Baronial Curia Meeting Minutes

July 9, 2005 (A.S. XL)

Baronial Curia Report July 9, 2005
Held in the Canton of Ynys y Gwaed

In Attendance:

Curia
Maria Crook - Baroness
James Crook - Baron
Karren Worden - Seneschal
Joan Chaisson - Icicle Pursuivant
S. Brenciaglia - Exchequer
Vivian Fox - Company Captain of Archers
Dale Roberts - Knight Marshall
Susan Richter - Webmaster
Nancy Clark - Canton of Ynys y Gwaed

Populace
Doug Clark - Lord Thorgar
James - Lord Shamus Tableburner

Seneschal asked if everyone had read the minutes from the previous meeting

Officer Reports

A&S - Kelly Grant - Absent (report filed online after meeting date)

• 12th Night this year saw the first ever Baronial Championship for Arts and Sciences. Golden Oak Inn was asked to run the competition and create regalia. We had 7 participants with 12 entries. Judges were Maestressa Elena Rueda viuda de Lochcarron , Lady Estela du Frayse, Lady Mergriet Weinhurst, Lady Joane Stewart and Sileas ni Dhomhnaill. All commented on the 'stepping up' in quality of entries and documentation.
• Lord Cealain Ó Moray won the day with his Salmon Sausages. Congratulations and good luck on next year's competition!
• Dabbler's Guild are beginning to hold workshops again. Recently a corset workshop was held in Great Village, taught by Mistress Bess Darnley. Four dedicated students attended and had a wonderful time. Future workshops may include Calligraphy and Illumination, Pewter casting and Commercial Pattern Manipulation
• Lord Cealain Ó Moray not only took the Baronial A&S this year, but also entered the Laurel Challenge and tied with Lady Andrea McIntire in the Sausage competition.
• Citizens of the Barony, under the direction of the Dabblers Guild, presented handmade gifts to the Baron and Baroness of Dragon Dormant on the Occasion of Their Investiture.
• Athena's Thimble will be constructing table linens. A scroll in both official Languages was also presented.
• Athena's Thimble are working on Banners for the Barony. They were brought out at the last meeting, Thursday, and are looking very nice.
• At EKU in November, the Canton of Distant Shore presented Their Majesties with a gift basket filled with donated gifts from our members. Thankyou to those who donated:
  Lady Alessandra - beaded circlets
  Mistress Elizabeth Darnley - felted Maunche medallions and Burdened Tyger Favors
  Honorable Lordship Yesungge Altan - Roman Spices
  Lord Marcus - Red Current wine
  Lady Winfrith & Lady Eadwynn - 2 bottles of wine
  Lady Catriona & Lord Ranuccio - Salt Cellars
  Katrazyna Zelka - Basket
  Lord D'unstable - Goblets
• House GoldenOak have been working to dress the new Baron and Baroness of Dragon Dormant, the Baroness is a member of that household.
• Distant Shore would like to thank Ragnar for the beautifully etched wine goblets donated as prizes for the Lornevale Keep event.
• Also having to do with the Lornevale Keep event, Distant Shore would like to thank Mistress Elizabeth Darnley for coming up with a lovely dance called "The Gentle Maids of Lornevale". As well, Distant Shore would like to thank their members who taught at EKU in November -
  Mistress Elizabeth Darnley - Card Weaving
  Honorable Lordship Yesungge Altan - How to run a List
  Lady Zelina - Sewing for Kids
• Several Households are holding regular informal A&S gatherings to try new ideas and complete projects. Many evenings are not limited to household members, so the exchange of ideas is flowing throughout the Barony. Recently the "Monday night Stitchers" got together with House GoldenOak for a fun filled evening of tea, cookies and stitching.
• Within the last year guilds have become very active in the Barony. Athena's Thimble is a few years old now and over the last couple of months have been working on new royal banners for the Barony. Several members have been paneling and moving up the ladder within the Kingdom Guild which has made the local guild stronger. We now have senior members, which means that embroiders will not have to travel to the States to panel, but can move through the ranks here in the Barony.
• Cooks guild officially came into being exactly a year ago at 12th night. They are holding regular meetings where new recipes are cooked and tasted. They also have an email group that discusses everything to do with the kitchen and are inventorying and purchasing equipment for use by Baronial cooks.
• The Dabbler's guild is active again. They elected Lady Janet Kempe / Nicole Chaffey as guild mistress. Approximately 15 people attended the meeting, held during 12th night festivities.

Chatelaine - Mike Burnett (presented in absentia by S. Brenciaglia)

• Successful demos are taking place
• All cantons now have their own complete set of gold key items and the Baronial Gold Key is being used as back up only

Chronicler - Paul McCullough - Absent (posted pre-meeting online)

• Current subscriptions:
  Paid - 23
  Complimentary - 9
• Subscription payments for deposit - $15.00
• Receipts for reimbursement (Apr-Jun/05) - $37.54 (postage)
• As announced at the previous meeting, I have decided not to re-offer for the position which expires in September. The Jul-Aug/05 issue which will come out around mid-month will be the last issue of my term. I will turn over final receipts, etc. to Lady Catriana at an upcoming event later in the summer.

Company Captain of Archers - Vivian Fox

• Baronial archery practices are taking place on Wednesday evenings with an average number of between 0-6 participants
• The Baronial bow is ready and awaiting pick up
• The baronial arrows are with Wynfrith being repaired
• The champions tourney took place at the July 1st weekend Baronial War Camp and Garion of Ynys y Gwaed was declared the victor
• There were two incidents on the archery field which were reported, the marshalls are currently discussing the issue, and official action is expected

Coronet - James and Maria Crook

• The Baroness confirmed her representation as the Ruantallan representative for the Northern Shores Principality Proto-Curia
• The Coronet would like to request feedback from the cantons on what they want from the office of the Coronet, particularly in light of the current principality movement
• Cantons should discuss what they want regarding Principality
• Baronial citizens in every canton are asked to consider what the effects of Principality will be on the Barony
• Ruantallan is the 1st Barony, currently sitting on some of the best event dates, and we have a strong membership, many of whom are involved in the principality movement - so all citizens should consider what they are want and what they are willing to give up should the Northern Shores Region become a principality
• The Coronet charges gas money only as per EK law for travel expenses
• The issue regarding travel expenses in the Baronial constitution is somewhat dated
• The Coronet acknowledged that they are not reimbursed unless they have a receipt
• The Coronet would like to see the Barony still cover travel expenses of the B&B to ensure the pool of potential people to run for the position stays large enough to provide the citizens of Ruantallan a choice on which to vote
• Travel expenses are reimbursed for events in the Barony as well as events that the Coronet have business at
• It is the responsibility of the exchequer to keep good records on travel expenses
• Canton curias should attempt to get feedback from members - it would be nice to get figures or percentages of those who support, and those who do not support the principality movement
• The cantons should also think about writing the history of their canton. The Baroness, having seen such documents, will provide suggestions on format and content
• The Baron wished to alleviate any concerns the populace might have that going principality will decrease their US visitors. In fact, it is their experience that quite the opposite will happen
• The Baron stressed that overall, principality is a good thing

Exchequer - S. Brenciaglia

• There is current 1657.52 in the account, including 200.00 that was received from the Cooks Guild, and is being held on their behalf
• Cat asked if Zelina was receiving her copy of the bank statements, as she was not. Zelina confirmed she WAS receiving the statements
• Gavlinne volunteered to check Mistress Gwenhwyfar (former seneschals) email to see if statements have been received there
• A new form for the mid-year report is being used and will be done now that war camp is over

Icicle Pursuivant - Joan Chiasson

• There is not much currently going on
• Just about to send the new awards - still doing some touch up graphic work on the design
• She is also awaiting another signature for the submission petition - from Lady Brianna

Knight Marshall - Dale Roberts

• Distant Shore and Seashire are having regular fight practices
• The state of the Baronial armory is very poor
• Dalewyn (Dale) is currently lending his personal suit for use at practice
• Suggestion to purchase a new set of armour was made - the cost for an entire suit would be approximately 200.00. More details to come

Minister of Lists - Nick Hue - Absent

• No report filed at time of meeting or posting.

Webmaster - Susan Richter

Canton Reports

Distant Shores - Joanna MacDonald - Absent (report filed online after meeting date)

• The balance for the group account is $1301.43. Cash on hand to be deposited is $10.00(cheque) from Hedda Bonetrader for the Henry IV event.
• Henry IV event related profits and expenses:
  Profits (Troll) + 905.00 (plus cheque listed above)
  Expenses - 1054.69
  Total - 149.69 (loss)
• Current expenditures include $10.00 for repairs needed for the archery butt for War Camp. The group has agreed to cover the cost of the construction of a new archery butt for the group costing approximately $80.00.
• Currently reviewing name & device submissions for several members of the group; just received submissions from Asmund and Angelique;
• Continuing to update the Ruantallan Armorial on the Distant Shore web site;
• Working with Readfah Holm proto-curia on the group's name and device submission.
• Maintaining minor updates to the Distant Shore web site;
• Added a section on the Distant Shore website regarding the sponsorship for the Borough of Readfah Holm (contact information, etc.);
• Currently re-designing the website for House Blackwood.
• In spite of my efforts, activity has been low on the A&S side of things. I had little interest in the beadwork class and to A&S casual gatherings in general.
• Additionally, I must inform you that due to a transfer to Halifax (Canton of Seashire) I have to step down as A&S minister of the Canton of Distant Shore.
• Henry the 4th married Again. April 23/05 in Westville, Nova Scotia. Activities were dancing, A&S competition for both adults and children, a feast, games tourney. We had approx.80 gentles there and it was published in Pikestaff.
• EVENTS/DEMOS PLANNED: Will be holding Baronial Investiture Anniversary Oct 15th 2005
• Silver Arrow Tourney August, camping event
• MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS/ETC.: We held our canton/curia meeting July 3rd. Had a favor making workshop in June.
• We will be choosing a new A&S officer at our next curia as Vlakh will be leaving in September. I will also be leaving next summer, in May of 2006 we will hold another seneschals election.

Borough of Readfah Holm - Mike Burnett (filed in absentia by S. Brenciaglia)

• Members (Paid): 9 Non Members: 8
• Money: None
• Readfah Holm continues to grow. One of our long lost has resurfaced in Amherst so now we have two Scadians up that way - we see this as potential growth.
• The 'curia' met recently, mostly to discuss our heraldry and name. The most recent poll see us keeping the Readfah Holm name and the heraldry is being narrowed down to three designs upon which our group will vote. (Our thanks to Lord Winfrith for all his assistance on this matter.)
• Two from this shore have been given their AoAs - Lord Big Damn John and Lady Zelka, although her award has yet to be presented. HL Yesungge has received his Maunche for cooking.
• Readfah Holm hosted a pasta making day in June in preparation for the up-coming Martinmas Comes Late This Year, as The K.A., Yesungge wants to make pasta the period way for the feast, pre-dried, etc. About 8lbs of pasta was accomplished with only 12 more lbs to go!
• Readfah Holm is very pleased to be hosting three events this fall on its shores: Stop the Pirates, BIA and Martinmas which is an RP. We thank Distant Shore for its support this quarter - it is noticed an appreciated.
• Fighter practices continue regularly on Tuesday evenings at Victoria Park and the occasional Saturday in Great Village.
• Readfah Holm (& friends) is participating in the Pennsic Gift Basket project and will be sending the fruits of their labours to Pennsic. More deatils to come of the contents of the basket as they materialize.
• There is peace in our lands although we have heard of trouble brewing at Lornevale Keep....

Seashire - Wendy Regular - Absent (posted pre-meeting online)

• Family Days Demo in Halifax on the military base was held the end of June and was well attended. There were demos of A&S, Rapier and Rattan. We passed out 100 business cards and 216 fliers.
• MayDay event was held in May which hosted our Seashire Rattan Championship Tourney. Lord Seumas Tableburner is our champion. There was also fencing and A&S displays, dancing and a feast. The event was well attended. A Summer Faire Day in Seashire was held the end of June and was poorly attended, although there were a large number of newcomers. There was fun had by all with subtlety contents for adults and children, games, puppet shows, "surviving the middle ages" game and a potluck feast.
• Currently there are no bids before Canton Curia.
• A Viking demo at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is planned for September sometime.
• Regular Thursday evening fight practices at MFRC and sewing Sundays once a month.
• We have a newly elected WebMinister.
• We have just purchased a new loaner bow for Seashire as there is much interest in archery within the Canton.

Wolfsgate - Colin MacKenzie - Absent (report filed online after meeting date)

• Members: 17 Non: 10
• I did not include exchequer information here as we have hit a small but resolvable crises (which is known at the exchquer levels). Please see below.
• Weekly get togethers are being held, which include armor making, mead brewing, and quite a bit of A&S stuff going on. We are trying to get a weekly fighter practice on a go, but it seems to rain a lot on Wednesdays, and of course, we fight the distance demon. There was a fencning practice in Wolfville on June 25, which was a lot of fun, and there were requests to do it again
• Wolfsgate will be holding it's now traditional Halloween Ball, Peaches and Curry II (as the last Middle Eastern Ball went over quite well). The plan is for October 29th.
• We are in a scramble for a new exchequer, as our current one stepped down this week as she is leaving (Saethryd and Fergus). The matter should be resolved shortly.
• I will be (finally) stepping down as Seneschal in December. This time it is for real!!!. I will likely take over as exchequer at that point.

Ynys y Gwaed - Nancy Clark

• Current balance 1233.67
• The Barony has been relatively quite
• 1 feast in May brought 13 participants
• A demo was done at Kensington High
• Summer's End is coming up in September
• They are trying to set up a working weekend leading up to Summer's End
• Fight practices are hoping to resume with Lord Seigfreid returning to the Canton
• There is a lot of interest in archery, and they intend to discuss archery activities with Lady Niniae

Old Business

• War Camp
  1. Event did make a profit
     980.00 cash
     74.00 checks
     46.00 nms
  2. Champions tourneys took place
  3. Two incidents, 1 requiring medical attention happened, and are intended to be in the full event report.
  4. We had 282 people on the site late Saturday of which half were guest of campers, or locals checking it out much interest was expressed.
  5. Future improvements on site are larger parking lot, possibility of a new barn 58*60 ft in size, and better privies for future usage.
• Venue Database
  1. Lady Gavlinne will post an announcement to the Ruantallan list to encourage people to collect information on possible event sites in their area
  2. Lady Gavlinne to post the "venue information form" on the ruantallan site. This form asks all the questions any autocrat should potentially need when considering a site for an event
• Failed Attendance Record
  1. The vote for this item was tabled from the last curia meeting
  2. Zelina and the Baron presented concerns by citizens that had been brought to them about getting off the list and about back-payment. The policy DOES allow for people to get off the failed attendance list, and the policy was revised to NOT require back-payments to be made.
  3. The latest revision of the policy is intended for autocrats as a tool to flag individuals who "consistently" don't pay for events, so they can request, at their discretion, pre-payment
  4. Motioned by Gavlinne, Seconded by Katherine
     VOTING: 5 Yes 0 No 1 Abstain
  5. Lady Gavlinne to complete the final draft of the document and send to the seneschal and coronet and then prep for online and quid nunc publication
• Ynys y Gwaed Heraldry
  1. Heraldy for YYG must be done again
  2. Joan will be consulting a gaelic language expert on the name before submitting
• Insurance
  1. Lady Gavlinne asked why insurance was back on the agenda when the last meeting reported that the issue of insurance had been resolved
  2. Apparently there is a question about traveling. Members are covered in Canada and the United States but not in Australia and/or Europe - this is currently being explored
  3. At the last meeting a request for a written document confirming our insurance coverage was requested so the issue would not arise again. Because the SCA has been changing insurance carriers, that document is still forthcoming

New Business

• Election of Webminister
  1. Lady Gavlinne has reoffered for the position
  2. Motioned by: ??? Seconded by: ???
     VOTING: 6 Yes 0 No 0 Abstain
  3. The positions of Chronicler and Herald are both up in September - both are Major and required positions
• · A proposal to send Don Cosmano funds or an honorarium for generously maintaining a number of the mailing lists of the Barony was made.

  It was suggested that perhaps the cantons that also have mailing lists with Cosmano could put money toward the honorarium/amount as well.

  Lady Zelina is to inquire about the portion of space Ruantallan is currently using on the server to try and estimate an appropriate amount

• Rattan Proposal
  1. Lord William and Lord Shamus Tableburner are trying to get enough rattan in the Barony and would like to present a proposal asking the Barony to cover the cost
  2. There are currently enough fighters who have signed IOU's to the Barony of Ruantallan for 39 sticks.
  3. After price checking, they worked out that Sir Andreas has the best price, and the cost would be 745 US including shipping for 50 sticks (includes 170.00 for shipping)
  4. 100 sticks would cost 1243 US dollars
  5. The 10 extra sticks in the order of 50 could be used by the barony
  6. Ordering the rattan would concentrate on making new fighters
  7. A question as to why the fighters couldn't pay for the sticks they have signed IOU's for up front and then the purchase be made was asked. It was stated that the proposers did not wish to collect money
  8. The exchequer inquired how the money would be collected after the order was received, and Lord Tableburner indicated that he and William would collect the money and present it to the exchequer in a large collection envelope.
  9. Concerns regarding the amount of the purchase and how little that would leave in the Baronial coffers was addressed
  10. It was confirmed that no Baronial events were expected within the next three months
  11. A timeline for the pay back estimate was requested - Lord Tableburner reported that the rattan order should take 2 weeks to get here, and expected 2 weeks for delivery and payment collection
  12. Lady Katherine (Joan) suggested a US money order be obtained should the proposal pass
  13. Lord Tableburner suggested that the exchequer send the money order direct to the merchant so as to deal direct
  14. Motioned by Zelina, Seconded by Katherine
      VOTING: 5 yes 0 no 1 abstain
• Baronial Travel
  1. Based on research into EK law, any fund for Baronial Travel that would cover expenses outside of what is already covered in EK and Baronial Law would have to fall outside of curia - meaning a private fundraising venture
  2. The Baron indicated that any travel fund would have to be operated on the same premise as the Northern Shores Royal Travel Fund operates - as a non-SCA fundraiser - and any fundraising ventures would have to specifically indicate that they were non-sca fundraisers
  3. Changing the current coverage permitted by Baronial constitution would require a change of the constitution

Meeting adjourned

Next meeting to be held in October in Wolfsgate

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