Present via Discord: Cat, Kastana, Leo, Marieke, Séamas, Lisabetta, Æthelwulf. (Note – some others attempted to join but were unable, due to various issues.)
SENESCHAL
Kastana reviewed the notes from our April meeting.
She’s handling a reported harassment issue.
She congratulated the many Freeholders who have been called into Court over the summer to receive well-deserved recognition from the Royalty. She also warmly acknowledged our new Freehold Fencing Champion, Sylvain, and our new Archery Champion, Charles James. At Birthday Bash, our Archery Marshals, Lavina and William, received the Shire’s Kelpie Recognition for their service.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Kastana is pleased with the lively and interesting chatter on the shire’s Discord Channel.
CHATELAIN
Leo reported that the summer RenFaire demo with Panther Vale went very well and we netted a few new members from that. The Winter RenFaire will be Feb. 7-8, 2026.
Leo said that at this point in our shire’s growth, we are forming subsets of people grouped around various interests and activities, which is natural. But we should encourage people to build bridges, and take an interest in what other folk are doing, to solidify our shire’s cohesiveness and prevent cliques from forming.
Leo’s term as Chatelain will end in December, but he will remain available to assist his replacement. The office will be open for our next election cycle (Nov-Dec) but he endorses his Deputy, Nickolai, who has been doing a fine job.
Speaking of deputies, Leo thinks this office could benefit from a Gold Key Deputy for storage and transport of the shire’s Loaner Garb. Duties would include: Storing a few bins of loaner garb, accepting donations, culling the inventory, and either doing repairs or finding people to help with that. The Gold Key Deputy would bring a selection of loaner garments to events where they are needed (not all of the bins!) or delegate somebody else to do this.
ARTS AND SCIENCES
Séamas reported that the theme for our next Shire Arts and Sciences Championship (to be held in the spring at Mimir’s Well) was announced at Birthday Bash, as is now customary. The current Champion, Tofa geit, has chosen “Tools of the Trade”. Competing entries should showcase this theme. Tofa or Séamas can answer any questions.
Shirefolk are working on many different projects (check the A&S Discord channel to get an idea). Hrefna’s recent Silk Painting class was well attended. Séamas said the shire owns a large bin of art supplies that are available for use, and he will make an inventory and post it.
WEB MINISTER
Marieke said all’s well with the website. The web minister office will be up for election at the end of the year, if somebody else wants to give this a try. Duties include: Updating website content, as well as some behind-the-scenes technical work such as mapping Gmail addresses to officer aliases, and maintaining the GoogleGroups email lists for officers.
EXCHEQUER
Marieke reported (as Deputy Exchequer) that Birthday Bash made about $100 and she thanked Stefania for running a fine event despite dreary weather.
The bank switch to TD Bank is now, finally, complete.
Dietrich’s term will end soon, and we will definitely need to fill this position.
FENCING MARSHAL
Cat said the last practice had between 10-20 participants, between fencers and fighters.
The shire has several Fencing Marshals in Training, at various stages, including Sylvain, Nickolai, Miles and Sage. Leo said he’s no longer a Fencing Marshal but he’s available to help.
The Shire Fencing Championship was devised by Sage and held in the woods with some lively and whimsical scenarios. Participants and onlookers had a great time. Congratulations to our new Champion, Sylvain!
HEAVY LIST MARSHAL
Æthelwulf reported there were 8 heavy-listers at the last practice.
There are important new combat rules and armor standards, which are available online, or ask your friendly marshal for details.
Our Shire Heavy List champion still needs to be chosen.
OTHER NOTES
Stefania and others are looking for a suitable site for Thrown Weapons.
Our Shire’s 50th Birthday will be held next fall! Leo and a few others are working on finding a site. Let him know if you want to help with planning.
We believe it’s Panther Vale’s turn to host Yule Feast/Twelfth Night this winter.
Lisabetta has offered to create some commemorative artwork for the shire. Then, via her account at the online Zazzle store, she can have the design custom-printed on pretty much anything we care to purchase: mugs, tshirts, tote bags, and the like. If you have ideas for the design, contact her.
Notes by Marieke