1998 - Imbolc News (official)

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Imbolc '98 Edition

Meeting Announcement

The Spring Equinox Meeting will be held at Comyn's house on Saturday, March 21stat 2:00pm sharp. Please inform Aonghus ASAP if you will not be attending or if you will be late.

Items on the meeting agenda so far include Pennsic, Clan funded project proposals (yurt) , and possibly a reading and discussion of clan laws and policy.

We are planning on getting pizzas to sustain the clan through the meeting, so please bring a few dollars to chip in.

Items of Note

Cate has settled on a persona name and henceforth shall be known as "Finnoula"

Larry also has settled on a persona name and henceforth shall be known as "Brogan"

Imbolc Event Highlights

In past newsletters summarizing events, it has been standard practice to site those members who put in that extra effort to make the event a success. This has become very difficult to do lately as the overall level of participation has increased dramatically. This practice becoming a thing of the past is a credit to all members. It seems now that there are only highlights to recount. These highlights did not make the event, that credit, as I said, belongs to all, these highlights merely provided something a little extra special.

The feast was magnificent. Falgon provided a wealth of finger foods. Valarian made some great pottage. Sabha provided a hearty barley dish, Guthrum and Finnoula made an exquisite squash soup, Aonghus supplied honeyed carrots. Brogan gave the clan a special treat with the rabbits and veggies he cooked. Volund prepared the main course of beef, roasted to perfection. A special thanks to Comyn and Sabha for supplying the freezer space.

Vollund, Brogan and Mainlia supplied the brew. Volund supplied a very tasty cherry ale. Mainlia's cider was enough to knock the mightiest warrior on his kilt. Brogan suplied some hearty ale and gets special mention for building and donating the awesome barrel "jockey box", which provided some great atmosphere.

A special nod to Erlan who provided some ingenious candle holders and table dressings.

The feast was followed by the first clan auction. The auction ran way long and dominated the majority of the event. Its overwhelming success took the clan by complete surprise and was a load of fun for the bidders and provided some needed equipment to the newer members and guests. The items for bid were a combination of donated and unclaimed items from the clan lost and found that Comyn maintains. Those people who got caught up in the moment and perhaps bought on an impulse stuff they might not use can comfort themselves by knowing that they have helped fill the clan coffers and can donate any unwanted items to next years auction. A special thank you to Comyn who presided over the auction till he lost his voice. A special thank you to Mordred of house Silveroake for taking over the guise of auctioneer from Comyn (that should give you some indication of how long it went on).

After Comyn regained his voice, the ceremony was held. Comyn gave a commanding performance as Druid. All present were given the opportunity to partake of the gifts of Brigit. A thank you to Valarian, our clan Bard, who assisted in the distribution of the "sheep's milk".

After the ceremony, Eberwolf rose and delivered an ancient poem which completely captivated all present. Eberwolf's passionate delivery was so compelling that others who had prepared poems and song were completely awed out of performing. I think next time Eberwolf will be the last act, as his talent proves to be quite the showstopper.

This event also saw the distribution of more clan coins. In addition to bronze, the clan issued its first silver coins. Though these coins were an improvement over the first minting, even further improvements are planned. Everyone was given the opportunity to buy some as they were rationed out and the clan sold out of all coins. Another minting is in the works to provide more coins for Bealtaine.

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann..

Spring Meeting, 1998

Notes from the desk of the secretary: Sabha

Ref: Clan Meeting: March 21, 1998

In Attendance:

Officers:
Aonghus - Chieftain
Guthrum - Fili
Comyn - Druid

Members:
Finnoula
Sabha
Falgon

Probates:
Brogan
Eberwolf

Friends:
Conn
Gwen

The meeting was called to order by 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 god Bel.

Treasury Report:

Guthrum provided a summary of the accounts to date:

1. Clan dues are current and up to date
   
2. The Clan has no outstanding accounts receivable or accounts payable
   
3. The first annual auction and coin sales at the last event have enlarged our account which now stands at $1027

What News:
Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to remark on their doings

Guthrum - informed the clan that his computer is once again up and running and he expects to begin the task of reorganizing the laws
shortly. He expects to have them completed by Beltaine.

Finnoula informed the clan of her chosen persona name. Finnoula also mentioned that while she has been unable to work much
on it, she has not given up the idea of a clan trip to Ireland.

Comyn

1. Comyn has met someone who does extensive work with "Damascus Steel" who would be a potentially good resource for the clan in its future metalworking endeavors. He will try to interest the "steel guy" in the next clan event.
   
2. Comyn has been working with Brogan and Aonghus on the tent. With Brogan's help they have devised a way to stabilize the current poles. Two options exist at this point - 1 a smaller (20 x 10) set up with the extra poles used as stabilizer bars or 2 - the purchase of additional materials to provide stabilization for the larger (20 x 30) tent.
   
3. Comyn also informed the clan of a woman who lives out east on a large farm complete with animals. Her farm is currently being threatened by developers and she would like to put on as many "educational" enterprises as possible in hopes of saving her farm. Comyn has proposed her farm as a potential site for future events.
   

Sabha

1. Has recently purchased a book on natural basketry using materials common to LI. She hopes to complete several baskets for the use of the clan by Beltaine.
   

Falgon

1. Falgon has been kept very busy in recent months by his work and art.
   

Brogan

1. Brogan has been helping Comyn with the setup and planning of the big tent for Beltaine.
   
2. Brogan has designed and built a brazier which appears to be our solution to indoor "fire".
   
3. Brogan would is planning a roadtrip to Tandy Leather's nearest outlet which is in New Jersey. He is interested in preparing to join the warriors of the clan
   
4. Brogan has also been busy researching and working on a low cost forge for the clan which will have many uses. Among his other research projects are Yurt design and portable low tables.
   

Eberwolf

1. Eberwolf has announced that he is now "online" which is taking up quite a bit of time, however he is looking forward to possibly doing some type of dramatic performance with the Comyn at Beltaine.
   

Aonghus

1. Aonghus has been busy acquiring books on Celtic history, such as Simon James' The World of the Celts and The Celts, a huge catalog of a exhibition of a collection of Celtic art and artifacts from all over Europe - a great resource for period looks. Gwen has gifted him a book on the art of the book of Kells. He is currently looking for Ancient Irish Law by Fergus Kelley.
   
2. In light of the expanding nature of his book collection , Aonghus has asked that all lent out or borrowed books be returned so he may "bookplate" them and set up "Aonghus' Lending Library" so he can keep track of these resources more easily.
   
3. Aonghus recently took a trip north to visit with our friend Connor from Silveroak. While there he visited Hammond Castle - the home turned museum of the eccentric organ maker. He says the castle is well worth the trip if you are in the area.
   
4. Aonghus also brings greetings from the Norselanders Aiferdrekie
   (this is a wild guess at spelling - please correct) with an invitation to their upcoming event. The event is planned for the week after Beltaine at Yvan's property. Anyone interested in attending should contact Aonghus for details.
   

Valerian
Although she could not be with us Valerian sent the following news
for the clan:

1. Valerian is looking forward to attending Pennsic and is expecting to
   be able to attend for the full two weeks.
2. She has been in contact with Erlan regarding a sewing day to update her garb, and the possibility of Erlan helping with a music class at
   the next event. She has also offered yarnwork lessons to any
   interested.

Old Business:

The proposed trip to Ireland was the only old business discussed.
Everyone is asked to come up with a list of "must see"
items for Finnoula to work with as she researches the trip.

New Business:

1. Membership Issues
• Shannon - Aonghus has been sponsoring Shannon as a probate of the clan. Her probateship came at a time when her relationship with her former home - Norseland - was under question. Since being accepted as a probate, it has been difficult for Shannon to be with the clan due to the distances involved. Her relationship with Norseland has also improved and she is a productive member of their society. Aonghus and Shannon have made the difficult decision of asking the clan to dissolve her probate ship. Upon the acceptance of this dissolution Aonghus motioned to change Shannon's status to official Friend of the clan. The motion was seconded by Guthrum and carried unanimously. Shannon wrote expressing her deep affection for the clan and hopes that she will continue to count us among her friends.
• Gwen, a friend of Conn's, has attended recent events and expressed an interest in becoming a Probate of the Clan. Aonghus motioned to accept Gwen as a probate ofhte clan sponsored by himself. the motion was seconded by Finnoula and carried unanimously.
2. Beltaine
• Proposed Dates: May 1 - 3 (the site has yet to be secured) An announcement will follow when the dates are confirmed.
• Feast: The following tasks were assigned for the feast:
  • Comyn: Welcome rabbit stew for Friday night set up
  • Vollund: Beer
  • Finnoula: A dish comprised of Barley and Mushrooms
  • Brogan: The meat - smoked game birds and/or venison - depending on the cost
  • Eberwolf: Mashed Turnips
  • Guthrum: Carrots and Onions or other roasted vegetables
  • Valerian: Pottage
  • Falgon: Bread, Cheese, Fruit....
  • Sabha: Tarts for dessert
• Ceremony: As always the ceremony will be run by the Druid. Vollund is asked to bring his "oil barrel" for the second of the twin fires. He is also asked to help with wood to feed the fires.
• The second annual He-Man Competition will be run by Guthrum
• The battle for clan Champion is to be fought at Beltaine. Guthrum,
  and Aonghus are expected to battle the defending Champion Mainlia.
• Falgon has been asked to bring any sheet walls in his possession to the event.
3. Sheet walls were discussed. Several ideas including a group sewing project, silk screening and stenciling were proposed as ways of making a good looking, unified sheet wall for our encampments. No decisions were made and discussion of sheet walls was tabled for the next meeting.
4. Upcoming Events
1. Silveroak will be holding an event with traditional Scottish games in June. Information about the site and exact dates has not yet been provided.
2. Norseland is planning a Thyng for Spetember. Aonghus reminded the clan of our intention of attending at least one Norseland event a year. Guthrum has been asked to look into chartering a bus or
   renting a van to make the trip North easier.
5. The Forge - Brogan has researched and begun construction for a forge. The forge will initially be used for the minting of clan coins. The establishment of a forge opens the possibility for many metal working projects ranging from utilitarian items which are hard to find except at events such as Pennsic to cast items such as torc heads
   and jewelry. Once we have become proficient and met the needs of
   the clan there is opportunity to use our skills to produce items for
   sale. Brogan proposed a list of materials which must be purchased
   to equip the forge for operation. After much debate the purchase of
   the required tools was approved. The purchase of casting equipment
   has been put off until such time as we determine the forge to be
   viable.
6. Brogan and Aonghus have been researching the proposed Clan Yurt. Brogan has found "ready-to-assemble kits" for a yurt which cost around $7000. The manufacturer also supplies plans for this yurt with the cost of plans applicable to the purchase of a yurt covering. This type of yurt takes two men 1 1/2 days to assemble. Aonghus discussed simpler yurt designs which he has seen. At this
   point we have no blueprints for a yurt. During the general
   discussion the question of size was raised. Guthrum pulled out his
   tape measure and we all realized just how big a 30ft diameter yurt
   would be. Questions were also raised as to whether the yurt would
   be a gathering place or a common crash space. Finnoula proposed
   that before any decisions were made we should try out the size of
   the yurt by chalking a circle on the ground and hanging in the
   defined space. By finding a comfortable space we can determine
   what size yurt we will need and work from there
7. A request had been made to promulgate The laws. This is not in keeping with the oral tradition of Celtic law, however Aonghus and Guthrum have come up with a compromise. The laws will be posted on the website with a "look, download, but don't print or carry" policy. This will give all access without violating the tradition of looking o the Fili for the laws at meetings ir in cases of a dispute. This compromise satisfied all except the Saxon lawyer Eberwolf who was encouraged to run for Fili next Samhain so he may hold the laws.
8. Nobility Status: Aonghus has proposed instituting a nobility status in the clan. Noble status will be based upon your period possessions, with certain items required by all and others dependant upon your "specialty" (i.e. only warriors will be required to have armor). Bound up in the concept of nobility is your ability to enhance the clan through your contributions to your own "periodness" and the contributions you make to the general benefit of the clan. Aonghus has also proposed a new honor price schedule.
   
   Aonghus - please insert schedule as I did not get it all down.
9. Pennsic - Pre-registration is required this year and deposits will be due soon!. Keep checking for due dates. We hope to camp in the Bog which has been designated as a "Party Area" - so come well rested - quiet time will be a rarity. More information and details will follow as soon as they are available.
   

1998 - Beltaine News

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Bealtaine '98 Edition

The Gods apparently wanted to teach us a lesson in humility. At Samhain we said the rain could not stop us.

But Bealtaine was wet. Very wet. And cold. All who attended did the best they could to stay dry and keep in good spirits.

The the majority of the activities that were planned all had to be put off till next year.

This event differed greatly from the previous rainy Samhain. We weathered Samhain much better and many of us wondered why. Most of it was the shear amount of rain we had dumped on us. But it may also be that we over complicated things.

At Samhain we made due with simple tarps tied to trees. Bealtain's pipe frame lean to was not as protective or as accommodating.

The big top experiment was a dissapointment.The lack of a tight frame severely effected the water shedding ability.The roof material formed pockets that eventually collapsed the frame under the weight of the water.

If the event suffered setbacks due to the weather, the food was clearly a success.

Friday's rabbit stew was yummy.

On Saturday, Comyn and Sabha graciously opened their house to the clan for the feast and gave everyone the opportunity to dry out and be warm while eating.

The food was awesome. The smoked birds and roast lamb were great and filling and a change of pace from our usual slabs of feast meats. The side dishes were also quite tasty.

But if the bad weather did anything, it has made us impatient for the next event.

This eddition is a bit late coming, and as I (Aonghus) was mostly preoccupied with organizing and my personal tent fiasco, missed quite a bit of the fun. So any who would like to add some comments to this section are encouraged to email me a paragraph or two highlighting something noteworthy from the event.

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann.

1998 - Fall Meeting

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Autumnal Equinox '98 Edition

Clan Meeting Minutes: September 12, 1998

In Attendance:

Officers:
Aonghus - Chieftain
Guthrum - Fili
Comyn - Druid
Members:

Finnoula
Sabha
Erlan*
Probates:
Eberwolf*
Eachna
Friends:
Colin*

* late in attending

The meeting was called to order at 2:15 pm.

Treasury Report:

Guthrum provided a summary of the accounts to date. Members may view the report in the Treasury section.

What News:

What news was tabled in the interest of saving time. Comyn did note that he now has a rug and poles for his tent. Eachna also mentioned that she now has a rug for her tent.

Old Business:

1. The proposed trip to Ireland was the only old business discussed. Finnoula proposed the trip be postponed to May 2000. The motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

1. Persona-non-grata Status - a new classification of status or relationship with the clan was proposed. A -person with persona - non-grata status is not welcome at and may not attend any clan sponsored events. This person would be treated as a nonentity by clan members. It would take a 2/3 majority of voting members in attendance at the vote to confer or revoke this status. - PASSED

2. Conn Lochlainn O'Finn - it was moved that in light of recent events, Conn's "Friend of the Clan" status be rescinded. - PASSED

3. Clan Law - Guthrum, as Fili, moved that the Clan vote to accept the laws as they currently stand - PASSED

4. Events - In the past activities which are planned for events have often been forgotten or passed over due to the momentum of other activities. It was suggested that the bard's duties be expanded so that the "Bard shall be responsible for maintaining the agreed upon schedule of events as set by the clan in consultation with the Chieftain. - PASSED

5. Samhain Event

A. Dates: Friday October 31st - Sunday November 2nd

B. Feast: The following tasks were assigned for the feast

SabhaWelcome stew for Friday night set up

VollundBeer
AonghusBarley dish
EachnaLeg of venison
GuthrumMashed turnips and roasted vegetables
Eberwolf Honey butter
ValerianPottage

FinnoulaDessert
FalgonBread, cheese, fruit for Saturday day board
BroganHome made bread

C. Ceremony: As always the ceremony will be run by the Druid. Comyn will be supplying wood and the wicker man

D. Masks are strongly recommended for all attending Samhain. Time will be set aside for mask making - plan to make elaborate masks requiring drying ahead of time. Contact Sabha for instructions on how to make blanks like the ones available last year - they take at least a day to make.

E. Each tent group is asked to bring tablecloths for the feast. (Aonghus, Comyn & Sabha, Guthrum & Finnoula, and Collin have already committed to tablecloths).

6. Clan Elections. Elections take place at Samhain. It was suggested that in the future no clan member be allowed to hold both an office and an administrative duty unless there is no other member available to fill the vacancy. This motion was passed and then after further discussion repealed. The motion would have forced an unwilling member to hold an office or position even if some one else was willing to hold two positions.

7. It was moved that preambles and dates for changes be added to the laws. There was no second for the motion as this is considered two separate issues.

8. Some of the previous Filidh have written preambles for the laws. It was proposed that these preambles be added as permanent parts of the laws. The discussion moved to the archival of clan documents. Keeping the laws and the history (and thus preambles) is already a part of the Fili's job - so further legislation is unnecessary. - DEFEATED

9. Clan Trailer - the purpose of the proposed clan trailer would be to house the kitchen and possible a hot water heater/filter shower. A cost and labor analysis was requested and Guthrum has agreed to help with the research. It was also proposed that clan members donate money to the project as the preliminary cost estimates exceed the clan budget.

10. Yurt - A twenty foot Yurt seen by the clan at Pennsic appears to be the ideal size for our group. However the engineering of the yurt still needs careful consideration as the Pennsic Yurt was very complicated - our whole camp broke down before the yurt did.

11. Honor Price (log na enech ) Laws - The honor price laws as posted by Aonghus were reviewed and PASSED with minor changes. See the new Honor Price Laws in the Clann Law section.

The following items were TABLED

12. It was proposed that lateness to a scheduled gathering could be considered grounds for paying log na enech if it inconveniences a member who is forced to wait.

13. Any member can remove an unsafe person from an event

14. Any member who witnesses disruptive behavior is responsible for alerting an officer.

Minutes supplied by Sabha, Clan Sencha.

Please note:

Without question, interruption and lateness add significantly to the amount of time we spend in meetings, as well as having other detrimental effects to clan harmony and moral. Fines were handed out at the meeting for lateness, interruption, and lack of torc. All the fines that were assigned were rescinded as we have been lax in the past to hand them out. This meeting, however, should serve as a warning that, henceforth, clan meeting rules will be applied more strictly.

It should also be noted, that this meeting saw a record number of laws passed in a minimal amount of time. Part of this was due to the application of fines as noted above, but majorly it was in the organization in which the new proposals were presented. Copies of the proposals were handed out to all in attendance so people could consider them in detail. Also, the chieftain had an agenda, listing the majority of items to be considered at the meeting.

Though not a law at this time, It is strongly suggested that anyone with a proposal, however simple or complex, should hand out copies to all in attendance at the meeting, and, prior to that meeting, should inform the chieftain so that item can be added into the meeting agenda.

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann.

1998 - Lughnassad News

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Lughnasad '98 Edition

Pennsic was an all time blast. Though there were a few rough spots, the clan managed to have a nice camp and sharing the day to day tasks went fairly smooth.

Attending Pennsic were Aonghus, Valerian, Falgon, Volund, Guthrum, Finnoula, Mainlia, Cymrot, Erlan, Brogan, Eachna, and Collin. At the communal meal on Saturday, the names of all who were not in attendance were spoken to remember those who could not be with us.

To the delight of some and the dismay of others, we camped in the bog, our ancestral Pennsic camping area, and stayed quite and uncharacteristicaly dry.

Old friends were caught up with and new friends made, as is such with every Pennsic.

Many ideas were being kicked around to further enhance our enjoyment of future Pennsics. These ranged from a bigger camp grill, a new sheet wall, better lighting, to a building a clan kitchen trailer. Needless to say these projects will require a bit of planning, monetary resources and good deal of sweat to come to fruition.

As no single author could relate to you all of the happenings at Pennsic, we will keeping true to our oral traditions for the best of Pennsic tales will surely (most likely repeatedly) be told around the bonfires or future gatherings.

Reminder:
Many clanfolk are planning to attend Norseland Fall Thyng Assembly on the weekend of Sept. 18th - 20th.

No meeting was held at Pennsic, but some issues were informally mentioned that will undoubtedly be raised at the Autumnal Equinox meeting.

One major proposal that may come up is the restructuring of the honor price system which. The main proposal is listed below but there are some addition considerations that will be brought up along with it so its final form may alter slightly.

Change "member" to "Aurrad" (person of legal standing within the Tuatha)

Deorad = non member

Chieftain-21
Clan Fili-20
Clan Drui-19
Clan Bard-18
Aire Déso, Champion, Sao re Ceird / Scolaire, and Feni - 15
Aire- 12
Warrior, Ceird / Scolaire, Other positions -10

Aurrad- see below
Probate- 1/4 of sponsor's log na enech

Non members and honor price:

Deorad have no honor price unless they belong to a group that has established a treaty with us, in which case their log na enech will be established as needed following clan standards.

An official friend of the clan has no honor price per se, but, if an Aurrad wishes to enact suit on the friend's behalf, their log na enech will be established as needed following clan standards.

An offence against a guest is an offence against the host. A member may enact suit for their honor price if their guest is wronged. 1/4 of the payment goes to the guest.

Punishment:

Honor price can be reduced by the chieftain or by a 2/3 vote of the clan for punitive reasons.

A member on inactive status or designated as Fuidir will have half their normal honor price.

Rewards:

A member may gain station either by claim or by grant.

The member makes a claim for higher honor price after they have acquired all the equipment and completed all deeds associated with that status. The claim is made at a clan event. The equipment is reviewed to make sure it meets the clan standards by the chief, poet, and bard. The poet or bard announces the new status/honor price. As long as the equipment is maintained, regularly utilized, and the member remains in good standing, the status holds.

A grant is made at a clan meeting. A member's Honor price may be increased by the clan in recognition of outstanding contribution, service, or tenure by a 2/3 vote.

Though a member may start with a higher title / honor price though the nature of fortune or grant, they may not claim an increase until they have satisfied all the requirements of lower status.

Status:

Aire Déso (lord of vassalry) - an Aire who has been elected to head a subchapter of the clan and whose subchapter holds one camping event per year and has either communally or individually acquired, maintains, and regularly displays all items of the "Household set".

Sao re Ceird / Scolaire - Aire who has been elected as the head of a guild or college. Any non-Aire may be elected as the "acting" head of a guild but may not claim full honor price until they become an Aire.

Aurrad status
When a probate is made a member, their honor price will be graded from there as they acquire, maintain, and regularly display the items below:

1-A set of period style garb of wool or linen (blends of good quality are acceptable)
1-Period footwear
1-A period bowl and/or plate and A period drinking vessel
1-A period knife (eating or dagger type)
1-A period table cloth
1-A simple rectangular cloak or shawl of wool, linen, hide or fur and A period cloak pin fastener or broach
1-A period tent

Aire status:
To claim Aire status, an Aurrad must acquire, maintain, and regularly display:

Attendance- 3 events a and three 3 meetings a year
Tenure - must have been a Aurrad for 1 year
Attitude - must exhibit clan spirit

3 sets of period garb of good quality
A period tent furnished to keep mundania out of site
A period table section for the great table
A period banner
Period Candles or period oil lamps
And either the Aristocracy set, Warrior set, or Hospitaler set

Aristocracy set:
A period sword

A period javelin
A period shield

Warrior set:
A period spear
Clan standard heavy weapons tournament armor (full suit)
Clan standard heavy weapons tournament sword
Clan standard heavy weapons tournament shield

Hospitaler set:
A high quality period serving platter
A high quality period serving bowl
A high quality period serving pitcher
A high quality period woven basket
A period tent large enough and furnished to receive visitors

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann.

1998 - Samhain Meeting

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Samhain '98 Edition

Clan Meeting Summary: October 31, 1998

Election Results:

Officers:
Chief - Aonghus
Druid - Erlan
Fili - Guthrum
Bard - Comyn

Administration:
Sencha- Sabha
Statchiste - Finnoula
Feni - Mainlia
Other:
Brewey - Valarian

Meeting Notes:
Important Announcement
The Winter Solstice Meeting will be held Sunday, December 6th at the house of Finnouola and Guthrum at 12 Noon.

Business at the meeting was kept to a minimum. Mordred, Rayn, and Debbie (Eberwolf's girlfriend) were made Honored Friends of the clan.

Event Summary

Our New Year event was one of the best ever. The gods smiled upon us and gave us clear weather and sunshine during the day, and black sky dotted with shining stars and the occasional meteor at night.

The camp was a warm and cozy place that did well to protect us from the approaching winter chill. The periods tents really made quite a difference in the overall atmosphere. The clan has really succeeded in making mundane tents a thing of the ??past??!! :)

The feast was yet another success and statement of the cullinary skill of our clan. Truely it was a feast fit for a Ard Righ.

The ceremony marked a clear turning point in not only the year but in the clan as well. The wickerman wast sent off with our gifts to the spirits, who seem to be pleased with us as more things seem to be comming together. Though wild holws were heard thoughout the night, the masks did their job well as no incedence of malevolent spirits were reported. The masks made were great and stand as a testement to the creativity of our kinsman and friends. Some of them were down right spooky.

If one flaw needed to be found with the event, I think most of us would say - "it ended". I know many of us had no sooner packed up from Samhain as had thoughts of Imbolc.

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann.

1998 - Samhain News

Comments from the AOL message board relating to Samhain 1998

Samhain 1998 News

Mainlia
Nov 1, 1998 21:20
Happy Samhain, Im sorry I could not make it this year. I did celebrate with a large bonfire. If you looked north after dark and though you saw a orange glow or some sparks it was just me burning a cord or two. I do have about a cord left to burn when I move could be fun if anybody is interested. Mainlia

Eberwolf
Nov 2, 1998 01:21
WOW!!! What an event. Thanks to everyone who was there for making it GREAT! Let's just try to keep making them better and better. See ya all soon.

Aonghus
Nov 4, 1998 20:34
Samhain was truely an awesome event. The feast was incredible... did anyone get pictures of the spread?? The ceremony was great... the masks were damn spooky and surely kept away the angry spirits of the dead.. all the period tents glowing with candle light made such a great atmoshere.. it sorta reminded me of those quaint little christmas villages.. it imparted such a warm, homey feeling even in the chill autumn air. -I thank the gods for clear weather.. I keep thinking what a shame it will be to have to wait for spring for another camp out. - My sincerest condolences to those who didnt make it, and my heartfelt thanks to all those who shared the experience that was Samhain.
May all our events be as successful...

Erlan
Nov 7, 1998 21:26
Blessings to all who read this, from your Druid. The winds were quiet and the sun was strong on our Blessed Samhain. I faced the unknown with strength and I have spoken with our ancestors and they promise a cold winter. A cold winter will bring us warm friends and strengthen our sould. The spring season will be upon us early and the lands will gift us well. I wish to thank the members for choosing me, Erlan, as your Druid. I will enspire to do the most that I can for this clan of ours. In peace and greatness. Erlan Nordenskol

1998 - Winter meeting

Clan Tuatha de Bhriain

Winter Solstice '98 Edition

Clan Meeting Summary: December 6, 1998

Meeting Notes (prepared by Sabha)

Meeting atendance can be found in the Roster Section.
Finnoula's treasury report can be found in the Treasury Section.

Old Business:

1. Eberwolf's membership. Guthrum raised the matter of Eberwulf's membership. The motion to grant full membership to Eberwolf passed unanimously with all members present voting and with a proxy vote by Comyn.

New Business:

1. Imbolc: Imbolc will be held at Swan Lake February 6th, 1999, Assignments for the feast are as follows:

Feast:
Roast pork with vegetablesBrogan

Seafood Stew/SoupErlan
Kale/GreensGuthrum
Barley with VegetablesSabha
PottageValerian
Cheese/FruitFalgon
Bread/Honey ButterEberwolf

Beverages:
Mulled Wine or Cider, CordialsEachna
BeerVollund

Desserts:

Baked ApplesComyn
Bread Pudding w/ CherriesFinnouala

Valerian has been asked to bring table dressings

CRAFT FAIR: We will be holding our first annual craft fair at Imbolc. All those attending Imbolc will be required to bring a craft. All crafts should be accompanied by a card listing the craft-person's name with a brief description of the craft and techniques used. The penalty for failing to bring a craft is one year of satirizing by the poet. Those subject to being satirized may avoid the penalty by paying honor price.

AUCTION: Comyn will be responsible for conducting the second annual clan auction. Clan members are asked to donate items they no longer want or need to the auction. You may also submit your crafts for the auction

ENTERTAINMENT: The bard and poet have been asked to prepare something to entertain the clan.

POST EVENT: Will be held at either Aonghus' house or Comyn and Sabha's house - details will follow with the event invitations.

2. FIRST AID - It has been requested/suggested that the clan take a first aid class (perhaps taught by Mainlia) so we are better prepared in case of emergencies. The clan will also obtain a RED CROSS certified First aid kit. Each clan member will be asked to complete a medical information card listing known allergies and medical conditions. Directions to hospitals near event sites and emergency phone numbers will also be kept in the first aid kit. Any clan member with special medical needs will asked to contribute an emergency kit to care for their needs (ex - bee sting kits, inhalers).

3. KITCHEN TRAILER - Erlan and Valerian have recently spent some time planning out the kitchen trailer. Their proposed trailer would have space for sinks, cold storage, dry goods storage, and long storage. A place for storage of the first aid kit will also be included. At the event site the trailer converts to become a kitchen on wheels with work space, storage space, a protective covering, washing and drying space and cooking space (with the help of a coleman stove). Provisions can be made to equip the trailer with running hot and cold water through the use of a propane water heater. It was moved and approved that Valerian be placed in charge of preparing detailed working drawings and a cost estimate.

4. FUND RAISING/SPIRIT - Guthrum's sister is now working with a company that does custom printing, enscribing, etching…on items such as bumper stickers, bottle openers, T-shirts, car magnets, mugs….. Ideas about having a booth at Pennsic to sell Celtic miscellany were discussed. Erlan, who has actually merchanted at Pennsic described the harsh reality of being a merchant. Instead of actually running a booth, we will look into whether it is possible to either sell at the bazaar or do a "shop at our place" thing. Guthrum will be looking into getting more details about pricing and custom artwork.

Clannsfolk should take advantage of the Message Board to communicate their opinions and ideas on these and other subjects with the clann.