Q: Will martial practices be allowed once gatherings are allowed by the Government of Ontario?

A: Yes please! As soon as gatherings are allowed, Their Majesties would like to open meetings and practices. Once we’re allowed to gather more than immediate family, make the best choice for your groups.

Once things to start to open, if you aren’t sure please do reach out to Their Majesties or the Kingdom Seneschal to discuss.

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Q: How are Kingdom finances and do we need any fundraisers?

A: Kingdom finances are in a good state. For anyone who wishes to know the current status up to 1 April, we must publish a report every year. That report is on the Kingdom website.

In terms of fundraising, we don’t need anything in particular right now. If there is a cause you wanted to direct efforts towards, we’ll never say no! 

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Q: How would awards/peerage be presented during this time after nomination.

A: At this point, Their Majesties are not planning online courts. This may change with circumstances. Ealdormere is a small, close and lovely Kingdom. They think every award is important and that it is important that awards come directly from the hand of the Crown. 

There will be online missives and videos and such from Their Majesties. If Baronies wish to do online courts with awards, Their Majesties fully support that. If the lockdown persists, Their Majesties may change their mind -- and if there are deserving people who normally can’t make it to events anyway, then that may be the best way to get an award to them.

His Majesty adds that the AOA is an extremely important award, sometimes the only award someone may get while they are in the SCA. Larger Kingdoms can sometimes feel like a factory when it comes to awards, and They never want Ealdormere to feel that way.

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Q: What ancient deity did Lars offend to be kingdom seneschal during this?

A: Most of them, apparently. It is, however, Her Majesty’s fault that I am here right now. My revenge is that we are all going to cross this finish line together.

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Q: Are canton and officers’ still expected to report?

A: Yes. Please report on time as usual. Hopefully things will be happening online. There may not be much to report, but it is important to do so. The wheels of bureaucracy ever turn.

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Q: How might officer changes happen?

A: The only Greater Kingdom Officer changeover happening soon is KMoA&S. Xristina had graciously stayed on until this point to resolve all of the details, and Emelote will be stepping into the role in the coming week. 

There are three deputy officer positions changing over: 
Baron Brand is taking over as Kingdom Chatelaine from THL Constance
Dietrich is taking over as Signet Herald from Mistress Elaine 
Count Evander is taking over as Deputy for Youth Combat from Baroness Seonag

For other officer changes, just submit a change of officer form as usual.

After much deliberation and taking the current state of the guidance from the Province of Ontario into account, Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the Privy Council have taken the step to extend the closure of Ealdormere until 31 July 2020.

Further, for the sake of safety there will be no camping events in 2020. Our camping events are primitive at the best of times, and gathering many people under less than ideal sanitary conditions even after things have started to relax seems like a bad idea. 

We are hopeful that we can restart things in August with a celebration of Coronation for Their Majesties. With that said, Their Majesties and the Privy Council will revisit this at the beginning of July to see how things are looking, and to decide if an extension of the shutdown is warranted at that time. 

I here pledge unity and support
To the kingdom of Ealdormere
To uphold each other in dark days
And honour the laws and traditions
Giving hands and heart
To the health of the Kingdom
To ever follow the banner
And howl with the Wolf
I stand with Ealdormere
Apart, yet together in spirit
Until the day comes we can embrace again
Thus say I, (name).

Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the Privy Council. 

In these days of uncertainty, many of you have questions about the coming days. After consulting with the BOD and our own Privy Council, Their Highnesses and the Kingdom Senechal will be hosting a Kingdom Question and answer meeting on Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 pm on Zoom.

We hope to see you all there on Saturday Night.

In service to the dream
The Royal Family

Meeting Details
Royal Family Q&A (Zoom)
When Sat, 25 April, 19:30 
Description Thier Royal Highnesses, Prince Amelius Claudius Rattanicus and
Princess Isabel Atwyll will host a Question and Answer session on Zoom.

Hosts: TRH & Lawspeaker
Ealdormere Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Royal Family Q&A
Time: April 25, 2020, 7:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784777152?pwd=M2c5bktBb2FSK2I0UWJTRFl5ckxmQT09

Meeting ID: 817 8477 7152
Password: 800037
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,81784777152#,,#,800037# US
+13017158592,,81784777152#,,#,800037# US

Dial by your location

+1 778 907 2071
+1 438 809 7799
+1 587 328 1099
+1 647 374 4685
+1 647 558 0588

Meeting ID: 817 8477 7152
Password: 800037

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kceqbDw29d

Link for Questions

Questions for tonight will be taken from the following Slido document
https://app.sli.do/event/z5w81ltc/live/questions

​Greetings unto the Kingdom of Ealdormere;

Privy Council has arranged to host a Professional Zoom account to assist with maintaining community while we are all practice "shelter in place". The biggest benefit of this video conferencing account is that a paid account offers meeting time limits much longer than the 40 minutes that come with a free account. 

 If your group, guild, household etc would like to hold a public meeting on our Zoom account please fill out this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQX4iS3zYGlBYDMszJOMCki_q2saQwSxyOBQPfVK4BDecFsQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Meetings should be open to the general Ealdormerian populace, even if the meeting itself is narrow in scope (ie "Equestrian Enthusiasts Moot"). All meetings will be reviewed and then approved by the current Lord Clerk-Register.  Meetings will not conflict with each other. Meetings will be advertised on Ealdormere's Calendar page. 

Until we meet again
Baroness Lucia
Lord Clerk-Register

​Greetings unto the Wonderfully Talented People of Ealdormere from Their Highnesses Rattanicus and Isabel!

Once again We would ask you all to join us in song in the virtual. We will be hosting Ealdormere's second Virtual Bardic Circle Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm with the assistance of the truly inspiring Honourable Lady Emer nic Aidan to lead us. So grab your favourite tasty beverage and come lend your voices to bring a little light to everyone's evening.

Topic: Ealdormere Virtual Bardic
Time: Apr 18, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/813287315?pwd=M0E0TTh6NzlyaEFWdkROTXczMG9EQT09

Meeting ID: 813 287 315
To join by phone:
+1 438 809 7799 (Montreal)
+1 647 374 4685 (Toronto)
Need a different number? Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fcYR7XiBcQ

Greetings unto the Good People of Ealdormere.

We wanted to take a moment to address some questions and concerns We know are coming up with respect to Our reign.

Thank you to everyone who has sent Us their thoughts and comments both though Facebook and email with respect to various options moving forward in these uncertain times. We truly appreciate the support voiced by the populace. The Kingdom continues to watch and take direction from the mundane authorities with respect to events and scheduling and We will keep everyone updated as We can in this ever-changing environment.

As always, should anyone of the populace wish to send Us their comments with respect to this or other issues We would encourage you all to do so by sending Us an email to Ealdormere.heirs@gmail.com.

We look forward to raising a glass with everyone in person when it is again safe to do so.
​
Rattanicus and Isabel
Prince and Princess

Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from Queen Kaylah and King Trumbrand,

As Our time on the Lupine Thrones draws to an end, many have been curious about the succession of the Line of the North.  

The Royal Family, with approval from the Privy Council, applied for and received a variance from the Society.  Ealdormere has been granted an accommodation that will ensure the succession takes place in a timely manner.  

Their Highnesses will take up the virtual crowns of Ealdormere on the originally scheduled date, April 25, 2020.  This will allow Them to begin the administrative duties for Their reign without delay.  There will not be a virtual ceremony.  We will simply be passing Them the keys to the Kingdom in the form of the Majesties email account, and all attendant administrative powers.

We look forward to bestowing the physical crowns at a to-be-determined future event. Flexibility is essential when the north winds blow.  Depending on the situation in the world, Coronation may be held at either an event already existing on the calendar, or may be a newly scheduled event. Please be patient while we wait for the world to regain equilibrium.  All will be informed as soon as a Coronation date is set.

It is our fervent hope that some day soon there will be a Coronation in the physical world with all the ceremony and splendor as befits the incoming King & Queen of these Northlands.  (And then We can get all this regalia out of our house!)

Until then, enjoy the modern medieval world as best you can: retape your weapons, fix your armour, sew that stunning new outfit, research that thing you’ve been meaning to look up, bake bread and brew beer!

May you and your loved ones have good health,
​
Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms
Trumbrand, King of Grace and Patience

Greetings to the good People of Ealdormere from Queen Kaylah and King Trumbrand;

We may be unable to gather in person, but the fellowship of Our Kingdom continues through the magic of technology. The wonderfully talented Mistress Marian of Heatherdale will be generously sharing her talents on Saturday March 28 at 8pm via the magic of Zoom.

All good citizens of Ealdormere are invited to share in this event! Clap your hands, dance like no one’s watching and sing like no one can hear you. Because this concert was his idea, yes, even Prince Rattanicus can sing along if his microphone is turned way way down.

In these uncertain times, everyone needs a break from the ever vexing news. Ealdormere has been very good at maintaining a positive outlook. Give yourself an opportunity to smile.

Let there be song!
Queen Kaylah & King Trumbrand

Link to Zoom http://www.ealdormere.ca/news/ealdormere-online-bardic

Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from Prince Rattanicus and Princess Isabel,  

We are pleased to release the link for this weekend’s Kingdom Bardic night.  We hope to see as many of you as we can!
​
Ealdormere Online Bardic

Join Their Highnessess Rattanicus and Isabel and Mistress Marian of Heatherdale for an evening of bardic entertainment…

​28 March 2020, 8:00pm – 29 March 2020, 12:00am
To join via web browser: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/567812491
Meeting ID: 567 812 491

To join by phone: 
        +1 438 809 7799 (Montreal)
        +1 647 374 4685 (Toronto)

Need a different number? Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fcYR7XiBcQ

I would also like to thank their Majesties and the Privy Council for all their help in getting this Kingdom Zoom account set up so quickly.

YIS
Prince Rattanicus and Princess Isabel

Kniaginia Xristina Viacheslavova, KMOAS and Jane Caldwell, KExch 
Greetings to the Most Noble Populace of Ealdormere from your Kingdom MOAS and Kingdom Exchequer.   We are proud to promote a new initiative that supports local artisans while welcoming new blood into our Kingdom.

One of our most cherished traditions is to present our Newcomers with a cup at their first event.  It is an offering of friendship and welcome with the hope they come to share a drink with us again in the future.

Countess Marioun, during her reign, called for a new initiative to help support this effort going forward.  While individual donation of physical cups to the Crown are always welcome, we would like to support our artisans who wish create cups to help with this tradition. 

Kingdom Policy now has room to support and encourage artisan donations towards the Cup stores.  A sub-fund has been created to supplement material and studio costs for artisans wishing to create cups for gifting.

For those wishing to find out more or to apply to fund, email the KMOAS at ealdormere.kmoas@gmail.com

Financial policy language on the structure of the fund can be found at http://www.ealdormere.ca/uploads/2/4/1/5/24151324/ealdormerefinancialpolicyoct2019.pdf

Not an artisan, and think this is cool? Donations of funds towards this project are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made directly to the Kingdom Exchequer, or to your local Branch Exchequer. Please let them know what the money is for, and they’ll direct it appropriately. Both individuals and branches can donate towards this fund.   Let’s see what magic we can make together!
    
YIS,

Kniaginia Xristina Viacheslavova, KMOAS and THLady Jane Caldwell, KExch 

Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from Prince Rattanicus and Princess Isabel.

As we find ourselves spending more time waiting for the summer campaign season to begin we have a longing for the campfire and the joy that it's heat brings.  With fire comes circles and with circles comes song. Songs then become a Kingdom.  A Kingdom that sings!
​
To this end,  Her Highness and I will be sponsoring a Kingdom of Ealdormere Bardic Circle this Saturday at 8pm.  

What you say that you have heard His Highness sing before and you jumped on board Her Majesty's Galleon for seven or eight years? Rest assured Her Highness has decided that His Highness Rattanicus will not be leading this bardic circle! In fact Her Highness thought of all the great bards that Ealdormere has and one name stood out,  Mistress Marian of Heatherdale ! 
 
Mistress Marian has agreed to bring the duct tape and the MKS (Microphone Kill Switch) for His Highness and lead this bardic circle on ZOOM this Saturday, March 28 at 8pm.

We hope to see and hear from many of you this weekend singing in the Key of Army.

The Link to the Zoom meeting will be posted as soon as possible keep checking back often and will be posted to the Kingdom Calendar.

In service to the dream.

Rattanicus and Isabel

​Prince and Princess of Ealdormere

Greetings, Ealdormere.
There have been questions and inquiries as to possible paths forward with regards to Coronation. I hope to answer some of those here.
We live in unprecedented times, and each of us is a witness to and a part of history being made. It would be easy to give in to fear and panic, but instead we embrace hope. Hope that this will begin to see some resolution, hope that we will be able to gather again, and hope that we can resume regular life - all sooner than later.
The BoD sent this missive to all Crowns and Kingdom Seneschals of the Known World: https://www.sca.org/news/recent-board-letter-to-the-crowns-and-kingdom-seneschals/
With that hope, we also recognize the recommended cutoff of 30 April for activities that the BoD has given in the missive linked above. As you know, Ealdormere has already closed practices and meetings in light of this. When it comes to Coronation on 25 April - that's less than a week from the cutoff. And so we do hope that circumstances will allow us to proceed as planned on the date with everyone being safe to attend.
Make no mistake, though, that hope must be tempered by reality. This pandemic is sweeping the globe and growing here at home at an alarming rate. We must and do plan for the likely event that 25 April will not be viable - and also that dates beyond the end of April may not be available. We are considering many possibilities. A number of you have reached out with ideas for the succession of the Crown. We appreciate each and every one of your missives, and I promise they are being taken and discussed. In any case, a decision will be made in time to give you all plenty of notice and ensure that event planners have the time needed to wind down plans gracefully.
The Board is working closely with us to ensure that we have the support we need to make the right decisions, and to provide any variances we will need to move or otherwise alter Coronation (and any other corpora-mandated events that may be affected).
We live in uncertain times, and what we can do right now is buy time to give us the best chance to assess our options without closing them off prematurely. The BoD has given us a very broad ability to bend the law with regards to our plans and although we hope to not need to do so, we will when it is clear that the situation requires it. In the meantime, being able to use the time we have to reassess our options is a luxury we still possess and should not squander.
Also know that while these missives come from the Seneschal's office, Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the Privy Council are all part of the discussion behind them.
In the meantime, we all should follow the health and safety guidelines handed down by the Federal and Provincial governments. At the same time, we must care for more than just our bodies. Don't descend into pure isolation - reach out to your friends and bolster each others' spirits. Share stories, show each other your works, stay in touch, and support each other. Stay strong, Ealdormere, and stay together (virtually!) We will persevere.
Stay safe, folks.

​-Lars

​Greetings, Ealdormere.

Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, the response from the Federal Government, the Government of Ontario declaring a state of emergency, and recent guidance from the SCA, this is the time to take the step and suspend all meetings and practices officially. I know that many of you have either suspended already or have had your spaces shut down, but prudence dictates making sure that we all do our part. Unless otherwise noted, this will be in effect until 30 April. 

We would encourage you all to find virtual ways to be together - we may be apart, but we do not need to be alone. There have already been offers of virtual meetings gone by, and other Kingdoms have been experimenting with great success holding virtual meetings for local groups. Facebook has some tools that may be of service, and there are also things like Google Hangouts. If you sign up for Zoom (zoom.us), the free plan allows for meetings of up to 100 people for 40 minutes at a time.

In related news, Coronation is scheduled for 25 April as usual. We are not yet at the point of making a decision about rescheduling it. The site has shut down for the next two weeks and will reassess whether they will reopen for people to use the building at that point. We will also use the next two weeks to see how things evolve. Of course, if the site is shut down then we will need to make other plans. If the site does decide to reopen, we will still make our own decision that best suits Ealdormere and its populace.

We are still keeping a wait and see stance for Lady Mary and events beyond that. We will be reaching out to the event staff of Lady Mary in the near future to be sure that we are prepared for the decisions that may need to be made as COVID continues to advance.

Stay safe, folks. 

​-Lars

Good afternoon,

Given the recent announcement postponing KAS, the deadlines for documentation and research papers are no longer valid.

We are in discussions on what to do with the event but please keep in mind that this pandemic is changing rapidly as are the Federal and Provincial guidelines mandating responses, so it may be a few weeks before we have any answers to give you.

For now, all KAS deadlines are no longer valid. Please hold onto your documentation and/or research papers.

You can reach me at ealdormere.kmoas@gmail.com with any questions.

-Xristinia 

Greetings, Ealdormere

I come with news. In the spirit of doing our part to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have made the difficult decision to postpone Kingdom A&S. It will be rescheduled for a later date, to be determined. I know that a lot of you were very much looking forward to it, but these are extraordinary circumstances and we need to act such that the greater good and safety of everyone is best served.

At this time, there is no change in scheduling for Coronation, Lady Mary, or any events beyond those.

As Their Majesties and Their Highnesses have urged, please refrain from speculation. It's too early to make any decisions for these future events, but be assured that as time passes we will be assessing the situation and will let you all know as early as possible of any changes.
​
Thank you all. Take care of yourself, and your friends.

​Lars

Hey Ealdormere!

You've all seen the missive from the Board of Directors regarding COVID-19. As winter winds down we don't have a lot of events on our own calendar for the next month or so, but some of you might be going out of kingdom for fun and there are always meetings, practices, and demos around the Kingdom. All Kingdom Seneschals are monitoring the virus and what it could mean for upcoming events.

The U.S. and Canada are still in the early stages of the spread of this disease and we don't yet know the full picture. We don't have that many cases so far - at the time of this writing, 77 nationwide and 34 in Ontario.

The best thing that everyone can do for themselves right now is to not panic, but do take sensible precautions:

* Wash your hands, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, frequently throughout the day. Don't touch your face with unwashed hands. There are any number of memes floating around to get you through 20 seconds. Hand washing is by far your best protection.

* Wash your hands before eating, after toileting, before and after intimacy, before and after touching anyone.

* Consider alternate forms of greetings rather than hugging or shaking hands.

* Keep surfaces clean - frequently wipe down high-touch areas (toys, toilets, phones, electronics, door handles, bedside tables, television remotes, etc.) Public Health Canada recommends regular household cleaners as good, or a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

* Stay home if you're sick! If anyone close to you in daily life is sick now or has been sick in the past week or so, consider very carefully the likelihood that you may be a carrier and on the verge of coming down with something yourself.

* Event stewards and officers running business meetings, practices, etc should have extra cleaning supplies available, as appropriate. If an event steward is unsure whether or not to have an event, please feel free to contact me. A good indicator of time to reconsider is whether or not local schools have closed. Listen to your local health officials.

* And, hey - we’re all concerned about Coronavirus right now because it’s in the news. All of this applies to any bug going around like a cold or the flu.

For more guidance, check out the available info sites:

Ontario - https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Federal - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

If you find yourself being a caregiver for an isolated patient: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-guide-isolation-caregivers.pdf

SCA guidance on event cancellations: https://www.sca.org/news/corporate-guidance-on-event-cancellation/

Take care of yourself, and your friends. Be ready, but don't panic. If anything changes there will be further announcements.

Lars

Wassail for Ealdormere's newest group: The Incipient Shire of Champs des Corbeaux! 

The area covered will be the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (and surrounds). The Shire of Bastille du Lac has generously offered to sponsor this new group.

Current Officers:
Seneschal The Honourable Lady Laura Battista (corbieseneschal@gmail.com)
Exchequer Selewen de la Wode (corbieexchequer@gmail.com)
MoAS Lady Cira Squirrel (corbiemoas@gmail.com)
Web Minister & Marshal The Honourable Lord Cesare di Salvazzi 
(corbiewebminister@gmail.com)

​For meeting and practice times check out their web site at:  
https://crowsnorth.wixsite.com/champsdescorbeaux
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrowsNorth/

Greetings unto the Good People of Ealdormere,

Our Crown Tournament will take place on May 23 in the Shire of Bastille du Lac and We invite everyone to join us on that day to enjoy the festivities, watch or participate in the Tournament and cheer on the most noble combatants as they compete, with the aid of their inspiration, for the chance to sit the High Seats of this amazing Kingdom in which we live. 

We would love to have a good number of combatants participate in Our Crown Tournament this Spring and We hope that this missive reaches many who may wish to consider it, but may not read or receive the Kingdom Newsletter. If you have never fought in Crown Tournament before, but wonder what it might be like or have questions, please seek out Ourselves or others who have ruled in the past to find out more. We have a wonderful fighting community in this Kingdom and We would love to see more of you participating in Crown. 

Those who wish to participate in Our Crown Tournament should ensure that their letter of intent and appropriate documentation reaches both Ourselves and the Kingdom Seneschal not later than 11:59 pm, Saturday, April 18, 2020. Prospective combatants and consorts may give Us and the Kingdom Seneschal their documents either in person or by electronic submission. It is Our intent to announce the list of combatants at Our Coronation on April 25 in the Barony of Rising Waters.

As the Crown very much serves the Kingdom, We would ask that, in addition to the legal document requirements set out by the Kingdom Seneschal and Kingdom Law as noted below and in the Kingdom Tidings, your paperwork must also include a list of events attended and a list of all service performed within Ealdormere for both the combatant and the consort for the past year. It is also Our requirement that the consort be present at the tournament to provide inspiration and participate throughout the day. 

Combatants are encouraged to make a reasonable attempt at a period appearance. Weapons will be freshly taped and in good repair, shields neatly painted and obvious plastic including plastic bosses and basket hilts should be covered. 

The format for Crown Tournament will be as follows: 

The initial tournament will be a Double Elimination with initial random draw onto the tree, each round being best 2 of 3. Weapon forms do not need to be matched during the initial rounds.

For the semi finals and finals, matches will be matched weapon forms chosen from the following list: Weapon and Shield, Pole Arm, Two Weapon, Great Sword, Single Sword, and 6 foot Spear. A shield or buckler may be used in the weapon and shield fight. Two weapons can be either 2 sword or a combination of two weapons. Any weapon with a butt spike must have a minimum length of 48". Great weapons including Pole Arms, Great Axes, Great Swords, and Spears will be maximum of 6 feet. Weapon forms cannot be repeated. One of the six forms will not be used

The semi finals will be sets of best 3 of 5 weapons forms. Each weapons form will be best 2 of 3 fights. In order to move onto the finals the fighter from the no loss side must win 1 full set of 3 out of 5 weapons forms or the fighter from the 1 loss side must win 2 full sets of 3 out of 5 weapons forms. All fights will be matched weapon form throughout with the fighter coming from the no loss side getting 1st, 3rd, and 5th weapons selections and the combatant from the one loss side will choose the 2nd and 4th weapon form for the first set and, if the 2nd set is required, the fighter from the 1 loss side having 1st, 3rd and 5th weapons selections and the combatant from the no loss side having 2nd and 4th selections. During the semi finals every effort will be made to ensure combatants do not fight someone they have met in the previous round. If this is not possible the pairings will be done randomly.

The finals will be matches of best 3 of 5 weapon forms. Each weapon form will be best 2 of 3 fights. All fights will be matched weapon form.  The fighter with the highest rank will choose the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weapon selections and the lower ranking combatant will choose the 2nd and 4th weapon form.

Should anyone have questions regarding Our tournament, please do not hesitate to contact Us.

Rattanicus and Isabel
Prince and Princess


From the Kingdom Seneschal

As Their Highnesses state, Crown Tournament will be on 23 May and They are calling for those who wish to fight to make their intent known. They are happy to receive your submission to fight in Crown either in person or electronically. Please make sure to also provide me with a copy, either in person or via email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com. Note well that the deadline for submissions is firmly set at 11:59PM, Saturday 18 April 2020.

Please be sure to include copies of your:

•  Letter of intent,
•  Combatant's authorization card -- both sides,
•  Membership cards of combatant and consort -- both sides,
•  Signed copy of the declaration form -- found in the library on ealdormere.ca,
•  Proof of residency -- either as a copy of a bill or as copies of combatant and consort's driver's licences, and
•  Such other requirements as requested by Their Highnesses in Their requirements.

Please review the applicable laws of Ealdormere before submitting your application:

III-400 All prospective combatants and consorts must be paid members of the SCA and must maintain that membership through to the end of Their reign. Proof of membership must accompany the request to participate in the Crown Tournament.

III-500 All prospective combatants and consorts in the Crown Tournament must meet the following requirements:

     III-501 They must be subjects of Ealdormere as defined by Corpora and must remain subjects of the Kingdom through to the end of Their reign.
      III-502 They must be at least 18 years old.
  III-503 They must have been subjects of Ealdormere and have demonstrated a clear level of involvement in the Kingdom over the year prior to the Crown Tournament.
      III-504 They must be armigerous.
   III-505 All prospective combatants must be authorized to fight as an armored combatant in the Kingdom of Ealdormere and must present proof of authorization when submitting their letter of intent.

III-600 Any person who does not meet the requirements of Section III-503 or 504 may make an application to the Heirs under the "Rule of 12" as outlined below:

The Prospective combatant and consort shall submit a request to participate in the Crown Tournament pursuant to Section III-200. Their request must be accompanied by a letter addressing why they seek dispensation from Section III-503 or III-504. This letter must bear the signatures of 12 subjects of Ealdormere, all of whom are armigerous. By signing the dispensation request, the signatories vouch for the worthiness of the candidates. Due weight will be given to this request.

Note: This dispensation request must accompany the request to participate in the Crown Tournament and is not a method of recourse after a combatant or consort has been disallowed from the Crown Tournament.

III-700 Neither the Sovereign or the Consort of Ealdormere, nor any person who has served as Sovereign or Consort of Ealdormere within three months prior to the Crown Tournament, may participate as a combatant or consort in that Crown Tournament.

III-800 No prospective combatant may have more than one declared consort. No prospective consort may be fought for by more than one combatant.

If you have any questions about any of the laws regarding Crown Tournament, please don't hesitate to contact me.

In Service,
Lars

The Kingdom A&S competition is coming up and in case you are unaware, there are two competitive aspects to our competition. There is the Pentathalon, which is where a single entrant produces five projects showing a breadth of knowledge. Traditionally, the Crown of Ealdormere takes this competition into account when choosing Their A&S Champion.

There is also the general entry competition. This is the part where a single person or a group enter a single project to be judged. The winner of the general entry portion is the project that scores the highest and is basically the best in show.
​
I think the winner of the general entry competition deserves a little bit more recognition and I am excited to introduce the accolade of Artisan Lupine. This is an honourary title (pride and bragging rights only, no precedence) that will be awarded each year to the individual or group winner of the general entry competition and remains with the winner in perpetuity. 

​Thank you,
Xristina

The Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences office has a new deputy! HE Lucia de Moranza has been doing such a lovely job organizing Ealdormere's contributions to the Pennsic A&S activities over the last couple of years that I have made her an official deputy of the office. 

If you are planning on attending Pennsic and wish to volunteer or need some questions answered, be sure to contact her. She'll be happy to help you out.
​ 
Welcome Your Excellency and Wassail!

To the good people of Ealdormere, your Kingdom Exchequer does send greetings.

Fundraising is a vital part of our game.

Many of our Kingdom initiatives run solely on donations and fundraising efforts from both branches and individual people.

Examples include Pennsic Commissariat, Scribal Outreach, and the Newcomer Cup Fund.

We are eternally grateful for the efforts of our people towards the projects we hold dear.

Fundraising is equally important at the local level for keeping our Game alive.

When doing Fundraising, there are a couple of restrictions to keep in mind.
SCA Financial Policy prohibits the use of Raffles and Online Auctions (https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SocietyFinancialPolicy.pdf, Section XIV - Prohibited Activities).
​
These prohibited activities apply equally to groups and individuals raising funds for SCA purposes. An individual could not then hold an online auction privately if the proceeds are ultimately meant to go towards an SCA group or effort.

For those wishing to Fundraise on behalf of Kingdom or their local branch, and want suggestions on allowable activities, feel free to brainstorm with your local exchequer for ideas or contact me directly at ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com.

Note for Exchequers: the current report file does make direct reference to raffles as a fundraising activity. The published Society Financial Policy takes precedence over this reference. Society has been notified about the legacy reference.

YIS,
April Rumboldt (aka Jane Caldwell), Kingdom Exchequer