Official newsletter of the Principality of Insulae Draconis
AS LIX, Volume 32, Issue 12, Nov/Dec 2024
Table of contents
Cover artwork: The Holly Monarch. Photo by Princess Agnes.
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The season of contemplation is upon us. Long dark nights, warm fires and strong ale lead to a person reflecting upon the world and their place within it.
We in our society pride ourselves on being welcoming, open and progressive. We celebrate diversity, reward effort and celebrate those who enrich our lives through their service.
But as the contemporay saying goes. A fall can soon follow excesive pride or hubris. As Princes we are asking ourselves, are we truly welcoming?
So our challenge to the populace is. If a pair of newcomers turned up to your event or practice and wanted to partake in an activity that you already carry out in the Barony/shire/hamlet, could they?
If not we would like you to consider the logistics of making such a thing possible. For by planting such seeds your gardens will grow and our principality will shine.
Referring back to our previous missive, this cannot rest on a single persons back. A group and a community are always more successful the better they collaborate.
Yours in Service
Alexander & Agnes
Principes Insulae Draconis
Court Reports
This is a court report for Champions of Lough Devnaree XVII. Champions
of Lough Devnaree XVII was organised by Dun in Mara.
This court report is for court on 28 Sep 2024, it’s identified as
Saturday Evening Court.
Court report filed by: Court Herald, Sela de la Rosa
Court was opened and their highness welcomed travellers from across
the isles and beyond.
Those officers of the principality present were invited to swear
fealty to the coronet.
Alice de la Wode was called forward, and presented with a backlog
scroll previously awarded.
The outgoing Champions of Lough Devnaree announced the results of
their tournaments and named their successors.
Baroness Melisende had business before the court.
Their highness greeted those for whom this was their first court.
Noble Ingemar was called into court and made a member of the Order of Ffraid.
The seneschals of Dun in Mara and Eplaheimr were invited to speak of
the recent accomplishments and future ambitions of their groups.
Lady Aoife was called forward and presented with a tiara by their highness.
Sadhbh of Dun in Mara was called forward, awarded arms, and made a
noble of the court.
Their highness gave some closing words and court was closed.
Prize Play announcement
Unto the Academy of Defence of the Kingdom of Drachenwald, our Sovereign Rulers
of the same, and all nobles and attendants of their court, do I Baron Nicholas
de Estleche dictus le Tardif, Prefect of the said Academy, Companian of the
Silver Guard and the Fox &c, send greetings.
I hereby make known my intent to sponsor Hlǣfdige Rebeeca Stormwiga of Flinthǣþ,
Holegncwēn Gēolġebēorscipes, Provost of the Academy to play her prize for the
rank of Prefect of the Acedemy at St.Bede’s Fair to be held at Bourn in the
county of Flinthǣþ on the final weekend of May next.
May those who would stand as examiner make themselves known unto. Let all who
would test her as she holds the field assemble at the appointed place and at the
appointed time. Let all who would witness her skill and prowess gather likewise.
Let those who would face her pray for a clear sky, for should the storm
accompany her, Rebecca shall lay low those who stand against her as wheat in the
field, and wrest the trees from the soil so that nothing shall stand above her.
Writ this eleventh day of December anno scoietatis 59 at Utbech
In service,
Nicholas de Estleche
Archery Lesson 3: Check Arrow Length for safety
By Pól ó Briain
Not everyone is built in the same way. Some people have longer arms, different size torsos and longer jaw lines. Because of this, different people have different draw lengths which in turn means that they need different lengths of arrows. When you are starting in archery the first thing to worry about in reference to arrow length is to ensure that the arrows are not too short. Arrows being too long you can live with. Arrows being too short can spell disaster. When beginners are at full draw you want at least an extra 2 inches of arrow length beyond the front of the bow for safety.
To get a quick check to make sure the arrows you are planning on shooting are not too short, fully stretch out both of your arms out in front of you and place the palms of your hands together with fingertips fully extended. Measure the arrow length against the distance from your chest to 2 inches beyond your fingertips and that should be your starting MINIMUM arrow length.
Most target archery marshals will have beginner archers shooting full length arrows (normally 32 inches long) which have several advantages.
As they are full length arrows, you don’t normally have to worry about them being too short (be warned, there are some people with really long arms that this will not work for and people that may try to over draw the bow).
Beginners should be shooting short distances so the excess arrow length should have little to no effect on performance.
Because most beginners should also be using the pile of the arrow (arrowhead) to aim with, using a longer arrow means the archer is more likely to shoot lower. This means you have less arrows shooting over the target.
When the piles break off the arrows, you can remove ½ an inch or so and make another set of 30-inch arrows giving them a second life.
Please note, care should always be taken not to over draw the bow.
How to measure your arrow length (for advanced archers)
To get a more actuate arrow length you can measure it one of two ways. Both ways need a second person at hand to help.
The first way is to nock an old arrow when standing on the shooting line and aim down range and draw the string back to your normal anchoring point. With a marker, a second person makes a vertical line on the arrow where it meets the front of the bow. You then measure the length between the inside of the arrow’s nock to that mark and that is your arrow length.
The second way is done in much the same way as the first except you use a measuring arrow. This is an arrow that has the length in inches marked up the cock feather side of the arrow already. When you draw the arrow back the second person has only to read the length off the arrow. No need for a measuring tape. A measuring arrow should be marked 5 inches from the inside of the nock to the pile.
In both above cases you should never shoot the arrow. Simply ‘come down’.
Why should I use arrows the same as my draw length (or rather my draw length plus 2 inches for extra safety)? There are 2 reasons:
The shorter arrows are, the less they weigh. This has the benefit of being able to send arrows more distance with the same poundage bow.
It also means if you use the pile (arrowhead) for aim, you have to correct less then shooting longer distances.
Events
These are the upcoming events in Insulae Draconis.
To submit an event for inclusion, use the form on the Drachenwald website,
https://drachenwald.sca.org/events/calendar-add/.
You don't need to provide all information right away; a minimal entry is enough at first.
The day after you submit an event, you'll receive an email with a link to edit your entry.
Changes will be reflected on the Principality website within a few minutes, and in editions
of the Baelfyr that are published before the event takes place. (If you're unable to find that
link, contact webminister@drachenwald.sca.org
for help.)
To keep entries consistent between the calendars, The Baelfyr no longer accepts event submissions
by email.
Champions of Lough Devnaree
Hosted by Eplaheimr
Begins: Friday, 12 September 2025 Ends: Sunday, 14 September 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Camping, Royalty present
The Annual Champions of Lough Devnaree will this year be run by the Barony of Eplaheimr. Come one, come all to test your mettle and win the title of Champion of your chosen field. Last year’s Champions will decide the format of the competition for the new Champions.
Site address: Jim Kirwan Scout Den, Clara, Co. Offaly
Activities: Archery, Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Sewing
A medieval event every month …
the idea is to dress up, have a nice time and do some medieval things!
The first get together is on Saturday 13th September at 12:00
Pot luck lunch at 12:30
Please let me know if you can come and what you might like to do …
We are getting archery started now and it may be possible to do some that day.
We can do some crafting and making.
There are lots of things we can do at these get togethers … dancing, pottery, pole lathe making, paper pattern making for costumes, trebuchet making, leatherwork, discuss medieval recipes for a future feast, painting and illuminated letters, creating heraldry and coats of arms, talk about having a tent for our events, music, spinning, weaving, costume making, calligraphy, brewing … and loads more, whatever takes your fancy!
It has been suggested we build a wattle and daub hut in the garden … all ideas considered!
If you have a medieval craft project of your own you can bring it to do, or to show.
Sometimes we’ll have a pot luck lunch or supper where everyone brings a contribution. Sometimes we could try cooking some medieval foods to try. We can eat puddings! We can have a feast!
Please let me know if you can come and what you might like to do.
Reservation: Please register with me by Messenger Ann Jay Cee before 10th
Cost: First shire day on the Wirral, no charge
Donation towards refreshments and roomhire appreciated
Payment: Payments can be made on site
Site information: To be confirmed, depending on numbers
Flintmoot
Hosted by Flintheath
Takes place: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 20 September 2025 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning)
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 16 September at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Monthly convocation meeting - message Helen for details of location and if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site, Foreign guests can pay at the door Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Autumn Crown 2025
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Begins: Friday, 10 October 2025 Ends: Sunday, 12 October 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Royalty present
The Prince and Princess will be present.
Autumn Crown Tourney
Site address: Ingestre Hall, Ingestre, Nr Great Haywood, Staffordshire, ST18 0RF
Cost: Full event, staying on site: 107GBP (98GBP with member discount)
Full event, staying off site: 97GBP (88GBP with member discount)
Day tripping with food: 91GBP (88GBP with member discount)
Children under 12 free
Unwaged concession, full event per person: 87GBP (78GBP with member discount)
Unwaged concession, daytripping per person: 81GBP (78GBP with member discount)
Family cap (staying on site): 267.50GBP (245GBP with member discount)
Site information: Ingestre Hall is a 17th century Jacobean mansion situated at Ingestre, near Stafford, Staffordshire, England, which is now in use as a Residential Arts and Conference Centre. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Begins: Friday, 17 October 2025 Ends: Sunday, 19 October 2025
Activities: Archery, Feast or Potluck
A new archery event in Insulae Draconis! Join us in Sherwood Forest to shoot for Robin Hood’s legendary golden arrow. Activities will include target shooting, field shoots (weather permitting) and archery classes such as arrow making, the basics of shooting, making your own archery gear and how to become an archery marshal. All are welcome in our fully accessible venue.
Site address: Robin Hood Activity Centre, Ricket Lane, Mansfield, NG21 0NF
Reservation: Reguster using the online booking form linked on the website.
Cost: Full event on-site (including camper vans and campers): Adult (no concessions) - £75 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £65 Child 13+ - £65
Full event off-site: Adult (no concessions) - £65 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £60 Child 13+ - £55
Day trip - includes all meals: Adult (no concessions) - £55 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £50 Child 13+ - £45
Payment: Payment information will be provided after registration, Foreign guests can pay at the door
Site information: Robin Hood Activity Centre is a fully accessible scout site with bunkhouse accommodation for 24 plus scope for crash space and camping/campervans. A full kitchen allows for feast cookery and the surrounding grounds and woodland provide a beautiful setting for a variety of shoots.
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 18 October 2025 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning)
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 14 October at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Monthly convocation meeting - message Helen for details of location and if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Payment: Payments can be made on site, Foreign guests can pay at the door
Medieval Dead
Hosted by Eplaheimr
Begins: Saturday, 25 October 2025 Ends: Monday, 27 October 2025
Activities: Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Royalty present
Come join the Barony of Eplaheimr as we celebrate the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead this Samhain season. There will be fun, feasting, martial activities, classes and much more.
This will be a weekend event with site opening Saturday morning at 10.00am and closing Monday at noon(Monday being a public holiday in Ireland).
Site address: Jim Kirwan Scout Hall, Clara, Co. Offaly
Cost: Medieval Dead admission fees. Kids Under 5 members Free Kids under 5 non members €5 per day
Day tripping Single Day Saturday 25th October €12 members, €17 non-members, €8 Unwaged/Unemployed. Kids 5-12 members €6 non-members €11
Sunday 26th October €15 members, €20 non-members, €12 Unwaged/Unemployed. Kids 5-12 members €8 non-members €13Full Weekend Staying Off Site Both days €27 members, €32 non-members, €20 Unwaged/Unemployed. Kids 5-12 members €14 non-members €19
Full weekend €40 members, €45 non-members, €30 Unwaged/Unemployed. Kids 5-12 members €20 non-members €25
Booking close on the Tuesday 24:00 for non-members From Wednesday 00:00 members late booking fee €5 single day €8 full weekend with a notice that food allergens may not be catered for OAP ticket will put a discount code for 50% for the day ticket.
Payment: Payment can be made through Fienta details to follow.
Site information: To be confirmed
Flintmoot
Hosted by Flintheath
Takes place: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 22 November 2025 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning)
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 11 November at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://sites.google.com/insulaedraconis.org/sca-uk-cic-insurancedatabase/home
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Harpelstane Convocation
Hosted by Harpelstane
Takes place: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Activities: A&S
Monthly convocation meeting - message Helen for details of location and if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Reservation: Important note: in accordance with our insurance provider and SCA CIC UK policy, membership in either the SCA CIC UK* or an SCA affiliate** is required for all attendees in order to be covered under our insurance. Membership is £15 for an adult for one year. If you require membership, visit https://membermojo.co.uk/scauk
If you are unwaged and would struggle to afford membership, please contact us at reservations@flintheath.org.uk
*SCA Community Interest Company (CIC) UK is a UK and Republic of Ireland-based affiliate of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., a 501(c)3 Educational Not-for-Profit organization, based in the US. This affiliate is a local corporation, registered at Companies House, which provides its members services. ** SCA Affiliates: Nordmark (Sweden & Iceland), Aarnimetsä (Finland), Central (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France. Netherlands, Russian Federation, Bulgaria), SCA Inc. (United States & Canada), Lochac (Australia & New Zealand)
Cost: EVENT (Fri, Sat & Sun)
Adult 17+ years - £38 Concession 17+ years (student, disabled, unwaged, senior, hardship) - £28 Child under 17 years - £13 Infant aged up to 6 years inclusive - free
(event fee includes site fee, Friday night Traveler's Fare, Saturday breakfast, Saturday evening refreshments during the Ball, and Sunday breakfast)
FEAST
£15 - 17+ years £5 - under 17 years Infant aged up to 6 years inclusive - free
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATIONS (per person for two nights) £60 B&B Main House £30 Tower Bunk
Site information: The site, known as Buckden Towers has a rich history spanning over 900 years (https://www.buckden-towers.org.uk/history)
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Imbolc
Hosted by Dun in Mara
Takes place: Sunday, 1 February 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Royalty present
February hangs heavy in many a heart The sun still hides behind rain swollen clouds and yet it fights each day to shine a bit longer over the winter-worn multitudes
Let us fight that winter melancholy together Join us in celebrating the coming of light at our one-day revel, Imbolc As in past times people celebrated the Chailleach of winter giving sway to Brigid, so shall we, with the making of candles, butter, and planting seeds.
For the feast, we put a call to all who would join us, and hope ye answer. We would love to highlight the foods that remained in February, those that were stored and preserved in all manners whether it be drying, curing, salting or other methods of preservation. We can share what we have preserved from now until the event, eat together and share our experiences. We will update the calendar when further details are secured, but we want to light the spark of creativity and give time for the preserving of food stuffs. Any questions can be directed to the event stewards, Gwerful an Filí and Mallymkun Rauði.
Scribal event, beginning with a beginner’s class taught by Maredudd athro, principality signet; there may be other classes. Afternoon in a well-lit hall for drawing and painting. Please bring own equipment if you own it; some supplies will be available. Current pan is for medieval potluck
Event steward: Ari Mala
Court of Love
Hosted by Eplaheimr
Takes place: Saturday, 21 February 2026
Activities: Fencing, Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Sewing, Royalty present
Come and celebrate Love in it’s many forms! Courtly, Familial, Romantic, Platonic and any other which consensual way! This is the day to show someone/some people affection, regard, attention, appreciation etc.! Compose your poems, gift your flowers, fashion your gift, win for their honour or simply enjoy their company! Or if your love language involves food - bake away! Let this be the great Eplaheimr Love-in!
This is a day event - and there will be a Potluck Lunch - so bring a dish to share - one you have cooked yourself or if cooking isn’t your thing, then something bought is fine. More guidance in this article - https://eplaheimr.org/what-is-an-event/
Site information: Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1FFTSTjGGvwqqnm9 The site is a warm comfortable indoor space with multiple rooms including sufficiently size indoor space for combat activities. There is a changing room and a fully equipped kitchen should you need to heat or bake anything.
February Coronet
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Begins: Friday, 6 March 2026 Ends: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Feast or Potluck, Royalty present
