Ardchreag Moot, Oct 22nd 2001

Secretary note:

Moot, Start 7:30pm

At the opening of the Moot Todd mentioned the procedure for the meeting. There will be an imposed time limit (at his discretion) on individual speaking time. People are discouraged from repetition to save time. And, finally, that the object is to cover the first four topics and remaining topics will be addressed if time permits.

Briar asked if this Moot was just for discussion or if decisions will be made tonight. It was generally agreed that we would be making decisions on as many issues as possible.

1. Meeting Locations

Todd opened discussions with what to do about meeting locations. Debora L. proposed having two meetings a month in a public place (such as a school) and the remaining meetings at various private homes or restaurants. The topic moved slightly to address the usability of Daphne’s new warehouse, which she mentioned will be available December 1. Daphne also mentioned that she can arrange that a member of the Canton can be given a security code and key for the warehouse.

Briar pointed out that having meetings and fight practices together might be a good idea as long as there is adequate space and comfortable surroundings (chairs, tables and heat/air conditioning). She asked if the warehouse could fulfill those needs and Daphne responded that the warehouse will have all this and has the flexibility to be configured as we see fit. Kyle added that having meetings and fight practices together has worked well in the past as long as fighting and the meeting didn’t interfere with each other (different rooms). Daphne continued that combining meetings with fight practice means less cost for those that need babysitters.

Briar continued that for fight practices to work properly there should be at least four pairs of fighters (eight) and that the canton should consider cost secondary to a quality space. She also mentioned later that fighters could be able to offset the cost of an expensive space by a few dollars a practice.

Kyle commented that rooms at a grocery store is approximately $50 per night and that he intended to scope out other options including meeting rooms at Scarborough City Hall, as well as Pikering, Ajax and Whitby community spaces. Kerry mentioned that all private/catholic and French schools are heavily booked due to the recent increases in the cost of public school spaces.

Debbie M. proposed waiting for the warehouse to be available and to reassess the situation then, and in the mean time to meet at Route 66 to keep the meetings consistent. Mat B. mentioned that he disliked public meeting places and preferred private/home meetings. Avril and others pointed out, though, that a consistent and public meeting place is the better way to attract new members and the public (easier to find and safer).

It was settled that the Canton will meet at 7 pm on Mondays at Route 66 until the warehouse is available and that Kyle and others will look around for more pricing on spaces.

2. Fight Practice

Todd started the topic with the interest in doing drills, which others agreed with. Briar was pleased and mentioned that if people wanted to then she would be more than happy to help. She continued mentioning that the great Archreag Fight Practice was mostly myth. Many people have mentioned that they would prefer an Archreag-only practice. Briar commented that that may be possible provided there is enough people, but for now the practice at Skeltergate is very affordable (free) and has enough space for Arcdhreagers to step aside for their own practice for a while then join the whole practice later.

Elizabeth asked how many fighters there were in the Canton. Briar replied that there were about 10 compared to a year or two ago where there were only about 4.

Melanie proposed that we have 1 practice a month with Skeltergate and the rest ourselves. Briar mentioned again that Monday was a good day for it and tying it into meetings would be convenient. We agreed that the fighters would practice with Skeltergate until December and when the warehouse became available and make final decisions then.

3. Officers

Kyle opened the topic with his suggestions regarding officers in the Canton. He felt that the major officers such as the Senechal, the Exchequer, the Herald and the Arts and Science Minister should attend most meetings to be available for and an example to other members of the Canton. He proposed that officers should try to attend 3 out of 4 meetings, mentioning that regular attendance would be better for the group. Briar added that regular meeting places should help with this.

Avril commented that officers have a responsibility to attend as often as possible to keep up Canton moral.

Kyle asked if there should be penalties for officers that are not attending regularly. Briar suggested a process for keeping officer attendance. Debbie M. added that if an officer misses 3 meetings in a row, they might be asked, on a one-to-one basis if they want to continue with this position.

Carol commented that formal attendance should not be necessary and that the Seneschal keeping loose track should be sufficient. This was widely agreed with.

Briar said that the Chatelaine should be considered an important officer as well.

Mat B. asked who where the officers and the officer list was read from the current issue of the Tankard.

Debora L. volunteered as the acting Deputy Archery Marshal (which shall be called the Archery Lt.) and was accepted by the Canton. She will pursue the post with the Baronial Archery Marshal to find more info.

Kerry was accepted by Briar as a Marshal in Training.

It was decided that officers should be expected to attend at least 50% of the meetings unless there are extenuating circumstances, but should ideally attend 75% of meetings. This was agreed to by the whole attendance.

4. Pennsic Land Grab

Todd started saying that Kerry and Daphne wished to do land grab for Pennsic this year (2002). Jim McColm (not in attendance) has agreed through Todd to give Kerry and Daphne all the information for the paperwork and help with any questions. Todd presented a ring of service to Jim for his many years of service doing land grab, which was given to Kerry for safe keeping until he met with Jim. This was accepted by the Canton.

Daphne proposed that the Canton make new walls for the encampment. People would supply panels for the walls and each panel would be decorated. Daphne added that the wall arrangement would need to be evolved to include other people’s ideas as well.

Kerry commented that Peter and himself were designing a portcullis and drawbridge for the encampment, but that they would need storage space to keep it at Pennsic. Kyle said that Justinian had a large locker and may be able to accommodate them.

Debbie M. asked if there would be a camp tax for camp expenses. Todd said that people going to Pennsic would need to decide that amongst themselves, but Kyle added that someone will need to coordinate services and asked people to think about if someone would be interested in doing this.

Todd added that the Baroness had requested her usual spot in the campsite. More Pennsic updates will follow at meetings.

5. Changes to Canton’s Constitution

Kyle opened the topic saying that he had intended to bring copies of the Constitution for the Canton to review, but had neglected to bring it. The Canton’s constitution will be made available to the members of the Canton to review at a later date, and revise if necessary.

6. How to get old timer’s coming out again?

Debora L. opened the topic with a question asking what drove some of the older members away.

Briar commented that if people were invited back, they would probably come out. She continued that some people who have been in the SCA for 10 years or more become more involved at the Baronial and Kingdom levels and less at the Canton level. Ardchreag is starting to feel a lot like old Eoforwic and has a lot of people that may want to come out and give a talk or participate in something interesting. She proposed a “No Sh*t I was There” story night.

Andrew mentioned that some people just need a break from the SCA for a while.

Carol asked if the Canton should consider joint meetings, going en-mass to other Canton meetings or holding large dance practices. Kyle and Briar proposed an invasion of Eoforwic or other meetings/cantons (with their permission).

  Kyle will get a list of other Canton meetings and topics.

.7 Event in February

Kyle opened the topic with asking what we want to do and proposed a name “Winter Tavern.” He continued that the Ajax site is a good site, modern but well equipped even if a bit expensive.

Briar commented that their Majesties would attend such an event.

Debbie M. proposed that the event should be relaxed and have a strong A&S portion as well as fighting.

Briar asked what our financial status was and whether we would be able to cope with a loss should the weather turn against us (storm). Kyle replied that the Canton has a fair savings and could deal with a loss and still fund War Practice in the summer of 2002. Kyle continued that the site is $1000 including one bartender for the day.

Melanie suggested the Knights of Columbus Hall in Whitby and Michaela and Jennifer the Westshore Community Center. Kyle and Melanie will find out more info about these and other possible locations. Later on Jacqueline and Jenniger suggested the Canadian Legions and the Guild Inn.

Kyle proposed a simple feast in a tavern style, a big stew or soup, bread, fruit and cheese as well as a few extras such as veggies and a dessert.

The positions that have been filled for this event are Debbie M. as Troll and Peter as possible Feast o’Crat. Kyle and Melanie will be co-autocrating. Remaining to be filled are Servocrat, Master of the Hall and someone to take care of the bar stocking.

Briar proposed and the canton agreed to sponsor Doug Fullford to take the SIPS course and be able to handle bar duties should be need them in the future.

8. War Practice

For War Practice, Briar will be Marshal and leader of the Brute Squad again, and Kyle with co-Autocrat with someone else. What is still required are people to do Troll, Water Tech and Sanitation/Toilets. Melanie proposed sharing duties and making a schedule so that no one is left doing a long shift.

Kyle will post more details on the list.

9. Web Site Updates

Several members of the Canton asked regarding web site updates. Michaela offered to help Kyle with web site updates and design (and is now Deputy Web Minister) and Carol and others asked that we try to keep the site current as some people use it to find out about meetings.

Kyle said that the minutes, the history of Ardchreag and possibly the TankArd will be uploaded to the site as soon as possible. Also any errors and changes will be made as soon as possible.

Meeting closed at 9 pm.