Present online: Marieke, Séamas, Kastana, Leo, Æthelwulf, Vindiorix, Lavinia, William. (Others tried to join but were foiled by the tricksiness of Discord .)
Seneschal: Kastana reviewed the notes from our last meeting in September. For this quarter, she said things are quiet, as they usually are this time of year. Our year-end elections resulted in Katherine becoming Exchequer, Nickolai becoming Chatelain, Marieke continuing as Web Minister, Ābele stepping up as our new Gold Key Deputy, and other offices staying as they are.
Social Media: Kastana said that discussions on Facebook and Discord are lively, with some excellent sharing of resources.
Upcoming events: Marieke has submitted a bid for Mimir’s Well (in process), and Leo will be talking later about our 50th year Birthday Party.
Web Ministry: Marieke reported that the shire website is updated with our new officers, she’s made some minor layout changes, and all is well. Contact her if you see the need for any improvements.
Exchequer: Marieke reported (as Deputy Exchequer) that the bank transition to the TD Bank is complete and we’ve closed the account at Community Bank. We have a comfortable cushion of funds to absorb any risks associated with a large event like our upcoming 50th Birthday.
Arts and Sciences: Séamas said that our monthly meetings are on hold because the new Sunday fighting and fencing site doesn’t have room for additional activities. If you know of a place, or want to host a meeting, please contact him. Also, at Mimir’s Well, we’ll hold our yearly Shire A&S Championship. The theme this year is “Tools of the Trade”.
Chatelain: Leo, as Deputy, said he’s not sure of Nickolai’s plans for our participation in the Winter Renfaire, which is happening on Feb. 7-8, at the Fairgrounds in Essex. He thanked Ābele for taking on the Gold Key role, as well as all of the boxes of garb, racks, and associated items and responsibilities for the office.
Freehold’s 50th: Leo is autocrat. The date is Sept. 25-27, and the site is Camp Abnaki in North Hero, VT. We mailed a non-refundable deposit, so we’re committed. The site has everything we need, including cabins and a fine kitchen, and it has indoor and outdoor space for many possible activities. We will hold our usual Shire Championship Tournaments there (archery, fencing, heavy list, and thrown weapons – there’s room for everything.) Leo is hopeful that this will be a Royal Progress event, with a Court, and the possibility for more Freeholders to be recognized. We can make that more likely by also offering a Kingdom Championship Tourney, and he will look into that. One of the more complex aspects of the event will be feeding everyone over multiple days. The Kelpie Cooks are looking for assistance. We will also need help with booking the cabins, decorations, running classes, setting up various field scenarios, Gate, parking, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities for Freeholders to pitch in, to make this all work.
This quick and efficient meeting ended after about half an hour.
Notes by Marieke