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. 

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