Several Society-level officers have issued a joint statement concerning the plan to implement background checks for officers working with youth activities.

Lord Edricus filius Offaeus has posted photos from the recent Spring Crown Tournament event in the Kingdom of Drachenwald, held April 13-15, 2007).

John Leicester of the Globe and Mail reports on the ongoing controversy over the remains of Joan of Arc. The verdict: It is a rib bone, but it did not belong to Joan of Arc.

Duke Brannos of the Midrealm reports on Legio Draconis that Ulstead the Unsteady was the winner of the recent Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Ansteorra. His Highness was inspired by Princess Ebegardis.

Lady Nerissa has posted a short video of live music and dancing from the recent SNF event hosted by the Shire of Meadowmarsh in the Kingdom of Drachenwald.

A 12th century Cistercian missal was offered recently for auction on eBay. The final price: US$49,900.00.

An announcement was issued today by Leslie Luther-Fulton, Executive Assistant to the SCA's Board of Directors, concerning the SCA's relationship with modern-world media.

Jonathan Blackbow has written a short story set in the world of the SCA. He shared it on the Atenveldt list and allows us to repost it here.

Researchers will soon begin analysis of remains from 30 medieval graves discovered in February, 2007 in Preston, England's city center, believed to have once been the site of a friary dedicated to St. Clare.

Ysabella, Princess of the Principality of the Mists in the West Kingdom, reports on the recent Principality Coronet.

Martin of Rivenstar has posted photos from the recent Coronet tournament in the Principality of the Mists (West Kingdom).

According to listowner Bella Lucia da Verona (Annabella Wake), she created the Realm of Venus because she loved to look at other people's Italian Renaissance garb. The site showcases "Italian historical fashions of the late fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries."

Tartan Week was celebrated in style recently in New York with runway models, Miss Scotland, and Sean Connery in a custom-made tartan Mercedes!

Amalie zu dem Blumen reminds us of an "oldie but goodie" from The Quarter: Court Bingo!

Giulietta da Venezia, Reporting Herald, reports that at the Canterbury Tales event in Their Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, Their Majesties, Christopher and Morgen, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, elevated one citizen to the Order of the Pelican and placed another on vigil for the Order of the Laurel.

Shiver me timbers! Lock up yer daughters! The pirates are coming to New Orleans for the first ever Pyrate-con April 20-22, 2007.

George Reed, Society Seneschal and Vice President of Operations, has announced that the SCA will begin requiring background checks for adults who will be supervising youth activities at SCA functions.

A 4th century Roman home has been discovered during excavation of a gravel pit near Stow-onthe-Wold, England. The house is believed to have been the "big farm house" of a Roman settlement.

Master Duncan Vitrarius, Seneschal, Principality of the Mists, reports that his group has been honored by the Santa Clata Regional Parks Department as the 2006 volunteer group of the year.

Lady Mechthild zur Drachenhoehle, erilar has posted photos from the recent Bardic Madness and Artful Hare events which took place in the Kingdom of Northshield.

description:
The incipient Shire of Drakenmere sends forth an invitation to all in our fair Kingdom and our neighboring Kingdoms as well. Please join us for a mid-summer collegium and harvest festival, where far more knowledge will be gained than book-learning and far more will be eaten than the first loaf of the harvest…

We will gather to teach, learn, and feast in Statesboro, Georgia on August 18 for Summer Collegium IV – a Lammas-tide Celebration. Location:
Incipient Shire of Drakenmere (Statesboro, Georgia)

description:
Come join the Barony of Axemoor for the Feast of St. Bogdacious. We will be having our traditional great sword tourney, a rapier tourney, Youth tourney, archery, and perhaps even cart races. Beware of the Heretics Dungeon. Join us for our many classes and excellent feast. We will be holding competition in calligraphy and illumination and an entertainer's competition. There will be a Fool's Parade and a Gaming Hall. Take part in the Pilgrimage to St. Bogdacious or spend the day accumulating tokens to use in our auction. With so much to do, you can't miss out on this fabulous event! Location:
Barony of Axemoor (Hattiesburg, Mississippi)

description:
The Shire of Bois d'Arc invites you to The Chalice of Equus April 20 - 22, 2007 You are invited to join us for a time of celebration of springtime activities. Come enjoy horseback riding, fighting, archery, classes and feasting.

Site opens at 4:30 pm, Friday, April 20 and closes at noon Sunday, April 22.

Fees:
Adult $8 ($3 non-member surcharge), ages 10-17 $5, under 10 free
Camping $4 per tent. Location:
Shire of Bois D'Arc (Coffeyville, Kansas)

description:
The Barony of Stromgard and the village of Bjorgvin would like to invite you the Second Grand Thing. This will be a period event focusing on Norse and Irish traditions of the Viking era with fighting, contests, games and a Grand Feast! There will be a multi-weapons tournament, a Viking raiders tournament of ships, and a monastery raid where you keep what booty you can escape with.

There will be contests in, axe/spear throwing, archery, wrestling and more. We will repeat the siege-cooking contest "Barbarians at the Gate" the Norsemen are coming! Bring whatever you need to feed 20 warriors and maybe they will go away, leftovers will be used at the feast. Many contests and games for children of all ages so come join us. Site has water, electric, and bathrooms with pay showers. Location:
Barony of Stromgard (Stevenson, Washington)

Lord Yves de Fortanier has posted an article on the website The Rotunda detailing the Table Method for running tournament lists.

Zenobia reports that Christie's Auction House will be offering a collection of 156 pieces of pewter dating from the 16th century or before for sale on May 1, 2007. Photos from the catalog are available online.

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The Kingdom of Northshield’s Sixth Coronation

Hrodir Vigageirr Toreson & Giulia Isabella da Venezia

This event is being hosted by the Shire of Silfren Mere.

Site Fee: $8 at the door. Children 3-15: $3. Children under 3: Free. Feast: $12 limited to 100 guests. Troll will open at 9 a.m. and will close at 2 p.m. Site will close at 10 p.m. Site is dry and smoke free. Site is handicap accessible. Service animals only are allowed. Location:
Silfren Mere (Rochester, MN)

description:
Greetings to all stalwart fighters of Atlantia's sylvan northern region. Our next regional war practice will be on Sunday April 15th in the fair Barony of Ponte-Alto. The Honorable Lord Ragnar Ribcracker will be leading the scenarios.

The simple plan for the day is melee, melee, melee.

Noon - 1pm: Single bouts to warm up
1pm - 4pm: Various melee scenarios including bridge, field, and Location:
Barony of Ponte-Alto (Falls Church, Virginia)

description:
Spring is upon us again. The Silver Desert will be hosting a Pas d'Armes to celebrate joy in all things new and renewed. This year we will be exploring German traditions of the tournament style. We will have passes at the barrier, Grande Melees, and honorable challenges to fill the day. All participants in the gallery and on the field are encouraged to bring your banners, pennants, and other heraldic display to adorn the tourney field, and hall. After the tournament, there will be a feast to fill our bellies and pass the evening. In between courses, join us for dancing, gaming, and Location:
Province of Silver Desert (Sparks, Nevada)

description:
The Province of Southern Shores cordially invites you to Newcomers Tourney, with activities for almost every interest and activity level! We encourage everyone to bring anyone who is relatively new or someone who is coming back after a sabbatical from the SCA. If you are a current member, come learn something new or compete in the prize tourney!

The tourney is divided into three sections: those who have been fighting less than 1 year, less than two years, and a Prize Tourney open to all fighters. We are also having our Fourth Annual Used Armor Garage Sale. We invite those with cast-off/well-loved armor to bring it to sell or donate at our armor garage sale. Remember that one man’s scrap is another man’s armor! Location:
Province of Southern Shores (Campbell, California)