| (okay, it's corny. YOU think up a better name for an official newsletter!) The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. The opinions contained herein are strictly my own, as are any typographical errors. Not to be taken internally. Entire contents copyright 1995 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Void where prohibited by law. Marshmallows not included. |
| Volume 2 | Issue 4 |
Date Unknown | |
In This Issue:
Greetings !
Well here it is May already. Where has the time gone to? Marietta was a relative success. Everyone did a wonderful job!!!
Michael did a wonderful job!!! He was always looking for things to do; he helped in the kitchen and participated in field activities with the men. Its hard for me to imagine having that much energy. Great Job Michael!! 'Couple more years and you will be putting all of us old people to shame!
Marietta was a difficult event. However that which does not kill us makes us stronger. The weather on Saturday was difficult; however everyone pitched in and made it work. The group seems to have the hang of breakdowns. We are breaking down more stuff in shorter amounts of time at every event. Other groups are impressed by the amount of stuff we have in our camp. It looks real: a lot of the camps do not even have enough tentage or cooking gear to really support the number of people that are in their group. Our kitchen literally has enough stuff to feed an army. Anyone who has any suggestions, complaints, or etc.. that they would like voiced to the administration needs to get them to myself or Paula soon. Also, Marietta is interested in what we would like to do with our camping site, i.e. building some permanent constructions, fortifications, and other improvements. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. One of the things discovered at Marietta is that we need more tactical practice with our weapons. Safety needs to come first!! Also, people need to learn to properly wield the weapons that they are carrying/using. Therefore from now on when we have a meeting or a workshop we should also have a pike drill and weapons drill.
Additionally, from now on before you can carry a weapon on the field you will have to demonstrate some basic proficiency and safety with the weapon. To that end, some safety rules for our group need to be implemented. They are being written, and any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Some rules specifically for gunpowder are also being written. Anyone who wishes to use gunpowder or bring gunpowder to an event needs to be aware of the safety rules. Also when Powder starts being stored in our camp, more new safety rules will have to be implemented.
We will be having another kit inspection sometime this summer. At this one we will be inspecting clothing, sleeping gear, weapons, armor, cooking gear, tentage (if other than what has already been brought to an event), and hobby items or camp activity items. This inspection will be scheduled and announced fairly soon.
Our Chief Financial Officer (Drew) had requested that all members pay their yearly dues no later than April 1. If you haven't paid yet, YOU'RE LATE! And don't think you can get the "half-year discount" since you've waited so long; that's only for new members. What do your dues do? Well, they pay postage and printing/copying costs for this marvelous newsletter, for one thing. They also go for any costs the unit incurs, like group registration fees at events, or storage fees, and also to purchase unit-owned props, like pavilions, weapons, tables, etc. Paying your dues also entitles you to all rights and privileges of membership, including voting, if you're a full or stakeholder member. There are a few very important issues to be decided soon, and if you haven't paid, you don't vote. Think of it as a poll tax if you like, but pay them anyway! They're only $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families. (Cheap at twice the price! What a bargain!)
The Norfolk Renaissance Faire will be held in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 20 & 21. This is a very small event, but friendly, and quite fun. They have hired us to act as guards for Henry VIII and his court (all two of us). Larry will be portraying the Captain of the Guard. There is no minimum number needed, so whoever wants to come is welcome. They will provide 2 or 3 hotel rooms at the Ramada for the Germans to share, for both Friday and Saturday night, and free parking at a downtown garage only a few blocks away. They will feed us lunch both days, and have managed to come up with $60.00 out of their already-extended budget for us. They have apologized for the small amount, and promised more for next year.
Victor will be bringing his pavilion to set up as a "base camp", but we shouldn't have to bring much else for this event: no cooking equipment, bedding, or pikes, just personal gear and weapons. It is a fairly low-key event, with nice small crowds, and lots of time to "bop around" and have fun. If you are interested in coming, please let Larry or Paula know ASAP, so we can give them an accurate count, and give you directions and details. Larry and Paula will be leaving Friday morning, May 19, and are willing to lead a caravan, if needed.
Oh No, Another Business Meeting
There will be an official business meeting at 6:00 pm Sunday, May 28, at the Peterka's. Yes, we realize it's short notice, and yes, we realize that's Memorial Day Weekend. Sorry. We need to finish the unfinished business from our last meeting, schedule the last round of pre- 'Fest workshops, pick a date for the kit inspection, and talk about upcoming events and other official "stuff". Please come if you can, and call if you can't.
At our last meeting, we voted to accept the Maryland Renaissance Festival's offer to work for them this year, and to discuss exactly what we should do with the money earned at a later date.
We will be returning as guards for the 1995 season. They would like us to bring as many people as we can, but we must guarantee that we will have at least five people each day. We will remain German Landsknechts, even though we will be guarding English Nobility. We may set up a pavilion if we wish, and have information and flyers about the group available there. The group will be paid $4000.00 for the run of the festival, and individual performers will receive drink and/or food coupons, and possibly comp tickets and reduced camping fees. Details are still being worked out.
Doing this event will give us good exposure and more practice together as a unit, and $4,000.00 will certainly go a long way toward outfitting the unit with all the toys we've been talking about, if that is what we decide to do.
Like last year, we will send a reply card asking which weekends you can commit to doing. We must have a minimum of four soldiers and one campfollower per day, or we will not get the contract, so please be realistic and honest when you make your commitments. The festival is being extended one extra weekend this year, and runs from August 26 to October 22, with Dress Rehearsal on August 19.
There is only one left at the unbelievable, rock-bottom price of $70.00. This pike is made from a 12' tapered ash pole, and a steel head of the finest Kriner/Peterka craftsmanship. Don't wait! Get It Before it's Gone!
SCA Event: Support your Favorite Baron
On June 3, 1995, the SCA Barony of the Bright Hills will be hosting "The Night of the Hart", a day tournament and evening feast which is being run by the neighboring Barony of Lochmere. Since there is some confusion on the part of the neighboring barony as to who is actually the host, and who is actually the guest, and therefore, who should actually be nice to whom, Baron Heinrich and Baroness Barbara (Bob and Barbara) are asking for a show of support and impressive force from the Fähnlein, as their honor guard for the event. In return for this, they have said that they will cover our feast fees for the event. If you are interested in attending, and once again being an impressive addition to Bob and Barbara's court, please contact them or Larry and Paula ASAP, to make arrangements.