​Greetings,

Ealdormere will be following the Proof of Vaccination guidance that has been set out by the BoD.

However due to Ontario legislation, we can not follow the BoD resolution as is. There are points in the resolution that contradict Ontario Legislation. I have been in contact with the Society Seneschal and am working on getting a variance. As you can no doubt understand, the society seneschal and BoD are quite busy at the moment so it may be a little bit more time before I hear back.

Until that time we will be following Ontario legislation (which supersedes the BOD resolution). This means that for our events* that are completely indoors and/or have an option of being indoors, proof of vaccination is required for those 12 years old and above, along with provincially acceptable ID. Under Ontario legislation a negative PCR test does not count as an exemption to the proof of vaccination regulations.

I recognize that our wait times at gate will be longer than normal, and I ask for your continued patience as we work on getting our process sorted out.

For now, when arriving at events the process will involve:

1. Arrive at event, go to designated gate line (very similar to Pennsic). No one may enter the event site until the check-in process is completed.
2. Show proof of vaccination and provincially accepted ID for each person attending.
3. Answer Covid Screening questions (initial and/or detailed as required: all martial combatants must do the detailed screening)
4. Fill out contact tracing form
5. Event sign in (show SCA membership, pay fees, if any)
6. Enter event.

Ealdormere you have been an amazing Kingdom through all of this and I have little doubt that will change. Thank you for making this time and this office a little easier.

In service,
Xristina
Ealdormere Seneschal

​*Events as defined by SCA corpora and includes all official meetings, practices, gatherings and weekend
events.

Greetings unto Our ever patient Kingdom,

As you are all aware, and as posted by Our Kingdom Seneschal Xristina, September 22, 2021 will see vaccine passports come into effect in Ontario.
We know there are questions about what this means for the Kingdom with respect to when and how they will be required and We assure you, answers will be forthcoming. Unfortunately, it is not as cut and dry as we would like it or as it would seem and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. We don’t have all of those answers yet and we won’t right away. We continue to have to find balance while dealing with ever changing guidelines.

We are hopeful to have clearer answers before Huntsmans on October 2, however, We would ask for patience while we sort everything out. As was requested early in the pandemic, We would again ask that people please refrain from speculating on Facebook as to how the ongoing changes will affect the Kingdom as it will only lead to misunderstandings and misinformation. Please refer to the Kingdom Website for official policies, guidelines and FAQs or, if you have a specific question, please send an email directly your local Seneschal or to the Kingdom Seneschal for clarification. Facebook is a fickle animal and not all questions are seen by those that can answer them correctly.

We promise to provide clearer answers and guidelines as soon as we are able.

​King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

Greetings everyone,
As you are all aware on Sept 22, 2021 there is a provincial mandate coming into effect requiring that proof of full vaccination status be presented at a number of venues, including most of the venues that we routinely rent.

For reference:

Fully vaccinated (from the provincial documents):
An individual is considered fully vaccinated if they have received,

• the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines,
• one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada; and
• they received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.
  

​Health Canada approved vaccines:

• 2 doses: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD
  
•  1 dose: Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
• mRNA vaccine: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna
  

Proof of vaccination includes the vaccination form with the date the final dose was given and the name of the person, as well as an ID containing the name and birthdate of the individual.

Accepted ID
Photo ID is not required. The ID must contain name and birthdate in order to reference check the vaccination receipt. Examples of acceptable ID:

• Birth Certificate
• Driver's license
• Citizenship Card
• Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card (can include Health card)
• Indian Status card/Indigenous Membership card
• Passport
• Permanent residency card
  

Exemptions:
There are exemptions to this mandate; children under the age of 12 and those that are medically exempt from getting the vaccine. Those that are medically exempt will still be required to show proof of exemption (a note/form signed by their physician or designate) and their ID.

So, how is this going to work for us?

When we rent a venue and are required to have proof of vaccination, the following will occur:

1. Every person attending must go through Gate before entering the venue regardless of rank or role at the event. There will be no gate jumping or signing someone else in. We've all done this in the past and normally this is not a problem but we can no longer allow this practice to continue.

2. Each person planning to attend the event must show proof of vaccination, including ID with name and birthdate.

If a person is not fully vaccinated (ex: no Covid vaccination, partially vaccinated or within the 14 days post final shot) and they do not fall under an exemption, they must be denied entry.

The responsibility is on the person attending to have their proof of vaccination (or documentation for exemption) at every event where it is required.

3. At Gate, we will not be recording proof of vaccination; not even a check mark by their name. However, gate attendants must verify that the name and birth date on the proof of vaccination match the name and birth date on the ID. If there is a discrepancy, they will not be allowed entry. If a person does not have their proof of vaccination with them or they do not qualify as fully vaccinated, they must be denied entry.

This is very similar to practices we may already be familiar with. For example: bar entry or entry to a number of Pennsic parties. You show your ID, the staff verify it and if acceptable, you are allowed entry. The data is not recorded.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com

Email is the best way to ensure that you get an answer to your question as Facebook's algorithms do not always show responses.

In service,
Xristina
Seneschal, Ealdormere

Greetings Ealdormere!!!

It is with great pleasure that I announce that the new, improved Order of Precedence is now live!

https://op.ealdormere.ca

Thank you again for the hard work and dedication to the Technomages, without whom this could never had happened.

If you have corrections, please email the court report address found on the page.
​
Rylyn
Trillium Herald

Greetings unto Our Glorious Kingdom of Ealdormere,

To say We are honoured by the kindness, love and companionship We experienced at the Celebration of Our Coronation, would be an understatement. We could not have asked for a nicer day for the Kingdom’s first event in almost 18 months, and while We are saddened that the Plague still restricts Our gatherings, the day filled Our hearts and souls to the brim. We have waited so very long to don the Crowns and share fealties with the Kingdom and, as We swore, the memory of this day will live in Our hearts and memory forever. 

We were truly gobsmacked by the Super Secret Scribal Project organized by Maister Colyne (Todd H. C. Fischer), Mistress Marioun (Katherine Golightly) and Iolanda and all of the scribes who contributed to this project. The love, support and generosity of the Kingdom that the project represents moved Us to tears and will be forever cherished. We were gifted a wonderful scroll of the song Wydow Kate wrote for Us, mead from the Company of the Red Cloak, the long anticipated Bacon Taxes and so many gifts of largess and newcomer cups to share with the Kingdom. They are truly wonderful and We thank everyone who contributed. We were moved to tears many times yesterday. We are humbled.

During morning Court, We recognised the following good gentles:
• Duchess Kaylah the Cheerful – King’s Favour 
• Countess Arlette – invitation to the Order of the Laurel.

In evening Court We recognised the following good gentles:
• Duke Trumbrand the Wanderer  – Order of the Rose 
• Nicola Canis (Chelsea Richardson) – Award of Arms  
• Lord Eustace of the Rozakii (Jay Farrer)– Scarlet Banner 
• The Honourable Lord Gajin Suren (Jordan Scott) - Orion
• Lord Korigan Foal Bán (Korigan Stallaert) - Maiden’s Heart 
• Lord Bjorn Járnason (Jacob Hopkins) – Queen’s Favour
• Lady Elizabeth of Bastille (Liz Caswell) – Court Barony
• Lord Cameron MacGregor (Michael Caswell) – Court Barony
• Baroness Matilda of Swynford (Deb Mattingly) – invitation to the Order of the Pelican

We are very pleased to finally announce Our Champions. Joining Our Bardic Champion Dietrich von Sachsen (Keegan Frederick Pyette) is King’s Champion The Honourable Lord Laurenz Tonnemacher (Scott Cooper) and Queen’s Champion Master Tonis van Hoorn (Paul Tonis van Rooyen).

To the staff of Coronation, Duchess Adrielle (Gabrielle Fisher), Baroness Matilda, Master Berend (Peter Berend DeWit), Their Excellencies Cameron and Elizabeth and so many others that make up all of the moving parts that make an event successful, thank you for all that you do and for making the day special and safe for all who attended. To Our retinue, We thank you for your service and for taking good care of Us all day. To all who attended, thank you for sharing this day with Us.

We are hopeful that We might share many more days together during in the coming months. 
​
Rattanicus and Isabel
Rex and Regina

Good morning everyone,

I know that there have been questions already about the vaccination passports and how it's going to effect our Kingdom. Here's some quick and dirty answers to some questions regarding this subject:

1. Yes, I was in contact with the society seneschal the day the announcement came out. She has sent the info and the link to the mandate I provided to corporate for further evaluation. The Northshield and Middle Kingdom seneschals were also pulled into the conversation.

2. Yes, we will be required to follow Ontario law.

3. No, I don't know what that is going to look like yet as the government hasn't mentioned how this is going to be implemented or how the responsibility of checking vaccinations/following legislation is going to go. (i.e. when renting a venue is the venue going to require they have someone present to check that we're following the rules or is it going to be in contract that we are responsible for that). There will be lot of spin-off questions that will come when the implementation of this legislation gets sorted. I don't have the answers yet.

4. This will not affect the Coronation Celebration or the Stone the Crows event. It will affect events after those dates. Yes, we will probably be scrambling to get things in place once that time comes. Please have patience.

That is all I have for now. When I get more information I will send it out.
​
In service,
Xristina
Seneschal, Ealdormere

Hello everyone from your Friendly Kingdom Chatelaine! 

Now that we are back in the swing of things, we can launch what I wanted to start almost two years ago -- Newcomer Corners!

At Stone the Crows, around 11am we'll have a quick get-together with anyone who feels new-ish to learn one short thing about the SCA or the Kingdom of Ealdormere, and then be available to answer any and all questions new folks might have.  We'll make an announcement shortly before hand so you know where to go.

Local and non-local Chatelaines, and Chatelaines-at-Large are invited to attend to answer questions and identify themselves as people new folks can approach when they have a question, want to try something new, or need a friendly face to talk to.

See you there!

Cheerfully slaving for my feudal masters,
Brand

September 2021 (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.

Regarding the resumption of full-contact martial activities in Ealdormere tomorrow (30 July 2021), I would like to emphasize Point 3 from the Kingdom Reopening Plan (plans and guidance can be found in the link below, under Seneschal's Documents):

“All martial authorizations and marshal warrants (including armoured combat, rapier combat, youth combat, archery, thrown weapons and equestrian) that were valid at the beginning of the Covid shutdown (March 7, 2020) and have expired since, will have their expiration date set for [date TBD], 2022.” (note: the TBD date is 30 July 2022)

This means that re-authorizations are not required for those whose authorizations expired during the Pandemic shutdown. This applies to both fencing and armoured combat.

Having said that, our first responsibility as Marshals is always safety. Marshals should be extra-vigilant as rusty combatants resume the field, and work with their groups to facilitate a safe and easy transition from Covid couch potatoes back to the warriors that still reside within us.

Also, once tournaments restart, it is recommended that the Marshal-In-Charge schedule in substantial extra time to allow for warm-ups, to allow the participants to ease back into the rhythm of competitive combat.
​
Be safe out there, and I look forward to seeing you back on the list field.
Menken
Kingdom Earl Marshal

Greetings Ealdormere from your Kingdom Seneschal,

You have all been so very patient and it has been amazing, but I know there are some of you really waiting for more to happen. We’ve been in phase two for a couple of weeks now. I’ve been actively receiving contact tracing forms and groups have been meeting safely. Thank you all so much for that and for the work you are doing.

I can now say that Ealdormere will be moving into phase 3 of our Kingdom reopening plan as of July 30th, 2021. There are a number of things that will be staying the same (pre-reg, contact tracing, masks, etc) but there are a few changes.

Please review the reopening plan here (scroll down to seneschal’s documents):
http://www.ealdormere.ca/library.html

One change is the attendance limits. Our reopening plan allows for indoor and outdoor gatherings with the numbers based on provincial guidelines, which are currently set at 100 people for outdoor gatherings and 25 people for indoor gatherings (28 July 2021).

Another change is that, after reviewing the legislation and the guidelines of the local Public health units, we have developed the safety tools that we need to have in place that allows us to resume armoured combat and fencing practices. ** (see note at end).

Yup, you read that right. Martial practices can begin again as of 30 Jul 2021.
​
There are things that will need to happen at practices and that information is getting sent to all the seneschals and marshals. As well, the required safety plan and day-of practice checklist will be posted shortly on the Kingdom website for everyone to read.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com

Reminder: email is the best route to get to me as facebook comments can be unreliable.

**(Except Caldrithig, we are working with Ottawa Public health and Ottawa by-law and waiting on some clarification. For now, Ottawa can not have any armoured combat or fencing practices. As soon as this changes, I will let you know).

In service,
Xristina

Greetings Ealdormere from your Kingdom seneschal,

This weekend is our first weekend where we are able to see each other once again and I hope you have the chance to enjoy it. I know that the province has moved to step 3 of their reopening plan but as a Kingdom we are going to hold back from moving to phase 3 for a short bit (I promise it will be short).

Remember in the reopening plan where I mentioned that step 3 of the provincial plan was a bit vague and we would have to adapt? The legislation we are using to help develop our plan is still being written, as the province moved itself up earlier than expected, and we need a chance to review those legislations so we make sure we are doing the best for our Kingdom and not missing anything that could impact what we as a group wish to do.
For now, enjoy being outside with our friends once again. Celebrate the patience shown and the progress made. And soon, things will progress even more.
​
In service,
Xristina

August 2021 (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.

Greetings unto the People of Ealdormere From Their Royal Majesties.

It is with great pleasure and utmost excitement that We are able to announce that the wolves of Ealdormere are able to roam a little freer and gather as a pack once more, albeit in small local packs, as We officially announce that Ealdormere will go into the second stage of our reopening plan tomorrow in concert with the Province moving Waterloo into its stage 2. With that comes the ability to have small, local in person meetings as well as Archery and Thrown Weapons Ranges. Please see Kingdom Seneschal Xristina’s missive for more details.

You have all waited so patiently and We are so proud of what this Kingdom has accomplished in the past year. We are so looking forward to getting to see everyone again in the near future.

We Wear The Scarlet Proudly!
Rattanicus & Isabel Rex & Regina

Greetings Ealdormere,

You have all been so patient and I want to Wassail each and everyone one of you for that. You have been amazing. The time is finally here to start reopening our Kingdom. With Waterloo moving to stage 2 on Monday our entire Kingdom will be in the same stage. We can see each other again!
​
As of Monday, July 12th, 2021, the Kingdom of Ealdormere will move to phase 2 of our reopening plan.

What this means;

• outdoor gatherings of 25 people is allowed.
• no indoor gatherings at this time.
• no camping.
• Prereg is required to attend any official SCA function (this includes meetings, A&S gatherings, events, practices). Your local seneschal is your contact for more information. If you have not pre-registered, you will be turned away.
• Contact tracing forms must be done for all SCA functions. Every person, including minors, must be individually listed on the form. The form is available here (under Seneschal’s documents): http://www.ealdormere.ca/library.html
• masks are still required
• archery/thrown weapons practices can happen; 2m distancing must be maintained.
• The group can not provide food. Food can be brought by individuals and can be shared by those who share a physical house. 2m physical distancing must be maintained by those eating who are not part of the same physical household.
• The group can provide individual bottles of water if they desire.

 
*For all the details of phase 2 of our plan, please see the document here (under Seneschal’s documents): http://www.ealdormere.ca/library.html

Please remember that these restrictions are based on provincial legislations and the fines for violations are very severe. Please play safely but let’s definitely go out and play again!

I expect that the province will be moving fairly quickly now, and I will keep you updated. There is a small group of us keeping an eye on the pages of legislation that are applicable to our needs and we are constantly reviewing them so we can bring you the revisions and changes as soon as possible. I recognize that we are not able to engage in every activity we would like to but we are moving in the right direction.

You are welcome to start planning actual events for the fall if your group desires, as the deadline for the start of the fall Tidings is coming up. August 1st is the deadline for any events planned for September, for example. Please remember that restrictions will be changing as time moves forward and any plans you make will need to be adaptable. As well, if the province becomes more restricted again or the timeline for reopening slows down, your event may have to be cancelled. If you have any questions about when to plan your event or are concerned about conflicts, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com

In service,
Xristina
Ealdormere Seneschal

Greetings Ealdormere from your Kingdom Seneschal,

I know we've all waited to move forward and that the province has moved to step 2 of their reopening plan as of today. However, as a Kingdom we've always stood together and that is a practice we are going to continue. The region of Waterloo is remaining in step 1 which means that we will also remain in phase 1 of our reopening plan. When we move forward it will be as a whole Kingdom.

So, for now, as of June 30th, 2021, Ealdormere will remain in phase 1 of our plan. I will update you as soon as that changes.

If you have any questions, please email me at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com

Greetings to all Warranted Marshals in the Kingdom of Ealdormere.

As we begin to see an encouraging glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, we're getting our administrative ducks in a row in preparation for the resumption of in-person martial activities in Ealdormere after sixteen months of slumber. To that end, we're moving the due date for Annual "Doomsday" Reports for Marshals from the usual September 1st to August 1st for this year only (yet another Covid exception). After the uncertainty of the extended lockdown, this will be an opportunity to ensure our records are up-to-date, and will allow those whose memberships lapsed in the interim to renew them before we return to the list field.

The reporting process is very easy - the Marshal's Report Form is available on the Kingdom web page (link below) and only takes a few minutes to fill out.
This request applies to all martial disciplines. The ever-efficient Master Gunther has already begun this process for Archery and Thrown Weapons Marshals, so there is no need to report again if you've already done so.
Also, for those that are Marshals for youth activities - please ensure that your background checks are current, and include that status in the comments section of your Report.

Many thanks to you all for your cooperation with this. I look forward to seeing you on the list field soon.

Menken
Kingdom Earl Marshal
​
Marshal Report Form - The Kingdom of Ealdormere

July 2021 (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.

Greetings Ealdormere,

With the changes happening in how the province is moving forward, we've had to update our own reopening plan (PDF). You'll notice that our previous plans were based on Covid case counts within the province. The updated plan is based on Ontario's road map to reopening (link is in the document) which is using the percentage of the population vaccinated as its determinants for moving forward.

There are things that may be confusing as the Province and our Kingdom move forward; some activities will need to wait longer than others (as noted in the reopening document) and as a Kingdom you've all been very patient but it is good to remember that we are moving forward even if it feels slow at times.

There are three parts to the updated document.

1. The first is just a few points/reminders (for example; event means anything published on official channels - so practices, A&S, meetings, events, etc).
2. The second part is the reopening plan itself which consists of three phases. We are currently in phase 1/closed.
3. The third part is a quick summary of some of the relevant points of Ontario legislation (as of May 31st, 2021) that apply to our organization and are the reasons for some of the decisions that we had to make.

As always if you have any questions, please email me at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com

In service,

Xristina
Seneschal, Ealdormere

Reopening Plan (PDF)

May Tidings (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.

The month of April marks a year since We stepped up as the Crown. It was not what We had envisioned for Our “Coronation”, but We do not regret the choices that were made. There were so many unknowns then and as we look to the future, there are so many more.

As we move into Spring and the weather warms, there are still so many unknowns as to when things will reopen and we can all gather. Every day we all face new challenges and hurdles, but there have been some constant and wonderful things throughout the past year We have Reigned and that is the love, support and fellowship We have felt and seen demonstrated by the people of this wonderful Kingdom.

We made a pledge to the Kingdom a year ago and We would renew that pledge to the Kingdom now.

We pledge to the People
of the Kingdom of Ealdormere
to uphold and support you in dark days,
honour the laws and traditions of Ealdormere,
and to keep the needs of Ealdormere
foremost in our thoughts and hearts.
We stand with Ealdormere
apart, yet together in sprit,
until the day comes we can embrace again.

We will continue to hold steady, to support and to guide. We will continue to encourage, to inspire and to lead. We will continue as long as needed and the Kingdom will have Us.

Apart, yet together in sprit, until we can embrace again.
King Rattanicus and Queen Isabel

Greetings, all

As you have no doubt seen, the BoD has released a new resolution to take effect on 1 June that allows for events subject to local health guidance, as well as mandating a number of restrictions. If you have not seen it, the announcement is here: https://www.sca.org/news/resolutiontoliftsuspensionapril2021

Given the state of the Province and our various lockdowns and restrictions we will not be having events starting in June. We will continue to stay the course as laid out in our reopening plan, which does not allow for events except after a staged resumption of activities as restrictions are lifted by the Province and benchmarks for COVID spread are met. Variances will be applied for as required and needed for differences in our situation versus the resolution's allowances.

The Privy Council will be revisiting the reopening plan to account for vaccines and loosening restrictions as that guidance becomes clearer in the coming months. When the plan has been updated, there will be general announcements.

For now we are, unfortunately, still as we have been for a while yet. It's been a long slog, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a bit brighter every day.
​
Lars

Good people of Ealdormere--

The voting process for the position of Lawspeaker has now concluded. We were incredibly lucky to have three amazing candidates step forward and make the decision incredibly difficult (in a good way), and I want to thank all three--Duchess Adrielle, THL Emer, and Dame Siglinde--for their willingness to serve the people of this kingdom in this capacity.

The people have spoken, and your new Lawspeaker will be Dame Siglinde. She and I will be working in the next month to transition the role, and I anticipate she will formally take the reins in May.

It has been my great privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the Kingdom in this unique position these past three years. I particularly want to thank Baroness Sciath, who served as my moot secretary, as well as the Royalty and Seneschals I worked with in those years, through both calm and stormy days. In particular, I'd like to acknowledge the counsel and assistance of those Lawspeakers who have gone before me, and to offer that same assistance to all who will follow me.

Nika Dmitrieva doch' Zvezdina (Nicolaa)
Lawspeaker

April Tidings (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.

March Tidings (PDF) is available for download. Check out the Kingdom Chronicler's page for information about submitting articles or images to the newsletter, or for back issue questions.