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.
Flintmoot
Hosted by Flintheath
Takes place: Saturday, 18 January 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 18 January 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 January 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
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Flintmoot
Hosted by Flintheath
Takes place: Saturday, 15 February 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 15 February 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 February 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
Site address: Tockwith Village Hall YO26 7PR 10am - 6pm
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.
Du fait de cuisine
Hosted by Flintheath
Begins: Friday, 28 February 2025 Ends: Sunday, 2 March 2025
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck, Cooking
The Princess will be present.
Join us for a weekend of classes on cookery and food!
We’re still open to class proposals - if there’s something you would like to teach, submit a proposal via this link: https://forms.gle/kwKGFrUCRXWeaAYd6
Site address: Silverwood Scout Camp, Silkstone, Barnsley S75 4LB
Reservation: Event reservations are now open at this link: https://forms.gle/bZgKvhbn5sE9f1c86
Cost: £65 - full weekend £60 - day trip £50 - concession
We will apply a £5 (full weekend) or £3 (day trip) non-member surcharge for all SCA non-members.
Payment: Payment information will be provided after registration, Foreign guests can pay at the door Children are welcome at this event. If you plan to bring children, please contact the event team to discuss registration and payments.
Site information: http://www.silverwoodcamp.org.uk/
Begins: Friday, 14 March 2025 Ends: Sunday, 16 March 2025
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
Come join the people of Glen Rathlin and the rest of Lough Devnaree for a weekend of learning
Site address: Crawfordsburn scout camp
Event steward: Caitriona of the Ravens
Reservation:
Bookings will be by Fienta
Site information: Crawfordsburn scout camp
Thamesreach Fencing event
Hosted by Thamesreach
Takes place: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Activities: Fencing
Flintmoot
Hosted by Flintheath
Takes place: Saturday, 22 March 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 March 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, 18 March 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.
Flaming Arrow
Hosted by Glen Rathlin
Begins: Friday, 2 May 2025 Ends: Sunday, 4 May 2025
Activities: Archery, Feast or Potluck
Another weekend of archery, food and good company
Event steward: Caitriona of the Ravens
St Bede's Fair ~ Flintheath's Anniversary
Hosted by Flintheath
Begins: Friday, 23 May 2025 Ends: Monday, 26 May 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Camping, Sewing, Equestrian
SAVE THE DATE! Flintheath invites you to join us again at Manor Farm for St Bede’s Fair to celebrate the Shire’s 40th anniversary!
Event steward: The Noble Renart
Strawberry Raid IV
Hosted by Dun in Mara
Begins: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 Ends: Monday, 2 June 2025
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, Dancing, A&S, Camping, Sewing
The Princess will be present.
The Shire of Dun In Mara welcomes you to Strawberry Raid IV, six days of camping around the beautifully restored 15th-16th century tower house of Sigginstown Castle, in the beautiful sunny South-East of Ireland.
We will enjoy a range of activities from the arts, crafts and camp cookery to the martial pursuits of armoured combat, fencing and archery. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome across the board
