02, Thursday -- Scribal Guild at Chapple's (BSSB)
11, Saturday -- Thrown Weapons Day (BSSB)
12, Sunday -- Bog Baronial Business meeting
10-12 – Fall Crown Tourney (Thescorre)
14, Tuesday -- Ceili Night at Adams Memorial Library (Latrobe/BSSB)
18, Saturday – Baronial Investiture (BMDL)
19, Sunday -- **Rescheduled "Intro to Scrolls" Workshop (Greensburg/BSSB)
25, Saturday – Practice/Halloween Party at Chapple's (BSSB)

November 2003

Greeting Fellow Boggers

     As many of you already know, we will not be seeking a second term for Baron and Baroness. We have full confidence in all the candidates and expect that the Barony will be well represented by your choice.
     Congratulations to the new Baronial Champions- Lord Francis Martin (fence), Lord Deryk Archer (archery), Gunther (rattan), and Baab the undecided (thrown weapons).
     Thrown weapons will be getting a boost in the Bog. Isteri and Baab the undecided will be planning a thrown weapons get together some time this month. It's a lot of fun and everyone can do it. (even the Baroness!)
     Please send any recommendations for Baronial awards to us for 12th night. Please send any recommendations you have to the King for Kingdom level awards.
     Changes are coming to the Western Borders area. What these changes will finally be will depend on the polling, the Seneschal and we requested. If those living in the Westmoreland/ Fayette counties have not by this time received their poll it will be soon coming. For heaven's sake VOTE, one way or the other. If this has already been done then very soon we will announce what the changes will be.

Until next time
So long as the Raven flies and the Cattails grow, we remain, in service to Crown and Bog
Baron Aquila and Baroness AElfra

Ian

     I am rescheduling the "Intro to Scrolls" workshop at my house to Sunday, October 19th from about 11-2pm (or longer if needed).  I want to get everyone started on a 5"x7" scroll using an easy transfer system, so it will be easy for everyone to learn the basics.  I plan on working on scrolls myself that day so I don't care if just one other person shows, or ten.  I have all the supplies you will need - I just need you to be here!
     Hope you can make it!
     I also plan to bring my painting supplies with me to Cynthia's house for the Halloween Party/Practice if anyone would like a more private lesson on anything.  Maybe I'll bring my gold foil to demonstrate using that also!

Kat
PS-email me if you need directions (mozina@sgi.net)

     We would like to invite everyone to a thrown weapons day and bonfire on Saturday Oct. 11th, 2003. It will be for anyone interested in learning how to throw hawks and knives to the experienced thrower that would like a day of practice and competition!! We will have a few interesting challenges for you to test your skills.
     You don't have to come just for the throw weapons. Come join us for a fun afternoon and bonfire. There is plenty of room if the heavy weapons and fencers would like to come and play as well. OR if anyone is interested in doing an A&S class this would be a good site with plenty of seating under the pavilion. We will be beginning 3ish and continuing into a bonfire in the evening. Bring your favorite food, drink and person!!! I will be roasting a leg of pig on the spit and possibly a hind quarter of venison if I can find a willing deer until then.
     Also please bring an instrument as music is encouraged and welcome!!!

Directions:

We live 2.7 miles southwest of Somerset off route 281 south.

From the North and east:

Make your best way to Somerset. Follow North Center Ave. to the center of town. Turn onto route 31 west. This is a one-way street. Get in the left lane and go all the way to where the one-way splints either having to go straight or left. Turn left and get into the right lane. You will go one block and turn right onto route 281 south toward New Centerville. As soon as you make the turn (next to Dressler Art Center) set your odometer as our drive is 2.7 miles. Proceed to Concord Drive on the left (there is a street sign) There is also a split rail fence on either side of the drive with a sign on the left saying Tippie Canoe. Turn left onto the lane; go to the bottom of hill, taking the first left turn onto the gravel road. You will go approximately 40 yards and then bear to the right. This will bring you up to our house. There is plenty of parking.

From the West:

If you prefer to travel the turnpike, get off the Somerset exit go to the 2nd light which will be North Center Ave. Turn right, go to the 3^rd light and turn right onto route 31 west. Stay in the left lane following the one-way until it ends where you have to either go straight or turn left. Turn left getting in the right lane. Go one block and turn right onto Route 281 South. As soon as you make the turn (next to Dressler Art Center) set your odometer as our drive is 2.7 miles. Proceed to Concord Drive which is on the left ( there is a street sign) There is also a split rail fence on either side of the drive with a sign on the left saying Tippie Canoe. Turn left onto the lane; go to the bottom of hill, taking the first left turn onto the gravel road. You will go approximately 40 yards and then bear to the right. This will bring you up to our house. If you take route 31 east go all the way to Somerset. When the road turns to the right, beginning the one-way, stay in the right lane. . Go one block and turn right onto Route 281 South. As soon as you make the turn (next to Dressler Art Center) set your odometer as our drive is 2.7 miles. Proceed to Concord Drive which is on the left ( there is a street sign) There is also a split rail fence on either side of the drive with a sign on the left saying Tippie Canoe. Turn left onto the lane; go to the bottom of hill, taking the first left turn onto the gravel road. You will go approximately 40 yards and then bear to the right. This will bring you up to our house.

Follow the SCA signs. If all else fails or you have any questions or special concerns, please call us at 814-443-9711.

In service...
Isteri and Lisa

Greetings good gentles of St. Swithin's,

     It is time once again for our annual Halloween party, October 25, 2003. Our castle is open to all fighters, fencers, (thrown weapons and light archery, providing marshals attend) and to anyone who fancies spending time with us.
     We have been granted this practice by the good graces of our Baron and Baroness and with the approval of our Knight Marshall making this an official Fighter Practice/Halloween Party. Please remember in order to participate in the above mentioned activities, your must show a blue membership card or sign a SCA waver.   
     Practice to commence at 1:00 P.M. and will end............... It is hoped that decent weather will be yet upon us so that torch light fighting/fencing can take place.
     There will be Rune and Tarot Cards readings along with music to "die" for! LOL!!!!!!!
     Please bring a side dish to share and of course, BYOB.

Hope to see you here,
THL's Tower & Cynthia :)

     Congratulations to all the Baronial Champions! Vivats!
     With Fall now official and winter around the corner, perhaps as we gather at home, some might equally gather around the computer and contemplate writing a little article for the newsletter. Well, I’m here to say don’t just contemplate, do it!!! I’m thinking about making the November issue about Cattails, you know that wonderful plant we Boggers all love. So if you have any great ideas for things people can create or do with Cattails, please send something my way. Even a humorous story involving Cattails. Those poets out there, how about a prose on the attributes of a Cattail? And if anyone would like to submit a drawing of a cattail, this would also be welcome.
     As always, if you have any submissions or suggestions for the newsletter; 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.

In service to crown and bog,
Lady Caitilin "Cait" ni Mhaolconaire

"All the world is a stage and the people merely players" Forgive me I couldn't begin an an ad for a possible Thespian's guild without quoting Shakespeare. While the quote could apply to all Scadians who dress up and get together to play on a regular basis. My aim is to see if there is any interest in starting a formal Thespian's guild i. Several areas within the Kingdom have such guilds including Sunderoak and Endless Hills. I have quite some time ago had offers from Baron Connor Mcliam to teach a class if I could find folks interested. Before formally contacting him again I'm trying to gauge interest in forming such a guild or having such a class. I would ask that anyone interested contact Michela Summervale (mka Michelle Gelles) by e-mail mgelles@charter.net or phone 814-539-4498.

I would also be interested in opening my home for a Bardic Circle at some point if people are interested. Though I've no talent for singing myself I do enjoy poetry and have given a recitation or two. I would imagine most of us share a love for period and/or fantasy literature and song and would enjoy having a celebration devoted to the same (especially with the release of return of the king fast approaching:-)

Michela

This is the summary of the Sept. Meeting. To all those who attended, thank you for being there. For those who couldn't make it, YOUR LAME! Come on, you know I'm kidding. I hope our fencers had a good time in BMDL fencing, and for the rest, I hope you completed those pressing tasks that kept us from seeing your smiling faces.

From the B&B: the new Champions were congratulated. Donations for a basket for Coronation are needed. Thrown weapons is getting more life infused into it and to that end, $100 was released for gear so all may learn and play. The sad loss of a fellow Scadian was mentioned, if you haven't heard the news that a gentle from Sylvan Glen had passed-please contact B&B for info.
Exchequer: Donya Caroline reports we have 4,339.30 in checking and 2,000 in savings. Anyone who ever needs reimbursement from the Barony, according to Kingdom policy you have 90 days to show your receipts and redeem them.
A&S: Scrolls and weaving A&S this Tues. at Adams mem. Library, contact Rose for info. Ideas and plans are needed if you have them contact Ian.
Chatelaine: A couple folks who were at the Rebecca Manor demo have voiced further interest in the group. Jorka stated he would like to see a 'Newcomers" party/event/get together. Chapples offered to extend the invitation of their yearly practice and Halloween Party to new persons and have Jorka's idea take place at that function.
Archery: Deryk the Archer needs more marshals and a drop dead! Please help him out.
Web Master: The online photo album will be updated soon with approx. 100 pics that were generously donated.
Chronicler: Chronicler requests that officers send articles. (hint- you should be doing this)
Herald: Our herald Dame Viv, reports that we have three warranted heralds in our group Cait, Ian and herself.
PLA: Our land grab agent requests you PRE-REG FOR PENNSIC!!! It's never too early.

Old Business:

The Baronial Champs event report will be completed soon.

12th night is coming along fine and Charmaine will be sending out the announcement soon. She also asks for volunteers to create period recipes for the side board.

The Pennsic Committee for our encampment will get of the ground soon.......(soon as I have more time to concentrate on it)

New Business:

The Barony was petitioned by a number of gentles to create a Canton in the Westmoreland area. The initial paperwork was given to the Seneschal.

The representative of the Shire steering committee from BMDL and the Westmoreland area was on hand to officially request zip codes for the formation of the proto-incipient shire of Griffons Keep. In an effort to please the populous and grant persons the ability to play as they desire, a proposal for zipcode release was made by the B&B and the Seneschal. There were several areas of conflict (in that each group wanted the same zips). The decision was made to have Kingdom conduct it's own impartial polling in order for the desire of the populous to be met. Both groups were told they may proceed with their endeavors and the final decision would be made by kingdom.

Chaos was then declared.

Lady August of Long, called Talishar
Seneschal of BSSB

Thank you from the Autocrat

I would like to thank as many of those as possible for helping me at the Champs event. So many people pitched in to help in many ways. I just helped organize, but you guys made my life so much easier.

I apologize if I will miss someone, but I would like to thank...

The heavens, for finally relenting by noon with the rain and giving us a beautiful day!
Andy, my husband, for making and putting up the signs, as well as helping me set up and just for being very, very patient with me.
Timon, for going on a shopping mission for me as well as helping me set up & clean up.
Tower, who traveled so far just to drop of needed Baronial supplies.
Rowan, Sorcha, Rose and others who were my "kitchen help" throughout the day.
To those who kept the fire going throughout the day, just for atmosphere.
Jorka, for helping clean up and for fighting fires (literally).
Ludwig, for being my electrician.
Ed, for bringing his really big toy!
Ian, for being such a wonderful herald.
All of the Champions, for all the work you did organizing, setting up and running your tourneys.
To all of the competitors, for showing off your best skills and chivalrous nature.
Our Baron and Baroness for supporting this day and bringing the wonderful rice/chicken food.

And I would like to thank all of the populous that braved the initial yucky weather, with your food & supplies, to come cheer on the champions and enjoy the wonderful feast. (Though we want to know who made the herbal scones?)

We had a turn out of 53 people according to my list!

Great day, and thank you to all!
:) Kat

We would like to thank the past Baronial Champs for a job well done and congratulate the new champs. Lord Deryk Archer is once again the Archery Champion and Bob the Undecided has retained the Thrown Weapons Champion status. Vivat to both they are fine gentles. Our new Champions are Gunther as Rattan Champion and Lord Francis Martin is the new Fencing Champion, Vivat to these two outstanding gentlemen. WE are so very pleased with our new Champs and know that they will represent the Barony with the honor and courage befitting a Baronial Champion.

A big thank you to Lady Kat for stepping up and running the event (a fine event it was, too!) and to everyone who attended.

Baron Aquila and Baroness AElfra

Unto their Excellencies Aquila & Aelfra, Baron and Baroness, Lady Augusta Long, Seneschale, & the most notable populous of the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.

Greetings unto all this day:

     By this letter do we The Honorable Quinn Kerr & Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais announce our desire to be considered candidates for the office of Baron & Baroness in the upcoming Baronial election.

     We feel that the role of Baron & Baroness bears many responsibilities. No single one of these should hold precedence over the others.
     The Baron and Baroness are representatives of the crown and are then by definition royalists. Swearing fealty to that crown no matter whom it might be, and following their edicts and commands is essential to the office.
     They are the heads of state for the Barony and as such become the window through which many people will view the Barony. Consequently many people will form their opinion of the Barony based on their experience with its Baron and Baroness. We believe that it is of paramount importance that the Baron and Baroness maintain a level of decorum and honor that will reflect positively on the Barony and its populous.
     It is further their duty to endeavor to support and encourage Baronial members in their pursuits both inside and outside the Bog. To assist them in expanding into the kingdom in any field of interest they so desire. Supporting Barony members in whatever manner the office might allow cannot be overlooked.
     The Baron and Baroness are also ceremonial heads of state. Much of what we all love about the society is the ceremony it provides us. They will set the tone of court. It is important that the Baron and Baroness be comfortable with public speaking and addressing larger groups with ease.
     And finally the Baron and Baroness are officers of the Barony. They must work hand in hand with the other officers in administrating the group, encouraging new membership and Baronial cohesion. Each of these must be handled in equal proportion to the other. This is the balancing act that is being Baron and Baroness. We feel that each of us can bring to this office unique talents and abilities that will enable us to bear these responsibilities for the betterment of the Bog.
     Any questions or comments are welcome. Please feel free to contact either of us.

The following are our qualifications as required for this letter of intent in the Baronial Laws and Policies:

Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais.
Age 54.
I have been a member of the SCA since 1985. I was an original member of the Shire of St. Martin’s Field, later renamed St. Swithin’s Bog.
My current membership # is 29280, expiration date 11/03, however, I have already sent in my renewal fees.

Kingdom Awards Include: Award of Arms, Companion of the Order of the Keystone, Companion of the Order of the Millrind with a Grant of Arms, Companion of the Order of the Sycamore, and Companion of the most noble Order of the Pelican with a Patent of Arms.

Baronial Awards Include: Principal of the Special Order of St. Swithin, Companion of the Orders of St. Swithin for Service and for Arts.

Offices Held: Chirurgeon, Herald (7 years), Seneschale, Interim Seneschale for three months until new election of Seneschale could be held, Minister of Arts & Sciences, currently I am Principle Herald for the Barony once again.

Kingdom Offices Held: Sycamore Herald (regional herald), and drop-dead deputy for Silver Buccle Herald (Principal Herald for the Kingdom of AEthelmearc).

I have taught a variety of classes including court and country dancing, heraldry, and heraldic display.
Autocrated or Co-Autocrated numerous Shire, Baronial, and Kingdom events, both large and small.
Served as court herald for Baronial and Kingdom Courts.
Member of the scribe’s guild and creator of the first Baronial Champion’s award scrolls.
Have attended and participated in numerous demonstrations with Shire/Baronial members throughout our boundaries over the years.

     I have attended numerous events, both in the Barony and outside our boundaries. As Seneschal, I attended AEthelmearc’s First Crown Tournament and the subsequent Coronation of our first King and Queen of the new Kingdom of AEthelmearc.
     I am more than willing to travel to events outside the Baronial borders and I feel confident that I will be able to meet the financial requirements of this office.
     I am currently employed mundanely as a Medical Language Specialist for MTS, Inc., a privately owned Medical Transcription Service in Johnstown.
     I was previously employed by the Conemaugh Health System (15 years as an LPN and 20 years as an RN).

The Honorable Lord Quinn Kerr.
I have held a national membership in the SCA for 10 years. Original member of the Shire of St. Swithin’s Bog. Current membership number 129758.

Kingdom Awards Include: Companion of the Order of the Golden Alc, Companion of the Order of the Sycamore, and Companion of the Order of the White Scarf, Sigil of AEthelmearc.

Baronial Awards Include: Order of St. Swithin for Martial Activities, Order of St. Swithin for Arts and Sciences, I also received the Order of the Vert Comet from BMDL (this award is given to individuals who are not members of BMDL, but who have done much to assist them in services rendered ).

Baronial Offices Held: Chronicler

Baronial Rapier Champion
Seven Pearls Rapier Champion.
Queen’s Rapier Champion.
Baronial A&S Champion.
Served as staff on three Royal Reigns.
Rapier Marshal At Large.
I am a founding member of the leather worker’s guild in the Bog.
Historical classes I have taught included leather stitching, fire making, and rapier combat.
I have also helped organize and set up various fencing practices with other groups in this area of the Kingdom.

     In the past year, I have attended events in every Barony and numerous other groups in the Kingdom of AEthelmearc. I plan on continuing this attendance and am confident that the financial and travel requirements of the office can be met without difficulty.
     I am currently a freelance writer and Historian with a degree in History from UPJ working for institutions such as The History Channel, Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, Ohio Historic Society, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

We thank you for considering our letter of intent and hope that you will support us in the Baronial election to come.

Done this 14^th day of September, A.S. XXXVIII (38), in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.

In Service, Past, Present, & Future,

The Honorable Lord Quinn Kerr & Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais.
(George Irvin & Pamela Faint)

È È È È È È

Greetings from Tower & Cynthia,

     It is our intent to run for Baron and Baroness of this our wonderful barony and feel we have the Barony's best interest at heart.

     We have been members of St. Swithin's Bog for over ten years now and have been a constant in the barony, from Baronial officers to, participating in Demos, to Autocrating, Feastocrating, Tolners, and supporting staff for other Autocrates. We have sponsored fighter practices, scribal meetings, and Bog Halloween and fighter practice parties and have offered our home whenever it is needed, especially when it is needed for crash space. Tower has sponsored multiple armor workshops and has made at least a piece of armor for every currant fighter; including some fencer pieces.

     Tower has served on Queens Guard for two reigns, and Cynthia is a Kingdom Officer going on four years now, the Exchequer office will not be in anyway compromised by winning since my term ends in May of 2004 and the investiture is in July of 2004.

     Because of all of the above service, we feel that we can better serve you.  Our experience has given us incite as to what is expected of a Baron and Baroness.  Since the Barony is most important to us our Baronial obligations came first.

     We have always been here for you and will continue to be!!!

Thank you,           
Tower & Cynthia

Lady Katerina de la Marne and Lord Kenn the Just,

Lady Katerina de la Marne (called Katya)    Cindy Leap
Device: Azure, in bend four horseshoes inverted between in bend sinister two four-leaf clovers slipped, within a bordure all Or.

Awards received:
    AoA                                                      1999
    Order of St. Swithin for Service              2001
    Rank of Archer                                       2001

Offices
    First Chancellor Minor of St. Swithin's Bog
    Chronicler                     AS 32 to 34 and
            o May-June 2002 to set up Online Newsletter
    Deputy Seneschal         Jan. 2002 through July 2004

Committees and other information

Financial
By-Laws revision 2002
Served as autocrat for AEthelmearc Academy
Co-autocrat for 3 day
Taught A&S class on ribbon roses
Member of Scribes guild (doing both calligraphy and illumination)

National Membership # 121089 Expires Dec. 31, 2003

Lord Kenn the Just                        Kenn Leap

Device:
Azure, on a bend sinister within a bordure argent, three pellets.

Awards
    Companion of the Keystone                          07/20/02
    Award of Arms                                             01/14/90
    Rank of Archer                                             2001
    Order of St. Swithin for Service                    January 2001
    Order of St. Swithin for Marshal Activities    January 2002

Offices
    Current Baronial Web minister
    Past Seneschal
    Past Fencing Marshall

Other information
Fencer
Archer
Served on both the Financial and by-law revision committees

National Membership# 121090 Expires: December 31, 2003

To Christopher King by right of arms and Maurya our gracious Queen, Prince Henri, Baron Aquila and Baroness Aelfra of St. Swithin's Bog, our tireless Seneschal Lady Talishar and the members of St. Swithin's Bog.

We searched our hearts and listened to those who asked us if we were going to run for election. And when Kenn answered, "YES." I looked at him and said, "What?" It is with great pride and after great reflection, that we Lord Kenn the Just (Kenn Leap), and Lady Katerina de la Marne (Cindy Leap) announce our willingness to stand for election as your next Baron and Baroness.

Some may wonder if Lady Katya is physically up to the challenge of being your Baroness. Have you seen her run around an event on her scooter? At this past Three Day event, she helped Dame Vivienne hang banners in the great hall and around the horse ring. She acted as herald for the Baronial Pearls Fencing Tournament. She did calligraphy on two scrolls the day of the event. She also found time to chase kids around, shoot archery and host taco night at our camper. Those who were at the Spring Thing, will probably never forget Katya "jousting" with the piñata!

Riding on a scooter may seem a bit unconventional, but Katya looks at it as a horse you don't have to feed or clean up after! It gives her back her mobility and her "joyeaux de vive" (Joy of Life!)

What can we offer that the other candidates can't? We have been living the dream for a combined total of over 28 years. We met, fell in love and married because of the Society and the Bog. We have actively participated in officers and business meetings, and have rarely missed a meeting. Our lives revolve around our children, grandchildren and the Barony of St. Swithin's Bog. Some of our deepest friendships are with members of our extended Bog family.

We enjoy traveling around our glorious Kingdom extolling the Talents, Spirit, and Camaraderie that makes unique the Barony of St. Swithin's Bog. Our home is always open, to those who want to sit, talk and enjoy the company of others. We are willing to accept the financial responsibilities and burdens associated with this great honor.

If chosen as your Baron and Baroness, we would hope to represent you with humility, humor and honor. For it is in serving you that we are truly served.

Kenn and Cindy Leap
Lord Kenn the Just                             Lady Katya
327 Martin Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 814-536-0045
Email: kennthejust@yahoo.com   or     Cindleap@charter.net

So ends the Letters of Intent for Baron and Baroness of St. Swithin’s Bog, done this October A.S. XXXVIII.

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