Minutes and Newsletters from 1997
Beltaine '97 News Letter
What News?
Beltaine '97 edition
Congratulations to Mainlia for defending his title as Clan champion, and to Guthrum for winning the First annual Celtic He-man contest!
Beltaine
Beltaine was AWESOME!
Well.... A number of you have been thanking eachother on the message board for outstanding effort at the events. Showing your apprication in this fasion is strongly encouraged. I would especially like to thank Volund for cooking the main course. He had to miss a large portion of the event to make sure we were fed. Plans are being discussed to avoid this situation in the future.
Normally, on the Friday of an event, its just mostly setup and mundane hanging out as people scramble from work to home to the site and just try to set up in the dark while saying a prayer to the gods to hold off the rain till they get their tent up...
This event was particularly unique in that on Friday, a medieval atmosphere was created almost instantaneously... set up went pretty smoothly and every one got in garb just as soon as they could. Part of this was due to several people taking off work that Friday to get to the event early... also i think part of this was due to the "Community Stew" which relieved people from having to run off site to get something to eat. It was a pretty cheap and easy way to get people comfortable and into the scene, and hopefully, we'll be doing it at every event from now on.
It seems that we improve every event and this event was the best example of that yet... The Celtic He-man competition was great despite a few bumps... the competition was pretty fierce and it was as exciting to wacth as to compete. Any body who has ideas for next year is encouraged to post their ideas. Also if you check out the Message Board, Rutager has posted some quick and easy instructions for making some down and dirty javelins... just like the ones that were used at the event.
The events that took place and winner were(listed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd):
It came down to a tie between Mainlia and Guthrum...the Javelin throw for accuracy was used as a tie breaker and after many throws, Guthrum finnaly won the Celtic He-Man medalion with a well placed javelin. The medalion is brass with a silver representation of the Cerne-Abbas chalk cut giant in all his glorry and will be passed on to next years winner.
The Talent competition was postponed till next Imbolc for several reasons. The indoor venue may be more conducive to this type of activity, every one will have plenty of time to prepare, and the impromptu mead tasting after the feast sort of distracted (inebriated) a good portion of the clan to the point of jeapordizing the ceremony (luckily, Cymrot was still able to perform his duties as Clan Druid). In the future, lets endovor to make any alcohol tasting the absolute LAST event for the evening.
As promised, this event saw the distribution of the clann's first COINS!!! For those who missed out, they are about the size of a penny and made of bronze (selling four for a buck). The quality of the first minting may show our lack of knowlage in this area, but several members are refusing to part with the coins because they are the first minting and a source of clann pride despite their humble beginnings. Also, several folks did not get to purchase as many as they would have liked because we struck a limited amount and wanted to make sure everybody got a chance to buy some. Next event will see even more coins minted and things are in the works to improve the image quality as well. Im hoping to maybe get a few sets of real knuckle bones by then so we can do some real period gambling as well (Anyone who knows where to get these please let me know).
For those of you who don't know, their are some new people managing the park. And, being new, they want to do eveything by the book and are real sticklers for detail. Or at least they were untill a few members got a chance to schmooze with them and let them know that we really care about the park. The new management has agreed to handle things the "old way" for our group (and only our group) so our future and continued use of the park is as secure as it ever was. HOWEVER, we must be carefull of two things.
1. No Uncontained Ground Fires. For those of you who have had the (dis)pleasure of camping at Southhaven know that the campground is all ash from the thousands of campfires their. The management of the park has installed fire rings at the sites to prevent a similar fate at "our" park. I have found out that they also have half barrells that we may use should we require an additional firepit.
2. Alcohol. This event was plagued with beer bottles and cans. This CAN NOT happen again!! Part of the problem was our unanticipated consumption and heavey partying on Friday. Hopefully the need for bottles and cans will be averted by brewing more. But from now on ALL non period drinking containers are BANNED from outside of your tents. This means if you want to bring six packs or cases... you will have to store them in your tent and fill your horn or mug there and keep the bottles and cans in your tent untill you can dispose of them off site. Offenders will be FINED in clan coins.
In Addition:
Also, ALOT of people have been forgetting their stuff at events. The last people to leave are usually stuck with the responsability of seeing it back to its rightfull owner. A lost and found is going to be set up. You will have a grace period of one month to reclaim your posessions. After a grace period of 1 month you will have to pay a storage fee to reclaim your items. Unclaimed items will be auctioned off at an annual clan event (most likely Samhain). All money will go to the clann treasury.
Also for consideration:
We may be having a clan meeting / clan-b-q this summer to discuss Samhain. Things to consider are: who is running for office, the feast, and other event activites.
Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann..
editor note: The message board referred to above (AOL) is no longer maintained.
Beltaine 1997 comments
From Rutager
Hey, the event was pretty cool. Congrats to new he-man and honary fat guy Guthrum.The talent show flopped...oh well, net time you all should read the web page and know whats going on. It sure was great to hang with Comyan and hear his music (for those of you who were being drunk and loud at the mead tasting...HA HA, you missed it). Grimnear showed up...it was good to see him again as well as Conn and Katrina. I do have one suggestion for the Honor page...SIL!!!! Hey buddy you inspired and impressed me at the camp fire saturdey night. You are the best brewie(?) I can remember the clan having (Look for a gift from me at the next event). Well enough for now. As always, Rutager Garda-Waldands House Stormraven, fathful servant of the clan.
From Comyn
Hey now, thats not entirely fair. Even those of the clan who wereenjoying the mead tasting heard some of the tunes or they wouldnthave clapped so loud after some of them...Everybody goes to these events to have a good time, and I certainlydid! Thanks to Rutager for running a great tourney and keeping thepark police entertained! I am psyched to get myself some javelins and practice up! And also thanks to Rutager for the wonderful taleof mead and poetry. I think Ive heard him tell it before, but everytime I hear it, its like the first time.An open invitation to the entire clan to visit my song page at:www.fireresearch.com/comynSuggestions are welcome, submissions are preferred!
From Valerian
Greetings all! This Bealtaine was fantastic! I had a great time--well worth calling in 'cough, cough' sick. Thanks to Rutager for organizing the first annual He-Man games. They were a lot of fun to watch. Congratulations to all of the contestants and especially to the winner, Guthrum. Congratulations to Mainlia for successfully defending his title of Clann Champion. Thanks to Volund for the wonderful chicken and duck--I hope at the next event you will be able to join us sooner. We will have to think of something to make that will allow you to be at the site, instead of having to stay at home to cook. It was good to see Katrina, Rutager, Comyn, Sabha, and yes even Conn who provided much entertainment Friday night. I hope all will be able to attend the next event, whatever that may be. I also hope our friend Eberwolf (sorry if this is misspelled) for attending and bringing Debbie. After a little initial uneasiness, she was helpful and friendly. I hope to see her at more events. The clann coins came out pretty well and I am looking forward to the next minting. As soon as I get the pictures developed I will get them to Aonghus to be put on the web page. Slan Agat!!
Greetings again. I forgot to thank Mainlia for the fighting lessons he gave me Saturday. I hope to get some practice in so at the next event I might try a little informal sparring. I hope that in the future Mainlia and the other warriors of our clann will be willing and able to give lessons to others interested in fighting.
From Falgon
Brothers and Sisters, Great event.....had some bumps...Thanks to Katrina fer comin down to join us!! The mead tasting was awesome!! Mainlia's house was blessed with all those special brews....I am sorry we missed Rutger's story and Comyn's performance....But there were two sessions goin on at the same time and it was still great!! lookin forward to seein' everyone soon.... Falgon
Imbolc '97 News Letter
What News?
Imbolc '97 edition
Welcome Cate, Erlan, and Valarian!!
Imbolc
Imbolc went off with out a hitch! The feast was GREAT! For those that
missed out maybe you'll get lucky and we'll have the same thing next year.
This Imbolc was a bit quieter than past events, and I'm sure the people
who live near the hall are thankful for that. A few of our members are
wayward, but again, Tuatha de Bhrian withstands
the storms and comes out on top! I refer to our three new members, Cate,
Erlan, and Valarian, who have proven themselves worthy of being part of
us and who in turn bless us with their talents and dedication.
Normally, at this point, I would single out those members who made an
extraordinary effort to see that the event was a success, but this event
was extra special. Every single member of the clann
did their share and contributed to the success of the event!! So
I would like to thank you all... Cymrot -
for a great ceremony, personalizing it just for the clann and celebrating
those events in our lives worthy of high recognition. Volund-
for keeping us laughing and helping out where ever needed. Monlia
- for remembering his fidchell board and the dancing lessons. Sil
- for helping out with the torques and his valuable input. Falgon
- for being the first one to arrive and jumping right into the set up as
well as making sure we could all see that night. Guthrum
and Cate - that was some lamb!! Caitlin
- for being able to juggle two little elves and still cook those awesome
veggies. Valairian - for getting the feast
gear out of sight before anyone could even blink. Erlan
- for having everything we possibly could have needed. And one special
note for Siannon - who, although couldn't
make it, mailed me the table clothes. Thank you all...
for this event was truely a team effort and was the living embodiment of
what a clann should be.
In other news:
Coiser's email address has been added to
the contact page! So lets send him some email and see if talks like a bow
legged Texan yet.
Guthrum, our new treasurer, has proven
a most effective choice for the position and has been quite "vigilant"
(Sil's word) in making sure we all comply with the new dues policy that
was instituted last winter solstice. Guthrum has
posted a web page reporting the current status of the clan treasury.
It is not linked to the main page for privacy reasons (Though we may change
this policy if the majority of members don’t mind). The address will be
emailed to all members soon. Please bookmark the page when you visit it
to return there easily.
Now that the treasury has been replenished, we should consider what
we should do with it. Suggestions have been made that we invest in the
equipment to further the goals of our clann.
Clann Coins
Volund is currently researching this project and information will be
made available for clann perusal. Some of the criteria I feel is important,
is keeping the material cost low... other groups that have minted coins
have used silver, making the value of each coin expensive. I would like
to see coins minted in less precious metals, like bronze, brass, or copper,
to see them circulate more.
Clann yurt
A clann yurt would serve as a community house for the clann to assemble
in, gather 'round the fire to hear tales, recite poetry, and generally
maintain the integrity of our clann circle, while shielding us from the
elements. While this is a definite goal of ours, we will also need to address
its storage and transport to events.
Other, less expensive projects suggested were:
Mask making for Samhain
And getting some sort of clann kit bag
together - where each member would be supplied a duffel bag with certain
essential equipment( i.e. candle holders, feast gear, drinking horn, etc.
etc. - sort of like a medieval military pack.)
Comyn update
Comyn has decided not to take a leave of absence and is instead withdrawing
from membership. He is also reluctant to submit a letter of resignation
for reasons unknown. Under current law, he will default his membership
unless he pays his dues, and, in my humble opinion, will most likely let
that happen rather than make a some sort of parting statement. But then
again he may surprise us. Sabha (aka Cathy, Comyn's girlfriend) is Comyn's
probate. When (if) Comyn's membership defaults, her status as probate will
also default unless sponsored by another member. When asked if she would
like to continue to be part of the clann, she answered positively but asked
for some time to consider the issue seriously. Comyn seemed to already
have plans for her though. Only time will tell.
Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann..
What News?
Lughnasad '97 Edition
Samhain is time to pay your dues!
FridaySetup
Community Stew
Informal garbed revelry
SaturdayMask Making
Meeting / Elections
Music Session
Feast
Ceremony
Revelry
SundayBreak Down and Clean up
Park closes at 5pm
Comyn has hit the books hard and has developed a new ceremony that will unite several elements of the clann's latest projects and recognize the importance of Samhain in its most Celtic context.
Because dead spirits are often angry, vengeful, and malevolent, we will be wearing masks to disguise ourselves as the dead, and hide amongst them.
We will most likely be forming some sort of ceremonial circle where our new musical instruments will be passed out and we will be taught a rythm.
Anyone disrupting the ceremony or straying from the rhythm will have their mask taken from them and will be escorted to an area outside the circle where they will be subject to the torments of the angry dead spirits. If they learn the lesson of the importance of being part of the clann and under its protection, they will be given back their mask and invited back into the circle (remember- exclusion from a ceremony was considered a terrible punishment and the highest a druid could enact!).
Although an effort is being made to provide masks - to absolutely guarantee you have one for the ceremony contact Sabha and Comyn to arrange a time to go over and make one in advance. Besides its really cool and fun and you may want to make two!
As always the site rules for Samhain are:
1. No Uncontained Ground Fires. The management of the park has installed fire rings at the sites and they also have half barrells that we may use should we require additional firepits.
2. ALL non period drinking containers are BANNED from outside of your tents. This means if you want to bring six packs or cases... you will have to store them in your tent and fill your horn or mug there and keep the bottles and cans in your tent until you can dispose of them off site. Offenders will be FINED.
Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann..
The message board referred to above is no longer maintained
Pennsic XXVI News
(from the AOL message board)
From: Olaf of Norseland Aug 28, 1997
Olaf sends greetings and "HAPPY DEATH" to you all. Pennsic XXVI (26 if you don't read Roman) was fantastic. It could only have been better if I had seen you crazy Celts there as well. The Norseland Unit (Tomas was the only citizen who fought with us) was paid well as usual. This year we fought for Elazar,who fought for Tearloch, who fought for the Northern Army, who fought for the East, which was victorious. In other words we won the War!!! It does not really matter who won as a good time was had by all. It has been way too long since I have had a good war. My "no sh#t" stories follow. In the woods my first death was the death of many spears. One of which was to the groin area that hurt just a bit . After the battle I realized that I needed a new cup (pee-pee protector) since mine was broken. I also stabbed Gunnar in the gut with my spear. He ran off, but not to resurection point. Maybe he bled to death later, I don't know. And finally I blocked at least 8 swords at once, with my spear, while facing an oncomming shield wall. Then I ran away. I was married last year to the beautiful Lady Katarina. We had a Holmgang tourney (100 degrees in the shade) then a Viking style (allbeit sweaty) wedding. Yvan,Leif and Jorik attended. I have been in Chiropractic school these past two years. In another year and a half I can adjust your spines after denting your helms. I look foward to seeing you all as soon as the fates permit. Keep your kilts disease free and don't use starch (it may cause chafing)
Samhain '97 News Letter
What News?
Samhain '97 edition
ChieftainAonghus
DruidComyn
FiliGuthrum
BardValarian
Congratulations to all and good luck in the tasks ahead.
And congratulations to our newest clan member- Sabha.
Friday night kicked off with the usual set up and easing into the Celtic atmosphere. Weary traveler’s bones were warmed by Sabha’s tasty stew. The black-pot-stew is rapidly becoming a Friday night clan tradition. Casual revelry was enjoyed while sipping down (or gulping in some cases) Volund’s cider and Momus mead. Music was supplied by Erlan and Comyn.
Saturday rain proved a bit restrictive as much time was spent erecting a communal shelter and making special accommodations that normally would have been unnecessary. The Christians next door even invited us on their ark…but the said only two of us could go and we couldn’t decide who. But one thing about the rain – it certainly brought the clan together and there was an overwhelming sense of community.
The feast definitely did not suffer for the weather, as the amount of food was almost worthy of sating even the great Dagda’s appetite.
And how bout them masks!! Momus and Kresny’s mask making abilities astounded all. These masks were meant to disguise us mere mortals from the angry spirits who walked freely this night. The creativity showed in these masks was truly inspirational. How could such common materials be formed into such grotesque figures? Surely Momus must have peaked into the other world to bend such grim visages. Momus and Kresny took many of the mask "blanks" to work on for next Samhain. – I know a lot of us can’t wait to see the results.
And speaking of ghostly apparitions and surprise visitations – Larry, our wayward probate, honored us with his presence, bearing a pot of exquisite mulled wine and some excellent home baked breads. Yummy! Larry expressed his desire to make more events and I know we all would like to see him do just that.
The Friends of the Clan were in full force at the event. Con spent most of the event showing off his "short sword" much to everyone’s chagrin. Kudos to Eberwolf, Saxon Lawyer, for the new threads!
In addition to the regulars…it was great seeing some new faces at the event. To all the new folk – were all looking forward to seeing you again real soon.
Cate has been officially charged with settling on an appropriate persona name for Imbolc.
Samhain 97 News
From: Comyn Nov 2, 1997
Greetings All!
As your newly confirmed Druid I would like to thank everyone who attended our Feast of the Dead for pulling together and getting the job done despite the deluge. A special magical nod to Momus and Krezny for the wonderfully original masks! I look forward to seeing them again next Samhain! Special thanks to Erlan for rescuing my mandolin!
To the new friends we met met this weekend: Welcome! Get Sabha your address by emailing it to me so she can add you to the invite list! Welcome back, Larry!
To any friend of Grimnir that missed the event: Please email me and arrange to meet with me at Grimmies hobby shop. The Clan would like to extend a welcome to you, but we must all live within the strictures of our own law, no one man is above it.
Most of my clothes and gear are still water-logged as I'm sure yours are as well, so please remember to set up your tents as soon as it is sunny to allow them to dry fully and avoid canvas rot!
Remember: The clan needs wheels and suns. You have your mission.
From: Valerian Nov 6, 1997
Dear Clannsfolk, I would like to thank everyone for making the best of such a water-logged Samhain. This event, if nothing else, proves we can work together under the worst of circumstances and still have a good time. First congratulations to our clann officers, old and new. I personally was elected Bard and with the kind assistance of Comyn, I promise to do the best I can in the office and have lots of music and storytelling at all of our future events. I have already received a copy of The Book of Song and Comyn and I are planning to make a tape of at least some of the songs so that we may all learn them and be able to have music to augment the medieval atmosphere and add to the general merriment. If any of you have suggestions about songs or storytelling or learning an instrument please e-mail me at either Valarian@AOL or GalenFrost@AOL. Greetings and warm welcomes to the guests of Grimnear (forgive any misspelling), Conn and his guests, Brendan (my guest) and Jasmine/Fiona, Kate's guest. I hope everyone will attend future events and perhaps will opt to one day join our family. Special greetings to Larry, whom we have all missed greatly. Now that you have returned to us, there is no escape. I am not only very pleased to have gotten the chance to see you again, but as the first time you came to us, I was glad to see you participated fully in the celebration. The bread you baked and the mulled wine you brewed were excellent. Lugh would be proud! To Mainlia, Caitlin, Sil, Falgon, Cymrot, Sionnain, Rutger and the citizens of Norseland--you were missed and I hope to see you all at the next event. I was glad to see Momus and Kresne this weekend: many thanks for the fabulous mead and great job on the masks. Thank you also for the beeswax for finishing drinking horns as well as instructions for its use. Hopefully I will have the time to follow them. Thanks to Sabha, Comyn and Erlyn for a wonderful feast under such horrible conditions; especially when both Sabha and Erlyn had to contend with painful injuries. Personal thanks to Colin for the appetizers of beef heart and tongue; possibly the most unusual birthday presents I have ever gotten! Enough of my babbling--big pat on the back for all of us. Hope to see more messages on the board soon and to hear your suggestions on music, etc. Slan Agat! Valerian Ni Miach
Clan Tuatha de Bhriain
Winter Solstice '97 Meeting Minutes
December 13, 1997
Notes Composed by Sabha
In Attendance:
Officers:
Aonghus - Chieftain
Comyn - Druid
Valerian - Bard
Members:
Cate
Sabha
Vollund
Falgon
Probates:
Larry
Eberwolf
The meeting was called to order upon the arrival of the Chieftain and the floor was given to the Druid for the opening of the meeting.
Druid's Remarks:The Druid opened the meeting with words to the gods, and a request that meeting be held as close to the equinoxes and solstices as possible.
Treasury Report:
Cate provided a summary of the accounts to date:
What News:
Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to remark on their doings
Comyn
Sabha
Vollund:
Falgon:
Valerian:
Cate:
Larry:
Eberwolf:
Aonghus:
Old Business:
There was no old business discussed
New Business:
Grimnir complained that he was not permitted to bring guests who showed interest in the clan and expressed his disappointment that the clan did not trust his judgement. In this situation, no one was willing to invite his friends because no one ever met them. It was suggested that Grimnir co-ordinate with either Vollund or Comyn, to have them meet these people directly, rather than have opinion of them tainted by his "questionable" reputation.
It was further noted that Grimnir showed up without garb for a 3rd time (even though he has several sets of garb and was specifically told ahead of time), and proceeded to make disparaging remarks about events going on at Samhain. (Attempts made to lone him garb failed.) As his behavior has been a consistent distraction and source of embarrassment at events, Members were made aware that leniency in host responsibility with regard to Grimnir no longer applies.