4th, Sunday – Green Gables Demo & Bog Business Meeting

Greetings fellow Boggers,

     I have no words of wisdom, nor can I think of anything entertaining to say. (geez I hate deadlines) So I have come up with seasonal advice. This month as you go out and about to play remember: Drink lots of water. Use sunscreen.

In service,
Talishar

     I hope everyone in the Bog is doing well and enjoying warmer weather.
     As always, please keep me informed of any practices or guild meetings and I will happily either post them on the calendar or within the folds of the newsletter.
     Articles... we all have something to share, be it advice, an opinion, a favorite recipe, etc. Whether you make it humorous or serious, instructional or informational, share your words with the rest of the Bog. If you think Baroness AElfra should pass out Chocolate as favors, tell us about it. If you know what to do during one of the famous Pennsic storms, share it with someone who might be going to Pennsic for the first time this year. Please keep articles clean, young eyes may read them.
     If you have any suggestions or submissions, contact me at bogchronicler@yahoo.com or 724-238-0114.

     As I sit to write this, I have just come from coronation. Good time was had by all, sorry I didn't see some of you there. Hopefully, many of you will be able to make it to this year's Spring Thing where a great deal of archery is planned as well as other pastimes. Plans are in the works for outdoor practice ranges. As always, any ideas or thoughts are welcome, please give me a call or send an email. (724-433-6784 or ThornesKeep@hotmail.com).

In service to Bog and Crown,
Lord Deryk Archer
previously known as Derrick the Wanderer---isn't it amazing how the heralds can badger you into changes to pass your name??

We need everyone possible to show up: fencers, fighters, archers, thrown weapons (archers won't be able to shoot, but you can talk about your specialty.) We also need all kinds of displays, crafts and people willing to dance, talk, and show off what you do.

Green Gables will have food and drink for sale, as usual. This demo will be advertised in the Somerset and Johnstown papers. In addition, the contents of the ARTS & SCIENCES box will be up for sale at this demo, first to Boggers and then to the general public.

And we will be holding the MAY BUSINESS MEETING at 4 PM at Green Gables, once the demo is finished.

Once again we need all of you! (And the archers will be able to show off at this one!) This demo is under the direction of our own Lady Esmeralda, who is the Activities Director at Rebekah Manor.

Lady Esmeralda is planning to involve the Ebensburg community in this demo with food vendors, local publicity and non-profit organizations. PLUS, Rebekah Manor will be holding their summer PIG ROAST before the demo and the Bog is invited!!! (You will need a ticket for the Pig Roast, so if you're interested call Esmeralda at 539-0924 or email mtcatmw@aol.com.)

Please put this demo on your calendar and plan to attend!

-- Baroness Charmaine, Chatelaine

For those who were unable to attend (because we know everyone REALLY wanted to) the following occurred:

Baron/ess: New King and Queen- Christopher and Maurya. New Fencing Champion: Iago

Seneschal: Need persons willing to head up our wish list items. (remember from previous meetings?)

Still need inventory lists from the following officers; Archery, Chamberlain, Herald, Historian, Mol, Moy, and Baronial Champions.

EXPIRATION DATE ON OFFICERS---- Jan 04 seneschal, March 04 exchequer, Jan 04 a&s, Yesterday herald, and July 05 chronicler. Also Jul 03 chatelaine.

A&S: Need officer 2004, A&S champions to be held at three day event, to be set up in Ian's pavilion, info in the newsletter. Might be a general, generic documentation (non-intimidating) for those just starting out in the endeavor.

EXCHEQUER: Has a deputy- Lord Francis Martin. Current treasury amount $7,059. Before writing out approx five checks during the meeting.

CHATELAINE: Girl scout Demo under control. May 4th Green Gables demo, add in Somerset paper. Rebekah Mannor Demo June 29th. Administration of the facility is very excited about this. We need all the boggers who can help and then more. This is a really important demo.

WEB MINISTER: site still up. Will forward yearly bill to Caroline when received.

Chronicler: Needs articles, needs times and DIRECTIONS for practices.

Border news and spring thing via KIWI: Spring thing going well, NEED marshals!! Thrown weapons needs everything, in other words the autocrat has nothing to supply for this activity. MOY stuff needs tidied up before event. Borderlands interested in hosting a picnic/practice/meeting. Nice little park in area has a pavilion for 30$ for the afternoon. Some interest showed, more interest to be sought on the elist.

HERALDIC issues per Dame Viv: Need to create a children’s award badge. Discussed the possibility of badge changes. Need to know number of badges a Barony can hold and what to keep, etc. The Ravens Company badge was discussed in absence. (person/s with questions did not ask them themselves) The subject is open for discussion among the populous, the Seneschal did give her opinion which may be delivered in the form of an editorial for all those who missed it.

OTHER BUSINESS: Need bids for Baronial Champions Event. Archive dismantling will continue at the Green Gables Demo where all books will be offered to sale to the populous and the general public. Portable holes approved and to be made by Tower. By-Laws to be included in the July newsletter mass mailing, on web till then. New Coronets (wish list item) being pursued by AElfra and Charmaine. Seneschal will follow-up on flea market idea with additional legwork by Katya. Discussion on using Castle Pub for meeting place during non-business hours discussed, with no real decision made. However, lets all meet there for food and drink after the Rebekah Manor Demo in June. Three day going well. Charmaine, Katya and ?? checking into possible site to host Fall Coronation due to Kingdom being in a pinch, they received no bids. All the Bog will need to pitch in and help for this to go off well. No bid will be placed for kingdom 12th night unless they need one desperately. Charmaine will go head with our own 12th night on regular date.

This was basically everything in a nutshell. After a very long meeting chaos was declared.

Talishar

Good news from the Border! Another new person, along with his two sons, attended our monthly gathering. Information has and will be passed along to the appropriate people.

Spring Thing 2003 is coming together nicely. Lord Deryk has all his marshals lined up; activities planned; a menu set. Anyone with questions or wishing to help, please contact Deryk at either 724-433-6784 (after 8 pm) or thorneskeep@hotmail.com. Anyone willing to help with Troll, please contact Cait at either 724-238-0114 or snowdragon1027@yahoo.com.

The next meeting on the Borderland is Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at Adams Memorial Library (1112 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA; 724-539-1972) from 6:30 pm till 7:30 pm. As always, we have the room beginning at 6pm so don’t be afraid to show up early.

In service to Bog and Crown,
Cait

     By pre-registering, you increase the land your group’s agent can claim, guaranteeing yourself a place to camp.  You also save a little money, Aug. 8-16: Pre-registered nonmembers pay $70.00, then an additional $25.00 at the gate. Pre-registered members pay only $70.00. Not pre-registered nonmembers pay $105 at the gate. Not pre-registered members pay $80.00.  While it’s not a tremendous difference, for some it adds up especially when more than one family member is attending.

If anyone has a registered device, please send a pic and blazon to Lord Kenn so that it may be placed in the Bog Armoral. If you haven't been there lately- check it out!! Lord Kenn does a fantastic job but could use your help with info and pictures and such. – Baroness AElfra

Is there someone in the Bog whom you think should be recognized for their service or skills (marshal or artistic)? Now is the time to write in recommendations for awards to their Majesties, Christopher and Maurya, and their Excellencies, Aquila and AElfra.

The following offices need to be filled in 2003, before the current officer goes bad:

• Chatelaine, July 2003 (currently held by Charmaine)

The following offices need to be filled in 2004, before the current officer goes bad:

• Seneschal, January 2004 (currently held by Talishar)**
• Arts & Sciences, January 2004 (currently held by Vivienne)
• Exchequer, March 2004 (currently held by Caroline; has deputy, Francis, who will take over)**
• Baron and/or Baroness, July 2004 (currently held by Aquila and Ælfra)

The following offices need to be filled in 2005, before the current officer goes bad:

• Chronicler, July 2005

All offices generally run two years. If you’re interested in the office, become a deputy or assistant to the current officer. This is the best chance to find out what all that person does, and be prepared when the duties fully become your own. Anyone stupid enough... ahhh... I mean, interested enough to apply for one of these offices, should write a letter of intent to be sent to the current Seneschal and the current holder of the office you are interested in.

Other offices to consider:
Herald
Historian

** These are offices that must be filled, as per SCA laws for a barony.

The Scribal Guild meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm in the home of Tower and Cynthia. Anyone interested in attending should contact either them or Kusar (814-244-3335).

Heavy Weapons practices are held at either Tower’s or Roxbury Park (weather dependant - call either Tower or Connor). Practices will be from 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm.

Fencing practices are held Wednesdays (6:00 pm) and Sundays (3:00 pm) at Kusar’s (139 Clinton St., Johnstown). But with warmer weather, the fencers will meet with the Heavy Weapons fighters at Roxbury Park - should be a sign posted at Kusar’s if there is a change in meeting place. Any questions or for directions call Kusar at 814-244-3335).

Archery practices - contact Deryk Archer (724-433-6784, after 8:00 pm, or thorneskeep@hotmail.com) or John the Brewer (814-736-9427 or jtbbrewer@hotmail.com.)

The enemy is now so close we can hear them sharpening their swords. Come help the denizens of St. Swithin's Bog defend our border (or help the attack) where we will stand shoulder to shoulder and fight to the last man or woman.

Bring your favorite weapon and your courage for the enemy attacks at dawn (well okay, the site opens at 10 AM and closes around 8 PM). Heavy weapons and fencing tourneys are to be held, as well as a novelty archery shoot. Space for thrown weapons will be available. Two Bardic competitions will be held for the pleasure of our Baron and Baroness this day. First, war's tragedies and glories, and then Bardic tales and songs which will lighten the hearts of our noble Baron and fair Baroness. There will also be "Men in Tights II" should there be enough interest. A&S items related to the finer articles necessary for battle, the support of our swordsmen and archers, or the favors our ladies presented to their Lord's as remembrances of their affection will also be displayed and rewarded (please remember your documentation).

The children have not been forgotten with activities planned and some age appropriate A&S projects (please include number of children and ages in reservation).

The site fee is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Please don't forget to add the $3 non-member fee if appropriate. Make checks payable to "SCA, Inc.– St. Swithin's Bog" and mail to Lady Caitilin ni Mhaolconaire (Kathleen Giesey; 112 Deeds St., Ligonier, PA 15658; snowdragon1027@yahoo.com).

Our traditional event site has been secured at the Flax Scutching Grounds (No street address) for June 14, 2003. Should you have any questions or food related requirements, please contact Lord Derrick the Wanderer (autocrat) at 724-433-6784 after 8 PM or email him at ThornesKeep@hotmail.com.

Directions:

From the West:

Make your best way to Route 30 East to Ligonier. Turn right onto Route 711 South. *Go 8 miles to the village of Stahlstown, the Flax Scutching Grounds are on your right as you enter town. Or take 176 PA Turnpike East to Exit 9 Donegal. **Turn left onto Route 31 going only 1/10 mile to Route 711 North (turn is on left over a bridge) and go through Donegal until Route 711 N turns right. Go North 5 miles through the village of Stahlstown and the Grounds are on your left.

From the East:

Makes your best way to Route 30 West to Ligonier. Turn left onto Route 711 South, then follow as above*. Or Take 176 PA Turnpike West to Exit 9 Donegal and follow as above**.

Please to smell my garland 'cause it is the first of May.
A branch of May I have brought you, and at your door I stand;
It is but a sprout, but it's well budded out,
The work of our Lady's hand.

– Traditional English Chant used
when handing out May baskets.