Mistress Amelia van Hemessen is requesting volunteers to help with the stage and performances at the upcoming Gulf Wars.

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Start: 04/06/2013 9:00 am End: 04/06/2013 6:00 pm Start: 04/06/2013 9:00 am End: 04/06/2013 6:00 pm

NORTH OAKEN
ARTS AND SCIENCES COMPETITION
APRIL 6, 2013   9AM - 6 PM

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A minor automobile accident has damaged the entrance and corner post of Curson Lodge, Ipswich's "finest" Tudor house. The building dates to 1480 and was a guesthouse of the Curson House estate owned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

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Have questions about how to dress your hair or wear a headdress English-style? Tufts University can help with its website entitled Jewels, Hair and Accessories of the Middle Ages.

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Historians continue to debate over the authenticity of a mummifed head found in the attic of a tax collector. Some believe it is the remains of "good King Henri" (Henry IV of France, murdered in 1610), while others believe the claim is "rubbish."

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A video features the amazing skill of Danish archer Lars Andersen who uses historic techniques to shoot arrows at incredible speeds. The technique involves holding multiple arrows in the archer's hand.

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Most people believe that identify theft is a modern concept, but the Renaissance also had its share of frauds and pretenders. In a new book Renaissance Impostors and Proofs of Identity, author Miriam Eliav-Feldon of Tel Aviv University's Department of History looks at men and women of the time who played loosely with the rules of identity.

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Brita reports that she has created an album of photos from Tourney of Love which took place February 16, 2013 in the Barony of Endewearde, East Kingdom. The photos are available to view on Shutterfly.

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A web site offers a wide-ranging virtual tour of the area, from the town and abbey to the inhabitants, crafts, daily life, and archeology from the 4th century through the Middle Ages and up to today.

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yes, its to go over a Padded Gambeson, thank you for the info..

The Richard III Society has submitted a proposed tomb to hold the recently-identified remains of King Richard III. While no site was specified for it, the "limestone monument would blend modern and medieval style decorations to reflect the king's life." (photo)

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The primary duty of the office of the Chatelaine is to be the first point of contact to those new to the SCA, or new to the local area. The Chatelaine is expected to read and uphold the governing documents of the Society, the Kingdom, and the local group(s).

As an initial point of contact for those new to the SCA, the Chatelaine is the individual that will get newcomers “fitted” for their first event, and would be responsible for maintaining a Gold Key of garments, as well as dishes, or at the very least cups, for new contacts to use at their first event(s). Maintaining a Gold Key does not mean the Chatelaine is responsible for making all the clothes and donating all the dishes, although they should make sure the items are in good repair and ask for donations or assistance when needed. The Chatelaine is also responsible for making sure that this Gold Key makes it to local events.

The Chatelaine is also expected to know things… lots of things. That does not mean your Chatelaine will know everything, but a good Chatelaine will know where to find information. For instance, if someone wants to learn to cook 14th century food, the Chatelaine should either be able to point that person at someone relatively nearby who can either teach them or who will know someone who can teach them (like a cooking guild).

In this vein, the Chatelaine must keep an open relationship with their local officers. The other local officers will be invaluable help in providing directions and information. When Sally comes to her first event and starts hearing all these crazy names, she is going to want an introduction right away to the Herald that will help guide her into her new life. Same goes for Samantha that is going to need to meet quickly the Knight Marshal who can give her all of the information she needs about the next fight practice.

One of the most important things a person can do as Chatelaine in the East (and this is relevant to any group, really) is to know the Kingdom: the borders, the area oddities, the law of the land, that sort of thing. Certainly the Chatelaine isn’t required to know every single group and name them off by heart, but it is important to have a good idea of the states/territories the Kingdom includes. The East Kingdom begins with the State of Delaware in the South, then expands upward in a sort of a funnel shape into the eastern half of Pennsylvania and New York, includes all of New Jersey and other states north and east of that, and up in to Canada, where we get the honor of claiming those areas to the north of our most North and Eastern states.

The Chatelaine, being the first person that many people in the SCA meet, also has a duty to recruit new members, as well as try to retain both old and new members. It can be exceedingly discouraging for people to hang around feeling like they don’t fit in or they haven’t quite found their niche. It is imperative that the Chatelaine be at the very least a welcoming and warm person who always to try to keep people engaged. New recruits don’t always jump in quickly, so it’s important for a Chatelaine to always keep a lure out.  Retaining people can involve making people feel like they, their help, and their opinions are wanted and needed – because they are.  Chatelaine can be a very tiring, but very rewarding, job.

-Mari Clock van Hoorne
editing assistance provided by Mistress Catrin o’r Rhyd For

** This is the first in a series of articles about the different jobs commonly seen but not always commonly understood in the SCA.

Filed under: Local Groups, Tidings Tagged: Chatelaine, community, information, officers

On March 3, 2013, Vikings will sail onto television screens in a "nine-part drama series from Michael Hirst, creator of The Tudors." The series will focus on the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok and his followers, complete with "dynamic displays of superherolike derring-do and physical stamina."

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Atli of Bordermarch reports that he has posted a video of A&S entries and commentaries from Kingdom A&S which took place recently in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

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Excavations of a grave in the Caucasus mountains in Russia have revealed a man buried with gold, armor, and weapons. The burial dates to between 400 BCE and 200 CE.

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Wide cracks with water seepage have appeared in the walls and ceiling of the 13th century Cologne Cathedral in Germany, damage many feel has been casued by vibrations from a new subway station being constructed next to the cathedral.

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At Their Court at Stag's Con, Their Majesties Garick and Jasamine of the Kingdom of the Outlands accepted a petition from the Incipient Shire of Bryngolau to advance to Full Status. Being passed by the Board of Directors of the SCA, Inc., the request was granted.

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A stash of "street toys", dated from 1570-1630, was unearthed in an old stairwell of the Market Harborough parish church, England.

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At Gleann Abhann's Fighter's Collegium on February 23, William of Glen Lyon was placed on vigil early Saturday morning, and elevated to the Order of the Chivalry by TRM Rey and Miriel of Gleann Abhann at court that evening.

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If you ever wanted to sweep a queen off her feet or take a spin on the dance floor with a king, your chance is coming at Black Rose Ball in Barony of the Bridge on March 9th.

In support of the Royal General Fund, dances with Their Majesties will be up for bid in a silent auction during the teaching portion of the event.  Winning bidders may pay by cash or check (only) and pick up a card that will assure them their place on the Queen’s or King’s dance card.

The dances available with Her Majesty are:
Jenny Pluck Pears
Millisons Jegge
Black Almain
Rufty Tufty
Ly Bens Dystonis
Chestnut
Amoroso
Anello
Gathering Peascods

The dances available with His Majesty are:
Millisons Jegge
Rufty Tufty
Black Almain
Jenny Pluck Pears

So come out and Bid, Bid, Bid then Dance, Dance, Dance and raise money for Crown and for Kingdom while having fun!

Filed under: Events