The Barony of Vatavia is a regional group within the Kingdom of Calontir. We are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, better known as the SCA. Vatavia is home to Wichita, Kansas, and the greater surrounding area. We have members from as far away as Peabody, Pratt, and Winfield!
The SCA is an international organization renowned for its dedication towards researching and recreating aspects of the Middle Ages, not as they were, but as we would have liked them to have been. The SCA mostly concentrates on studying European History, but many members have chosen to study the Middle East and explore the interaction between Europe and Asia during this period.
If you are unfamiliar with the Society for Creative Anachronism, check out the Society's Introduction Guide for an explanation about the organization and what it is we do.
If you are already familiar with how we do things, great! Our site provides additional information about the events and people of interest within Vatavia, and you are always welcome to come join us Wednesday evenings at Martinson Avenue Christian Church. We always have something going on - be sure to check out our Interest Groups page for more information and directions to many of our activities!
Please note that you need not be a member to participate in any of our activities. If you have any questions, or would like help getting involved, please visit our Chatelaine page or contact our Chatelaine directly. We'd love to hear from you!
11 members attended: 9 Baronage/officers/deputies/champions; 2 members of the populace
The last Sunday of this month, the 26th, is the Exploration Place presentation on arms, armor and archery. There is a tentative date for a presentation at McConnell in October for Saturday the 12th. This is only tentative and may change. Details are being arranged. Those who participated in fighter practice and demos at Exploration Place since last May have been invited by Exploration Place to a volunteer appreciation event.
Two Vatavians have proposals currently at the Kingdom level. It was announced that a new Vatavian order is planned. It will recognize those who make things fun. The proposed name and badge paperwork will be done this month.
There will be two BUSH classes this month: the 22nd on black work presented by Lady Catlin and the 29th on T-tunics. Other future classes and possible classes were mentioned. A new person expo will be scheduled in the new future.
Reports were sent in from the Exchequer who reported a balance of about $15,000; and, the Chronicler who stated the Dragonflyre deadline for this month will be May 8th. It was noted that issues with yahoo.com was causing problems for some officers on communication.
Archery practice is being held at the Maize location. Once days are longer and warmer Thursday evening practice will resume. Sunday practice starts at noon. It will commence earlier when high summer temperatures begin. It was proposed to change from using hay bales to S-frame target holders. Advantages of the change were discussed in detail.
New officers were reminded to make sure that their contact information is available to the Chronicler and Web Minister as soon as possible upon taking office. This is also necessary at the Kingdom level. Contact information should be checked by both the outgoing officer and the new officer as it may not be immediately changed.
The Baronage and Seneschal thanked all for their help over the last two weekends of April at the Spring Renaissance Festival and the Champions’ event.
15 members attended: 13 Baronage/officers/deputies/champions; 1 event steward; 1 members of the populace
Planning is being finalized for the Spring Great Plains Renaissance Festival April 20-21. It was requested that the event stewards be contacted about out of town members planning to attend. Waivers will be obtained in the next week. Preliminary set up plans were discussed.
April 27th the local Champions’ event will be held at Camp Hawk in the Newton area. Dinner will be pot luck style. Information for the event is available on the event Facebook page. It will also be reposted on Facebook and the dragonfly-on-line site.
The Caltrop Pursuivant is currently awaiting the decision results from Laurel on several Vatavian proposals. The new Chronicler, Heloise, requested that officers confirm their contact information. Letters from the officers are also needed for publication. It was asked if there was a way to determine the number of members using the web version of the Dragonflyre. The possibility will be researched.
Parts for the Ren fair archery supplies have been ordered and shipped. Work will commence once the parts arrive. The finance committee was asked to consider expenditures for heraldry supplies and property transport to the Ren. Festival site.
Fighter Practice has resumed at the outdoor site, South Linwood Park near the tennis courts. The new Knight Marshal will step up at the Spring Renaissance Festival.
Archery has finished the last seasonal challenge, the Gwentarian, and will be starting the next seasonal challenge, the Inter-Kingdom Archery Competition. Practice will move to the outdoor Maize site as soon as weather permits. Preparations for Ren. Festival archery are starting.
A bid has been received for Vatavia to host Crown Tournament in 2014. That will be sent onto Kingdom for consideration. Officers were reminded that quarterly reports are due to Kingdom April 15th with courtesy copies to the Baronage and Seneschal. It was noted that Kingdom expectations for any office can change, sometimes suddenly. Changes can occur when the Kingdom officer changes and/or when there are changes to rules, procedures or policies. Officers were reminded to keep informed on these matters for the office they are responsible for.
Sons of Calontir, written and performed by Jóhann Steinarsson. This is the song that won the Gulf Wars bardic competition.
Bartholomew Hightower, of Artemesia, performing Fuggi Fuggi during a concert in honour of the memory of Owain Phyfe.
Song of Roland, by Mistress Rosalind Jehanne (Atlantia).
We Be Soldiers Three, performed by Mistress Rosalind Jehanne during a concert in honour of the memory of Owain Phyfe.
Mistress Marian of Heatherdale, from Ealdormere, performing Joan. Recorded at the Green Dragon at Gulf Wars XXII on March 11, 2013.
Micha on viol and his lady Ashelynn on the tekero (Hungarian Hurdy Gurdy) with Ghyslaime de Rouen performing Tourdion during a concert in honour of the memory of Owain Phyfe.
Don Mateo Montero de Madrid, of Ansteorra, performing Minstrel Boy during a concert in honour of the memory of Owain Phyfe.
Jóhann, Janos, Appelonia and Victor, Hanne, and Bryan performing The Swanroad by Mikal the Ram after the war bards competition.
You can find more live perforamance videos of Bards from the Knowne World by visiting Elashava bas Riva’s YouTube.
17 members attended: 13 Baronage/officers/deputies/champions; 2 event stewards; 2 members of the populace
Planning has started for the Spring Renaissance Festival April 20-21. Some department head positions have already been filled. Sign up sheets will be available March 13th. Milord Shiro and HE Melisende are the event stewards. It was announced that the Valor site fee has already been paid in full. There will be a department heads meeting March 27th. The Champions’ event will be April 27th at Camp Hawk. Each Champion will be announcing the details for the competition for their championship.
Exploration Place has requested that fighting continue at their facility through the outdoor months. Fighter practice the last Sunday of each month will be at Exploration Place starting May through October. The fighters have been invited to return November 2013-March 2014 for indoor practice. March 31 will be the historic and modern heraldry demo at Exploration Place.
A bid was received for Spring Crown 2014. This is Vatavia’s responsibility per the Kingdom rotation schedule for this event.
The Caltrop Pursuivant reported that several Vatavian items are in process. Two may be returned for a redraw. A request for items for the April letter of mis-intent has been sent to the heralds. It was announced that the next Chronicler will be Ly. Heloise. Bush classes are scheduled through September.
The Exchequer reported a balance of $10,610.90. $1500 has been received as reimbursement for our contribution from the lawsuit. Officers and the populace are asked to contribute suggestions for needed items. It was specifically asked for opinions from the populace as to whether or not they would like to see new coronets made.
Fighter practice will resume outdoors March 17th weather permitting. The current Knight Marshal, Kagemoto-san, warrant will be up this April. The new Knight Marshal will be taking over at the Renaissance Festival. Archery practice will continue at Diamond Archery until the weather warms up more. Due to severe weather and special tournaments at the facility official practice has been infrequent recently.
A change in Kingdom policy was announced. All officer reports to Kingdom must be done and turned in on time. If it cannot be done entirely, turn in all that you can. It is realized that real life can intervene. Let the Seneschal, Baronage and your Kingdom officer know so that the reporting can be accomplished. Deputies can help in this especially. Officers needing deputies are the Exchequer, the Arts and Sciences Minister, and the new Chronicler.
Award recommendations were requested from the members for both local and Kingdom awards. Anyone wanting to learn how to do the on-line version can get help from Ld. Jóhann.
It was announced that a finance meeting would be held after the Officers’ meeting.
14 members attended: 10 Baronage/officers/deputies/champions; 1 event stewards; 3 members of the populace
A presentation for McConnell base has been tentatively scheduled for mid-October. It is hoped to have a mini Ren. Fair. The Ansteorran Chatelaine and local Oklahoma groups will be notified about a requested demo for Northwestern Oklahoma State University Friday April 12th. Planning has begun for the Champions’ event this Spring. Those interested in participating in the Spring Ren. Fair presentation should contact Shiro.
Members are encouraged to attend Chieftains in Three Rivers and, if possible, Gulf Wars.
BUSH classes on Wednesdays have been scheduled through August. Classes are still needed for September through December.
Four Vatavians have proposals into Saker.
Lord Corrigan has stepped in as temporary Chronicler. Interviews will be held after the Officers’ meeting.
A receipt was delivered for donations in 2012 to Martinson Avenue Christian Church. A tithe to the Kingdom for Coronation and a donation to Martinson Avenue Christian Church were proposed, discussed and approved. The Valor site has already been paid in full. Payment was authorized to renew the web domain registration. After all financial considerations during the meeting there is a balance sitting at $10,000
Exploration Place requested fighter practice continue at their facility. During a meeting with the Marshal, demonstration coordinator, and EP contact it was agreed to come once a month. A schedule will be made.
There is now a Society Social Media policy and deputy office position created to oversee these areas of communication. Officers were all encouraged to read this policy. Applications for a Social Media Kingdom Deputy are being accepted.
Bids are needed for the Vatavian rotation on the Crown Tourney schedule. The suggestion was made to consider asking the Shire of Westumbria to assist with the event.
17 members attended: 12 officers/deputies/champions; 2 event stewards; 3 members of the populace
Coronation plans are in the final stages. New members are being encouraged to attend. Loaner garb will be available at the event. Volunteers are needed for water bearing, the tavern cash box, and serving. The fighting barrier construction is almost completed. Last minute expenditures were approved. The tentative schedule order was announced. Property delivery and set up arrangements were discussed. The post mortem meeting for Coronation was scheduled for the 16th prior to populace.
The last Sunday of this month begins the every other month special theme demonstrations for Exploration Place. January will be over games and entertainment.
Interest groups were requested to get meeting information to Sung so the 2013 calendar on the Baronial website will be up to date. BUSH classes are scheduled till August of this year. This month’s class will be on the 23rd. Lady Mór extended an offer to weave trim for anyone requesting it.
The Exchequer sent a representative. The financial quarterly and Domesday reports will be done by the 15th. Currently the Barony has $14,000 plus in the account. Pavilion and shade fly needs were discussed. Cost for a new pavilion will be obtained. It was proposed that pavilion costs be made a permanent budget item. It is a regular expense due to repair needs and periodic replacement.
Archery practice continues at the indoor site, Diamond Archery on Harry Street. Shooting on the Society Seasonal Archery Challenge has ended. Shooting for the Gwyntarian Winter Challenge will commence and continue till April 15th. Sunday fighter practice is from noon to 3 pm at Exploration Place.
The deadline for Valor bids was this month’s Officers’meeting. Ȯttarr bid was accepted. It will be Vatavia’s turn to host Crown in 2014. Bids are due to Kingdom May 4, 2013. Bids for the Spring Renaissance Festival [April 20-21] are needed.
Officers were reminded Domesday and quarterly reports are due. If a report will be delayed, please notify the Baronage, Seneschal, and your Kingdom officer as soon as possible. Also officers must provide blue card information on reports and to our Seneschal.
Due to job demands the Chronicler must step down immediately. Job applications are needed now for a replacement. Contact the Chronicler, Baronage, or Seneschal if you are interested.
18 members attended: 11 officers/deputies/champions; 2 event stewards; 3 members of the populace; two children
Coronation will be here in Vatavia January 13th. Crash space is needed for guests. Individuals with available space should contact the Chatelaine, Ly. Lucia. Materials needed for the planned fighting scenarios were covered.
The demonstration schedule for Exploration Place in 2013 has been done. The Barnes and Noble gift wrapping will be the 15th of December. Ly Yukiko is the event steward organizing this.
The December BUSH class will be on illumination. Those interested in teaching a class should contact Ly Mór. The October heraldic decisions were accessed during the meeting. Three Vatavians had proposals registered; currently one other member has proposals in process.
The Exchequer is awaiting delivery of receipts to finish Valor and other reports. The finance committee approved the purchase of materials to build another barrier for Coronation and future use.
Archery has moved to the indoor site. Scores have been submitted for the SSAC competition ending in December. Shooting will then start on the Gwyntarian challenge till April.
Fighter practice has moved to the indoor site at Exploration place Sundays beginning at noon. The FALCON site will be locked in the near future. Fighters who have not printed their authorization cards before then will be required to re-authorized. Fighters are encouraged as soon as possible to take care of this. The site requires certain service to access the site. Fighters not having those services may need to access the site through another’s address.
Members with an interest in an office position are encouraged to become a deputy to that office. Deputies can learn the operation and responsibilities of the office they are interested in.
One Valor proposal has been received. Any other bids for this event need to be delivered this month.
19 members attended: 11 officers/deputies/champions; 2 event stewards; 3 members of the populace; one infant
Planning for January Coronation here continues. No site token ideas have been received. The armory of the Royal peers was suggested. A possible Valor theme plan was offered by Ld. Jóhann to any interested members bidding to organize this event.
Exploration Place has extended an invitation to hold indoor fighter practice at their location during cold weather. They also requested the monthly presentations be done during the coming year. Sir Wulfric is organizing the Home Show demonstration October 20th- 21st at Century II and needs people interested in dancing and fighting to contact him. Ly. Yukiko proposed a presentation at McConnell Air Base for on base personnel in the Spring. It was tentatively approved.
The Herald’s office reported several local proposals are in process. Both Web Minister Sung and Chronicler Saki requested to be updated on officer and interest group contact information and any schedule changes so they can be on the official site and in the Dragonflyre. HL Sung also announced that the Kingdom Order of Precedence has been updated. Members are asked to contact the Clerk of the Precedence to indicate gender, local group and any corrections. Local corrections should be sent to HL Sung or HE Marie.
BUSH, Baronial University of Societal Humanities, classes have been scheduled through July 2013. This month class is ‘ Seven More Ways to Kill with Cake’. Plans have been made to resume meetings for the Cooking Guild.
The Exchequer is working to close the books for Valor and the Renaissance Festival. The Renaissance Festival post mortem will be held next Wednesday October 11th to help achieve this goal. The quarterly Exchequer report has received the necessary paperwork from the bank to finish the report. The fee for ordering proof of insurance for the Home Show demo be sent immediately was approved. Baronial property repairs on loaner garb and loaner arrows were mentioned.
Fighter practice and archery practice are changing to cold weather scheduling. Both will be starting Sundays at noon.
Officers were reminded that quarterly reports are due. Courtesy copies need to be sent to Their Excellencies and the Seneschal. Several officers announced that the report for their office’s activities are done and sent.
Populace meetings will not be held at the Alford Public Library as in the past. The earlier closing for the public libraries makes it impractical to continue to meet at that location. Other venues are being checked and considered. The Baronage and Seneschal welcome any suggestions members might have as to alternate locations. They would like to make a decision on this by December.
Below is the list of approved presentations for Vatavia in the upcoming months. Contact me personally, or the listed steward, if you are interested.
September 22nd-23rd Fall Great Plains Renaissance Festival, all day: stewards Ld. Robert Steven MacLaren, Ly. Lucia of Vatavia
September 30th Exploration Place, theme, daily life, noon – 5pm: steward Marie Chantal Delaire
October 20th-21st Fall Home Remodeling and Decorating Expo at Century II, 10am – 6pm Saturday, 4pm Sunday:
stewards Marie Chantal Delaire (pre-planning); Sir Wulfric Tyrrell planning and actual event
October 26th-28th Night of the Living Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, evenings: steward Marie Chantal Delaire
October 28th (yes same day) Exploration Place, theme, costuming, noon – 5pm: steward (Marie Chantal Delaire) information, ideas,etc. needed I am NOT a costumer! HELP !!!
December 15th Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping: stewards (contact Marie or Yukiko)
20 members attended: 13 officers/deputies/champions; 3 event stewards; 4 members of the populace
Final plans are beginning for the Renaissance Festival September 22nd-23rd. A week later September 30th is the Exploration Place demo on daily life. Planning is beginning for the Home Show presentation October 20th-21st.
Valor attendance was 241 adults and 30 paying children. The post mortem is scheduled to be held this Sunday September 16th at jimmy’s diner. T meeting of the area heads for coronation in January is planned for next week.
The Chronicler requested to be notified of any mistakes or errors on the Dragonflyre so that they may be corrected. She announced that Ld. Jóhann had been nominated for a Blackfox Award for one of his published poems. It was also noted that the Dragonflyre itself was nominated for the most improved. The design for a new Baronial Champion’s ax has not been finalized for approval. BUSH classes have been scheduled through June.
The costs for materials to build more storage for the Roll of Arms was delivered. A proposed budget for the Renaissance Festival was presented. Both will be considered by the finance committee at their meeting. The location of the three Baronial First-Aid kits was requested. It was noted that these were needed for any event, at the weekly fighter practice and one specifically for the Chirurgeon office.
The Exchequer presented a preliminary financial report on Valor. Some receipts had been received; but, other bills have not yet come. The proceeds from the event will be deposited tomorrow. The collected non-member surcharge needs to be sent in to Kingdom. The event will definitely break even.
The Fighter Marshal announced that the on-line site, FALCON, is available for individuals to obtain copies of their fighter cards. The two weekly archery practices will now both be at the Maize archery site.
The meeting adjourned. The finance meeting was held afterwards.
