Notes from Yule 2016

Posted on January 4, 2017 By Suba al-Hadid

After a fun and busy holiday season, we would like to take this time to share some thoughts and reflections on Bhakail’s Yule. First, we would like to thank everyone who went into making our last Yule successful and enjoyable. We know it is a huge amount of work for a large number of people, and we are eternally grateful for the people in the barony and surrounding groups who give of their time and energy to make this celebration come together.

We were completely blown away by the cooks this year, both in terms of the quality of the food, and their concern for the Baroness’s particular issues. Both Martyn, who did the dayboard, and John Marshall, who did the feast, were in regular contact with Her Excellency, and made substitutions and adjustments to their plans, while still putting on beautiful, succulent, medieval meals. At no point did Her Excellency feel like she was deprived of anything, and made it through the day happy and healthy.

We would particularly like to congratulate John Marshall. We really can’t say enough about how beautiful this feast was, and the way the courses all worked together was thoughtful and delicious. Not only was every dish documentable, it was documented and available for anyone who wanted to see what he did. It was so interesting to see how this menu was developed, and it really went a long way to proving that period food doesn’t mean boring or not good. At least one person who was experiencing his first Medieval feast is definitely looking forward to his next one 🙂

It is always difficult for us to say goodbye to Our Champions, and this Yule is no exception. Our Arts & Sciences and Brewing Champions went above and beyond the call of duty, both before and during the event. Our Brewing Champion, Alexander, worked with folks throughout the year to create exceptional brews that we enjoyed at Yule, including a lovely gruit that he researched and presented. In addition, he stepped in at almost the last minute to provide libations to share in the rathskellar; considering the quantity provided and timing of that request, we raise a glass once more to him stepping in.

Lorenzo was yet again an exceptional champion – writing scroll texts based on period documents, entertaining us at Pennsic with poetry readings of both original and period works, entering competitions and participating in Arts & Sciences events where he gave presentations, and just encouraging folks to take their arts and knowledge farther. He continued in the vein when crafting and running Bhakail’s Arts & Sciences competition. He created a venue where people were encouraged to think about their persona and how they would have acted in period and why. We had a large number of entries, all of them truly inspired and inspiring. As part of the judging, the entrants discussed their works with Lorenzo, and he asked them questions that actively inspired them to think of their work in a new way and try something more. I look forward to the results from these folks in the future to see what they will incorporate going forward.

We would also like to thank everyone who retained this year, in particular Kat, Suellen and Koca. These ladies helped to keep things running on time, made sure ties were tied and coronets were straightened, water glasses were full and plates were filled and removed. Other folks also made sure that banners were raised and lowered and just generally made us look like we were put together. This can be a challenge on a day as busy at Yule, and we greatly appreciate the efforts.

In Service,

Ysmay and Mael Eoin

Baroness and Baron of Bhakail

Words From the Coronets

• ← December 2016 Officer Reports
• December 2016 Meeting Notes and Reports →