Baronial Curia Meeting Minutes

September 16, 2001 (A.S. XXXVI)

The following notice is to advise the populace of Ruantallan that local Canton Officials, along with Their Excellencies Baron Andrew and Baroness Lyanna, and Coronet-elect, HL Seumas and Viscountess Esperanza, met at the home of Lord Wynfrith Lady Edwenna in the Canton of Distant Shore on September 16, A.S.XXXVI for a regular quarterly meeting of the Baronial Curia. Meeting time: 1:15-3:45pm.

In attendance:

Baron Andrew of York
Baroness Lyanna of Kerneough
Viscountess Esperanza Razzolini d'Asolo
HL Seumas Camshronach an Lochabair
Lord Wynfrith Huntandune, Seneschal
Lord Drogo
Lord Gruffyd the Innocent, Web Minister
Lord Percival de Courcee, Chatelaine
Lady Enna Bonetrader, Seneschal for the Canton of Distant Shore
Lord Aethelstan Osricson Widfara
Branwen filia Iohannes of Monmouth

A. Proceedings from the March 18, A.S. XXXV meeting

Several minor errors were noted in the minutes from the previous meeting. Following a discussion of the required corrections, the Proceedings were approved noting the necessary amendments.

B. Officer reports

a) Herald
Lady Enna handed out a detailed outline of heraldic activities that she would like to see initiated during her term of office, and advised Curia that she would like to see heraldry have a greater presence at events. She also advised that she was in the process of organizing the Baronial regalia.

b) Knight Marshal
Lord Drogo reported that 5 new fighters were authorized during the summer and that there is currently a total of 40 authorized fighters in the Barony. He also reported that regular fight practices have been taking place on Thursday evenings in Seashire.

c) Chancellor of the Exchequer
No report.

d) Chronicler
No report.

e) Minister of Arts and Sciences
No report.

f) Minister of Lists
Lord Aethalstan advised that 7 new authorizations for rattan and 3 new authorizations for rapier were given out in the previous three months. He also reported that he has been updating the paperwork for the office of MOL which is currently about 70-80% complete. A copy of the latest update of the MOL list was submitted with his report.

f) Company Captain of Archers
No report - Lord Connor resigned as Company Captain effective August 31, 2001

h) Web Minister
Lord Gruffyd advised that the Baronial web site would be made an official SCA site in the near future. He also advised that he would like to expand the Baronial web site to include separate links to detailed information on martial activities in the Barony including rattan, fencing, and archery. In this regard, Lord Drogo, Lord Gruffyd, and Lord Wynfrith volunteered to put together information on the martial activities. Lady Enna also volunteered to put together a page on various aspects of heraldry and Lord Percival volunteered to prepare a Chatelaine's page.

Lord Wynfrith asked about the details regarding the upcoming Baronial web site contest. Lord Gruffyd advised that the competition would be for a new, more Medieval-looking design for the site page header. Details on the contest would be forthcoming shortly.

g) Chatelaine
Lord Percival gave a brief update on the Chatelaine's office and emphasized that he would like to ensure that Chatelaine's reports are being submitted by the Cantons. He also advised Curia that he would like to initiate several projects as part of the Chatelaine's office as follows:

Prepare a list of members and their interests for the Barony,
Prepare updated handouts for demos, etc.,
Put together a video of the principal areas of interest for the Barony (members of Curia advised that Lord Cealain has a video that was put together by Algernon, and that Lord Americ has several videos of SCA activities in the Barony).
In addition, Lord Percival advised that he would like to have a call-around list for each of the groups. He also asked Curia about concerns with having member's phone numbers and other personal information on any lists that would be made public. It was suggested that he ask members first before adding personal information to any lists, and to avoid putting phone numbers, etc. on any lists that might be made available outside of the SCA.
Lord Percival also discussed with Curia about using advertising to solicit interest in the SCA, and brought up the issue of using paid advertising in addition to the free advertising that is available for use by non-profit organizations. Lady Enna advised against using paid advertising and suggested that the Barony was in need of a brochure and other types of handouts for prospective new members. Baron Andrew suggested that examples of the different types of handouts should be brought to the next meeting for review.

C. Seneschal's reports

a) Distant Shore
Lady Enna reported that the Canton is in the process of changing several officers on Curia and advised that Lord Ragnar would be taking over as Knight Marshal and Lord Wynfrith would be taking over as Herald for the group. She also reported that the group has been largely inactive over the summer months.

b) Seashire
No report.

c) Wolfsgate
Viscountess Esperanza reported that an initial planning meeting had been held to organize future activities such as demos, etc. She also reported that a couple of former members were in attendance at the meeting.

d) Ynys Y Gwaed
No report.

D. Legate's reports
No reports.

E. Committee reports

a) Group insurance
Lord Aethalstan reported that he has been trying to obtain a copy of the Society insurance policy, and advised that he had emailed a number of people without any luck.

F. Other reports

a) Dabblers Guild
Branwen submitted a written report on recent activities undertaken by the Dabblers Guild. In this regard, Branwen reported that the group's charter was nearly complete and that the guild's heraldry was ready for submission. She advised that the 2001 scholas had been a great success and that plans were being put in place for another series of scholas in 2002. The Dabblers Guild web page will be expanded in the near future to include a heraldry section and more information on the upcoming scholas. Project work is ongoing and will include the construction of banners for each of the Cantons and various households, making site tokens for BIA, and making archery badges. Branwen suggested that the group should have a stamp to facilitate making the archery badges and will be contacting Mistress Ygraine of Kellswood for information and costs. She also advised Curia that the guild would be holding a potluck feast on November 17 to celebrate the guild's first birthday.

G. Event updates

a) Baronial War Camp (July 6-8, 2001)
General comments by members of Curia indicated that it was enjoyable event overall. One exception however was the large numbers of earwigs that had to be endured at the site.

b) Flames of Fall (Aug.31-Sept.3, 2001)
The equestrian event was reasonably successful although the attendance was lower than anticipated. The event had a loss of $23.99.

c) Baronial Investiture event (Oct.12-14, 2001)
Members of Curia advised that the venue for the event had been changed to a new location.

d) Take One Sheep, RP/Northern Shores Academy (November 24)
Lord Gruffyd reported that the event would be a Royal Progress, however only one of the Crown would be in attendance. He also advised that the investiture of the new Coronet would also take place at the event, and a total of 12 classes have been planned for the Northern Shores Academy with eight teachers confirmed to date. He also indicated that additional organization was needed for the RP including the scheduling of court, etc. Baron Andrew suggested that the event should have someone in charge of hospitality. Lord Gruffyd agreed to His Excellencies' suggestion.

H. Election of officers.

a) Election of Chancellor Minor
One candidate put their name forth for the new Curia position of Chancellor Minor (Erica). Following a brief discussion, a vote was taken to elect Erica as the new Chancellor Minor, and was duly elected.

I. Unfinished Business

a) Constitution/Standard Operating Procedures
Lord Wynfrith advised Curia that the amended Constitution and newly adopted Standard Operating Procedures was ready for printing and will be included with the October issue of Quid Nunc. Copies will also be forwarded to the group Seneschals shortly and will be available for distribution at upcoming events.

b) Mycghalh/Wolfsgate change in status.
Lord Wynfried advised Curia that he had not heard anything from the Kingdom Seneschal regarding the Incipient Canton of Mycghalh's petition to have their group dissolved. He also advised that he has not heard any news on the Barony's request to have the Canton of Wolfsgate taken out of dormancy.

c) Port of Lympha Profunda
Lord Wynfrith advised Curia that he has also not heard anything from the Kingdom Seneschal regarding the group's petition to have their group go dormant.

d) Master Aetheric's travel expenses
Lord Wynfrith asked a question regarding the amount of funds that should be given to Master Aetheric to cover his expenses for his trip to Ruantallan to assist in the Coronet election on May 27, 2001. After a brief discussion, it was decided that Master Aetheric should be contacted regarding his expenses before a decision could be made regarding the amount of his reimbursement.

J. New Business

a) Company Captain of Archers
Lord Wynfrith advised Curia that a notice would be included in the October issue of Quid Nunc regarding the office vacancy. A vote would be taken at the next Curia meeting on any candidates for the office.

b) Baronial Bardic competition
Branwen brought to Curia's attention that the Barony was overdue for a Baronial Bardic competition to replace the current bardic champion (Lady Felicity Blindshooter). Baron Andrew advised that it was up to the Coronet to make a decision to call for a bardic Championship competition.

c) Canton Challenge
Branwen submitted a detailed report to Curia for approval regarding the Canton of Seashire's challenge to compete against the other Cantons in the Barony as a group in a competition that would include points for all aspects of society activities including martial activities, arts & sciences, etc. Branwen suggested that the competition could lead to the establishment of a Baronial Arts & Sciences Champion. Lord Wynfrith advised that Curia approval was not necessary as the competition was being run at the Canton level.

d) Halloween Costume Ball event proposal
HL Seumas presented an event bid to Curia on behalf of the Canton of Wolfsgate to hold a halloween costume ball on October 27, 2001. The costume ball would be preceded by a public demo during the morning in the town of Windsor, followed by dance practice during the afternoon. Following a brief discussion, approval was given to the Canton of Wolfsgate to hold the event as planned.

e) Flames of Fall II event proposal
On behalf of Lord Cailean MacKenzie, Lord Wynfrith presented a bid proposal to hold a second equestrian event during the long weekend at the end of August, 2002. Several concerns were raised including the amount of the proposed event fees, the decision not to have a feast at the event, and the unsatisfactory facilities at the proposed site (Horse Power Hotel). A decision was made to reserve the date for the event, however it was decided not to approve the event as presented until the various concerns could be discussed with the autocrat.

f) Dance tapes
Baron Andrew advised Curia that Lady Cecilia had donated a box of dance tapes and manuals to the barony.

g) Group funds
Lady Enna raised a question regarding whether groups such as guilds and households could raise and hold funds that were not officially sanctioned by the SCA. She expressed concerns that some groups were raising funds at various events and gatherings that were not being kept in SCA bank accounts, and suggested that all funds raised on behalf of the SCA should be officially sanctioned and maintained in SCA bank accounts.

Members of Curia advised however that discussions with the East Kingdom Exchequer suggested that it would be okay for groups such as guilds or households, that handled only a small amount of money, to manage their own funds rather than adding an additional burden to the Kingdom accounts. Baron Andrew suggested that any groups that were considering looking after their own funds should contact the Kingdom Exchequer for written approval, although he also suggested that it would be preferable for all groups to have an official SCA account.

H. Next meeting
Canton of Seashire (December 9, 2001)

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