Officer Reports

Updates from Bhakail’s Officers

April 2024 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of April 9, 2024..

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Weekly practices have resumed on Sunday’s, 1:30-3:30pm at Mikael’s. Also happy to report that there have been two brand new archers at practices in the last month.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Practices have started up again. Sundays, 11am – 1pm at my place.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

I’m still working on the March newsletter; came down with a cold that put me out of commission for a few days and still trying to get caught up.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis are hard at work on many fun and interesting projects. Last month we had a trip to the Museum and a Greek diner which was a great success.

Our next trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be on April 12th. Museum entry is “Pay what you wish” on Friday evenings from 5-8:45 and offers $10 parking (please remember to validate your parking at the museum desk). Plan to meet in the cloister between 5:45 and 6pm. Late arrivals are welcome, feel free to email/message me to find the group. We will plan to get some food/beverage after the museum.

Stewards of the Waking of the Salamander are searching for teachers for classes appropriate for teaching out of doors. Please contact the stewards for information.

Additionally, our bardic and gaming championships will be held at Waking of the Salamander this year. Start practicing your 9-mans morris techniques now!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

April 19-21, Waking of the Salamander III (Media, PA). Bardic and Gaming competitions with a day of classes focused on outdoor activities.
May 11, East Kingdom College of Performers Challenge Assembly Day, (Langhorne, PA). Day of bardic challenges and classes.
May 18, B.O.E. Ultimate Tournament (Mulica Hill, NJ), A&S Display, theme to be announced.
May 18, At the Sign of the Dancing Fox (Kingston, NY), Dancing, games, and an A&S challenge to create a banner commemorating spring and foxes, as well as cooking and a competition to clothe the fox!
May 24-27, Quest for Wit & Wisdom (Pittstown, NJ). Artisans’ Row, Competition and presentation of Shakespear’s Pyramus and Thisbe.
May 31-2, Academy of St. Clare of Assisi Embroidery Schola (Millmont PA, (Aethelmarc)), Embroidery schola!
June 22, Novice Day (Rusted Woodlands (NJ), day of competitions geared toward novices and newcomers.
June 29-30, Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium (Philadelphia PA).

Several Known World events are occurring within a relatively close distance this year!

Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, June 29-30 in Philadelphia. Currently calling for classes: https://www.kwhss2024.org/2024/02/19/a-call-for-classes/

Known World Cooks and Bards, August 29-2 in Deposit, New York (currently looking for event staff! https://kwcooksbards24.aethelmearc.org/)

Known World Dance and Music Symposium, July 4-7th in Danville Indiana (a 11 ish hour drive away). https://www.kwds.org/

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Our few newcomers have started coming to events and seem to be having a great time! As always, it’s nice to see new faces sharing our hobby.

Pennsic: Our first deadline for camp has come and gone, so I have opened up space in our camp to our waiting list. It is now first come, first served for space. If you want to camp with Bhakail this year, I suggest you pre-reg as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions.

March 2024 Business Meeting Notes

Events

Waking of the Salamander

Waking of the Salamander is next month, April 19-21, and is all set to go. Stay tuned on the EK event webpage for any updates.

Commons Bid

Bids are being accepted.

Yule Bid

Yule will be a baronial investiture this year, and early bids are encouraged. Martyn de Halliwll is working on a bid, and if anyone is interested in helping with this bid please contact him at 181171@members.eastkingdom.org.

Old Business

Acquisition of Shade Tents and Tables for Events

Chana has priced out canvas, it would be approximately $200 for the material to make covers for the EZup frames that the barony owns. A vote was held in support of the purchase, which will be submitted to the finance committee for final approval.

Residency Variance for Baronial Election

A polling was held this month to see if there is support from the populace of Bhakail for Rowen Cloteworthy’s residency variance. This variance would be required from the Board of Directors in order for him to run for Bhakail Baron, with Sabine de Kerbriant as Baroness in the upcoming election.

The polling was closed during the meeting and the results were announced, with the Barony not in support of the variance.

So far there are two separate letters of intent for the Coronet that have been submitted, and the final deadline for letters to be submitted is by the April business meeting (April 9, 2024).

New Business

No new business.

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies… and THAT guy;

Writing this to you all as I hobble about on one of my canes.

As time has bowled recklessly forward, We are gleefully awaiting the next great event We may attend!

I hope those wonderful people who have stepped up to run these events, and to work these events, know how precious their efforts are to the Barony of Bhakail, its people, and its currently hobbled Baron.

We cannot wait for the joys that are WotS III, and Commons!

Many contests lie ahead, and we cannot wait to see Our people come out to compete!

We also have many Local and Regional events, meetings, and practices to look forward to as the Year once again rolls ever onward, such as the Weekly Social, Various Fighting practices, and Scribal Classes & Gatherings, wherein many integral and exciting things happen!

I will reiterate how proud I was of all of the effort Bhakail put into the Largess Gifts that were given to Iron Bog at their Investiture, the Crown at Yule, and to Buckland Cross at its investiture! (Such a list!)

We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this quickly dwindling year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail!

Remember:

Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Do not overextend!
Just Say No to Mortal Wombat Systems.
Help others when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient.
With yourself AND others.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy faces at Tavern!

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times;

Muin,

Baron of Bhakail

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

As the weather is beginning to heat up, we are returning to the 48 Dickenson street site. Attendance is usually better at this location and we can fight as long as we’d like. As the weather could still turn sour, we are deciding location on an ad-hoc location. Please check or ask on the “Philadelphia SCA Fighter Practice Info” Facebook page for the most up to date information!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Nothing to report from the office of the Chatelaine.

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene

March 2024 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of March 12, 2024.

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

We’ve had a truly incredible month in the realm of social media! 5 new members have been welcomed into our Facebook group. We’ve had 54 posts, 174 comments, and 711 reactions. Over the course of the month, 550 of our facebook members have been active.

Our new Instagram account @baronybhakail now has 75 followers. Feel free to interact with our content and tag us in your own posts as well!

Very special thanks to Lucius Aternius Calidus, who created the series of posts we shared for Black History Month! His amazing work on this series was recognized by SCA DEI and was eventually shared on the Society’s main Facebook page. Great work Calidus!

As always, I appreciate you all for helping make our online space a success!

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Practice continued to be held at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Attendance is still in the 15-20 range.

For Lent (through the month of March) practice is held a 1/2 hour later than usual: 8PM-10PM.

Archery Marshal & Thrown Weapons Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene and The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Practices will start back up soon! A survey was shared to the Bhakail email list and Facebook groups to identify the best day of the week for practices for the year and a practice prep day. Based on the survey responses, practices will continue to be on Sundays, and as long as weather cooperates, there will be a practice site prep day on Sunday, March 17. Further details will be announced.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Lists continue to be listed.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

If you have any content for inclusion in the March issue, please try to get it to me by no later than March 22.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis are hard at work on many fun and interesting projects. We are planning on a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the evening of March 15th to celebrate the Ides of March. Museum entry is “Pay what you wish” on Friday evenings from 5-8:45 and offers $10 parking. We will plan to get some food/beverage after the museum.

Stewards of the Waking of the Salamander are searching for teachers for classes appropriate for teaching out of doors. Please contact the stewards for information.

Additionally, our bardic and gaming championships will be held at Waking of the Salamander this year. Start practicing your 9-mans morris techniques now!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

March 16, Noval Schola (Collegeville, PA). A Day of learning and classes.
March 23, Mudthaw (Washington, NJ). Baronial A&S competition.
April 19-21, Waking of the Salamander III (Media, PA). Bardic and Gaming competitions with a day of classes focused on outdoor activities.
May 18, B.O.E. Ultimate Tournament (Mulica Hill, NJ), A&S Display, theme to be announced.
May 24-27, Quest for Wit & Wisdom (Pittstown, NJ). Artisans’ Row, Comeptition and presentation of Shakespear’s Pyramus and Thisbe.
May 31-2, Academy of St. Clare of Assisi Embroidery Schola (Millmont PA, (Aethelmarc)), Embroidery schola!
June 29-30, Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium (Philadelphia PA).

Several Known World events are occurring within a relatively close distance this year!

Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, June 29-30 in Philadelphia. Currently calling for classes: https://www.kwhss2024.org/2024/02/19/a-call-for-classes/

Known World Cooks and Bards, August 29-2 in Deposit, New York (currently looking for event staff! https://kwcooksbards24.aethelmearc.org/)

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

February 2024 Business Meeting Notes

Events

Tavern

Tavern happened and the event stewarts did a great job!

Waking of the Salamander

Planning is moving forward, with dates of April 19-21. Bardic and gaming champions are now part of this event since they were not able to be held at Tavern.

Commons Bid

Bids are welcomed for Commons

Yule Bid

Yule will be a baronial investiture this year, so planning needs to begin as soon as possible. The likely date is December 14, 2024.

Old Business

None

New Business

Society and Kingdom Business

Exchequer reports are due to the Kingdom. An extension is possible if requested.
Membership rates are increasing to $55/year for an associate membership, which is the minimum membership required to be an officer.
The member discount for event fees (often referred to as the non member event fee) is increasing to $10 from $5. There is a scholarship (the Signorotti Membership Assistance Fund) available to aid in membership fees if required.
The president of the SCA is stepping down. Nominations are open.

Acquisition of Shade Tents and Tables for Events

Discussion of the purchase of one or two pop-up shade tents for baronial events. Considerations are cost, storage, and transportation. Mikael says there should be space for storage in his basement with the other baronial supplies. Chana may be able to make roofs for some frames no longer used by the Bhakail Pennsic encampment. Chana and Ysmay will be exploring the options. Need for tables at events was also discussed.

Residency Variance for Baronial Election

Sabine de Kerbriant and Rowen Cloteworthy are considering the submission of a letter of intent to run for Bhakail Baron and Baroness in the upcoming election. Due to Rowen’s mailing address, this would require a residency variance from the Board of Directors. The BOD meets quarterly, and thus this variance would need to be requested as soon as possible. To give the BOD time to respond, the option to move the date by which letters of intent are required to the April business meeting rather than March was discussed. Rowen proposed to hold an operational vote of the barony to see if there is sufficient support for them to appear on the ballot, assuming a variance is approved. The plan for an operational vote at the March business meeting was approved.

Confirming Baronial Residency for Polling

Several recent SCA pollings have had issues with incorrect polling data for the populace. Methods were discussed to informally survey individuals who are SCA members and believe they are residents of Bhakail so polling data can be as correct as possible.

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

Writing this to you all from the comforting confines of my sickbed, hoping you are all doing well.

As time has rolled inexorably forward, we have had wonderful reports from many sources of the great joy and fun had by those lucky enough to have attended Our Tavern event! I hope those wonderful people who stepped up to run the event, and to work the event, know how precious their efforts are to the Barony of Bhakail, and its ailing Baron.

We may now, of course, focus Our Efforts to the preparations for both WotS III, and Commons!

Many contests lie ahead, and we cannot wait to see Our people come out to compete!

We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this quickly dwindling year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself!

Now…As was announced at Yule during Court, Our term as Baron ends this coming year, At Yule, and so the Race begins!

Who will step up to succeed Me?

Interested parties should submit a Letter of Intent to the Senescal ASAP! Final deadline for Letters of Intent is the March Barony Meeting!

THE CLOCK IT TICKING!!!

If you are interested, but want to know what being Bhakail’s Coronet(s) is about and like, message me, or ask me the next time you see me!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail!

Remember:
Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Say No to robot-love-pigeons.
Help others when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient.
With yourself AND others.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy faces at Tavern!

Be well,
And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times;
Muin,
Baron of Bhakail

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Practices still on hold.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene

February 2024 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of Feb. 13, 2024.

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

We’re now one month away from needing letters of intent for anyone considering being Baron(ess) and/or Baron(ess) of Bhakail.

His Excellency’s term is up in December, so we’re looking to get the process started and – hopefully – completed before time runs short on planning an Investiture. Normally, 9 months would be enough room as polling and everything associated with it can take 2+ months, minimum, but then throw Pennsic in there and we all collectively lose a month or more, plus the Royals will turn over in April, adding a delay in the process… In addition, there are still severe issues with the membership data at the Society level, so…expect more delays than on PA highways in road work season 😉

If you would like to know more about the role, pros and cons, things to consider, etc., please consider reaching out to current and former local Baronesses and Barons.

Along those lines, I’m still vacating my office after this term ends. Anyone interested in the role should let me know ahead of June.

On the Corporate front, the East requested a variance for leveraging Rapier as an alternate format for Crown, but the BoD rejected it. There are a handful of other Kingdoms lining up, now, to build on the case, so as the BoD offers up reasons for rejection, each successive request expects to meet the new requirements as needed. I don’t know if TRH and their heirs will resubmit, but it likely won’t be the last time the East tries for a test case.

Additionally, Sustaining membership fees are increasing to $55/yr and the non-member surcharge is going to be $10 per event. Details were forwarded to the list this past week but if you have any questions, let me know.

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

We’ve had a wonderful month in the realm of social media! 4 new members have been welcomed into our Facebook group. We’ve had 72 posts, 185 comments, and 968 reactions. Over the course of the month, 521 of our facebook members have been active.

Our new Instagram account @baronybhakail now has 67 followers. Feel free to interact with our content and tag us in your own posts as well!

As always, I appreciate you all for helping make our online space a success!

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice has been held regularly on Wednesdays at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media from 7:30-9:30PM. Attendance has been excellent with 15-20 fencers per practice. Practice time will be moving from 8:00-10:00PM for Lent to avoid conflict with the church’s evening Mass. In addition, practice will be primarily open and closed by Eva for the next several months as I undergo further cancer treatments.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Practices are still on hiatus until the weather cooperates.

As of January 2024, the East Kingdom archery royal round rankings have returned to the pre-COVID policy that scores expire after one year. Due to this, the number of EK archers with current royal round rankings dropped significantly as of the most recent scoring update of January 25, with only three Bhakail archers appearing in the rankings as of this report. Hopefully the number will grow once we start practices back up in the spring!

The East Kingdom Consort’s and Sovereign’s Archery Champions will be held on June 8, 2024 in the Shire of Midland Vale (Goshen, NY), approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Bhakail. This is a day event with no camping. The champions tournament is always a fun shoot and a great opportunity to hang out with the other archers in the kingdom. If you are interested in attending, contact me and we can look into carpooling.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

The latest issue of the Salamander was published on January 23, and the next issue is scheduled to be released before the end of March. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to the last issue! If you have any content for inclusion in the March issue, please try to get it to me by no later than March 22.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

While we did not have our gaming or bardic competition at Tavern, a merry time of playing games, listening to song, and dancing was had by all in attendance!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

February 17, Bellringers 40th: Beauty, Bells and Brawn, Barony of Carillion (Manalapan, NJ). Period games and arts and science activities.
February 25, Black Gryphon Inn (Edison, NJ). Canton Bardic Competition, brewers competition, A&S tournament, and dancing!
March 2, East Kingdom Arts and Science Competition, (Worcester, MA).
March 16, Noval Schola (Collegeville, PA). A Day of learning and classes.
March 23, Mudthaw (Washington, NJ). Baronial A&S competition.

Several Known World events are occurring within a relatively close distance this year!

Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium, June 29-30 in Philadelphia

Known World Cooks and Bards, August 29-2 in Deposit, New York https://kwcooksbards24.aethelmearc.org/)

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAS office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Chatelaine – nothing to report.

Pennsic – heed your camp master!

January 2024 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of January 9, 2024.

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

By now, Pennsic registration has opened and we’re looking at another year of events near and far. Waking of the Salamander is being prepared and Tavern is lurking at the end of January for those not heading up to Birka. We’ve got a new calendar to help visualize our upcoming events and when their bids are expected as well as any upcoming officer terms up for renewal (those offices that can renew; Seneschal and Exchequer have hard limits set by Kingdom, for instance).

Speaking of which, it’s again time to mention that I am not seeking a second term myself and the Barony will be in need of a Seneschal come June. If you’re interested in the role, let me know and we can spend some time sharing the role in the run up to June; I’ll be happy to support afterwards, too, I just need to lighten my service load as more projects (self-imposed and otherwise) are looming 🙂

We’re also coming up on needing a polling for our next Baron(ess) and Baron(ess)! Letters of intent are due by the March meeting so that we can start the process. Given issues with membership data at the Society level, the process might be bumpy, so hopefully we can kick things off in March to ensure enough time at all levels to have a successful polling.

Here’s to a good year for us all and we’ll see you around, here and there!

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

We’ve had a wonderful month in the realm of social media 6 new members have been welcomed into our Facebook group. We’ve had 46 posts, 152 comments, and 829 reactions. Over the course of the month, 516 of our facebook members have been active.

Additionally, we have a new Instagram account. We currently have 53 followers on our account @baronybhakail and we look forward to growing further over time. Please feel free to follow us and interact with our content so we can reach new people on this platform!

As always, I appreciate you all for helping make our online space a success!

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

We have secured a new practice site! As of January we will be holding practices once again on every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Spoiler alert: As of this writing we have had our premier practice at the site and it was a smashing success with 20 fencers in attendance. Here’s hope all goes well going forward!

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Nothing to report.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Practices on hold until spring.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

The publication date for the next issue of The Salamander is fast approaching; please send me any content you want to contribute by no later than January 15.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Chatelaine – nothing to report. Hoping to see if any new contacts from PAX come to Tavern, but I haven’t heard from anyone.

Pennsic – Pre-registration will begin soon, so please heed your camp masters! If you have camped with Bhakail in the past two years and wish to again, please get in touch with me before pre-registering. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please also let me know.

December 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of December 13, 2023.

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We in Bhakail are now in the final push into that wonderful season of holidays and other Wintery delights!
We may focus Our Efforts to the preparing for both Yule, and Tavern!
By the time you read this, The Yule event will have occurred, hopefully to the great wonder and enjoyment of all concerned.
And now We have Tavern to look forward to!
We also have many Local and Regional meetings and practices to look forward to as the Year once again Turns, such as the Weekly Social, Various Fighting practices, and Scribal Classes & Gatherings, wherein many integral and exciting things happen!

We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this quickly dwindling year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself!

For those interested, Bhakail NEEDS HERALDS!

We are in need of a Deputy Herald, to fill this long gaping vacancy, as well as a bevy of trained Voice Heralds to attend events, local and otherwise, who might be interested in learning the ways and means of running a Baronial (or …GASP!…a Royal) Court.

Now…As was announced at Yule during Court, Our term as Baron ends this coming year, At Yule, and so the Race begins! Who will step up to succeed Me?

Interested parties should submit a Letter of Intent to the Senescal ASAP! Final deadline for Letters of Intent is the March Barony Meeting!

If you are interested, but want to know what being Bhakail’s Coronet(s) is about and like, message me, or ask me the next time you see me!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail!

Remember:

Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Say No to robot-love-pigeons.
Help others when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient.

With yourself AND others.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy faces at Tavern!

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times;

Muin,

Baron of Bhakail

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

It has been quite the year for us! We’ve swung back into things with our regular events and had a fun second year of the Waking of the Salamander. PAX Unplugged was an amazing demo, again, all due to our Chatelaine, Chana, and all who helped throughout the weekend. Here’s hoping we see some new faces as a result, maybe at Tavern… A bunch of folks took info for the event with them 🙂

There’s a Seneschal 101 online session coming up in January, and I’m still in need of an emergency deputy, especially if anyone is thinking of stepping up into the Seneschal role as it opens up in June. I encourage folks to check it out, if even just to see what goes into it all 🙂

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for everything we all run and participate in every week and month throughout the year. These activities and events are how we enjoy what the SCA _is_, from arts and sciences to martial activities and the service and socialization that comes along with it all.

Thank you! Happy Holidays, and here’s to 2024 🙂

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

We may have a new practice site! We are still negotiating but it is going very well and we hope to start practice Jan 3rd of the new year. Our new site will (likely) be the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media. Practice will (again, likely) be held from 7:30-9:30PM. Thank you to Eva for suggesting the new location. Suggested Donation will be $3 at the start. I hope to see many fencers there!

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Archery practices are on hiatus for the winter and will resume once the weather cooperates in the spring.

Congratulations to all the Bhakail practice goers who achieved East Kingdom Royal Rounds for the year. Here are their final 2023 rankings from https://archery.eastkingdom.org/rankings.php:

Archers (averages of 0-39.99):
Maryna Borowska
Marksmen (averages of 40.00 – 59.99):
Ian Douglas
Mir of Bhakail
Dragmall Vidnir
Pappy the Surveyor (Caer Adamant)
Sabine de Kerbriant
Bowman (averages of 60.00 – 79.99)
Ellyn Grene

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Practices on hiatus for the winter. Bhakail has 8 throwers on the EK Royal rounds ranking list (+1 recent emigrant). That is more than any other landed group!!! They are:

Mikael melrakki – 57.00
Ellyn Grene – 56.33
Ian Douglas – 39
Josh – 38
Eirik o Dubgaill (now Hartshorndale) – 34
Maryna Borowska – 15.67
Finnolfr Hrafnsson – 13.33
Alanna Toland – 10.67
Sequoia – 10.67

For those unfamiliar… A royal round consists of 10 throws with a particular weapon: Five from short and Five from long using either Axe, Knife or Spear. Each round has a maximum score of 50 points (10 bulls eyes). Once someone submits 3 scores with a particular weapon form, they get an average for the form. The rankings are based on the sum of the averages of the three forms (if they have not submitted 3 scores for a form, they get a zero for it).

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

The next issue of The Salamander will be published in January 2024. Please send me any content you would like to include by no later than January 15.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

I cannot believe it is December. But, here is my report (because the business meeting is directly after yule, yule related A&S info will have to wait and will follow in my yule event report).

Bhakalis will have a fantastic yule of arts and sciences! (insert info on champions and such here).

Our signet continues to offer classes and meetings both online and offline for education in the scribal arts. Check out the calendar for details or email Margarette La Gantiere at 254471@members.eastkingdom.org.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for our neighbors baronial investitures (particularly that of Buckland Cross in January!). Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

January 13, Twelfth Night, Barony of Buckland Cross, (Jamison PA). A selection of period games in addition to other activities.
January 27, At the Sign of the Fir and Bear, Barony of Bhakail, (Philadelphia, PA). Period games and bardic competitions.
February 17, Bellringers 40th: Beauty, Bells and Brawn, Barony of Carillion (Manalapan, NJ). Period games and arts and science activities.

East Kingdom Arts and Science Competition March 2, 2024

December 1, 2023, registration opens.
February 3, 2024 Research Paper submission deadline
February 10, 2024, Competition and judging registration deadline
February 17, 2024, Documentation submission deadline
February 24, 2024, Display registration deadline
March 2, 2024, East Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition, Shire of Quintavia, (Worcester, MA).

For any questions, please check out moas.eastkingdom.org

Virtual A&S Opportunities abound:
Virtual Known World Heralds and Scribes Symposium is happening online from January 26-28, 2024.
Atlantia University’s next online session is February 3-4, 2024. Class proposals are due December 16th.

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

PAX Unplugged was, once again, a wildly successful demo. Though I have yet to receive any contact from people we spoke to there, I know a few of the people were actively interested in coming to Tavern. I didn’t expect many responses, but the fact that we were out there allowed us to meet so many people. And we had a great time doing it! Plans are already in place for next year. If you visited the booth at all, let me know what you thought!

In other news, some more Gold Key was discovered during the baronial supply cleanout, and there were some great pieces in there. I was able to help garb three people at Yule. If anyone knows of a newcomer that needs garb for an event, please let me know.

Yule Event Report – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

As the event has just happened and the receipts have not yet been tallied I will not have a full financial report until January.

However, I want to report what a fantastic time that was had by all. The rolling dayboard was a success. Kitchen had minor issues that went unnoticed by most. (Chicken is still a problem in that kitchen, but, we had plenty of food to feed all who were there.) A thank you post to all the staff was posted on the EK and Baronial facebook pages as well as the email list. Championships and Court went smoothly. Clean up went very quickly, most of the cleaning was finished by 8:30 and all were out the door by 9:30 after tetrising the cooking gear.

Before tavern I would recommend we put together a first aid box of some kind for events. Not knowing exactly where one was when it was needed was less than ideal. (No major injuries, but small cuts and burns do occur in a kitchen). Maybe something small we could keep in the Gate box would work? That way we always know where it is.

November 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of November 14, 2023.

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We in Bhakail are now in the final push away from that awful and sweaty time of the year known as “Summer.” And now that it has passed, We may focus Our Efforts to the preparing for both Yule, and Tavern!

We also have many Local and Regional, such as the Weekly Social, Various Fighting practices, and Scribal Classes & Gatherings, wherein many integral and exciting things happen!

I will reiterate how proud I was of all of the effort Bhakail put into the Largess Gifts that were given to Iron Bog at their Investiture. We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this quickly dwindling year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself!

Yule will, once again, be a Royal Progress, and we are looking for Largess to gift to the Kingdom, as well. Let Us all show the Kingdom how Bhakail SHINES! That being the case.. LET US MAKE WITH THE ENLARGESSENATIONS!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail!

Remember:
Sunscreen.
Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Help others to the shade, and water when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient.
With yourself AND others.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy faces at Yule!

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times;

Muin,

Baron of Bhakail

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

As we head to the end of the year, with a couple of regular events and a huge demo coming up, it’s a very busy time for the Barony, not to mention all of the holidays outside of the SCA. I hope we can all take as many opportunities to see one another and share the things we all enjoy doing.

I started in this role intending to set up my intended successor and to get through a review of our policies and customs. Eirik has been great in picking up some of the duties, so as to be involved in the role, but neither of us has had the year we expected when we started. I’m still intending to step down when my first term is up and I hope to still get the review done, or at least well underway. Eirik, though, has moved out of area and while we could get a variance if the Barony wanted to go that route, by default Seneschals are required to live within the borders of the group they’re heading up.

So if you’re interested in the role, let me know; there’s still time to work on things as the Emergency Deputy with support throughout the rest of my term, and I’d delegate as much or as little as you might want.

I hope everyone’s coming into the holiday season as well as can be, and that everyone’s tables groan with food and ring with laughter.

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

We’ve had a fairly simple month in the realm of social media. 7 new members have been welcomed into our Facebook group. We’ve had 53 posts, 131 comments, and 588 reactions. Over the course of the month, 479 of our facebook members have been active.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our online space!

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

No updates to the time or location as of yet. We are monitoring the weather and will look to move towards our indoor site when a consensus is reached that things are too cold. So far that hasn’t happened yet though!

We are also beginning a monthly “tournament” on the first practice of every month. It is a great opportunity for all levels of fighters to get some low-stakes tournament practice. We had a healthy group of fighters between chivalry and their first year of authorization, 12 in total!

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice continues to be on hold until a proper practice space can be secured.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Last practice is currently scheduled for November 19th. If the weather appears to be warm enough, we may extend on a week by week basis.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled to be published by the end of the month. If you have content to contribute, please get it to me by no later than November 20th. Artwork, photos, news and articles are welcomed!

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis have been working hard learning new arts and sciences and attending local events. The scriptorium run by our fabulous Signet continues to offer support in the scribal arts as well as classes and discussions. Check out the website calendar for details.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for our neighbors baronial investitures. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

December 9, Bhakail Yule, Barony of Bhakail, (Philadelphia, PA). Arts and Science Competition, Brewing Competition, and dancing.
January 13, Twelth Night, Barony of Buckland Cross, (Jamison PA). A selection of period games in addition to other activities.

Don’t forget, our championships are right around the corner.

Brewing Championship:

This years theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

Make and present an item specific to your persona or a specific type of person in a time and place if you don’t have a persona. The more unique or specific to that persona the better. If it is a new skill you are trying out, let us know, that is even better!

Virtual A&S Opportunities abound:

Virtual Known World Heralds and Scribes Symposium is happening online from January 26-28, 2024.

Atlantia University’s next online session is February 3-4, 2024. Class proposals are due December 16th.

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Social continues to be a great gathering place for our newcomers, who have been coming more and more often. Thank you to everyone from the Barony who has made them feel so welcome here, it’s this sense of community that I love about Bhakail.

PAX: PAX Unplugged is less than a month away! All new supplies have been purchased and game kits have been assembled. I’m planning on making a couple new posters to keep at the booth with important links for newcomers. If you are planning on attending PAX and would like to spend some time at the booth, please come by! I also have a signup sheet you can use to plan out your time with us – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17TQkz3LY17Qip6TR06DKgg92t2ucPGCMW3g1bUFF-U0/edit?usp=sharing. We will have fencing and heavy demos on Saturday, at the top of every hour. Our demo teams are closed due to limited space, but you are more than welcome to come explain the fighting to the gathering crowd!

October 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Meeting Notes: October 10, 2023

Events

PAX

Less than two months remain until our demo at PAX Unplugged. Chana submitted a request for reimbursement for more supplies, as we have run out of pieces for the game boards we give out, which has been approved by the financial committee. There has also been discussion of new posters and signage. If you are interested in helping at the demo booth, please let Chana know. The event is three days long, so a number of volunteers are needed. Update that a rapier demo is not allowed as metal weapons are not allowed at the event.

Yule

Yule planning is going well. Insurance paperwork has been submitted. There was discussion of the possibility of a largess competition, but concern was raised that there is not a good location for it.

Tavern

No bid has been submitted.

Waking of the Salamander

No bid has been submitted.

Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium

Will be hosted by the Bailiwick of Ivyeinrust in June 2024.

Old Business

Baronial Inventory

No progress has been made since last month, but plan is to work on this while the weather is still good enough to work outside.

East Kingdom Curia

Last curia had some discussion of profit sharing of events that are royal progresses. Changes are being discussed from current practice.

New Business

Archery Marshal

The position is opening up, and letters of intent will be requested before the next monthly meeting. Mael Eoin thanked Maryna for her years of service and getting local practices established.

Additional Officer Reports

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

We continue to meet at the Dickinson St. site for weekly practice. We’ve had a batch of newer fighters as well as visitors from far away lands the past month to help make practice a little more exciting. Picture included of our fierce faces from our larger practice last week.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

The River Wars battle of Champions was won by our outgoing champion Taka. The tournament to determine our new champion was held in the downpour and was won by Mikael melrakki who became the new Baronial TW Champion.

Practices continue on Sundays.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Not much new to report – we continue to attract and hold on to our newcomers, and have started seeing them at social more often. I have started purchasing new feast gear to make sets for those newcomers with the profits from the Plague Sale at Commons.

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene

October 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of October 20, 2023.

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

Greetings!

As we arc away from Pennsic and into the Fall and Winter events, we’re also coming into new Royals, soon, and have imprints being pressed from Their Majesties as they eye stepping down. As soon as the results of the Curia held last week are posted, we’ll get those out, but there were a number of changes being proposed, though I know there wasn’t enough time to properly discuss them all.

One change coming from Their Highnesses, which you may have seen already: Court Summonses will be issued ahead of events where they’re holding Court, letting award recipients know in the open that they’re expected at Court. This is primarily being done so that friends and family can also be aware that something is planned, as traditional methods of notifying everyone who might be interested aren’t always successful.

Other than that? We know that we’ll at least have the Sovereign and Consort at Yule this year and we’ll be extending an invitation to whomever wins Crown Tournament, which is coming up.

I’m going to try putting together a calendar for planning purposes – what events we tend to have, when they tend to be and when we need bids in for each case – as well as for things like next year’s call for our next Baron(s) and/or Baroness(es). On one hand, the call for candidates is a few months off but on the other hand, “a few months” includes the blur of various holidays and our deadline will be here before we know it…

So if you are considering running for Baroness and/or Baron, sharpen those pencils… If you have any questions around the expectations of the role and various pros and cons in considering it, His Excellency and a number of former Barons and Baronesses are available and, I’m sure, can be available at various gatherings or for private conversations 🙂

In Service,

Mael Eoin

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice continues to be suspended in Bhakail until a suitable practice site can be located.

Bhakail Commons took place and we now have new Champions. Vivat to Baron Eliyahu al-Talhi (called Tally) who is now the new Bhakail Rapier Champion. Vivat as well to Master Lorenzo Gorla who was chosen as the populace champion.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene

The last issue of the Bhakail newsletter, The Salamander, was published on Sept 30 and can be found on the website. The next issue is scheduled for publication in November. If you have content to contribute, please get it to me by no later than November 20th.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis have been working hard learning new arts and sciences and attending local events. The scriptorium ran by our fabulous Signet continues to offer support in the scribal arts as well as classes and discussions. Check out the website calendar for details.

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

September 30, “Not Ready for Crown Tourney Tourney and Step off the Page A&S Challenge” Shire of Eisental, (Nazareth PA).
October 6-8, Ghosts Ghouls and Goblins: Journey to the East! Barony of Carillion (Manalapan, NJ), eastern themed A&S challenges.
October 21st, Into the Woods Shire of Owlsherts, (Pequea PA). An outside day with the foresters.
October 28th, Nos Calan Gaeaf: A Winter’s Eve Schola, Settmour Swamp (Summit, NJ). A full day schola of classes.
November 11, Harts & Horns & EK Rapier Champions, Shire of Hartshorn-dale, (Douglassville, PA). Magister John Marshall atte Forde Memorial Cooking Competition.

We now have the themes for both Brewing and the A&S championships for Yule! Its never too early to start working on your projects!

Brewing Championship:

This years theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/