A celebration is being held on December 17th, 2022, in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael to bid a fond farewell to Baron Padraig O’Branduibh and Baroness Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena and to welcome our new Baronial consorts, Master Magnus de Lyons and The Honorable Lady Thalia Papillon.
There will be many activities to do on this wonderful day of celebration!!
For the Heavy fighters there will be a tournament. Fighting activities will be weather dependent based on site conditions. The format of the fighting tourney will either be a Bear pit or possibly a Round robin format dependent on turnout of fighters the day of event. The fighting will take place outside in the back parking lot.
Join us in the returning of Dance!! Let’s all take a refresher and get back into step. There will be beginner instruction with a bit of the history and social aspects of the history and practice. If there’s a dance you’d like to teach, we’ll have plenty of time to dance the afternoon away. Bring yourself! Bring a friend as we start off with some of our favorite demo dances and move into reacquainting ourselves with this fun activity. All ages are welcome and encouraged.
Artisans of the Rhydderich Hael and Æthelmearc!! There will be an Arts + Science competition held. The format is standard, any forms of artistry are welcome, documentation is welcomed, but not required. There will also be some table space set aside for anyone who wants to bring A&S projects to work on or you can certainly work on them at your table.
There will be a variety of games available to be played based on the 14th century including Alquerque, which is an ancestor of checkers, Shove Groat which is an ancestor of shuffleboard that Vikings used to play when they were sailing and four card games!! Come join in the fun and camaraderie!!
Cafeteria style lunch will be served. Brown bags will be available, to put what food you would like in the bag. Reminder – all food must be consumed outside due to current SCA policies.
The site is St. James Episcopal Church located at 405 East Main St. Batavia NY 14020. The site has wheelchair accessibility and can be accessed by parking in the lot on the east side of the building and use the grey ramp to enter the building. The alcohol policy for the site is Beer and wine only, NO Hard Alcohol permitted!!
Reservations can be sent to:
Mistress Cori Ghora, Clare Jackson Simonds. 387 Niagara St. North Tonawanda NY 14120. Please include SCA & modern names, and member id#s for all reservations listed, plus a contact email for confirmation of receipt or any questions.
Make checks payable to SCA NY, Inc – Barony Rhydderich Hael.
Check in time can be shortened by signing up our Fast Pass form. This will also help the Autocrats plan for the bagged lunches
Sign in ahead of time with form here and bring your membership card and exact change.
Registration costs are as follows:
$20 per Adult Event Registration
$15 per Adult Member Discount Event Registration
Free for those under 17
Autocrats for the Event:
THL Chebe & Lady Natsu,
Michael and Heather Dow
162 Glenwood Ave. Medina, NY 14103
716-560-3193
Email: hdow@rochesterr.com
Tentative Schedule of Events for Rhydderich Hael Baronial Investiture:
9:00 Troll Opens
10:30 Morning Court and Investiture
Entertainment periodically from 1- 3:00 PM
1:30 until 3:00 Dancing! In the choir room
1:00 Fighting Tournament/pickups- Weather and MOL permitting. Outside, in the back parking lot.
3:00 A&S Competition voting ends
4:00 PM afternoon court
Please forward any questions regarding event to the Autocrats listed above and any questions regarding registration to Mistress Cori Ghora!!
All current SCA COVID policies will be enforced on day of event!!
Looking forward to a wonderful event and seeing many of you there for a wonderful celebration!!!
The next monthly Virtual Marshal Meeting is Tuesday, December 6, this time at 7 p.m.
This is an opportunity for all SCA equestrian marshals or marshals in training to get together and learn about how to keep our equestrian program fun and safe for all participants.
During these monthly meetings we will talk about various topics surrounding our equestrian activities, i.e. insurance, paperwork, delegating workload and responsibilities and general safety in & out of the horse arena. The purpose of these meetings are to ask questions and learn from each other.
We will meet on the first Tuesday of each month, generally at 8 p.m.
We have several areas where transmission is listed as Moderate, including places like Misty Highlands (Mon County specifically), Heronter (Chautauqua County), etc. If your event/practice/gathering/meeting are in those areas, masks are not required.
We also have areas where transmission is high or substantial. Masks are required in those areas.
I also wanted to let folks know that Æthelmearc’s Covid Team, which now includes Sir Maghnus an Chnoic na n’Iora (Dr. Joel Welling, PhD) and Duke Christopher Rawlyns (Dr. Chadd Nesbit, MD, PhD), and myself, are still in the process of determining how to improve ventilation with such things like the Corsi-Rosenthal boxes at SCA events/practices that may allow for not requiring masks (AKA a variance to the variance) and we’re making progress. We should have more information out about that soon.
We are looking for volunteers to act as Zoom classroom moderators. You do not necessarily need Zoom experience as we can show you what to do, but mostly keep an eye on the time for the instructors, monitor the chat for questions, etc.
If you are interested and willing to help, please contact Lady Genevieve O’Connor, AEcademy Provost and coordinator for the virtual AEcademy at jenconner65@gmail.com.
Hello. I am Illadore de Bedegrayne, Æthelmearc’s Kingdom Seneschal. I’m here today to discuss AE’s covid policies and the new mask variance, and why we asked for the variance, AND how Æthelmearc is going to help local groups with this variance.
After being asked by several members of the populace, and in discussion with Duke Christopher, our deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics, I asked the SCA’s Board of Directors for a variance for Æthelmearc to continue its mask requirements (where masks are required inside when transmission is high or substantial in the local county) and it was granted by the BOD.
We asked for this variance because we want to protect our people. The variance is based on the high and substantial transmission rates of Covid-19 across WV, PA, and NY. Currently, all of Æthelmearc has almost entirely high and substantial transmission, according to the CDC covid transmission map. Also, per the NY Times Covid-19 charts, WV, PA, and NY have had relatively flat rates of Covid-19 transmission and deaths since July. We have not seen a trend downwards like we were hoping – and we expect, due to what happened in Winters 2020 and 2021, we will see a spike in transmission rates across all of Æthelmearc.
One of the main reasons that we are asking everyone to wear masks indoors when transmission is high or substantial is that we want to be inclusive. We want our members and subjects who are most susceptible to Covid – people who are disabled or immunocompromised or over 50 – to be able to attend events. We also want to protect folks from Long Covid. Recently studies from Scotland show that approximately half of the study’s participants who got Long Covid were still suffering over a year later. Other studies have shown that people can get Long Covid from repeat infections.
We want to protect our people. We are a Society based on the core Chivalric values of honor and service and one way you can do honor to others and serve is to wear a mask indoors and help prevent transmission. We also know, per the Wall Street Journal, when both individuals are wearing masks, it greatly reduces the chance of transmission, much more than just one person wearing a mask.
We know that other Kingdoms are not requiring this – all I can say to that is that I remember the Æthelmearc unofficial motto – “it’s just better here.” We care about our people and want everyone to be able to come to events and be as safe as we can make it for everyone.
The Kingdom also wants to help out local groups. Their Majesties came up with the idea that we provide N95 masks (or the like) for those who want or need them. We have created a budget to help reimburse local groups that want to provide them at events. We also are willing to work with groups and help fund safety plans – such as renting tents and heaters for outside feasts or separating small household groups for feasts. Or if groups want to build Corsi-Rosenthal boxes as air purifiers, we’ll work with you on that too.
This decision is not going to be popular with everyone. We know this and we hope this video will help explain our thinking as to why the Kingdom needs this. Just know that we hear you and we will work with you regarding your situation. Just email me at seneschal@aethelmearc.org and we will do our utmost best to come up with ways for you to have events or practices and do them in a safer manner.
Last but not least remember that we had a Vikings in the Snow event once and it was lovely. Put on your wool outfits and go outside to help protect your friends and fellow members.
Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron II Rex and Ariella II Regina, King, and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Final Royal Court at Harvest Raid and Coronation, 25 September, Anno Societatis LVII, in the Shire of Heronter. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silent Herald, and Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald.
In the morning, Their Majesties brought Baroness Rois o’Faye before them and asked whether she was prepared to sit vigil in contemplation of elevation into the Most Noble Order of the Pelican. At her affirmation, they invited that Order to take her into their care and instructed Her Excellency to present herself to Their Heirs by day’s end to give her answer.
Their Majesties requested the presence of His Grace, Duke Gareth Kincaid and Her Grace, Juliana Delamere, to express gratitude for the new walls that encircled the Kingdom encampment at Pennsic. Their Majesties also invited Their Graces to bring up the others who labored on this project: Lord Rikardr inn Blakki Bjarn, and Lady Birna Rikardskona inn Blakki Bjarn. Their Majesties then presented all four with Golden Escarbuncles (Rouge) as a token of thanks for helping to create this outward symbol of Æthelmearc’s hospitality.
Their Majesties then sought Lord Finnigan mac Cormacc. Finding him not within the Court, they inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce, in absentia. Scroll by Sir Murdoch Bayne.
Likewise, Their Majesties called for Lord Frey Gore. Despite regret not to see him in person, they inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce, in absentia. Scroll by Lady Abby Rose.
Their Majesties sought Lady Eithne an Locha, who was sadly not present. Dismayed but undeterred, Their Majesties saw fit to recognize her skills at weaving and sewing and created her a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll a work in progress by Sir Arden Scot.
At this time, Their Majesties received His Royal Highness, Prince Arnthor inn Sterki. His Highness praised Their Majesties’ leadership, particularly into and through War, and spoke of the honor it was to fight by Their Majesties’ side. But, His Highness continued, with the change of season, so too, now the Kingdom once again entered a time of peace, and this shift in focus also called for new heads of state.
His Highness then reminded the Crown that at Their grand tournament some months previously, he had proved victorious, and Their Majesties had then promised that he would ascend the throne at the appointed time. Their Majesties acknowledged this, but desired further confirmation from those who would remain to safeguard the kingdom and to support His Highness once the crown passed to him.
Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne, Kingdom Seneschal, vouchsafed that the tourney to determine Their Majesties’ Heirs was indeed held lawfully, in accordance with the policies and traditions of the realm.
Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, representing the Earl Marshal, affirmed that he witnessed with his own eyes as Prince Arnthor bested all others. Meestress Odriana vander Brugghe, Kingdom Mistress of the lists, also attested truthfully that His Highness was the rightful victor. Finally, Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, averred that there was a Court held following the final bout of that tournament, and that King Byron did at that time place the Heir’s crown upon Arnthor’s head, named him Prince, and declared that the line of succession was secured. Finding, therefore, that Prince Arnthor’s claim was credible and proper, Their Majesties agreed that it was time to cede the thrones. They begged His Highness’ leave to conclude a few final items of business, and They promised to call His Highness forth shortly. To this wish, the prince consented, and went to prepare for succession.
Their Majesties next summoned The Honorable Lady Eleanore Godwin. Recounting the sheer volume of scrolls, largesse, and scrolls, and the many acts of service Her Ladyship has performed over the years, as well as the many scrolls inscribed, Their Majesties felt it fitting that as Their final act as monarchs, they might convey Her Ladyship to the keeping of the Most Noble Order of the Pelican, and instructed her to consult with Their Majesties-to-be to find an appropriate time and place for her to sit vigil in contemplation and give answer whether it be her wish or no to join that Noble Order. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
Their Majesties then wished to thank all those who served the reign and crowned heads with distinction. In keeping with Her Majesty’s love of dessert, instead of a Sigil token, they provided presents of sweets and potables, for the following gentles: Hon. Lord Abdullah al-Rashid; Master Alaric MacConnal; Baroness Alianora Bronhulle; Baroness Amalie Reinhardt; Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope; Hon. Lady Aurelia Argentia Prima; Hon. Lord Bjarki Rikarðarson; Hon. Lord Cassiano da Castello; Master Clewin Kupferhelbelinc; Contess Elena D’Artois le Tailleur; Hon. Lady Elsa Talliard; Hon. Lady Elss of Augsburg; Hon. Lady Fede de Fiore; Lady Forveleth Dunde; Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen; Lady Genevieve O’Connor; Hon. Lady Gesa von Wellenstein; Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh; Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres; Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn; Lady Kara Ivarsdottir; Karl Fritz Kupferhelbelinc; Dame Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina; Master Kieran MacRae; Sir Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono; Baron Magnus de Lyons; Mistress Mahin Banu Tabrizi; Sir Marek Viacheldrago; Baroness Muirgheal inghean Dubhghaill; Hon. Lady Nichola Beese; Mistress Ottilige Rappoltsweiler; Mistress Renata Rouge; Sigrid von Fredeburg; Hon. Lady Silence de Cherbourg; Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson; Hon. Lady Sumayya al Ghaziyah; Baron Tassin Trasseaul; Hon. Lady Thalia Papillon; Mistrees Ts’vee’a bas Tseepora Levi; and Hon. Lady Violetta da Valencia.
Next, Their Majesties received the Captains of Her Majesty’s Guard: Master Clewin Kupferheleblinc and Lady Kara Ivarsdottir. His Majesty remarked that frequently, a king might thank the Guard for keeping the queen safe and protecting her person throughout the reign, but in Her Majesty’s case, the thanks owed were more for keeping up with the Queen on the field and off. Her Majesty also expressed appreciation for all the guards, most of whom had already been relieved. Master Clewin added an additional note of thanks to Lady Kara for all her assistance. Her Majesty then released them both from their service.
Following this, Their Majesties called forth Master Alaric MacConnal, Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh, and The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese, Head Retainers, and granted Mistress Graidhne a moment to present to Them, on behalf of Master Christofano Vecchione, a sampler he had illuminated for them, consisting of piscatorial marginalia, inscribed with immortal words about fish and farewells. Their Majesties expressed delight at this present and thanked all their retainers for the countless hours and miles logged in service to the Crown. The Head Retainers asked all those still on duty to turn in their baldrics, whereupon they also removed their own, and Their Majesties released all from service.
Their Majesties requested that Baroness Muirgheal inghean Dubhghaill step forward to thank her personally, for all her labor as reign coordinator, and to release her from her oath of service.
Currently, Gwendolyn the Graceful, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, begged leave to conduct heraldic business, as the time had come for the office to revert to the Silver Buccle Herald. Their Majesties granted this boon, and Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn entered the Court to relieve her from her duties and release her from her oath of office. Their Majesties thanked her for providing the voice of the Crown to Their satisfaction, and They released her. The Silver Buccle Herald then took up his place to preside over the succession.
Their Majesties then recalled His Royal Highness, Prince Arnthor inn Sterki, to come forward. His Majesty spoke to Queen Ariella, promising that although the burden of the crown might now leave her, she would remain forever his queen; she replied that he too, is forever her king. King Byron then took Her Majesty’s crown and placed it upon the Queen’s throne, and released Her Excellency, Countess Ariella, back to the populace.
His Majesty drew the Sword of State and upon it Prince Arnthor swore an oath of fealty and service to the Kingdom and its people. In response, Byron affirmed that he knew Their Highnesses would be good and true stewards of the realm. Whereupon His Majesty removed the prince’s coronet from His Highness’ brow. Earl Byron then relinquished the crown and placed it upon Arnthor’s head, anointing him, and kneeling before him, right him King.
Thus ended the reign of Thomas Byron II Rex and Ariella II Regina, forty-eighth King and Queen of Æthelmearc.
Are you an equestrian who could use some garb or one who has the knowledge of good riding garb to share? Are you a sewer or costumer and can lend your talents to those who need garb and want to learn to sew more? Please come join us on Sunday, October 30 from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Our castle (755 Stonegate Drive, Wexford PA 15090) is still a construction site so please park on the street and walk down. We do have two big rooms for sewing but more machines, irons, and ironing boards are welcome!
SCA Name & title: Meesteres Odriana Vander Brugghe, OL
Years in the SCA: 34 total at varying levels of participation.
How did you find out about the SCA? I went to High School with someone that was very active in our local group and then after High School, I dated someone that was also active in the local group and they introduced me to Adriana Ramstar, who was my SCA mom.
Where did you start, what was your first event? Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands. I don’t remember the name of my first event, and I basically spent the whole event in the kitchen. It was a Royal Progress event (Randal and Katherine) and my boyfriend got his Award of Arms.
What is your persona? Odriana exists in the late 16th century and lives in Brugge, near the town center. She has an adult daughter who has taken up orders in the Beguinage (the only Roman Catholic institution permitted to still exist in Brugge at that time) and her husband is a ship builder who lives most of the year in Antwerp as there’s no work for him in Brugge. They are nearing retirement and are looking forward to spending their remaining years together enjoying the fruits of their labors.
Selfie from Crown Tournament some time in 2014.
Why did you pick this persona? I originally was focusing my work on a 14th century Scottish persona as that felt the most meaningful to me at the time. I started studying Netherlandish cookbooks and fell in love with the culture. Particularly in Brugge. It reminded me of Pittsburgh in the 1980’s, not quite dead but dying and work moving out of the city to elsewhere. My name means “Odriana of the bridge” and was another nod to Pittsburgh.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? I’ve been in the Debatable Lands my entire time in the SCA, and my household is Huis Witschoof, which I founded after I was elevated to the Order of the Laurel. It includes members from Æthelmearc and the East.
Cooking Ian’s Inn (2013)
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? Cooking (obviously), sewing, pattern making, illumination, heraldry (name heraldry), and knitting. I do a lot of service as well.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) In the Debatable Lands I’ve been the Seneschal, Signet, Web minister, Historian, Steward, and Room Reservationist when I
worked for CMU. I’ve also served at the Kingdom level most recently as Kingdom MOL and Deputy Authorization Clerk, but I’ve also been the Deputy A&S Minister, Provost of the Æcademy, Chancellor of the Æcademy, and Clerk of the Fleur.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? Absolutely none. I was 18 and enjoying myself.
What are your goals now? I want to serve my Kingdom and mentor my apprentices so that they can reach their goals.
At my elevation with my Laurel, Master Huen Dambrygge.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? I didn’t feel that anything was intimidating as such. Mostly I had the normal concerns that one has when stepping up to do something, the judgement of others. When I was younger, that had more weight. As I’ve aged and had more time in, I’ve learned to listen to those who matter in that regard and understand that you can’t please everyone.
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? My biggest advice is to find the things that you’re passionate about and that make you happy and focus on those. If you aren’t enjoying what you’re doing, you need to take a step back to understand why and if it’s correctable, then do that. If not, then don’t. Move on. You aren’t here to build a career; you are here to enjoy a hobby.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
The event Facebook page can be found here. 
