Imbolc

Imbolc (the first of its kind) took place on the 1st of February this year. Organised by Princess Gwerful and Noble Mallymkun and assisted by Noble Ingemar, the day was centered around the start of spring and preservation of foods to last through the winter. Attendees were asked to bring foods that they preserved or dishes that preserved foods were incorporated in. As per the tradition of no one going hungry at a feast in any form, there was an absolute abundance of food on the tables. This author would argue that the populace could have filled their plates three times and we would not have run out, thanks to everyone’s generosity.

While the food was great, it was not the only thing that made Imbolc a great day. The event staff had put a lot of effort into making the hall look nice and festive, something that was immediately obvious upon entry. There were little nicknacks and sprigs of rosemary (an evergreen), dried fruits and tea lights to create an Ambiance pleasing to the eyes. Pleasing to the stomach were the biscuits at registration, provided by Princess Gwerful.

Between eating biscuits and preserved foods, the event also offered three different classes to entertain not just the populace, but also those of higher rank. With riveting hands-on classes to produce candles, St. Brigid’s crosses and butter, who can blame them. In fact, we could only hope to join in on the fun.

Shire Business beyond

You may be aware that our shire falls within the principality of Insulae Draconis, and that the honour of Prince and Princess befalls to those who show great prowess in the art of heavy armour fighting. Rejoice, for the Coronet Tournament that was hosted by our neighbours of Depedene under Wychwood on the Big Isle was won by none other than our own Prince Mícheál and Princess Gwerful! Our shire shall have to be on their best behaviour to not fall out of their Highnesses good graces. After all, we hope her Highness maintains her current decree: "Let them eat biscuits!”

A glance of the future

Reminiscing of the past is a wonderful way to spend time. However, what truly makes our hearts beat faster is the anticipation for Strawberry Raid, taking place from 27 May to 1 June this year. Many things have already been announced, such as a tremendous A&S program. So far we’ve already had 27 classes submitted on a variety of subjects. To wet your appetite, there is a class on Sprang, and on making coiled baskets. There is a class on singing and on making tablet woven cords. There is a class on undergarments, and on the use of poisonous plants (theory, not practice). There is a class on brewing, and on woodworking. There’s a class on smocking, and on medieval baking. And besides those (the traditional A&S classes), there are also beginner classes on how to do other things, like archery, heralding, event stewarding, rapier, armoured combat, teaching a class, and more! Expand your horizons. Learn new things. Get even more hobbies.

But speaking of A&S, the Laurel Prize Display that first appeared at Strawberry Raid in the year gone past will make its return. If you’re so inclined, gather your projects and gush about how you made them to people who truly want to know about them. Voluntary and engaged listeners!

If you don’t have an A&S project that you’re working on, but are in the mood for something new, there will be a market again this year. Head there to browse the wares and find your next favourite piece of kit.

Combat has always been a big part of Strawberry Raid, and the event team has made sure that this year is no exception. We will be graced by the presence and prowess of Sir Helga. Tickets for Sir Helga’s class can be purchased via the website already, so sign up if you are interested. Besides Sir Helga’s classes, there shall also be a Special Tournament (not coronet, that was last year): the Daffodil Tournament. This is a tournament for both the Heavy and Rapier fighters (not facing off against each other) where the populace will have a chance to see both disciplines in action. While there is a fee for participation, the full proceeds will go to the Irish Cancer Society. Sign up via this form or at the event itself (Friday of the event will be the last day to sign up).

All of the above sounds very exciting to this author, but wait! There is More.
Word has gone round that an Elevation is expected at Strawberry Raid. With all the Royalty in attendance (indeed, Their Majesties themselves will be there to lend their magnificence and splendour to the proceedings) we are sure to witness something spectacular. And add to the spectacle we must, and so we call each and every one to bring their shiniest and fanciest garb and join us in a red carpet event (or catwalk) before the court of said Elevation, so that we can all revel in the moment and also make the following court one of the best dressed in the history of our shire.

If you haven’t booked your ticket yet, you can do so here. For more information, please visit the dedicated Strawberry Raid page here.

A&S days

Inspired by the preview of Strawberry Raid but in need of some dedicated A&S time to last minute make a new piece of garb, or work on something for your camp setup? Fret not, for we have 2 more A&S days planned at Santry before we head down to Wexford.

Sign up for the A&S days on the 18th of April or the 16th of May.

Book review: Calligraphy & Lettering; a Maker’s Guide

The book looks very practical and pretty at the same time. On the first flick through, you will see many beautiful examples of modern and historical calligraphy and lettering, which makes it versatile. With this book you may take your first steps towards becoming a scribe while also learn to design party invitations (if there is a lack of party in your life, this author is willing to help plan a party for use of these hypothetical invitations).

At a glance, the book is divided into five chapters:
1) an unnamed introductory chapter,
2) classic calligraphy,
3) capitals & initials,
4) decoration & display,
5) beyond western calligraphy,
followed by ~6) glossary, index, etc.

The introductory chapter includes an introduction by Denise Lach, a calligrahper and conceptual lettering artist who teaches at the Basel School of Design. Several of her works are displayed in the book, and she provides an interesting perspective on the art. To quote:

It being a “maker’s guide”, the intention of the book is to help one with the aforementioned rediscovery. In order to do so, it provides information on common tools and materials, and advice on how to use them. As a novice in the art, this author found out that not all types of ink work well with dip pens, which may explain some of the results of prior experiments. Similarly, the book explains how to get started with writing, explaining how to attach reservoirs (if using), spacing letters, making layouts, testing the grain of paper, etc. Conveniently, it also troubleshoots common issues (e.g. bad ink flow), helping novices get past the first hurdles, and explains how to erase errors (very useful this author would think).

The second chapter (Classic Calligraphy) opens with a fun introduction on historical calligraphy and how it was hard work. One surprising (to this author at least) complaint from the scribes of old was “hairy parchment”. One can understand how this would impede crisp strokes.
While some historical overview of calligraphy is provided, it is not the main focus of this chapter. The very brief history serves to introduce particular scripts, namely Roman capitals, Foundational hand, Gothic script and Italic script. Each of these come with examples of extant manuscripts, information on letterforms, stroke orders, letter family groups with instructions, how to set margins, and a project to practice the hand in question and put it to use. For example, the project for Roman capitals is a wall hanging banner, while the project for Italic is a menu card.

The chapter on Capitals & Initials is probably where most of our eyes will immediately go, for there are many examples provided in various styles that are appropriate to the periods our society is active in. Again there are some paraghraphs with general information, but the main part of this chapter is dedicated to a couple up-close examples of capitals and corresponding projects. The projects are thorough and educational (this author learned about sandarac and to apply it to prevent ink bleeding) and cover a variety of techniques: puzzle initials on vellum, an illuminated letter bookmark with gold leaf, embossing, and making a monogram stamp out of an eraser. As you will have noticed, the latter two are more modern inspired.

The subject and projects in the next chapter are also more focused on modern calligraphy as we explore Decorations & Displays. While we are presented with a beautifully written piece with many pen flourishes from the 1560s and a corresponding name tag project, the rest of the chapter focuses on chalkboard lettering, vintage sign writing (feeling more early 20th century), calligraphy on stones (surprising), and more. As we are used to by now, each style comes with its own project.

The last chapter of the book goes Beyond Western Calligraphy, with a little more theory than the previous chapters. This too comes with highlighted techniques (such as Japanese calligraphy) and projects to try your hand at them. With only 20 pages, it is the shortest chapter of the book, however it does offer some inspiring pieces of calligraphy.

Overall, this author would say the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to enable anyone to pick up a new hobby, or in the book’s own words: “to find new creative direction through the timeless arts of calligraphy and hand-lettering”. It would probably serve someone who is new to the art the most, as it presents a broad overview of the art, rather than an in-depth study of specific styles. One could see it as an introductory course with a new style and project every week, if one were to space the projects out as such. Our more experienced scribes probably won’t be surprised by the contents of this book, but may find the projects interesting as a different way to explore the art.

Today, but several hundred years ago!

On April 15th (yes we are two days early) of 1621, Hugo de Groot arrived in France after escaping from Castle Loevenstein (The Netherlands) in a book chest. Yes, you read that correctly. He escaped pretending to be a pile of books.

Hugo de Groot (or Grotius, if you prefer to be more Latin about it) was a Dutch jurist and a humanist scholar who had a great influence on international law. During the 80 Year’s War and the 12 Year’s Truce between Spain and the Dutch Republic, Hugo picked the wrong side in a conflict between Prince Maurits and Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. As a result, he was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment in Castle Loevenstein for the rest of his life. As a scholar, however, he was allowed to continue his studies and his writings, which he did for a good 2 years. His wife, Maria van Reigersberch, had the genuis idea to use the chest in which his books for studies arrived as a means of escape. Books are quite heavy, and the chest was quite large. It is said Hugo practiced staying still inside the chest for several hours at a time.

On the day of the great escape, they took the books out of the chest and placed them in the bed to make it seem like Hugo was there rather than inside the chest. And so Hugo is carried out of his prison by his very guards, and escapes to Antwerp and beyond.

In the news

Senechal, at your service.

Our shire is graced by a wonderful team of Officers who keep the organisation going. Each officer fulfils the role for 2 years, after which they may be reelected or may need to step down as they have reached their maximum term length. Next year, the post of Senechal will become eligble for election, and so our current Senechal, THL Alays de Lunel, is looking for a successor.

You are probably aware of the fruits of the Chronicler’s labour (this newsletter) but perhaps you are like this author and are a little unsure of what the Senechal does? We shall have to remedy that.

The Senechal is essentially the chairperson for our shire and do a lot of work behind the scenes. For example, they keep an eye on whether our shire has the required officers and when their terms end. In case of a missing officer, they ensure the needed activities are still scheduled (think our shire’s A&S days). They organise and run shire meetings when needed, such as when new officers need to be elected, or when events need to be planned.

Speaking of event planning, the Senechal keeps an eye on the rotating events in our kingdom’s calendar, such as Crown and Coronation, as well as Coronet and many others, and bring these to the shire for consideration of whether we want to make a bid for and host these events. After events have taken place, the Senechal plays a role in ensuring that the event reports are submitted (by gently reminding the event stewards).

Interested? Talk to THL Alays de Lunel about the job, and consider nominating yourself as a candidate for the Senechal position in our officer election next year February!

Other Shire roles

Besides the upcoming election for Senechal next year, there are currently a number of officer positions unfilled:

• Minister of Arts & Sciences (MoAS)

• Knight Marshal

• Marshal of Fence

• DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging)

If you would like to learn more or have any interest in any of these roles, please reach out to our wonderful senechal THL Alays de Lunel.

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