Imbolc '09 news

Thanks to all for another great (if mellow) event. The feast was excellent (as always) - the sausages from our recent sausage making were a great compliment to the wonderful game birds of various kinds provided by Brogan (I liked the bacon wrap! I managed to remain unscathed by my McSorley's clone which wasn't dented too heavily due largely to the vast array of meads that were circulating, and perhaps only slightly less to Momus' absence?

I was particularly impressed by the quality of riddles this year - in fact, I was stumped by all of them. The crafts were all excellent - Sabha's Viking wire knitting (an interest inspired by Erlan's recent posts on Norseland's Yahoo site) were impressive, and Guthrum's iron table locks are really an essential item for anyone with a Clann table - you can bang them out with a hammer and they don't break. If you had a favorite please post about them!

There were lots of games happening at tables all around the hall, but it's difficult to dedicate much of our short Imbolc events to gaming when you want to talk to folks and play music too. I did manage to get a good game of Fidchel in with Vollund (one of his first I think?) but now that he's got the idea I look forward to more when we've got more time.

To those who were laid low by sickness and couldn't attend, know that you were all sorely missed. It was also great to see Maeve (and family), and Reannin and Bosh and am hopeful that everyone had a good time.

I posted all the pictures I took in the Yahoo galleries. If you would like to see some of those or others that you may have taken posted here for mass consumption, please remember to include some descriptive text and date the image when posting, thanks!

In Service,

Comyn

Beltaine 2009 Planning Meeting

Meeting at Guthrum's, notes by Comyn
Mar 21, 2009, meeting started 3:00pm

Quorum: we have 1/2 officers, and more than 1/2 of those who attended Imbolc (the only ones who count towards quorum so far because they have attended half the meetings this year).

Members Present
Brogan
Comyn
Guthrum
Foinoulla
Eberwulf

Very anachronistic blessing by the stand in Druid

What News

• Finoulla - just got back from warmer climes, working on garden and wants it to be awesome this year (thats what she says every year though), playing a lot of guitar - lots of new songs
• Brogan - about a month ago his older sister died of liver cancer very suddenly.  Tess and Brogan had a disagreement over the arrangements and as a result they have split up.  For a good time call 1-800-ILV-BROG
• Guthrum - had a blast at the gig last week looking forward to doing it again.  Guthrum described the mundane St Patricks Day fund raiser we did at a local Civic Center to EW and Brogan.  Playing a lot of music of late. Getting the garden going.  Just got back from Florida - they stayed in a suite right on the Gulf.  No forging of late, but planning for some soon. 
• Eberwulf - medievally nothing going on.  Got a new car (a Saturn hybrid) but needs a roof rack.  Joined Facebook recently and finds it a mix of wierd and cool - some of the things he has discovered have been disturbing. 
• Comyn - gig was a fund raiser, so those folks were paying to see us play!  Next gig may be at Barney's Vineyard in Sayville - need one month advance plan. We will invite Clann to that one. Before Imbolc, stopped by to see Gobae on the way up to parents house and saw his forge Gobae's Forge and picked up some things that Brogan and Comyn won in an online auction. Mentioned Gobae's offer of doing a "hammer in"!  Everyone is into this - "just let me know when" said Brogan, spoke with Brogan about cleaning up my basement so we can have some room to do some woodworking projects therein.

Fiscal Business

The Treasurer's report was submitted in writing as Sabha could not attend.

Pre-Imbolc Balance	$ 1331.22
Payment Hall Rental - Aonghus dues	($ 420.00)
Site Fees Received	$ 140.00
Auction Cash Received	$ 121.00
Cash on hand	$ 1172.22
Coin on hand	$ 4.00

Treasurer would again like to request that coin be struck for the treasury, and will gladly provide food for and host a striking party before the event. If a suitable date cannot be arranged before the event, then I would request that some time be set aside during the event for coin striking.

We have a couple hundred coins worth (~200) of coin blanks. Brogan will dig them out of his garage so we can get them struck.

Old Business

• Trailer project - 4 votes to table, 1 abstension
• Coin striking - the Clann will give Brogan a week to dig out the coins but then we're coming to get them.

New Business

• Beltaine
• Feast
• Feast o Crat - Momus
• Colin will do dayboard
• Feast - spit roasted chicken for main course
• Welcome stew - Guthrum
• Eberwulf requests someone clean the big pot *before* the event this time and will do pottage
• Vollund will bring veggies
• Comyn will also do veggies
• Bread and honey butter - Sabha
• Beer - Guthrum and Finoulla
• Desert - Aislin and Faellon
• Maeve - non-alcoholic drink
• Dishes - Momus / Fiachra
• Camp set up
• Hose hookup and breakdown - Comyn; however, Comyn does not wish to set up 200 feet of hose again just for cold water. Nomad *needs* to be working and will make plans with Brogan or Guthrum or anyone to work on it as needed.
• Jockey box - break down Brogie, set up Guthrum, need new stuff! Need new Ball locks and hoses and fittings.  Guthrum suggests that we plug the hoses we aren't using instead of having all four hoses hooked up and just keep the hoses in case we need them.  Brogan suggests that we re-do it and color code it and re-hook it up instead since it's not easy to hook up to the cold plate on the fly. Also and wants to be all ready to go.  Brogan will talk to Dave at Kedco about this.
• Firewoood - Guthrum; needs to be seasoned wood if poss!
• Tiki torches - Fiachra
• Dining Flys - dependant on weather - everyone on site
• Help pack trailer - everyone on site
• Activities
• Druidic Ceremony
• Bronze smithing if enough interest
• Axe throwing - but we need a target. We will discuss on Yahoo list and hopefully someone will step up to the plate.
• Bardic presentation
• Fili presentation
• Pennsic - Guthrum is land agent this year. Clann requests that since June 1 is the cutoff for prereg, that all pre-registrations be in by May 10th so the Clann can prepare for land allotment.  If you thinking you might like to go, but are unsure if you can, please contact Guthrum.  All agreed.  EW will pre-reg and do Debbie as a ghost.
• Meeting venues - [added later - its hard to write stuff down and say stuff at the same time ;)] Comyn had suggested informally that we might consider having meetings at restaurants or pubs or even the park in the future if convenient for all (and weather permitting). This would mean less work for those that host.

Presentations - none
Probate Review - none
Personal Business was discussed
Motion to adjurn at 5:55pm 

Beltaine '09

Our Beltaine event heralds the beginning of the warm half of the year! We move out of doors and set up camp underneath the stars for fires, food, and song. Yes, I said fires, for there are traditionally two (2) fires burning at this event. The Beltaine page has more general information regarding our yearly feis of Beltaine as well as links to related articles.

SITE MOVED! Beltaine will NOT be held at our traditional camp due to inclement weather! Guthrum and Finoulla have graciously offered to hold the event at their house instead. A map to the location is available to logged in members here. Crash space is limited but available.

Friday night: indoor hanging, music, and dinner
Saturday: indoor / outdoor (under dining flys) feast and festivities

Event Details

• Betaine will be held in our traditional campsite. A map is available for TdB site members and official friends. If you need directions and cannot access them here, please contact your sponsoring member.
• Site fee is $20.00 for the weekend, which includes the feast on Saturday. $5.00 for day trippers. Those remaining after 9 pm will be expected to pay the full 20 bucks. Members: remember we pay dues at Samhain which covers site fees for the entire year.

Tentative schedule of events

• Thursday afternoon: Early arrivals setup
• Friday (all day): Arrival, setup, general merriment, welcome stew
• Saturday day: tbd
• Saturday Nightfall: Feast / Ceremony
• Saturday Evening: TdB Gambling / Music
• Sunday: Pack up

As this is a camping event, please remember to bring any gear conducive
to your medieval-ness and survival. Amennites include water faucets, bathrooms and showers. The site is discretely wet so please bring period drinkware (i.e. keep all hard stuff well out of sight). We are shooting for a strong medieval atmosphere so please help us by concealing all mundania and remaining in persona.

This page has been set as editable by all TdB members. Comments are disabled on event posts now by default. Please use the forums for discussion. Some comments about this event may be attached to the Beltaine Planning Meeting Minutes page.

After the event, you may be wish to comment on the Beltaine '09 news thread!

Refer to our Events Schedule for a complete list of all our traditional yearly activities.

Beltaine '09 news

For several days the Druids sat in council, carefully reviewing the omens and portents both observed and carried by messengers riding the swiftest horses. The clouds hung heavy in the sky hiding the brilliance and warmth of the sun which would otherwise have dried the dirt paths and open gathering spaces. On the day of the festival our Chieftan rode forth to survey the ceremonial grounds alone. As he approached the grove he began to rue his decision to take the trip without escort for many hands would be needed should his chariot become stuck in the slippery track that led to his Clann's traditional site. Rain began to fall and it quickly became clear that the Druids' warnings should be heeded. Brogan managed to extricate himself from the slippery ooze that would be the Clann's main thoroughfare and sought higher ground.

At the home of Comyn and Sabha supplies were packed and the word was sent to the Clann to make their best way to the homestead of Guthrum and Finoulla to the east. At Guthrum's homestead preparations were already underway to host the assembled Clann, and in short order canvas was raised to provide extra space. An excellent and welcoming stew of beef and barley was served, as were many fine ales. Some of the elder men of the Clann gathered for an evening smoke under the dining fly as children sang and played merrily indoors. It wasn't long before most moved inside for music and more conversation. The rain was heavy at times but the Clann was not put out by it. Some were lucky enough to sample some of Colin's fresh fish which he had seasoned in several different ways. All in all a fine time was had that first night.

On feast day, Guthrum raised more canvas - this time enough to shelter the entire assembly and room was made for a brazier for warmth. The awning was necessary only for the shade as the sun appeared and a wonderful afternoon was spent out of doors enjoying a fantastic day board provided by Colin and Bree of cheeses, fresh turkey and ham and more fresh fish caught by Colin on his recent outing! Screple: 5/8" diameter silver The anvil was brought out along with the silver and Clannfolk took it in turn to strike over 300 screples [06-12]! Unfortunately the small anvil the Clann has used for this purpose for several years was broken beyond repair in this endeavor. The feast was absolutely top notch - with wonderfully prepared Chicken, and fresh breads. Comyn's first comestible offering *ever* went over very well. A simple, but sincere ceremony was performed by Vollund in a small grove a short walk through the woods near Guthrum's home. Music was provided for the gathered and more good conversation into the wee hours.

The good judgment of the Chieftan was borne out on the final day of the festival as rain, which began early in the morning provided the uncovered ground a steady soaking. Many thanks to Guthrum and Finoulla for their generosity and hospitality.

Samhain 2009 Event Planning Minutes

After some issues with the dates for an official Clann meeting it was decided to hold an impromptu planning session at Vollund's BBQ on Saturday, September 5th for the sole purpose of planning out the Samhain Event.

Members Present:

Vollund
Faellon
Comyn
Sabha
Guthrum
Finnoula
Colin
Momus
Eberwulf
Fiachra

Friends of the Clann:

Helska
Aislinn
Bree

Event Planning: Event to be held at Cathedral Pines in our regular sites, 11 and 12 on the weekend of October 30 to November 1.

Feast:

Roasted Pig - Brogan with Colin to assist
Vegetables - Faellon
Beer - Guthrum & Finnoula
Cider - Sabha
Bread - Sabha
Barley - Vollund
Pottage - Eberwulf
Welcome Stew - Guthrum & Finnoula
Dessert - Aislinn
Day Board - Comyn and Vollund

Trailer - Brogan
Water Hoses - Vollund & Comyn
Jockey Box - Faellon
Firewood - Gurthrum
Tiki Torches - Fiachra
Feastocrat - Eberwulf
Dishes - Momus & Fiachra
Wicker Man - Brogan to ask Graycloak. If he is unable, Brogan and Faellon
Invites - Comyn

Mask Making - Momus
Pumpkin carving - Brogan
Brewing session for Saturday - Colin. Members who want to brew should bring their ingredients and a regular brewing bucket.
Momus - Bardic Circle event. Asked that if members would like to, to bring a story or poem to recite to the clann.

Samhain, '09

The Wickerman ceremony

Samhain is our most popular event, regularly drawing participants from local reenactment groups as well as from upstate NY (and recently from as far away as Alabama!).

Event Details

• Samhain will be held in our traditional campsite. A map is available for TdB site members and official friends. If you need directions and cannot access them here, please contact your sponsoring member.
• Site fee is $20.00 for the weekend, which includes the feast on Saturday. $5.00 for day trippers. Those remaining after 9 pm will be expected to pay the full 20 bucks. Members: remember we pay dues at Samhain, but this covers site fees for the entire year.
• As this is a camping event, please remember to bring any gear conducive
  to your medieval-ness and survival. Amennites include water faucets, bathrooms and showers (though these are a long hike or a short drive away from camp). The site is discretely wet so please bring period drinkware (i.e. keep all hard stuff well out of sight). As always, we strive for a strong medieval atmosphere so please help us by concealing all mundania and remaining in persona after nightfall.

Schedule of events

• Friday (all day): Arrival, setup, general merriment, welcome stew
• Saturday day events:
  • Mask making with Momus - Samhain is a dangerous time to be out of doors, as the dead walk the land. As is the tradition, many of us disguise ourselves with masks or face-paint so that we may venture out of doors unmolested by the spirits, so remember to bring materials to fashion a disguise! Help out by bringing enough supplies to share
  • Pumpkin carving with Brogan - we will try to bring enough pumpkins and knives
  • Brewing session with Colin - bring your own ingredients and brew bucket
• Saturday Nightfall:
  • Feast of the dead - Roasted pig, vegetables, breads, barley, and pottage with beer and cider.
  • Elections
  • Wickerman Ceremony - there will be room inside the Wickerman for you to place gifts or notes you wish to send to those in the other-world.
• Saturday Evening:
  • TdB Gambling
  • Bardic Circle with Momus and the Fomorians - bring "something good or something bad" to share with the group!
• Sunday: Pack up

This post has been set as viewable only by TdB members and official friends. It is additionally editable by logged in TdB members.

Comments are disabled on event posts now by default. Please use the forums for discussion, or members and friends may comment directly on the minutes page.