Name: Diana Lowry
SCA Name & title: Lady Niamh bean Bhrain ui Labhradha
Years in the SCA: 22 years
How did you find out about the SCA? A friend took me to Pennsic. It was my first event. I attended two more Pennsics on my own and found out what Kingdom and local group I belonged to. I became a member and started attending local events.
Where did you start, what was your first event? My first event was technically Pennsic, but my first event as a member of the SCA was Vikings in the Snow held by the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands in the winter of 2002. I was mesmerized and immediately hooked.
What is your persona? I am of Irish Gaelic persona living as a 10th century Norse Viking.
Why did you pick this persona? I joined a household that was primarily Viking persona. I found the garb practical and comfortable. I started to read more about Viking history and life and became more and more drawn into that persona.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? Yes. I’m a non-resident member of the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog and a resident member of the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands. I’m a member, Treasurer, and Camp Mom for the Household Talbots Keep.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA. I’m a licensed Social Worker and a Certified Case Manager for a Medicaid Insurance Company. I work from home and absolutely love my job. I get to help others and solve problems. I have been a social worker for 19 years. I have a husband who also actively participates in the SCA and an awesome son, who is currently a sophomore in high school. I have two dogs and a big family who loves to get together. I love spending time with my friends and family and consider myself a very social person.
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? I started off with archery which led to combat archery and siege both of which I still participate in and love to do. I really love event planning, coordinating activities, working Troll, retaining, helping at events, hanging by a campfire, taking classes, and shopping.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) I was the Exchequer for the Shire of Griffon’s Keep for 7 years. I’m currently Treasurer and Camp Mom for the Household, Talbots Keep, and I am Deputy social media Officer for the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? When I started, I didn’t really have any goals for myself. I was initially just having a great time and primarily focused on my husband’s goals. Since I have become more involved with my local groups and household, I have really started to come into my own niche and formulate my own aspirations.
What are your goals now? Currently my goal is to become more involved on the Service path. I recently became Protege to Dame Ursula and I am very excited for this new opportunity and adventure.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? At first, I found it intimidating to approach individuals who were maybe on the Throne or peers. I have since become much more comfortable and confident and enjoy meeting people, making new friends, and making others feel welcome in Society.
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA? Getting back to events!
If you could accomplish only one thing in the SCA in the next year, what would it be? I would love to be either a Reign Coordinator or Head Retainer. I have good organizational skills and feel I would do well in either of those roles.
What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of? The advice I would give to a new person would be to have fun! This is supposed to be fun, not stressful or a hardship. Find something you enjoy doing and give yourself time to find what you enjoy doing. And always remember to help and include others whenever you can.
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be? To control the Weather.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why. An Order of the Howlings Wolf. I think I’m fun, I love to spread cheer, have a good time, and make others laugh. I try to include others in fun and revelry whenever I can.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below: