8, Tuesday – Bog Officer’s Meeting

12, Saturday – In the Court of the Khan (Debatable Lands)

13, Sunday – Bog Practice/Get Together/Business Meeting at Roxbury Park.

19-21, Fri-Sun – Honor and Chivalry (St. Swithin’s Bog)

26, Saturday – Summer Picnic (Sunderoak)

2 - 17 – Pennsic

23, Saturday – Baronial Champs event (St. Swithin's Bog)

Greetings Fellow Boggers

We enjoyed seeing many of you at the Western Borders event (Defending the Border). Thank you all for supporting the Barony and a Big thanks to Lady Katerina who put pen to parchment and did several scrolls on the spot.

As many of you know there is talk of going Shire in the Westmoreland County area. If you have strong feelings about this either way, please make sure your membership is current so that your voice may be heard. A polling is pending.

The Three-Day is fast approaching and we know a good time will be had by all. Please contact THL Cynthia to volunteer, there is always something needing done for an event this large.

The stirrings of War can be heard. If you are going to Pennsic remember to pack your sun block and to drink plenty of water. We will be guarding the gate at AEthelmearc again this year, day and time to be announced. Opening ceremonies will be held Sunday August 10th, please process with the Barony and the Kingdom if you are able.

Baronial Champs will be held Saturday August 30th, Lady Kat is autocrating.

We are approaching our two-year anniversary as your Baron and Baroness and we still are amazed at the people of the Bog. We are so honored to represent the Barony and look forward to our next year of service.

So long as the Cattails grow and the Raven flies, we remain in Service, to Crown And Bog
Baron Aquila and Baroness AElfra

I hope this missive finds all in good spirits and open minds today. Recently the winds of change have been blowing and the torrents of spring rain have brought a season of change and growth. The seed has been planted in our Kingdom for the blossoming of a new group. Betwixt the borders of BMDL and the Bog there may grow a new group consisting of old friends and acquaintances and new friends to be made.

This of course will not be final until the populous living in these areas have been polled as to their desires. The Baron and Baroness, the Officers of the Bog and myself, as Seneschal, desire to see the wishes of our Barony's populous met. We will work together to see that those desiring to venture forth to a new land are able to do so and those desiring to remain within the borders of the Bog may do so. It may be a very funny looking map but we are willing to do what we can for the following reasons.

This is a hobby, a past time. A stress reliever to take us away from the drudgery, politics and nasties of human nature that exist in our day to day world. We all have joined in this "Dream" as we hold the attributes of Honor, Courtesy and Chivalry in high esteem and we have a FUN time trying to re-create a time in our history when those romantic ideals were paramount. As officers and Baronial heads we hold these positions because we want to enable a local arena for the pursuits of this re-creation to take place. We want to have fun, make friends AND NOT BE STRESSED.

In hearing this know that we understand the need for persons to have local groups so that they may pursue their fun in a local arena also. Recently some unfortunate communications or perhaps miscommunications have taken place. I will tell you all right now, that as Seneschal I will not tolerate crap in my wheaties. Folks, we only get one Bowl of Wheaties in life and the object is not to let people shit in it! We are to be mature, well informed, respectable adults who have the wonderful advantage of several venues to find the Laws and Policies of our Sylvan Kingdom, so that we may know how things are to be done. All we have to do is read them.

In doing this we would also find the sage advice of those who have been in the Society since the dawn of its time, that there are proper routes for concerns. Proper venues for concerns and ways for them to be addressed. I'm not on a power trip here, I'm a regular person who joined the Society to have fun, I'm an officer because I believed, and the persons who voted for me believed that I could do a good job. Part of that job is making sure there are no turds being flung into our collective bowl of wheaties. If you have a concern..........FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE. I know that Dona Caroline did. That's one reason she's the Exchequer, we have a measure of trust in her. We do occasionally mess up, perfect example; I forgot the conversation I had at the Westmoreland Gathering in June, where I agreed to change the meeting date and having it at Roxbury. OOOOps I made a boo boo. I will do my best to fix it. In the Bog we tend to do that, admit our mistakes and try to fix them. I have yet to experience true malice in actions of Bog members. To insinuate purposeful intent where mistakes are made is not very chivalrous. To do so in a mundane arena could land you with liable or slander charges.

Let us not get our small clothes in a knot. Please may we move forth from this unfortunate incident and not add any fuel to the flames of our anger. Some of us are very passionate in our pursuit and tend to well, get cranked when someone craps in our Bowl of Wheaties. As Seneschal (and Cait/Chronicler please use this as my July newsletter article) I want all to know that there is no true reason for unrest. The Bog is willing to help those who desire to go on their own. I send my pleas now to Kingdom Seneschal to aid us in expediting the process. I was told BMDL was willing to give up some zips as well. I'm sure they wouldn't mind a quick move in this endeavor. As members and officers perhaps we have much to discuss. I desire to see this incident closed and in the past. Let it not grow more.

A critique will take place at the officers meeting in July to review if anything was amiss and procedures for avoidance of the same will be solidified. All MEMBERS of the Bog Populous are welcome to attend the officers meetings. July ,8th, a Tuesday will find us at Baron and Baroness home 'round 6:30ish. All members, non members and interested persons of the Society are welcome to attend our July Baronial Business Meeting to be held at 6pm-ish on the 13th of July at a practice/get together (starting 2ish) at Roxbury park.

I end this missive bidding all of you a pleasant eve and a better marrow. May we all have FUN in our hobby, remember to treat each other with Courtesy and Honor because it is the Chivalrous thing to do. And yes, if you can't play nice I will run and tell Kingdom (wheayyy).

In service to the Society and the Bog Lady Augusta Long called Talishar

Tali ;-)

Your chronicler is finally getting better, thank you to all who expressed concern.

Unfortunately, I will yet again miss attending Pennsic, but I encourage all those going to take some paper and a quill pen or two to the event and write an article for the newsletter. I made this request last year, and received one that I apparently never put in the newsletter (sorry Esmeralda). But I promise to do better this year, if only all of you attending will send me your stories - be they humorous (Lodovick was found tied to a tree) or an inspiring tale of chivalry; a novice’s or an old-timer’s view of Pennsic.

Meanwhile, if you have any submissions, suggestions, or artwork for the cover or as inside filler, please contact me, Cait (aka Kathleen) at 724-238-0114 (if you get the answering machine, please leave a message) or bogchronicler@yahoo.com.

Minutes from the Bog's June Business Meeting

Greetings all,

Your seneschal has gotten off her rather large lazy but (well, ok I'm currently sitting) and will now post snippets from the June Bog Business Meeting. (of which I failed to do for the month of May----but did anyone notice???)

Baron/ess: Please attend the Spring Thing! Thank you.

Exchequer: A savings account has been opened (in conjunction with our fiscal budget and planning) It has 2,000 in it and the checking has 3,651.

A&S: Viv will be outgoing at the end of her term (Viv :-)......Ian will be stepping in (Ian ;-{

Chatelaine: Rebecca Manor demo June 29th. Reserve with Charmaine for the Pig roast we are invited to at 11:30 that day. After words, everyone meet and hang at the Castle Pub.

Chronicler: Newsletter was a little behind due to health concern of our Chronicler. We all wish her good health soon.

The portable holes are completed-all 40 of them.

Spring thing going as planned, $8 a head, please attend- you'll have fun.

Three day going as planned, no official report at this time due to word that THL Cynthia was asleep in her castle and all feared the coming of armageddon if she was awoken.

Herald: Ludwig, please advise the officers and populous what is up with your office, are you current? Do you need a replacement? ????

Several Gentles from the far borderlands of Westland Moors came with a proposal. There are those who reside in the far hinterlands that border Bog and BMDL. They have spoken with BMDL and have the thumbs up to obtain some zip codes from that area. They would like to obtain some from the Bog as well in order to create a new Shire. I have sent an email to Kingdom Seneschal requesting her assistance in obtaining zip lists and membership information. A polling of ALL shall take place and zip codes may be released for the forming of the new group. Some may be retained as some populous desires to remain within the borders of the Barony. More as it develops.........And thusly Chaos was declared and all Boggers degenerated into loud but friendly conversations, while some hurriedly escaped so as not to be sucked into doing anything.

Talishar

At the June 10, 2003, meeting on the Western Border of the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog, the following items were discussed:

Spring Thing Event – All plans are moving right along (and hopefully will have gone off without a hitch). All present at the meeting also agreed that the bowls, banners, tablecloths, etc. would, after the event, be transported to THLady Cynthia and Lord Tower’s for storage along with the rest of the Barony’s property.

The Bog’s July Business Meeting – Cait (me) had proposed a practice/picnic/business meeting to be held at the Summit Park in Linn Run State Park on Sunday July 13, but due to health reason’s this has been postponed till later this year or next. The practice/picnic/business meeting will instead be held on the 13^th at Roxbury Park in Johnstown. Practices will begin at 2pm, and the business meeting will start around 6pm. If bad weather, the meeting portion of the day will be relocated to Lady Sarai’s.

Shire in Westmoreland County – Baroness Aelfra reminded all present that until a survey - asking if a desire exists for a Shire or Canton or No Change - has been sent out to the Bog’s Westmoreland County members, nothing official can be done in this area. She also stated that should the populous vote for a shire, no walls would be constructed to separate the two groups rather both would work and play together as always. And she encouraged all members of the potential shire to not make hasty decisions based on misguided loyalty or fear of change. Both Lady Talishar, Barony Seneschal, and THL Talisidhe of BMDL have contacted Kingdom separately about receiving the addresses of members to be polled. Meanwhile, all present agreed that there was no reason the borders of the Bog and BMDL could not start planning and playing together. The initiative just needs to be made by those living on the borders. Already Master Gwilym is holding Archery practices and will hold an all day event on Saturday July 21. Anyone interested in attending one of his practices should contact him directly. Westmoreland County Boggers interested in hosting or coordinating a class or practice should write down their idea(s) to bring to the next Border meeting or Bog Business meeting, or at least post the "who, what, where and when" on the e-group - if you want it placed in the Sentinel, contact me (Cait) at bogchronicler@yahoo.com or 724-238-0114, the newsletter deadline is the 15^th of each month!

Border Meetings – Because Adams Memorial Library in Latrobe is not available for July and the Linn Run picnic was cancelled, it was agreed that there would be no "official" meeting of the border. Official meetings will resume in September. (No August meeting due to Pennsic - although everyone is encouraged to attend the Barony’s Baronial Champs event to be held on August 23 in Latrobe.) Morgan suggested changing the monthly border gatherings from the 2^nd Tuesday of every month to the 2^nd Sunday - I don’t know sounds like he volunteered to find us a place, what do you say Morgan? Several people suggested Casa Chapala again. The idea of a practice/picnic/gathering in the Greensburg area was also suggested as the kick off of the Sunday meetings - a chance for the Westmoreland members of both the Bog and BMDL to meet and talk (although all members of both baronies would be welcome). Further details will be posted in the August and September Sentinels.

Two Westmoreland County residents of BMDL attended the meeting - THL Talisidhe and Lord Aeryck. Their addresses where taken to be sent to Charmaine for the Bog’s annual directory and also for the Sentinel.

After which as usually happens, all faded into general chaos and merriment. Approximately 19 people attended the meeting - Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend!

In service,
Cait

Unto the faire populous of St. Swithin's Bog and to the noble folk who drove from far afield to join us at this year's Spring Thing do I send greetings.

The day, which had dawned gloomy turned fair when friends both new and old met and joined in games and companionship. It was an honor to work with all those whose hands helped shape the feast, song, martial activities, and clean up.

And so I, Deryk, humbled by his experience, send thanks to his Baron and Baroness, staff, and guests.

Thanks much, Morgan

The Sylvan Crusade, although soggy, was as last year a grand event!!! The Royal Rose Tournament was a smashing success as well!!! Our three day event will be the fourth of these tournaments. (Start time approximately 11 A.M.) I encourage all to take some time to watch a most spectacular display of honor, chivalry and best of all fighting!!! His Majesty put on quite an exhibition, I must say. In my site pamphlet, I will explain a bit more about this tournament. :) Tower and myself are planning on going to Pennsic this Saturday for the "BIG" Kingdom Pavilion for use at the three day. As you know it mostly has been sunny and very hot and rain is always a possibility so either way the pavilion is needed. Things will have to be moved around, however, to accommodate the pavilion. Still will be setting up Thursday of the event so help will be greatly appreciated. His Excellency Rurik told me he will be on site from Thursday night on so I am confident that all will be guarded well.

On Sunday of the event we will be privileged with a CURIA to start 9:00 A.M. I know for some of you this is early, but if you have never been witnessed to one, now is you chance. Watch as your King and Queen make decisions and how policies are passed.

This is it for my report, aren't you all so glad!

In Service to apparently everyone! LOL!

Cynthia

If anyone has a registered device, please send a pic and blazon to Lord Kenn so that it may be placed in the Bog Armoral. If you haven't been there lately- check it out!! Lord Kenn does a fantastic job but could use your help with info and pictures and such. – Baroness AElfra

Is there someone in the Bog whom you think should be recognized for their service or skills (marshal or artistic)? Now is the time to write in recommendations for awards to their Majesties, Christopher and Maurya, and their Excellencies, Aquila and AElfra.

Greetings,

I am Lady Angelique d'Herisson from the Middle Kingdom and I am organizing a blood drive at Pennsic War this year. I would like to make the populace aware of their opportunity to help others win their battles for life as we fight ours for honor.

Here is a short description of the blood drive:

Pennsic Blood Drive: *Be a Hero, Help Save a Life at Pennsic War* Friday, August 8 and Monday, August 11 from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Zion Baptist Church, 148 Curry Road, Slippery Rock, PA

The church is within walking distance from the Pennsic grounds (just below Mt. Eislinn by the Woods Battle) and will also be on the hay wagon stop for the two days.

Honor and Chivalry go hand in hand with the idea of chivalry encompassing honor, loyalty, and romance.

"Live pure, speak true, right wrong and follow the King,"

ROSE ROYAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT:

A tournament series hosted by the Ladies of the Rose. All fighters are encouraged to participate in the open invitational tournaments held before the Rose Royal Tournament. Please refer to the April 2003 AEstel on page 10 for complete details. Watch for future announcements and updates.

BARONIAL HEAVY WEAPONS TOURNEY TO FOLLOW.

INTER BARONIAL RAPIER CHAMPIONSHIP:

Once again, our Barony will proudly host the 3rd Annual Pearls of AEthelmearc Inter-Baronial Rapier Championship. The Championship tournament will begin promptly at 9:00am on Saturday morning (inspections will begin at 8:15am). The tournament is set up for light rapier combat, the same as last year's. However, if both opponents wish to use heavy rapier, they may do so.

There will also be a Rapier tourney in the afternoon for all those attending......tournament details will be announced at a later date. Inter-Baronial Championships in the morning and a tourney in the afternoon, come and join us for a full day of fencing in the Bog!

Archers come and make your mark and show the bog what you are made of!

If none of the above strikes your fancy, please come and try your hand at Thrown Weapons.

Our annual A & S Competition will take place at this time, a brewing competition with grand prizes and several classes offered.

Children’s Activities are planned throughout the day, including a mini A&S competition, story telling, scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts. Please contact Lady Morrigan; Robbin Ford; ladyredknight@hotmail.com; if you can lend a hand.

Visit our website www.stswithinsbog.org for complete details of the above activities.

AUTOCRAT: THL Cynthia Loved of Tower; Cynthia Chapple, (814) 266-1347
CO-AUTOCRAT: Count Sir. Rurik; Jason Frederick, (724)789-7649
AUTOCRAT IN TRAINING: Lord Francis Martin; James Ford.
CO-FEASTOCRATS: Lord Kusar Ussed; Norman Ed, (814)244-3335 and Don Iago, Ken Kusher, Spamyard5@yahoo.com; please let either of these two gentles know of any dietary restrictions. MERCHANTOCRAT: Lady Andree of Snow Rose, antfur@aol.com.

Setup is free and space is limited, so please reserve early. (A donation of one item per merchant; which would go into the war chest for prizes; would be greatly appreciated)

RESERVATIONIST: Dona Caroline of Burgundy, Caroline Felesky, 695 Keyser Road, Boswell, PA 15531-2028, (814)629-5794. (No calls after 10:00 P.M.) AS ALWAYS THE ONLY GOOD RESERVATION IS A PAID RESERVATION. (Feast is limited to the first 150 gentles and your reservation must be received no later than July 15, 2003)

Prices for this most spectacular event: $20.00 on board; includes, site fee, camping and five meals throughout the weekend. Off board $14.00 includes everything as stated minus the feast. Out Board (Regardless of when you show on Saturday)....$10.00 (Which includes two meals) Gentles under the age of 18 are half price for any of the above. NMSC does not apply in any case. (If troll is in question about age, ID may be asked for) Children under the age of 5 eat and troll in free.

The site opens on Friday July 18, 2003 at 4:00 P.M. and closes noon sharp on Sunday, July 20, 2003. There will not be a demo on Sunday. Troll opens on Friday from 4:00-10:00P.M. And will reopen on Saturday from 8:00A.M. and will close at 4:00 P.M.

A $3.00 discount will be given to any gentle with proof of SCA membership

DIRECTIONS: Site location, The Greater Johnstown Saddle Club, Saddle Club Road, Elton, PA. Sail your best way to Rt. 219. Get off on Rt. 756 (Elton exit). From the south, sail right: from the north, sail left. Go 2.4 miles on 756 east. Sail left at the first stop sign onto Rt. 160 North. Go 1.8 miles on Rt. 160 North to Krayn Rd. Sail right on Krayn Rd. Go .8 of a mile and sail right onto Saddle Club Road. Site is .5 of a mile on the left. Look for the SCA signs.