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:

Clan dues paid to date total $240.00

The last event resulted in a net loss of $21.00 as follows:

+255.00 - site fees
-189.00 - purchase of meat
- 87.00 - purchase of musical instruments

The Clan account now stands at $662 with no accounts payable

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

Comyn

Comyn had many positive remarks about the ongoing on-line/e-mail officers "meetings"

Comyn has been working on the tent and devising a way to stabilize the current poles. He showed us what he has come up with so far, and hopes that Larry will aid him in having the tent ready by Imbolc, rather than by Beltaine as he had vowed.

Comyn also brought up the problem of permits (Assembly and Fire) for the tent. Both permits are necessary due to the size of the tent.

Sabha

Sabha has been working on updating the clan mailing list. She recently has gotten an e-mail address of her own (sabha@fireresearch.com) and requests that all members with e-mail forward her their address so it may be added the clan mailing list.

Sabha would like to keep in touch with as many clan members as possible through electronic means to eliminate unnecessary snail-mailings.

Sabha has recently taken up stained glass, and will be working on some Celtic patterns in the near future.

Vollund:

Vollund has recently gotten a computer and e-mail address of his own

As always Vollund is busy brewing and is planning a ciser for the near future.

Falgon:

Falgon has been putting his literary creativity to work, and, with the help of Aonghus, is working on the Clan History and Persona Stories.

Valerian:

Valerian is busy assuming the duties of Bard. She is working with music provided by Comyn to learn songs for Imbolc. Valerian pointed out that there is a need for background music, like Manlia had provided during setup and breakdown at events.

A clan talent show may be too ambitious an undertaking at this point, however Valerian has recommended a fidchneal tournament for Imbolc. A discussion ensued about boards which are owned by members, boards which could be made, and possibly getting some of the boards Keith has.

Valerian is also busy gathering things for the clan kitchen

Anyone interested in Tandy Leather (catalogs/coupons) can contact Valerian as she has this information

Cate:

Cate and Guthram plan to enlarge their tent

Cate has a new e-mail address : cathleen.barber@nyk.com. She requests that important messages only be sent to this address and that they be kept short.

Larry:

Larry is working on plans for a "jockey box". He has a barrel which is fitted with a spigot. He plans to add a copper coil to the barrel. The finished setup will provide a way to hide the keg and chill the brew at the same time.

Larry is looking forward to working on the tent with Comyn.

Larry would like to plan a road-trip to Tandy Leather's nearest outlet which is in New Jersey. He is interested in preparing to join the warriors of the clan

Eberwolf:

Eberwolf has announced his intention to seek a sponsor for membership in the clan. Further discussion was deferred for "New Business"

Eberwolf is looking forward to reading the Tain.

Aonghus:

Aonghus is encouraged by the good interest and involvement shown thus far by the new officers

Aonghus brought up the idea of having a brazier at Imbolc. He would like to strive for "realness" in the execution of this idea.

Aonghus feels there is a need for a clan workshop where members can gather to work on projects which they may be unable to work on otherwise. He mentioned there is a possibility that we may be able to set up a workshop at his parents' house in the near future.

Old Business:
There was no old business discussed

New Business:

Aonghus motioned on behalf of Guthrum to accept Eberwolf as a probate of the Clan. The motion was seconded by Cate and carried unanimously. Guthrum will sponsor Eberwolf for membership

A "How-To" information source for sponsors and probates does exist detailing the requirements for membership. Eberwolf and Larry should be given this document.

Aonghus made the announcement that the Clan web page will be two years old in February and is currently undergoing an overhaul.

All members are reminded that persona stories are required by law. Falgon and Aonghus are working on the history and some stories. Members are encouraged to work with their stories and make them their own.

The policy on Guests at events was reviewed. The following points were emphasized regarding clan policy towards non-members at events:

Every non-member must be the invited guest of a member.

The inviting member assumes full responsibility for the conduct of his/her guests.

Guests may ask their host members to invite people for them (and are greatly encouraged to do so).

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.

Planning for Imbolc:

Tentative date is February 7th. This is contingent upon the availability of the Swan Lake Hall. Aonghus will be making these arrangements in January.

Vollund - beef dish using remaining beef from Samhain and 5 gallons of beer

Mainlia will be able to attend if the event is held on February 7th. He is asked to provide 5 gallons of beer.

Cate will be bringing a vegetable dish - squash soup

Guthrum will be asked to learn a poem and be available to run errands on the day of the event

Valerian will be responsible for cleanup, pottage and learning one song

Falgon will provide the cheese and meat board. He is also charged with bring the clan sheet walls and some way of hanging them.

Sil will be responsible for bread and fruit

Erlan is asked to provide table dressings and candles

Sabha will provide a dish with vegetables and barley and pies/tarts for dessert

Aonghus will bring a dish made with carrots and honey

Comyn will be responsible for running the auction (of feast gear and "lost and founds") and the ceremony at the event. He will also be providing and serving the hot "welcoming punch"

Larry will be asked to bring 5 gallons of beer.

Cate has proposed a clan trip to Ireland. She will be researching the mundane details, while all members are asked to come up with a list of "must see' sites so she has somewhere to start.

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