​Greeting Ealdormere
With less than a year remaining in my two year terms as Kingdom Archery Marshal and Kingdom Thrown Weapons Marshal I must begin the search for my successor(s).

Duties of a Kingdom Marshal include:

1. Coordinate activities of all marshals within the kingdom by:
a) Receiving the semi-annual reports from the marshals.
b) Solving problems, anticipating problems or clarifying misunderstandings by answering questions and initiating frequent dialogue with marshals at events.
c) Communicating frequently in the kingdom newsletter.
d) Keeping an up-to-date address/phone list of all warranted and inactive marshals and MIT’s.
e) Renewing warrants annually.
f) Coordinating warranting and training of MIT’s.
g) Consulting periodically with the Crown and the Earl Marshal in order to best respond to kingdom needs.

2. A quarterly report to the Earl Marshal and Society Marshal by means of:
a) Writing reports on the state of archery in the kingdom.
Reports should include:
i) a summary of archery activities in the kingdom
ii) a list of current warranted marshals
iii) a brief summary of the status of current projects you are working on or have delegated
b) Regular check-in at events or by e-mail on the status of current projects

3. Encourage archery throughout the kingdom by:
a) Supporting ideas and projects whenever feasible.
b) Suggesting projects that would help to encourage activity or improve accuracy and accepting feedback on the success or failure of said projects
c) Being a resource for archery and maintaining and enforcing all safety rules
d) Travelling to various regions throughout the kingdom to both encourage archery and gain feedback on activities (being visible and accessible).
e) Making award recommendations to recognize service and skill in archery in the kingdom.

If there is anyone interested in putting their names forward for consideration please contact me at one of the following email addresses:
ealdormere.archery@gmail.com or ealdormere.thrown.marshal@gmail.com

YIS
Master Gunther Wahlstadt

Greetings Ealdormere;

I stepped up into the Lord Clerk Register role last November. Although it is a different job than I initially thought it is still a really interesting one, and one that I am proud to have. It is the practice of Privy Council to seek deputies to replace members at one year so that there is time for overlap, so at this time I am seeking applications for my eventual replacement. 

The bare minimum requirement: 

The Lord Clerk-Register needs to have 

1. a current SCA membership, 
2. a reliable internet connection, and 
3. a working computer. 

The Duties

1. Report to Privy Council and the duties therein such as reading Kingdom level event bids, vote on laws and other motions. Advise the Crown and the Seneschal
2. Oversee the regional deputies, and maintain a current warrant list for their majesties to sign at future Coronations
3. Report to society 5 times a year, including Blackfox award nominations, and keep up with the the society wide Slack chat server
4. Keep ealdormere.ca up to date, including making sure any approved expenses related to the web site are paid in full and update content as required
5. Maintain the Emaildodo listserv and add groups as the Kingdom requires
6. Book Zoom video conferencing appointments with the Kingdom Calendar Secretary using google calendar, and launch the program for the use of anyone in the Kingdom. 
7. Answer emails related to the ealdormereweb@gmail.com in a timely manner, and
8. Attempt tech support when needed

I spend probably 4-12 hours a week on the above, most of that staying on top of the Zoom requirements. Once things are back to "normal" I think that these hours will go back down to pre-pandemic levels of 4 to 5 hours a week. I will train my successor on all the software requirements. 

If you have any questions email me at ealdormereweb@gmail.com and I will try to answer them. 

Applications are due by December 31, 2020. 

In your service
Barones Lucia de Enzinas, OL
Lord Clerk-Register. ​

Hey folks

--as mentioned during Kingdom Court on Saturday, we're going to be going ahead with the traditional Kingdom Moot on November 9 at 7pm. As is traditional, it is the right of all Ealdormerians to propose topics for discussion at the Moot. This will be your chance to provide some possible input on what you'd like to see the Kingdom doing while we're still not able to have regular events, as well as other topics of interest to the populace. Please let me know your topic proposals by  emailing me at ealdormere.lawspeaker@gmail.com.

Remember also that we're starting the progress to choose the next Lawspeaker. Details of what's needed are in the current issue of the Tidings. It's a challenging, but rewarding position, and I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about what's required.

​-Nicolaa

Greetings unto Our Inspirational Kingdom of Ealdormere,

As we move into the fall of this most unusual year, We are reminded of the grand Crown Tournaments past fought this time most years. We are reminded of the pageantry, of the camaraderie, of the prowess, and of the companionship. Most importantly, We are reminded of the inspiration that helps drive and support the combatants in their quest for the Crown.

In homage to the consorts of the past whose inspiration has led their combatants to glory, the theme for Our October Court will be inspiration. Inspiration comes from so many of those around us and in so many different forms. We are inspired to create, to fight, and to support. We are inspired by friendship, by guidance, by great and noble deeds. We are inspired by dedication, by service, by leadership, by prowess. We are inspired by teachers, by helpers, and by craftspersons. So many amazing people in this glorious Kingdom inspire us all in so very many unique ways.

​We personally find inspiration every day in the wonderful classes and gatherings being hosted throughout the Kingdom to help keep everyone connected.   

While tournaments oft-times give participants an opportunity and a venue to speak of the virtues of the one that inspires them on the field that day, there are seldom opportunities for non-marshal members of the populace to do so. As such, We would like to hear your stories and praise of those who inspire you and share those words with the populace during Our Court. Your inspiration could be a person or a group. Written boasts can be sent to Us through the form on the Kingdom website at http://links.ealdormere.ca/boast or directly by email to ealdormere.crown@gmail.com. If you would like your boast for your inspiration to come from you, you can submit a short video of you talking about your inspiration that We will play during the evening. If you would like it to be kept secret who it’s from, We can do that too! Just make sure to note it in the submission that you would like it to be anonymous.

We very much look forward to hearing your stories of inspiration and sharing them with the Kingdom. 

King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

Year of the Plague

​As Their Majesties announced in court, we have unfortunately been forced to roll back to Phase I of our reopening plan. This is based on the ever-increasing daily case count, which has now put our seven day rolling average over 250/day, and the Provincial government reducing allowable gathering sizes below our minimums.

This puts us all back to online gatherings only. It is unfortunate, but here we are. We all look forward to getting things back in hand so that we can progress back to Phase II and beyond. As always, the reopening plan can be found at https://links.ealdormere.ca/covid-reopening.

Stay safe, everyone.

Greetings unto Our Steadfast and Resilient Kingdom of Ealdormere,

This summer it has been wonderful to see all of the activities being planned and implemented virtually, not just in Our Kingdom, but across the Known World. It can be difficult to remain connected and this is not what any of us are used to. But Ealdormere is strong and proud and resilient and we shall make it through these dark times together and be all the stronger for it.

With the announcement from the Board regarding the suspension of events until into the new year, We find Ourselves facing many months ahead. To keep Ourselves at a manageable pace, We plan to hold Court the third Saturday of each month for the remainder of this calendar year. While We continue to hold awards for once we all can gather together in person, We do know there are some in Our Kingdom where receiving recognition virtually may be the most appropriate way for them. Maybe it’s someone who has long been deserving for service to their local group, but has been unable to make it to events on Saturdays or maybe it’s someone who does not want to be called into Court, but wouldn’t mind being acknowledged virtually without being showcased on the screen. Whatever the reason might be, please send Us any recommendation for deserving gentles in Our Kingdom that might benefit from receiving recognition in this way. 

In July, We added many names to the Scroll of Honour. We recognized many of Our Kingdom for their work as front line workers and many more for making and/or assisting with the making of masks and other necessary protective gear for their communities. In September, We would like to recognize those that have been hosting or assisting with online content. If you have any names to recommend for this recognition, please forward them to Us by email. If there are names that were missed in July, please send those to Us as well so they might be rightfully added to the Scroll for their deeds.

Lastly, We would also ask you for your help during the months to come. Our staff, the Kingdom Officers, and so many others have been working hard to provide online content to help find ways to maintain and strengthen our connection with one another during this forced hiatus. With potentially six more months to go, We would ask for input from the Kingdom for new ideas for connectivity, and volunteers to donate some of their time to help support these endeavours. We would ask good gentles in the Kingdom to contact Us or Maister Colyne should you wish to help. We welcome input and assistance from all: newcomers to the Society, long time members, those who have unique interests, those who have ideas they would like to see realized. We hope to hear from you.

Stay strong friends and stay safe. We will get through this together.

King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

​Year of the Plague

Hi everyone! Your friendly Kingdom Chatelaine here! We're going to try something new ... a monthly video chat meeting to help our newcomers understand the SCA.

At 7pm this Thursday August 20th, this month's topic will be, cantons, shires, baronies, and a kingdom, oh my! How our club is broken down into local chapters.

After a brief chat about this, we open the floor to any newcomer questions.
(Now the practical stuff -- we are trying to build an comfortable space for new people where they can easily ask questions and get simple answers. Newcomers might be someone playing 0-3 years but want to understand the SCA better. Experienced folks may want to join in to help, and that's great, but please message me privately in advance, and we can coordinate your involvement without overwhelming newcomers.

meet.google.com/qyb-xpet-gam
​
Cheerfully slaving for my feudal masters,
Brand
ealdormere.chatelaine@gmail.com

Greetings unto Our most patient Populace of Ealdormere From King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel.

Long you have waited to see your fellows in person and We know this has been hard. As a community, you have all done amazing keeping things going in the very different virtual world in which we all find ourselves.  We are so very happy to finally announce that the time has come to allow us to begin to move forward opening the Kingdom!

As the Province is now completely in Phase 3 of Ontario's Reopening Plan,  We, along with the Privy Council, have voted and agreed that it is time that the Kingdom can move into Phase II of the Ealdormere Reopening Plan. 

Ealdormere will go into Phase II this Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 10:00am

This will allow groups to host in-person local meetings and A&S gatherings should they choose to do so.

Her Majesty and I are so proud of the sacrifices made by the people of the Kingdom and are so looking forward to seeing you all very soon!

Rattanicus and Isabel
Rex and Regina

NOTE: To keep Our Kingdom Seneschal happy, We remind groups that all meetings and gatherings must comply with the rules stated in the Ealdormere Reopening Plan for Phase II and follow Provincial Guidelines for gathering sizes. This does not allow for any martial activities at this time. Please contact Master Lars with your group's plan.

---

From the Kingdom Seneschal

I'll remind everyone of the reopening plan (which has now been updated to reflect Their Majesties' good news) http://links.ealdormere.ca/covid-reopening

And, please, while the Provincial limits are quite generous, let's bear the spirit of the BoD resolution in mind - and not make the Society Seneschal have to explain to the Board why there were 100 people at an A&S gathering in Ealdormere 

I'm pleased to announce that Sir Tiberius is the new Deputy Earl Marshal for Steel Armoured Combat.
​
He'll be heading up the effort bring this exciting new martial discipline to Ealdormere.

Many thanks to Tiberius for offering to take on this important role. It's all new territory, so we'll all be learning as we go along.

Menken
Kingdom Earl Marshal
​
For interest, here is the SCA Steel Combat Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SCA-Steel-Fighting-2248270048818486

Have you ever wondered just how Pennsic happens, the planning, the expense, where your fees go?  Do you have the time, energy and commitment to become a Pennsic Officer?  If so, apply to be the Pennsic Exchequer.  This is a volunteer position involving a very large commitment of time and energy.  Only serious applicants should reply.

Hourly commitment expected:
During Pennsic, 6-8 hours per day from Opening Day through final Saturday. Ability to arrive a week Prior to the Start of the event a Major Plus.
Attend both weekend planning sessions, November and May.
5-15+ hours per week for the remainder of the year. 

Duties:
Work with the Pennsic Mayors to create and maintain a budget, with detail down to department expense levels.
Report regularly to the Pennsic Financial Committee and the Kingdom Seneschal Group on activities relating to Pennsic finances.
Report directly to the Society Exchequer using SCA standard financial reporting forms.
Serve as a subject-matter expert in determining allowable expenditures.
Travel to two planning meetings (November and May).
Be on-site for the entire Pennsic War (Both Weeks) and be available on site during the week preceding the war if possible.
Hold regular “office hours” during war and monitor a radio and/or pager for the entire war.
Work with the Cooper’s Lake staff to coordinate resources and funds transfers.

Skills and resources required:
1)  Moderate to expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
2)  Moderate to expert knowledge of QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online.
3)  Moderate to expert knowledge of SCA reports
4)  Experience as an SCA Exchequer preferred, but not required
Accounting/bookkeeping experience desired.
Reliable phone and email access.
Ability and willingness to communicate to several people over long distances.

Successful applicants will be expected to attend Pennsic for the entire war.

Please send applications (modern resume and SCA activity summary) to CJO@pennsicwar.org  Application period closes 11:59pm EST, September  1, 2020.

Please direct any questions to the Acting Pennsic Exchequer depexchequer@pennsicwar.org 
It is the hope of the Pennsic Financial Committee to complete the selection process by November 1, 2020. 

For information on the various Pennsic Financial Policies please refer to the Documents below.

https://seneschal.eastkingdom.org/PW/PW-ADMIN.pdf

http://www.sca.org/docs/finpolicies/PennsicFinancialPolicy.pdf

Greetings unto Our Most Resilient Kingdom of Ealdormere,

As many of you have now seen, the Board of Directors has approved a Resolution that suspends in-person events until January 31, 2021. While it pains Us to continue to be apart, We wholeheartedly support this Resolution. Always the health, safety and wellbeing of Our populace is paramount in Our decision making in these most difficult times. We know you all want to be able to gather together again. We too want this. We miss every one of you and look forward to raising a glass together in-person. But that time is still not quite here yet. While We are saddened that this plague has not yet released us all from its harsh grasp, We would not put Our populace at risk needlessly.  

We are hopeful that, with luck, We will see the Kingdom able to move forward to the next phase in the Kingdom Reopening Plan and have small, safe local gatherings begin in the coming weeks. The Plan has already been updated to include the requirements with respect to the Board’s Resolution. Should the Kingdom be in a position to open earlier than January 31, We will revisit things at that time.

As our time as the Crown will be longer than expected , We would ask you for your help during the months to come. Our staff, the Kingdom Officers, and so many others have been working hard to provide online content to help find ways to maintain and strengthen our connection with one another during this forced hiatus. With potentially six more months to go, We would ask for input from the Kingdom for new ideas for connectivity, and volunteers to donate some of their time to help support these endeavours. We would ask good gentles in the Kingdom to contact Us or Maister Colyne should you wish to help. We welcome input and assistance from all: newcomers to the Society, long time members, those who have unique interests, those who have ideas they would like to see realized. We hope to hear from you.

Stay strong friends and stay safe. We will get through this together.

​King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

The SCA honours living history, and has always done so with a progressive social mindset that values inclusion, tolerance, and common respect. Intolerant, exploitative, and predatory practices were a part of many historical cultures that our Society depicts, but we have always made the conscious choice to concentrate on the best social virtues that history has to offer. Against the backdrop of challenges that modern society is grappling with, our ‘conservative’ re-enactment of history is at its best when it honours a ‘progressive’ social value system. In the current climate of completely warranted anger over the status quo, the Order of the Chivalry has pondered how we can improve the situation. 
​
As knights and masters who choose to do so, we swear to the Royalty each reign that we will be the “Shield of the Weak”, “Courteous at all times”, and “Champion of the Right and the Good”. The chivalric virtue of humility teaches that each of us, from time to time, will fail to live up to what our oath demands, and that as an Order, we must guide one another towards being better. Recent deliberations within the Order have led us to believe that further improvement is warranted; our values compel us to hear your criticisms, and to do better in living up to our oaths. There are no perfect knights, but trying to be is a worthy endeavour in spite of inevitable flaws. 

This is not the first time that our Kingdom or our Society has made this sort of statement. If we take this challenge seriously, then recurrent deliberation and reaffirmation of these values is appropriate, in much the same way that we renew our oaths for each new Sovereign. We are not the only ones who serve this Kingdom: we rely on officers, peers, and our fellow populace to hold up the ‘Mirror of Chivalry’ so that we can see our flaws. Sometimes it is people outside our Order that are best suited to define our problems and show us the path to solutions. Our role as an Order is to hear them, respect them, and learn ways to be better from them.  

We value inclusion, tolerance, and respect, and support the cause of justice.  We will not defend those who, through bigotry, sexism, intolerance, bullying, or other predatory behaviours, have made themselves morally indefensible 

If you have experienced one of these things, we encourage you to bring it to one of us. We will advocate for a resolution. We will help ensure that the person best qualified addresses your issue.

Roak 
Steinarr 
Evander
Richard 
Shahid 
Quilliam 
Tristham 
AElfwyn  
Gann 
Rattanicus 
Kasimir
Menken 
Varenko 
Mordain 
Baldric 
Elizabeth 
Tiberius 
Finnvarr 
​Edward the Red

Greetings to the Good People of Ealdormere.

I think I can safely speak for the Crown when I say Thank You to all the generous groups and individuals who have donated towards the Kingdom Zoom account.

As you may know from the challenge issued in Episode 4 of Ealdormere At Home, the Kingdom has been using the 500 participant level of Zoom account ($87/mth +tax) to make sure we can reach our populace.

As we have settled into our Digital routines, we have noted that the participant numbers have safely dropped below the threshold of the next lowest account. We have added other means of distributing our broadcasts such as streaming on the Kingdom Facebook Group and uploading the recordings to the Kingdom YouTube account. We can still reach the populace without the continued need of the high level account.

For these reasons, and to maintain good stewardship over the funds you entrust us with, the Privy Council has decided to shift our Zoom account to the 100 participant, unlimited time tier ($20/mth +tax).

Knowing that groups may be contemplating donations towards our Zoom account, we wish to inform you of the change to maintain transparency and to enable you to make informed decisions.

YIS,
April R/ Jane Caldwell, KExch

 Greetings, Ealdormere.

 I am... well, pleased is not the right word given that we even need to have such a document for these times. In any case, Their Majesties and the Privy Council have approved this plan for the reopening of Ealdormere. As you are all aware, we are officially shut down until 31 July which isn't that far off at all. We are of course in no position to just go back to things on 1 August, so please read and understand the course that has been charted to move forward. This plan describes a phased resumption of activities as Provincial health authorities and the pandemic situation allow. Many thanks to those who had great input and insightful comments as this was being developed. As always, if you have any questions please reach out to me at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

 http://links.ealdormere.ca/covid-reopening

Greetings unto Our Beloved Ealdormere,

As we move forward through this long summer, We are hopeful that the months ahead will provide us all with opportunities to gather as we have become accustomed. As the mundane authorities allow for larger gatherings so, too, will the Kingdom open. In looking forward to being able to get together again, one thing is clear, the wearing of face coverings or masks is going to be a part of things moving forward for the foreseeable future. 

With this in mind, We would issue a challenge to those good gentles who would accept, to attempt face coverings and masks that are heraldic and/or medieval inspired! They could be constructed of your heraldic colours, incorporate your personal, household or Kingdom populace heraldry or badge, covered in handcrafted lace, embroidered, stamped, the possibilities are endless. They can be of any style the wearer is comfortable with, however if one is looking for instructions or a pattern, Baroness Matilda has generously put together a tutorial and pattern that can be found in this month’s issue of the Tidings. We would love to see what you come up with and show off the talents and imagination of Our Kingdom and Baron Alexander Gladstone has offered to assist in this task. We would ask that once constructed, please send a photo of your mask or, if so inclined, a photo of you wearing it while in garb to Baron Alexander at photosbyalex@cogeco.ca. Please put “EALDORMERE HERALDRY MASK” in the subject line when you send your photos along with the appropriate permissions to allow for the use of the photo in the body of the message.  It is Our intent to have the compilation of photos featured in an episode of Ealdormere at Home. 

We will be announcing further photo challenges throughout the summer months and would welcome ideas from the Kingdom, not only for themes for the challenges, but for other ideas for online content you would like to see from Us as well. Please send your ideas to Us by email at Ealdormere.Crown@gmail.com.

One of the difficulties of having everything move into the virtual is the limitations it puts on involving the children of the Kingdom in the activities. Our plan had been to bring hobby horses to events during Our reign to gift to the children of Ealdormere to be theirs to decorate and bard so that they might participate in equestrian challenges. We would still very much like to do this, but its implementation requires some adjusting. As such, We ask those with children to contact Us by email and provide Us with a mailing address that We might send your children a gift of a hobby horse! Please note there will be some assembly required upon receipt. 

It has been so wonderful to see the all of the inventive virtual events and classes being hosted throughout the Kingdom. While not the events we are used to, Ealdormere has certainly risen to the challenge of this time of the plague and shown we will persevere and we will not be discouraged! 

Finally, and as previously announced, as We continue to find Ourselves without Heirs We have extended the deadline for submissions for Our Crown Tournament to Sunday September 20, 2020 at 11:59 pm.  As in our previous letters, Our Crown Tournament requirements and Tourney remain the same with the exception of the deadline change as noted above. Should anyone have questions regarding Our tournament, please do not hesitate to contact Us. 
​
We look forward to when we can all gather together again.

King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

Greetings unto Our Beloved Ealdormere,

This year finds us celebrating Canada Day differently than we are used to. War of the Trillium has always been an event so very dear to Us. Our memories are filled with classes, combat, dancing, archery, grand Courts, songs around camp fires with friends and so much more. While We, along with many in the Kingdom, are saddened that the plague has led to its cancellation this year, the staff have outdone themselves with their inventive and creative ideas to bring some of the fun to the Virtual.

As part of the Virtual Trillium War, We would invite all to come join us this Saturday evening for a brief Court via Zoom so that We might make a few announcements, issue a challenge and maybe a few other things.

Court will be immediately followed by the concert planned by the Trillium War staff. For those unable to attend, Court will be recorded and made available through the magic of Facebook and YouTube.

So don your garb and please come join us, Saturday, July 4 at 7:00 pm.

King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel
​
Ealdormere Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kingdom Court - followed directly by a performance of music and stories Time: Jul 4, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83162804942?pwd=WFlMWk13dWZ0dzBWVm9RVmpuc3p2Zz09

Meeting ID: 831 6280 4942
Password: 386105

These are the virtues of the Kingdom of Ealdormere to which we aspire and strive in thought, word, and deed:

Honour: In all our acts, we strive to be true to the ideals that are the foundation of our Society and to keep our word.

Inclusiveness: We welcome those of all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, or abilities, and will endeavour to make all spaces open and safe for all.

Kindness: We strive to be generous and considerate, breaking down barriers, drawing strength from our community, rejecting bigotry, combatting hate.

Above all, Equity and Justice, respecting the rights of others, giving each person their due in keeping with the laws and customs of Society and Kingdom. There shall be no place within our halls for those who by their words or actions reject these laws and customs, regardless of rank or status.
We who here witness this document hold ourselves to this pledge

This document shall not be sealed and is not complete.
​
This strength of unity shall ever increase in perpetuity.

Greetings unto Our Beloved Kingdom of Ealdormere,

As parts of the Province of Ontario move into the next stage of re-opening and increasing the size of social gatherings, so too must the Kingdom look to how we will move forward. We know how difficult this is for everyone. We all miss gathering together as we are used to. We all look forward to when we can gather together again. However, it is with heavy heart that We announce that time is not quite here yet. 

Although the Province is increasing the number of people for social gatherings this Friday to 10, the Kingdom will remain closed for in-person official activities until further notice. 

The Kingdom Seneschal, in consultation with the Privy Council, is working on a plan for moving forward together and at a reasonable pace. A pace that helps ensure the safety of our people, that applies openings equally to all groups, and where the numbers for in-person gatherings allowed by the Province should be at such a point that groups would be unlikely to have to turn people away from a meeting, A&S gathering, or martial practice. Master Lars has already sent an email to the local seneschals regarding this for more information. 

We know this is not the news many of you were hoping to hear, it is not the news We wanted to bring to you today, but We feel it is way too early in this pandemic to be gathering in-person and putting our friends and loved ones at unnecessary risk. We know it is a lot to ask, but We would ask that you all bear with Us and wait a just little longer. 

Always in Our hearts and thoughts, We look forward to when we can all gather together again.
​
King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

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: 

----

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. 

----

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://www.sca.org/resources/finances-and-reports/), 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.