March Salamander and Business Meeting Notes
The March meeting was held on March 8th, at Stage One, at 101 Plush Mill Road, in Media, PA. It was opened at 7:45. There were 20 in attendance.
Officer Reports
Coronets – Mael Eoin Mac Echuid, Baron of Bhakail, Ysmay de Lynn, Baroness of Bhakail
To the Barony, our Bailiwick and Canton and all else who would read these words, greetings!
We often say “It has been a busy month” and, well, this month is no different. Except maybe it was even busier than normal, which is strange for this time of year… We have a lot to celebrate! Especially with the introduction of new awards at the Kingdom level and with a number of new Peers recognized in and around the Barony, it has been quite the Winter so far. A few mentioned within this missive are friends from outside of the Barony, but they are known well to us and contribute regularly to our activities, events and therefore our enjoyment and success. We hope we are all able to return the favor in kind.
King & Queens A&S Championship
Their Majesties recognized Mistress Elisabeth “Lyssa” Underhill as a Companion of the Order of the Laurel. She has previously been Our Champion, and often shares her time and expertise at A&S nights. Don Griffith Davion and Lady Aibjilin Inghean ui Phaidin joined the Order of the Silver Wheel, the new Kingdom service award, while Lord Bran MacAirt was awarded Arms along with inclusion in the Order of the Silver Tyger, which is the new Kingdom award for armored combat. Lady Naomi bat Avraham was thanked for her service as King’s A&S Champion and given a writ for her to ponder whether she would join the Order of the Laurel at a later date; we look forward to that event, whichever it may be! For all who entered the Championship, too, vivant! We were not allowed into the main hall for most of the day, so we are not sure of all who entered, but Mistress Brunissende and Master Alesone had good showings.
The Tadcasters are known as a tricky bunch, at times, and proved wily yet again… Our Lady’s Rapier Champion, Lord Morwyll, was to be invited into the Household, and Her Excellency and I were encouraged – since he is Our Champion – to witness the deed. Unfortunately, due to an allergic reaction, Ysmay was unable to stay indoors and would have left the site were this induction not happening, but it was arranged to happen outdoors so that she might still be able to witness the event. After being present for one of our favored Champions being brought into such a great household, weren’t we surprised when the household then turned to us and named us Friends of Tadcaster. We are honored, especially seeing how many Tadcasters are former Champions of Bhakail and, certainly, friends and sources of inspiration for us.
Ysmay would also like to thank Lord Miles Boweman, again, for his courteous and chivalrous attention to her plight of the afternoon.
Schola in the Shire
The Shire of Caer Adamant put on a wonderful event – at a site we hope to see more of, soon – and, again, many were recognized by the Crown. In writing this up, something suddenly jumped out: all of the following recognitions were specifically for service…
Lady Xanthippe Ouraninna and Lady Lianor de Matos were inducted into the Order of the Silver Wheel, while Lady Livia Petralia and Lady Shoshana Gryffyth joined the Order of the Silver Crescent. All four have been officers, for years, serving their respective groups and, of course, all have been involved as staff in many, many events over the years, not to mention hosting various weeknight activities and encouraging the efforts of others.
Then I was asked to join the Order of the Pelican and – following the first piece of advice I was given during my vigil, at the event – I said yes. I have written online many, many words about the day, about the honor and especially about all of those who contributed, so I will not expand again here (because I would, at length, if you know me). Suffice it to say I am still honored and touched that so many came out, so many contributed their skills to much of the day and its trappings and, mostly, for all of the words of wisdom, advice and support.
Estrella War
We traveled out to Estrella – separate from the military might of the Eastern Expeditionary Force – and stayed as guests of a wonderful household, Sine Nomine. We experienced wonderful hospitality – again – and presented King Casca and Queen Melissa, TRM Atenveldt, with trim made in Atenveldt colors made by our Lady Marta de Lyon. They were touched and send their thanks, and our friends of Sine Nomine also send greetings. We’ll be seeing some of them again at Pennsic, and we again encourage all who might be considering foreign Wars to come out to Estrella with us sometime.
K&Q Bardic
This past weekend, Jamilia al-Suba al-Hadid min Bhakail al-Mu’allima (that’s “the teacher” at the end, as a form of “Mistress”) was elevated to the Order of the Pelican and, once more, many contributed to the regalia, vigil and ceremony to make the day a wonderful one. The array of sweet and savory delights for the vigil food offering was amazing and many who visited mentioned that they didn’t need to eat at the event’s dayboard after grazing from what was offered in the vigil room. Thank you to all who helped and to all who may have helped with food, also, for Magnus’ vigil next door (which was also epic, or maybe we just have a fondness for roasted beef heart). If you have not seen photos of the event, keep an eye out for them, or ask Suba to see her coat at some point, it is quite amazing and perfectly _hers_.
Lord Joscelin le Esqurel was also recognized in Court with induction into the Order of the Silver Wheel. Lord Martyn de Halliwell, Lady Lianor de Matos and Lord Ian Douglas performed, and for her performance Lianor was chosen as the favorite of the Princess Royale and presented with a scroll by her hand.
In Service,
Mael Eoin and Ysmay
Baron and Baroness of Bhakail
Seneschal – Jamilia al-Suba al-Hadid min Bhakail al-Sheikha, deputy Lord Geoffert of the Lone Oak
Upcoming events:
2016-03 weekend of 18, 19, 20 – Piffaro Concert – Mistress Sabine de Kerbriant
2016-05-25 – (canton) Baronial Bardic Championship and possible Court of Love – Master Rowen Cloteworthy
2016-06-12 “Knight in the Garden” Demo – Mistress Philadelphia Brown, Ft. Washington
2016 Last weekend in April and first weekend in May – Philadelphia Renaissance Faire – Mistress Scheherazade al-Allounya
Call for Bids – note that bids can be workshopped after being presented:
Champions/Commons 2016 – preferred by September 2015 meeting; we have two bids!
Champions/Commons 2017 – preferred by September 2016 meeting.
Yule 2017 preferred at or before September 2016 meeting.
Any new event idea is welcome and does not require a competing bid.
Chancellor of the Exchequer – Doña Damiana Almódovar, Deputy Mistress Philadelphia Brown
The final numbers for the Tavern event in January was a profit of $494.96
Chronicler – Lady Lianor de Matos
Nothing much to report. I am currently working on getting better equipment at home so that I will be able to make the fancier Salamander. I have not forgotten it.
Also, I am seeking a deputy.
Chronicler Deputy Historian – Lord Bryan mac Dhunghaill an Boghadair
The beginnings of the history of Bhakail were shown around, including certain current event references.
Salamander Pursuivant (Herald) – Master Rowen Cloteworthy, deputy Mistress Sabine de Kerbriant
Knight Marshal – Baron Joseph Harcourt, deputy Baron Vachir Artslanjin
We had a great Turnout at last weeks regional practice with 17 fighters.
As the season turns we seem to be getting more fighters out.
Minister of Arts and Sciences – Mistress Sabine de Kerbriant
The quarterly report has been sent to kingdom and to the regional deputy.
Congratulations to the Bhakailis and friends of Bhakail who competed and performed at K&Q A&S, especially Lady Lianor, newly made Bardic Champion of the Princess Royale!
Although a series of unfortunate events have put a damper on some of Lord Martyn’s recent Monday night meetings, they do continue, along with Lady Elenora’s Thursday night sessions.
MoAS Deputy – Dance – Arglwydd Dafydd Cyhoeddwr
Minister of the Lists – Baroness Judith the Confused, deputy – Lady Jadwiga Piwowarka Miodosytnika, emergency deputy Mistress Gisela Szabó
Greetings to the Barony
Time to check the Kingdom Events for outdoor fighting. Spring will be here soon and it is time to take advantage to hone your skills and perhaps learn a new one.
MOL Report was submitted to Kingdom on time.
Any fighters who have not seemed to receive cards, let the MoL know.
Chatelaine – Lady Violet Colsone, deputy Lady Marta de Lyon
Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel
Rapier practice continued to be held at the Mayfair Presbyterian Church in Northeast Philadelphia. Attendance has been light.
Company Captain of Archers – Lord Cynon Mac an Choill
Company Captain of Combat Archers – Jibril ibn Ammar al-Sayyid
Chamberlain – Lord Martyn de Halliwell
Chancellor Minor – Lady Alesia de Maris of Ravenstar
Youth combat happened last week, thank you to Lady Mairi of Caer Adamant for organizing and running this.
I am looking for a deputy. You do not need a background check to be a deputy, if you are interested please contact me at youth@bhakail.eastkingdom.org.
Web Minister – Lady Marta de Lyon
Big news this month! The new WordPress version of this website is publicly available.
The following is a list of other changes and activities that have been completed this month:
- Special interest mailing lists were created for certain discussion topics in Bhakail
- A few members required assistance accessing their WordPress accounts to post content
- Display and Content improvements have been made to the main pages of the website
- Category structure has been created so that officer reports like these can be tagged as “Officer Reports” and still show up in the Announcements splash on the front page.
Please comment here or email me directly if you find yourself missing any content on the Old Bhakail website.
Subordinate Groups
Bailiwick of Ivyeinrust – Lady Livia Petralia
The Penn event has been updated.
Canton of Black Icorndall – The Honorable Lord Muin maqq Minain, deputy Master Rowen Cloteworthy
Social continues to happen, and the date for the Court of Love has been moved.
Committee and Event Reports
Baronial Council – Jamilia al-Suba al-Hadid min Bhakail al-Sheikha
Baronial Council meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 30th at the Mayfair church at 7:30, in order to include the fencers. Meeting will include a review of What Bhakail Should Be and Do which was started last time. One of the topics that didn’t get well covered last time was making events more family-accessible. Also, we’re very much looking forward to having extra input from the fencers.
Council of the Exchequer – Doña Damiana Almódovar
Both budgets for Champions and Commons were reviewed and approved.
The following policies were submitted to be voted on for approval. Judith motioned to vote, Mael Eoin seconded, to accept with corrections that are reflected below. It was voted approved unanimously.
FINANCIAL POLICIES PRESENTED AT BARONY MEETING ON TUES 8-MAR-16
COURTESY
Across all media, Council of the Exchequer members will adhere to courtesy in all discussions of the Council of Exchequer financial matters. Any disciplinary actions are to be determined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with advice from the Seneschal. Any removal of members will follow the grievance procedure as outlined in the Baronial Bylaws.
FAMILY CAP PRICING
In lieu of family cap pricing at events, the Barony of Bhakail recommends to prospective event stewards the following fee structure: to drastically cut site fees for attendees 6-17 years of age, to lower feast costs for attendees 6-17 years old, to not charge site fees for children 0-5 years of age, and a token charge for 0-5 feast seats.
| ADULT | 6-17 | 0-5 | |
| SITE FEES | Determined by event | Drastically lower | free |
| FEAST FEES | Determined by event | $1-$2 above cost | Free or nominal charge of $1 |
Additionally, we are endeavoring to provide sufficient off-board space for families where feasts are held (if site space allows).
COMPS
Mandatory comps for site and feast fees:
All sitting Royalty and Their minor children
Coronets of Bhakail and Their minor children
All others comped must be included in the final approved event budget.
The Registration Clerk and those staffing Gate must be given this information with modern names.
PRE-REGISTRATION VS. AT-THE-DOOR RATE
Site fee amount at time of payment:
If paid before the day of the event, pre-registration amount.
If paid at the door, walk-in rate.
Only Feast fees have deadlines, which are included in the final approved event budget.
A Feast fee must be accompanied by a site fee.
The only reservation is a paid reservation, with the exception of those traveling from outside the U.S.
WHEN CHANGES TO APPROVED BIDS ARE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY
There are times when changes to approved bids are warranted.
Approved Event now becomes an RP Event, increasing total amount of attendees, food costs, supply costs; and/or
Site costs change (extra rooms needed, etc.); and/or
Additional SCA insurance required.
The Event Steward will work with Council to prepare a revised budget for review.
The Council will vote on the changes and update the barony regarding the changes, but no further baronial approval required.
ROYAL PROGRESS POLICIES
When an event becomes an RP event, the event steward in conjunction with the Council of Exchequer must review, adjust, and if necessary, resubmit the budget.
EVENT BIDS/EXPENDITURE REQUESTS
All event bids or expenditure requests must be presented at a baronial business meeting. Bids or requests can be submitted to the Council of the Exchequer at any time. The best practice is to submit the request to the CoE 10 days before a baronial business meeting to allow for appropriate discussion and fact-finding. If bid/request is first presented at a baronial business meeting, an official request using current bid package or email for request must be received at least 10 days prior to the next baronial business meeting.
If the event budget/expenditure request is received prior to the baronial business meeting, the Council of the Exchequer can report whether the bid/request as presented is approved, rejected (with the reasons behind the decision), or still in discussion.
If the event budget/expenditure request is rejected by the Council of the Exchequer, and the barony populace at the baronial business meeting is still interested, the Council of the Exchequer will reconsider the proposal and report back at the next baronial business meeting.
The Council of the Exchequer approves all event budgets and expenditure requests.
For an event or expenditure to be approved, the event must (1) be approved by an operational polling at a Baronial Business Meeting and (2) have a budget approved by the Council of the Exchequer. Order does not matter.
“Knight in the Garden” Demo – Mistress Philadelphia Brown
On Sunday, 12-Jun-16, at The Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington http://highlandshistorical.org, Bhakail and Hartshorn-dale will be holding a joint open-to-the-public demo called “A Knight in the Garden”. This will be an afternoon of family-friendly activities focusing on teaching the skills and virtues which a knight (or noble) should know.
We’ll be holding a brainstorming meeting on Sunday, 2/7, at 1 p.m. at 525 South 46th Street in Philadelphia. Plenty of free street parking, very accessible via public transit, I will provide lunch/snacks, but there are three birds and one cat in residence (though they’ll be locked up in another room).
If you cannot attend the meeting but have ideas/suggestions or would like to volunteer to be part of this demo, please let me know. Artisans’ Village is the weekend before this demo, and the Barony of Carillion is hosting Southern Region Warcamp the same weekend as this demo.
This will be a fun demo, and hopefully a fun, productive brainstorming meeting! Hope to see you soon!! Thanks! – Philly 215-387-5825
Yule 2016 Event Committee – Lady Xanthippe Ouranina
Philadelphia Renaissance Faire – Mistress Scheherazade al-Allounya
Old Business
(Suba) Bylaws amendment for non-resident officers and voting:
I proposed the following THREE amendments to the Bhakail bylaws regarding non-resident officers. As previously discussed, breaking this into three parts allows people to vote about each part individually. Here is the wording I will be proposing for each of the three (notes and definitions are at the end):
Proposed addition(s) are underlined. Proposed deletions are marked with strikethrough.
Proposed Amendment 1: VOTED ON, YSMAY MOTIONED TO VOTE, BRYAN SECONDED, UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
6F: Any Voting Member who is reasonably qualified for a Baronial Office may offer his or her candidacy to fill a vacancy. This includes the Baronial Officer whose term is expiring, who may submit intent to renew his or her office.
–change proposed for 6F:
6F: Any Voting Member Any East Kingdom Subject who is reasonably qualified for a Baronial Office may offer his or her candidacy to fill a vacancy. This includes the Baronial Officer whose term is expiring, who may submit intent to renew his or her office.
Proposed Amendment 2: VOTED ON, XAN MOTIONED TO VOTE, YSMAY SECONDED, UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
1E: The Voting Members are those members of the Populace who are paid members of the SCA and at least fourteen (14) years of age.
— change proposed for 1E:
1E: The Voting Members are those members of the Populace who are paid members of the SCA and at least fourteen (14) years of age. Baronial Officers are Voting Members, regardless of residency.
Proposed Amendment 3: TABLED PENDING WORDING CHANGES
Further add to 1E:
Voting privilege is extended to non-resident former officers for one year following the end of the term of office.
Notes:
It is understood that SCA and East Kingdom Law require SCA paid membership as a prerequisite for holding office.
Some offices have additional requirements for qualification.
Definition of “Populace” From Bhakail Bylaws (http://bhakail.eastkingdom.org/resources/5Jun13_Bhakail_Bylaws.pdf):
1D: The Populace includes any paid SCA member and any other participant in the activities of the SCA who resides within the Territory of Bhakail.
Definition of “Subject” from Corpora (http://sca.org/docs/pdf/govdocs.pdf) on page 8:
* Subject: Any person who physically resides within the borders of a realm for more than half the year. Those who do not maintain a residence meeting this definition may be considered subjects of the realm where they participate most frequently if they obtain written acknowledgment from the royalty of that realm. Those who participate in Society activities primarily in a realm other than the one where they reside may be considered subjects of that realm if they obtain written permission and acknowledgment from the royalty of both realms. Decisions of the Coronet in such matters depend upon the approval of the Crown.
(Suba) Bylaws Amendment to Correct Errors: VOTED ON, MAEL EOIN MOTIONED TO VOTE, XAN SECONDED, UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
At the December meeting I will also be proposing this amendment to the Bhakail Bylaws. These are non-substantive changes to correct errors.
Bhakail Bylaws Amendment For Typos and Grammar
Click to access 5Jun13_Bhakail_Bylaws.pdf
Proposed addition(s) are underlined. Proposed deletions are marked with strikethrough. Explanation of change is in italics.
III Officers
G. The rosters of Great Officers and Lesser Officers will be Publish Published and Archived.
Changed “Publish” to “Published”.
IV. Polling
A. A Kingdom Polling is conducted by Kingdom officers according to Higher Law. For example, currently a Kingdom Polling is conducted to determine the opinions of the Populace prir prior to the appointment by the Crown of the Coronet.
Changed “prir” to “prior”.
v. V. Term & Succession of the Coronet
Changed lower-case “v” to upper-case “V”.
V. Term & Succession of the Coronet
1. At least nine (9) months prior to the end of the Initial Term, the Coronet may submit at a Letter of Intent to the Baronial Seneschal (i) stating the desire for an Extension Term and (ii) specifying whether that Extension Term would last either one (1) or two (2) years.
Changed “at” to “a”.
VI. Term & Succession of Baronial Officers
B. The Baronial Officers are volunteers and may retire from office at any time by giving fair notice to the Baronial Seneschal.
Added a period to the end of the sentence.
VII. Duties of Baronial Officers
C. Officers are expected to be reasonably familiar with Higher Law pertaining to their office, as well as these Bylaws and Baronial Policies. Officers are similarly expected to conduct the affairs of their office in a reasonably prompt and responsible manner. Any Voting Member may bring a Grievance against and an Officer for failure to comply with these expectations.
Changed “and” to “an”.
IX. Grievance Proceeding
A. The Grievance Proceeding is administered by a Mediator. The Baronial Seneschal will serve as Mediator unless he or she is one of the parties to the grievance. In such case, the Coronet will serve as Mediator, unless the Coronet is also a party to the grievance. If both the Baronial Seneschal and the Coronet are parities parties to the grievance, then the Mediator will be selected by those members of the Baronial Council who are not parities parties to the grievance by a simple majority in a Committee Polling.
Changed “parities” to “parties” in two places.
X. Removal Proceeding
A. A Removal Proceding Proceeding is a formal action by the Baronial Council undertaken to remove an officer who has failed to perform his or her duties either through action or inaction.
Changed “Proceding” to “Proceeding”.
XIII. Baronial Policies
A. Whenever it is necessary for a Baronial Officer, Council, or Committee to establish, or later modify a Policy or procedure at the Baronial level in addition to those policies and procedures found in Higher Law, such policy or procedure will be:
Removed comma.
- if ratified, will be recognized a as Baronial Policy.
Changed “a” to “as”.
XVIII. Amendments
C. If a simple majority in an Operational Polling at that meeting approves language for a proposed Amendment at the second Business Meeting, the approved language and a ballot form for a Formal Polling with will then be Published at least ten (10) days prior to the next (third) Business Meeting. Note that majority approval is required to move the proposed Amendment forward to a Formal Polling.
Changed “with” to “will”.
(Jacob) Philadelphia Zoo “Adopt a Tiger” demo – Summer 2017
(Sabine) Winter Nights Fall 2016
(Suba) Finance Committee Member
Lady Livia Petralia, and Mistress Gisela Szabó have both volunteered to serve. Lady Livia stepped out of the running. Nominations will close during the March meeting, and if we still have two candidates, then we’ll have a formal polling in April. Since there was only one candidate by the March meeting, a vote was held then. VOTE: 13 yes, 1 abstain
(Damiana) Policy re Foreign Currency Registrations
MAEL EOIN motioned to vote, ALESIA seconded, unanimous for, to accept pre registrations from foreign people without money to avoid foreign check fees.
New Business
Champions and Commons bids
Since both bids were approved, and both proposals sounded acceptable, it was voted as to which would be held this year and which next year. After a vote of 6 for Bryan and Alesia’s bid, and 2 for Matt and Shelly’s, (and 2 abstentions) Bryan and Alesia will host Champions this year.
(Mael Eoin) Yule 2017 dates at the German Society – From the German Society: Both December 9th and December 16th of 2017 are free on our calendar. I’ve penciled you guys in for both dates – just let me know when you decide which one you want!
THIS WAS TABLED FOR A VOTE NEXT MONTH
Announcements or Reminders
New Wednesday night social at the Bierstub in Center City, at 7:30
We have a chance to teach classes at the Chemical Heritage society. See Xanthippe if you are interested.
(Suba) – Note that while updating the bylaws to include the new amendments (assuming they are approved), I will include the amendment approved by Bhakail at the September 2014 business meeting.
Bylaws amendment approved September 10th, 2014:
XI. Replacement of an Unavailable Baronial Seneschal
The office of Baronial Seneschal will be properly attended at all times.
If the Baronial Seneschal resigns before presiding over the polling of a successor, is either delinquent in his or her duties, or is unavailable to communicate with his or her fellow officers for a period of forty-five (45) days, the drop-dead deputy of the Baronial Seneschal will notify the Baronial Council and the Kingdom Seneschal that the appointment of a new Baronial Seneschal is required.
If the Baronial Seneschal is either delinquent in his or her duties or unavailable to communicate with his or her fellow officers for a period of forty-five (45) days, and the drop-dead deputy of the Baronial Seneschal fails to notify the Kingdom Seneschal that the appointment of a new Seneschal is required, the Baronial Council Coronet(s) will notify the Kingdom Seneschal that the appointment of a new Baronial Seneschal is required upon confirming such a finding by a simple majority of the Baronial Council in a Committee Polling.
In such cases, obtaining the consent of the Kingdom Seneschal, the Baronial Council Coronet(s) will then act in place of the Baronial Seneschal to conduct a Formal Polling to identify a new Baronial Seneschal for approval and warranting by the Kingdom Seneschal. Such duties include:
Accepting Letters of Intent
Approving a Ballot
Appointing Ballot Counters
Thrown Weapons Marshal Training – Lady Alana O’Keeve has offered her Marshal services for anyone who wants to be a Thrown Weapons Marshal-in-Training this summer.
Dance hosted by Caer Adamant in Kennett Square on Second Tuesdays 7-8:30pm. Class is held in the Kennett Friends Meeting building (125 West Sickle Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348). Garb optional. Bring snack to share. Small donations to offset the site cost encouraged. Dances taught by Lord George Kopman from Hartshorn-dale. Contact: Baron Padraig O’Gealagain at ogealagain@juno.com, (302) 378-7444.
Next Business Meeting will be at Stage One, 101 Plush Mill Road, Media PA at 7:30 on Tuesday April 12.
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