Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from your Kingdom Exchequer,
 
It has come to my attention that we have been inadvertently breaking Society policy when we host refreshments for event Royalty Rooms.
​
Royalty Room specific expenses are not an allowable SCA expense under Society Financial Policy (see Society Financial Policy IX-E, https://sca.org/docs/finpolicies/SocietyFinancialPolicy.pdf).

The issue essentially comes down to access.   Because the room is closed off to the general populace, any expenses related specifically to Royalty Room contents (food, decoration, etc.) are not allowed.

Future events should not include budget lines for Royalty Room hospitality expenses.  Seneschals and Exchequers should keep an eye out for any such expenses on event bids and return to the autocrat for revisions.   
 
Note that this policy does not impact comping royalty for lunch or feast.  
 
Questions and concerns can be directed to:
ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com
 
Yours in Service,
Jane Caldwell, KExch

In this troubling time, Their Royal Majesties have words of hope.

Saturday, May 11
Lady Mary
Meetings: Crucible 10 am, Pelican 11 am

Saturday, June 1
Pikeman's Pleasure
Meetings: Laurel 10 am, Wain 12 pm, Master of Defence (after tournament)

Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9
Murder Melee XXXVI
Meetings (Sat June 8): Thorbjorn’s Hammer (B4 fighting), Baron’s Council (B4 fighting), Chivalry (after tournament)

Are you new to the Known World and curious about what the hell is going on here?  Do you have questions?  Do you want to meet people, people who might be new like you, or people who've been around a bit?  Then come chat with us.  We will have tales of the history of the SCA and of Ealdormere, a few lessons on etiquette for Feast and Court, and a Q&A session.  You will meet the Septentrian Chatelaine, and some generally friendly folk who can help guide you going forward.
​
This session is open to everyone, new and old. 

Lunch and Learn!
Are you new to the Known World and curious about what the hell is going on here?  Do you have questions?  Do you want to meet people, people who might be new like you, or people who've been around a bit?  Then come eat your lunch with us.  We will have tales of the history of the SCA and of Ealdormere, a few lessons on etiquette for Feast and Court, and a Q&A session.  You will meet the Kingdom Chatelaine, and some generally friendly folk who can help guide you going forward.
This session is open to everyone, new and old. 

Greetings Ealdormere,
Our Social Media Deputy, Lady Marrin, has done a great job and has been working diligently in this position for three years now. She is currently looking for someone to take on this role as per her missive below. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2018.

Isabel
Seneschal, Ealdormere


From the Kingdom Social Media Deputy
Interested in a way to assist your Kingdom while attending events? Want a good excuse to use
your smartphone and snag the best seats at the tournaments? Consider applying for the position of Ealdormere’s Kingdom Social Media Deputy.

Newly reporting to the Kingdom Seneschal, the KSMO is responsible for running the Kingdom
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest...and other social media accounts owned by the Kingdom.
As these accounts are currently “linked”, it is a simple matter for anyone who already knows
their way around social media, and an easy training period if you don’t. It is ideally suited to a
gentleperson who attends several events a year.

Note: The new Society Social Media Policy will change the reporting schedule to some extent, as
well as some of the duties of the office. Assistance and training will be readily supplied to the
successful applicant.

If you would like to apply, please send a letter of intent and your SCA resume to the current
KSMO at ealdormere.social@gmail.com, and the Kingdom Seneschal at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com by September 15, 2018, with an expected changeover of
office to take place at Fall Coronation.

YIS
Marrin von Waldburg

The Seneschal’s office is looking for a volunteer interested in the role of Deputy of Youth and Youth Programs. The successful candidate should be available at events throughout the year, be willing to act as a youth coordinator and point of contact, and will be required to pass an SCA background check. If you have any question in regards this position, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to answer any questions you have or chat about the possible roles and responsibilities this office will oversee. If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity, please email me a letter outlining your interest and attach your SCA and Mundane resume. The deadline is September 30, 2018.

​Applications should be emailed to the Kingdom Seneschal (ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com).

Prince Evander and Princess Marioun have been crowned as Prince and Princess of Ealdormere.

Greetings good people of Ealdormere!
It has been a year since I have stepped into the role of Kingdom Seneschal, as such, I am beginning the process of seeking my successor. While I would not be stepping down until Spring Coronation 2019, I would like to have time to work with my successor prior to the change over the office. The deadline for applications isJune 30, 2018.  Applications should include a letter of interest and your SCA and Mundane resume with relevant experience. Please send all applications to myself by email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

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

Job Description according to Kingdom Law:

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.

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to chat with me, I would be happy to discuss the challenges and rewards with you.
​
In service,
Isabel

Greetings to the citizens of the wonderful kingdom of Ealdormere,

Due to unforeseen personal life reasons I have decided that I need to step down from my role as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences. It was not an easy decision or one I take lightly, but it is what I feel is best for my family and for Ealdormere at this time. I have chosen to do so now so that there is time for my drop dead deputy to properly plan the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire. Mistress Aibhilin fra Skye has already generously taken up the mantle and will be continuing until the changeover is complete. The goal is to choose a new minister for the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire (March 24, 2018) so that the new minister can help with the day and step up at court that evening.

As such, I am now officially advertising for my successor as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences. Applications should be sent to ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com and should include:

1) Reason(s) why you would like to apply for the position
2) SCA resume including previous positions held and areas of involvement, and any valid mundane experience
3) What you would like to do in the position to further the development and growth of arts and sciences in Ealdormere
The role is expected to be a two year commitment, starting at the end of the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire in 2018 and stepping down at the end of the Faire two years later. Due to the short timelines, the deadline for applications is February 15. If you have any questions, please forward them to ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support during my time in office.

Yours in Service,
Merewen de Sweynesheie
Outgoing Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences

Mon, Jul 17, 2017


Greetings Kingdom Seneschals,
 
This is the followup to the new policy. Please read and acknowledge. This is for distribution to all local Seneschals and event stewards/autocrats.
The new policy can be found here: http://socsen.sca.org/the-sca-harrassment-and-bullying-policy/
 
By request of the Society Seneschal with the support of the Board and the President of the SCA, the following statement must be posted at gate/troll at every SCA event in a size large enough for people to see it as they enter our events. This language must likewise be quoted in ALL site handouts at every event a site were a handout is made available.
 
Thank you for all for your cooperation. I would also like to thank Director Richard Sherman who distilled down this language from the most recent addition to the Seneschals Handbook as well as the President and Board of the SCA who have supported making the SCA a safer environment.
 
Best regards,
A.J. Pongratz
Vice President of Operations, SCA Inc.
Society Seneschal
 
 
THE SCA PROHIBITS HARRASSMENT AND BULLYING OF ALL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS.

• Participants engaging in this behavior are subject to appropriate sanctions.

 

• If you are subjected to harassment, bullying or retaliation, or if you become aware of anyone being harassed or bullied, contact a seneschal, President of the SCA, or your Kingdom's Board Ombudsman.

 

A report of the Court of Their Majesties, Quilliam Rex and Tangwystl the Queene, held at Pikeman's Pleasure on the third day of June, AS 52.

After opening Their Court, Their Majesties Quilliam and Tangwystl received the fealties of members of the Order of the Laurel.

They then gave Their Excellencies of Septentria, Dafydd and Mahhild, leave to hold Court. Once Their Excellencies' business was concluded, Royal Court continued. The marshals of the various martial activities ...of the day were called forward and prizes awarded to the victors.

Their Majesties summoned Ludwig von Eisengrim into their Court. At his surprise in being summoned, Their Majesties noted that they had been searching for him for many years to complete the business of their predecessors Trumbrand and Kaylah. Indeed, as the scroll was read it became clear that this particular piece of business was dated to the Lady Mary Tourney in the 48th year of the Society, over four years past. The wording of the scroll referenced the now-clean-shaven Ludwig's "forked beard" and resulted in much laughter. He was awarded the Orion for his skill in cookery. Her Majesty thanked her spies for tracking him down so that this could be done, and Duchess Kaylah greeted him with a hug.

Isabel de Rivera was called forward. A young lady wearing pink emerged from the kitchen where she was working and was awarded the Wolf's Cub for her skills in lucet and knitting and her assistance at events. Her Majesty also presented her with a wolf pendant in a pink pouch to match her dress. Scroll illumination was by Hyrrokin and wording and calligrapy by Dame Asa.

Their Majesties called forward Helen Gray and awarded her with the Orion, also for skill in knitting and assisting with events (she had indeed organized classes for the day). Illumination by Jane Caldwell and Calligraphy and wording by Dame Asa.

Merewen de Sweynesheie, who was standing as Queen's Guard, was called forward to kneel before Their Majesties. The Order of the Crucible was then summoned and asked whether it was their will that she be added to their number, to an enthusiastic and positive response. The new Honourable Lady was then admitted to the Order for her skills in illumination, research, and other arts. Scroll was wrought by Maestra Jocelyn de Cranewell.

After thanking those in attendance and the Canton of Petrea Thule for their hospitality, Their Majesties asked those attending their first event to come forward. Although there were none in the room, one cup was passed on to be presented to a newcomer who had attended, with Their Majesties' welcome.

Court was then concluded.

By the pen of Nicolaa Rouge Estoile, acting as Royal Herald to Their Majesties.

An account of the courts of Their Majesties Quilliam Rex and Tangwystl the Queene at Trillium War, the first day of July in the year of the Society LII.

Court was opened upon the field in the early afternoon as the Barbarian who could not be found at Murder Melee was spotted beside the listfield. Tannin was called forward by Their Majesties and presented with a jar of dirt. A hide was unfolded bearing writing that explained that said Tannin was being created a Baron of the Court, and that said jar bore the land over which he has dominion, and wherever a little of it be scattered, that would be considered his lands. Also set out were terms of tithes of livestock, gold, and drink to Their Majesties and the Baron of Ben Dunfirth. He was invested with a coronet of bone to confirm his new station.

Court was reopened in the evening after a delay due to the local weather deities.

The Ealdormere Waits were summoned forward. Master Martin indicated that this group of musicians now had proper registered heraldry and that a charter had been presented to Their Majesties for their signature. The charter was produced, already signed and sealed, and was read into the record. With the charter accepted by Master Martin, the Waits departed, but Her Majesty indicated that one Jamie fitz Mordain, a dancer, did not have leave to depart. Several members of the Queen's Rapier Guard surrounded him to ensure he stayed. It seemed that reports of his activities, such as dancing in church on Sundays, occupying the time of the Caldrithig musicians with his research, and other such deeds had been reported, and such were confirmed by Master Martin, Mistress Emma, and Mistress Marie. It seemed that the only remedy for such a troublemaker was to beg a boon for him to be admitted to the Order of the Laurel for his dance research and teaching. Their Majesties agreed that this was a right and proper thing, and a writ was read out that he might sit his vigil and be duly elevated in the Great Hall in the Debatable Lands at Pennsic.

After fealties were recieved from the Chivalry and Populace (the latter which developed a certain tunefulness due to the presence of the Widow Kate), leave was granted to each of the baronies there present to hold court, and the baronies of Septentria, Skraeling Althing, and Ramshaven did so. The Barony of Ben Dunfirth was silent, and His Majesty publicly wondered whether Baron Brand was up to something.

A petition was received from His Excellency Duncan McLeod concerning the operation of siege engines and the handing over of said engines from veterans to newer blood. Their Majesties promised to give it due consideration.

Their Majesties then admitted THL Tadc and THL Raithe, who, hearing the phrase "Bacon is Victory", decided that Ealdormere needed more bacon, and that a war banner bearing this motto should be borne into battle at Pennsic. Said banner featured a trillium and other elements that could only be blazoned as "bacony." The banner was entrusted to Sir Baldric as TRM's general and the bacon to the commissariat.

There was yet more bacon to come. Their Excellencies of Ramshaven had promised two pounds of said substance to be provided each year as their taxes. Their Majesties had asked it be presented at Pennsic, but as Their Excellencies would be unable to transport such delicacies past the toll keepers in Rhydderich Hael, it was presented at this event.

The members of Hexenhaus were called forward. They had sponsored a Thrown Weapons tourneys, and presented gifts of brooms (their household badge) and small flags to the winners of said tournament.

The White Wolf Fian was called forward. The challenge of Lady Alienor, who had conducted experiments in spinning using various drop spindles, written of said experiments, and taught classes, was accepted as complete. Lady Orla rechallenged with a new project (creating coin dies). New challengers included Astrid of Beremere (calligraphed and bound book of Anglo-Saxon poetry), Vindemia (Roman hair dye) and Amelye (Eleanora of Toledo stockings) were presented to Her Majesty and approved to proceed.

The Preceptor of the Ealdormere Academy of Defense was called forward. THL Lars announced that Cesare had successfully challenged as a cadet, and invested him with his red scarf.

THL Pelayo Lanza Hierro, Trillium Herald was called forward, and all members of the Ealdormere College of Heralds were invited forward to witness as he transferred the office to THL Sciath ingen Chaennaig. Before doings so, he thanked members of the college who were stepping down, including Her Highness Rylyn as Green Mantle, Mistress Wencenedl as Afon Fawr, Maistres Medb as Seeblatt, THL Sciath as Rising Waters Pursuivant, and Her Excellency Liadin as Calygreyhound. After THL Sciath swore to refrain from dicing , taverns, and places of ill repute, water was poured on her head and she was invested with the tabard, chain of office, and baton. She in turn appointed many new officers.

Their Majesties announced that Lord James Edgarsson would be added to the Scroll of Honour for "his generous spirit, valour, and elan in the face of pain whilst displaying skill and prowess at our great tournaments."

Their Majesties called forward Astrid of Beremere (she who had just challenged the Fian) and awarded her Arms. Scroll was created on site in its entirety by Dame Asa.

Faelan of Skeldergate, after some confusion with one of the canine persuasion named Balin, was awarded Arms, as was Gareth of the E'rainn. Kennis of Beremere was likewise called into court, but did not arrive until later.

Their Majesties called forward Neala Andrimirsdottir and presented her the Award of the Scarlet Banner for her fighting prowess, in the form of a giant War Spoon carved by Master Corwyn and Duchess Domhnaill.

Henry Foster was called before Their Majesties and asked whether he knew why he was there. When he said he did not, the Order of the Crucible was called forward, and despite his humble protestations, enthusiastically indicated that he should join their Order, and he was duly inducted.

As she made to depart with the other Crucibles, Lucia d'Enzinas was called back into court. Their Majesties indicated they were greatly impressed by her service and called forward the Order of the Wain, who affirmed that it was their wish she join their ranks, and it was thus done.

As Kennis of Beremere had arrived, she was invited back into Court and awarded arms.

Their Majesties called forward the event staff, and both they and Their Excellencies Septentria presented the event Stewards, THL Hans and Lady Neala, with gifts for their service.

As was tradition, Their Majesties invited forward all who were attending their first event. So many were there that there were not enough cups to present to everyone and His Majesty invited them to see him after Court to receive their gift. Amongst the first timers, the tiniest was the young daughter of THL Bjarn and THL Orlaith.

After a few announcements, and words from Their Majesties and Their Highnesses, His Majesty noted once again that Baron Brand had been very quiet, and that perhaps he might like to speak. "Sure!" said the Baron. He asked the audience who was going to Pennsic, and then asked all of those who had volunteered to stand up. He then encouraged all to volunteer, because that is what allows Pennsic to happen--folks like Duchess Dagmar, who arrive weeks ahead of time to draw lines and set up the camp, people who are rarely recognized. And then he begged a boon, that the same Duchess Dagmar be elevated to the Order of the Pelican, and a great cheer arose from the populace. The Order was summoned (including some visitors from afar who had been hiding the whole day) and she was sent on her vigil, with elevation to occur at Pennsic.

The Court concluded with the recognition of a certain 150th birthday.
For the True North Strong and Free, Wassail!
For the Crown of Ealdormere, Wassail!
For the Kingdom of Ealdormere, Wassail!

Post scriptus: The bacon presented earlier to the Comissariat had almost immediately gone missing, and a certain Not So Innocent Viking Countess, after swearing fealty in her own words, was appointed to look into the matter. Their Majesties also received the taxes of the Brewer's Guild.

Recorded by Nicolaa Rouge Estoile, acting as Royal Herald to Their Majesties

Wassail to our new Highnesses, Prince Edward the Red who was inspired by Princess Rylyn Buchanan to be victorious in Crown Tournament yesterday!