In a little more than a month, Æthelmearc scribes from across the Kingdom will gather for a weekend of – in the words of Owen Tegg  — “community, camaraderie, support, and scribal family.”

When asked, “What did [last year’s] retreat mean to you?” many responses echoed that of Eilionora inghean an Bhaird;  scribes enjoyed the “time to relax, put faces to names, and meet people.”

Eleanore Godwin explained, “The fun of socializing was important for me, as I was able to put names and faces together! Talking with other scribes and sharing information is something we don’t usually get a chance to do. Most of us create scrolls at home alone, and this retreat gave many an opportunity to sit and work on projects together with other fellow scribes. When we go to events, we may be busy taking classes, or teaching them, and little time is left to sit and talk with other scribes about what we are doing, or what struggles with creating we might be having.”

For Alaric MaConnal, it meant, “A chance to hang out with some of the coolest people.”

Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd appreciated “connecting with like-minded people and learning new things.” For Eleanore Godwin, “ ‘try-it’ stations gave us an opportunity to learn a new skill, or learn about materials ‘hands-on style.’ I taught ‘Papers and paint’ with Lady Shirin and got as much out of teaching as scribes did learning!”

One brand-new scribe,  Ihtizāz al-Ganī, wrote, “I’m new, and this event allowed me to meet scribes from all over the kingdom who gave me great advice and became contacts for further exploration. I was able to try new techniques and was encouraged to retry things I was convinced I couldn’t do well.”

Zofia Kowalewska, called Zosia, described the weekend as, “a chance for me to recharge.” Adds Eleanore Godwin, “it also has inspired and invigorated our scribal community to teach more, learn more, and support scribes who want to create more but need more supplies than they are capable of affording.”

The second Æthelmearc Scribal Retreat (aka Æthelmearc Scribal Sleepover!) will be held May 31 to June 2. Although it will take place in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, this year’s Retreat will be held at a different site from last year’s. The new site offers MORE space for even more scribal fun!

Pre-registration is required to attend; pre-registration must be postmarked on or before May 11 or may be given to the autocrat, Mistress Alicia Langland, at Crown Tourney.

Details about the Retreat can be found here.