Shire Blackwood

Jan 2012

• 6th - 7th -- Shadowcon XVI - Memphis, TN

• 8th -- Populace - Forsythe Park - 2:00 pm

• 13th - 15th -- Turf Wars 3 - Robertsdale, AL

• 20th - 22nd -- Winter Wonders 21 - Shire of Ardanroe - Bistineau State Park - Doyline, LA

• 27th - 29th - Swamp Romp - Shire Troll Fen - Chicot State Park - Ville Platte, LA

Feb 2012

• 4th -- Candlemas - Baker Community Center - Milington, TN

• 10th - 12th -- Athenaeum - Hosted by Shire of Blackwood

•12th -- Populace - Forsythe Park - 2:00 pm

• 17th - 19th -- Newbie Collegium - Hosted by Shire of Lagerdamm

What is the Society for Creative Anachronism?

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international non-profit educational organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the customs, combat, courtesies, arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Shire of Blackwood is in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann and covers the geographical area of Monroe, Louisiana and surrounding areas.

Members of the SCA study and take part in a variety of activities, including combat, archery, equestrian activities, costuming, cooking, metalwork, woodworking, music, dance, calligraphy, fiber arts, and much more. If it was done in the Middle Ages or Renaissance, odds are you'll find someone in the SCA interested in recreating it.

What makes the SCA different from a Humanities 101 class is the active participation in the learning process. To learn about the clothing of the period, you research it, then sew and wear it yourself. To learn about combat, you put on armor (which you may have built yourself) and learn how to defeat your opponent. To learn brewing, you make (and sample!) your own wines, meads and beers.

You will frequently hear SCA participants describe the SCA as recreating the Middle Ages "as they ought to have been." In some ways this is true – we choose to use indoor plumbing, heated halls, and sewing machines. In the dead of winter we have more to eat than King's venison, salt pork and dried tubers. However, a better description is that we selectively recreate the culture, choosing elements of the culture that interest and attract us.

How did the SCA begin?

The SCA started in 1966, when a few friends who were history buffs and science fiction/fantasy fans hosted a big outdoor party in Berkeley, California. The invitation stated that a Tournament would be held on the first of May, summoning "all knights to defend in single combat the title of 'fairest' for their ladies."

Everyone enjoyed the first tournament so much that they agreed a second should be run, but in a larger setting. In order to reserve one of the public parks for the gathering, the organizers needed to list a name for their group on the application. Since recreating the Middle Ages in 20th-century Berkeley was an anachronism (something "out of time"), and because the goal was creativity, they came up with "The Society for Creative Anachronism". It was a spur-of-the-moment invention; they had no idea that the name would stay with their group into the future.

What kind of person joins the SCA?

SCA participants are just plain folks who enjoy doing something more with their weekends. People from all walks of life join the SCA – students, teachers, historians, writers, secretaries, law enforcement personnel, chemists, and insurance agents. Many SCA participants are involved in high tech fields – computers, aerospace, high energy physics, etc. People who spend all week with highly complex, modern technology can find it relaxing to spend their leisure time using simpler technologies in a less modern setting.

How you can get involved?

We welcome you to come to our local meetings and events. You are not required to buy a membership before you start attending, although you may wish to join if you decide to be with us regularly. Members do pay lower entry fees to events, and some kingdoms require membership to participate in certain activities.

If you are interested in the Shire of Blackwood and joining us at a meeting, please contact our Seneschal Lord Gaius Aurelius Magnus at senechal @ shireblackwood.org.

This article is based on one originally written in 1996 by Mistress Siobhan Medhbh O'Roarke.

• Congrats to Lord Gaius Aurelius Magnus for being awarded the Onyx Chalice at Coronation Oct 1, 2011

• Congrats to Lady Jorhildr Hrafnkelsdottir who was awarded a Scribal Challenge prize at Coronation Oct 1, 2011

This is the recognized web site for the Shire of Blackwood in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. and is maintained by Eleanor Rigby.