Baronial Curia Meeting Minutes

March 18, 2001 (A.S. XXXV)

The following notice is to advise the populace of Ruantallan that local Canton Officials, along with Their Excellencies Andrew and Lyanna, met at the home of Lord Aehelstan Osricson Widfara and Branwen filia Johannes of Monmouth at the Port of Lympha Profunda on March 18, A.S.XXXV for a regular quarterly meeting of the Baronial Curia. Meeting time: 1:30-4:30pm.

In attendance:

Baron Andrew of York
Baroness Lyanna of Kerneough
Lord Wynfrith Huntandune, Seneschal
Lord Brion MacEideard of Westmoor, Icicle Pursuivant [Herald]
Lord Caelain O Moray, Knight Marshal/Minister of Lists
Lord Theotime de Poitiers, Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lady Deirdre du Champignon, Minister of Arts and Sciences
Lord Gruffyd the Innocent, Deputy Web Minister
Lord Americ of Seashire, Seneschal for the Port of Lympha Profunda
Viscountess Esperanza Razzolini d'Asolo, representative for the Incipient Canton of Mycghalh
Lord Caelain MacKenzie, representative for Wolfsgate
Lord Liam Uilliam O'Fiarangh, Seneschal for the Cantreff of Ynys Y Gwaed

A. Proceedings from the December 10, A.S.XXXV meeting
The minutes of the December meeting were approved as presented.

B. Officer reports

a) Icicle Pursuivant [Herald]
Lord Brion advised that there were no new name or device submissions. He also advised that his second term of office as Herald would be up effective the end of June/01.

b) Knight Marshal/Minister of Lists
Lord Cealain advised Curia that he did not have a report from the Knight Marshal's office due to the fact that he had not received any reports from the Cantons. Regarding his report as Minister of Lists, Lord Cealain stated that the only lists reports received during the current period were from Baron Andrew and Lord Gruffyd. Lord Cealain reported that his second term of office as Knight Marshal and his first term of office as Minister of Lists would be up effective the end of June/01. In this regard, he advised Curia that he would not be reoffering as Minister of Lists.

c) Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lord Theotime reported that the current bank balance for the Barony stood at $2797.40 of which $2197.40 is designated as operating funds. Lord Theotime also stated that he had been advised by Kingdom that the funds being held in trust for the Canton of Wolfsgate now belong to the Barony. Discussion also ensued regarding the outstanding donation to the Royal travel expenses for the Royal Progress event on November 25, 2000. In this regard, it was decided unanimously that the Barony donate $200.00Can towards the Royal's travel expenses.

d) Chronicler
No report.

e) Minister of Arts and Sciences
Lady Dierdra gave an update on the Arts & Sciences activities that have been ongoing in the Barony including the work being undertaken by the Dabblers Guild, the Company of Artisans in Seashire, and the 'Grand Project' under the guidance of Maestra Francesca della l'Aura de Firenze. Lady Dierdra advised that members of the Cantreff of Ynys Y Gwaed, under the guidance of Lady Katherine of Tameside, has constructed a total of 72 baldrics that will be presented to Their Excellencies at the upcoming Baronial Rapier Championship event. The Dabbler's Guild has completed their charter which they plan to present to Their Excellencies during War Camp. In addition, work by a number of members has been continuing on the Queen's Favours for Pennsic and a regular gathering of the 'Make & Mend' has been taking place in the Port of Lympha Profunda.

f) Company Captain of Archers
No report.

g) Chatelaine
No report - office currently vacant.

h) Web Minister [Acting]
Lord Gruffyd gave a brief update on the status of the Baronial web site. He advised that in the future each announcement would now be on a separate page which would be linked from the main News page. He also indicated that he was planning to have an illumination competition for the Baronial web site.

C. Seneschal's reports

a) Distant Shore
In a written report, Lady Enna Bonetrader reported that there was a significant change in the officers in Distant Shore as a result of an election held at a Canton meeting on January 28, 2001. Lady Enna is the new Seneschal, Lord Fujiwara (Tam) is the new Minister of Arts & Sciences, and Lady Edwenna is the new Chronicler for the group. Regular fight practices and armouring have continued in the Truro area under the guidance of Lord Perceval. Lady Edwenna organized a display in the New Glasgow Library in January which was followed by an information session/presentation at the library for anyone who was interested in learning more about the SCA. The group also held a potluck/show&tell event on March 10 for newcomers from the New Glasgow/Truro areas.

b) Port of Lympha Profunda
Lord Americ gave a general update on the Port's activities since August, 2000. The group went through a general reorganization in September and elected a new executive with Lord Americ as the new Seneschal. The group hosted a tavern/gaming event in November and reorganized regular fight practices to take place at the Fleet Club. Lord Americ also advised Curia that the group was planning to hold several events during 2001, including the annual Newcomers event in early June.

c) Canton of Mycghalh
Curia was advised that the Canton of Mycghalh has continued to be inactive.

d) Canton of Seashire
No report.

e) Canton of Wolfsgate
Lord Cealain advised Curia that discussions have been initiated with the members of Mycghalh to consider rejoining with the Canton of Wolfsgate and to re-establish the former boundaries of Wolfsgate.

f) Cantreff of Ynys Y Gwaed
Lord Liam reported that the Canton has continued to be active and has been holding monthly potluck feasts for the local members. He advised that the average attendance has been 20-25 people for these events. The group has been focusing on new people in particular and has been working on boffer equipment as a means to attract interest in heavy weapons fighting. The group has also been working on Baronial baldrics.

D. Legate report
Lord Caelain reported on his efforts to obtain a copy of the Society insurance policy and advised that we can only get a copy of the policy 'Prospectus'. Caelain made a recommendation that the local membership should consider obtaining it's own insurance coverage. The principal reason for doing so would be to reduce the membership fees we currently send to California while at the same time setting up an insurance coverage that would improve on the coverage we now have through the Society. He advised that in order to benefit the most from having our own insurance, it would be necessary to register as a non-profit organization in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. In this regard, non-profit organizations in Canada can not be sued except for malice or negligence, etc. Lord Caelain advised that he has made preliminary inquires into obtaining insurance and recommended that consideration be given to the insurance available through the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia which would cost approximately $205/year for the group. It would also be necessary to write to the Board of Directors requesting permission for us to manage our own insurance. Lord Caelain was asked if he could put together an information package on the research he has completed to date for the benefit of the other members of Curia. Further discussion was tabled for the next meeting. Lord Wynfrith advised that he would try to obtain a copy of the Society insurance policy.

E. Committee reports

a) Standard Operating Procedures (Ps) committee
Lord Wynfrith presented the latest draft of the Standard Operating Procedures to the members of Curia for discussion and to vote on their conditional acceptance prior to holding a Parliament for formal adoption.

Commentary:

1. Section 1.1.1 - two instances of 'pending' changed to 'barring'
2. Section 1.1.10 - it was decided that decisions by Curia must be ratified by a two-thirds vote, rather than by a simple majority.
3. Section 1.2.1 - it was decided that three signing officers would be required for the dispensation of Baronial funds, rather than four.
4. Section 2.5(e) - changed to read "Minors or youths who come to an event without a parent or legal guardian, must have a permission slip from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as prescribed in Appendix C.
5. Section 2.6(b) - re-numbered as (c).
6. Section 2.6 (c) - changed to read "Pets must be properly restrained at all times."; re-numbered as (d).
7. Section 2.6(d) - re-numbered as (b)
8. Section 2.6(f) - changed to read "At no time shall a pet be allowed to enter the kitchen of a feast hall. At the discretion of the autocrat, pets may accompany their owners during a feast but must be kept out of the way and appropriately restrained."

Following the discussion and approval of the above revisions, a decision was made by Curia to give conditional acceptance to the current draft of the Standard Operating Procedures. Lord Wynfrith advised Curia that he would call a meeting of Parliament in the near future to have the populace vote on the formal adoption of the Standard Operating Procedures as approved by Curia.

b) K&Q's Archery Tournament committee
No report.

F. Event Updates

a) Royal Progress (Nov.25/00)
In spite of the unexpected expenses due to the change in the event site, Maestra Francesca was able to realize a small profit (final numbers unavailable).

b) Twelfth Night (Jan.13/01)
Successful event; realized a profit of $217

c) Masked Ball (Feb.17/01)
Weather conditions precluded a good turnout; the event lost $17

d) Fighters Schola (Mar.17/01)
Very successful event with 24 fighters in attendance including 2 knights and 2 squires from Maine

e) Baronial Rapier Championship (Apr.28/01)
Plans for the event are on track

G. Old Business

a) Baronial Cooks Guild
Lord Caelain reported that no equipment has been donated to the Cook's Guild supplies to date. He also advised that any equipment that was in poor repair or of no further use has been thrown out.

b) Known World Handbooks
Branwan updated Curia on the purchase of 20 Known World Handbooks and handouts on society activities that will be made available for purchase to newcomers in the Barony. The publications will be distributed at cost: Known World Handbooks - $27.00, handouts - $1.00.

H) New Business

a) Election of officers

1. Election of Baronial Chatelaine
   One candidate put their name in for the vacant position of Baronial Chatelaine (Lord Percival de Courcee). Following a brief discussion, a vote to elect Lord Percival as the new Baronial Chatelaine was taken, and duly elected.
2. Election of Baronial Company Captain of Archers
   One candidate put their name in for the position of Baronial Company Captain of Archers (Lord Connor McRandall of Ratscombe). Following a brief discussion, a vote to elect Lord Connor as the new Company Captain of Archers was taken, and duly elected.

b) Donation for the Fighters Schola
Lord Wynfrith advised Curia of an interim decision to provide a sum of $50.00 to help offset travel expenses for the fighters coming from Maine for the Fighters Schola on March 17. The decision was based on a formal request presented by Lord Gareth prior to the event and was discussed with members of Curia by email.

c) Date for Parliament
Lord Wynfrith discussed possible dates for Parliament with members of Curia and suggested that it might be appropriate to hold the event in conjunction with the upcoming election for the new Coronet. There was general agreement with this idea - a final decision on this would be announced shortly.

d) Pennsic Favours
Members of Curia were advised that information on the Pennsic Favours could be found on the Baronial web site.

e) Bid for Baronial Investiture
Lady Katherine of Tameside presented a bid proposal on behalf of the Cantreff of Ynys Y Gwaed for the annual Baronial Investiture event to take place in early September A.S.XXXVI, with the final date and location to be decided. The event would include rattan fighting, fencing, archery, an Arts & Sciences display, and Baronial Court. Lady Katherine advised Curia that the Cantreff would like to combine the event with a Royal Progress which would include the coronation of the new Coronet of Ruantallan. Although the bid was incomplete as presented, a decision was made to except the bid with the understanding that the date of the event should be held as close to the anniversary date of Investiture as possible (early October), and that the event would go ahead regardless of any decisions by Their Majesties to attend a Royal Progress at this particular event. Lady Katherine also agreed to provide a more complete event bid as soon as a final decision was made on the event site.

f) Official status for the Baronial Web Site
Tabled for discussion at the next meeting.

H. Next meeting - Cantreff of Ynys Y Gwaed (June 10, 2001)

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