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THE SCA
Introduction to the Shire of Griffon’s Tor
The Shire of Griffin’s Tor is the northern South African branch
of the Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a worldwide organisation,
dedicated to research and re-creation of the European Medieval and
Renaissance period.
The SCA is divided into Kingdoms - a Shire is a
subdivision of a Kingdom. Griffin’s Tor falls under the Kingdom
of Drachenwald, which covers the geographical areas of Europe, Africa
and the Middle East.
The Shire of Griffon’s Tor covers the Gauteng area.
It is not necessary to join the Society to enjoy an event, but it does
have advantages. Local membership allows you to subscribe to “Ye Maille
& Guardant", the local newsletter that gives a monthly update of local
events in each Farthing, reports on past events and other articles of
interest.
The subscription is R25,00 per year hand delivered or R40,00 by post. If you wish to subscribe to “Ye Maille & Guardant, please contact the Chronicler, Martin Ayres on m.ayres@absamail.co.za or 011 865 3527.
You can also subscribe to the Griffin’s Tor mailing list. On the mailing list, we discuss any subjects relevant to our period or recreation, as well as any business that may affect the Shire at large.
To subscribe to the Griffon’s Tor mailing list, griffinstor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Etiquette
In the SCA we try to create an authentic atmosphere by how we speak and behave. It also helps to make you more at home at during events, as well as to fit in with your persona - if you decide to have one. We achieve this by "Speaking Foresoothly", speaking only on subjects within the period, avoiding mundane subjects from the present time. Mild banter and flirting is allowable and makes for much merriment, if done correctly. Just listen to the others for a while, at your first event, to get the idea.
Also, please remember that mundane artefacts such as cell phones are frowned upon. (but in emergencies are allowed as long as they are out of sight).
A courtly manner is also a prerequisite for events. This is where, for instance, we greet all by the title "milord or milady" whilst giving a bow or curtsey. These are honorific titles, used for courtesy only; using the titles "Lord X or Lady Y" are incorrect unless they have been earned within the SCA hierarchy. In addition, it is expected that anybody who passes across the High Table, will bow or courtesy towards it, as a mark of respect to our Royalty, or Officers. It is also a custom from the Middle Ages to "bow to the salt" on the High Table. Applause takes the form of beating the table with the hand or goblet while shouting "Vivat, meaning "long life".
Events - Costume
It is expected that everybody who attends a costumed event wear "period" costume. For the first time attendees, costumes are available from the Gold Key. (The Gold Key is a collection of items required to create the desired medieval atmosphere and include costumes, feast gear, banners and tablecloths.) The Chatelaine controls the Gold Key. If you need a costume for your first or subsequent event, please contact Lady Mary Elizabeth Sutton, our Chatelaine.
If you wish to make your own costume, there are usually books on medieval costume in your local library and on the Internet, or have a word with the Deputy Mistress of Arts and Sciences, Janita de Vasconcelos, for some guidance. Otherwise, for your first basic costume: Ladies - you can wear either a long A-line, long sleeved dress or a long flowing skirt, with a blouse tied at the waist with a belt or cord. Men - a pair of plain coloured tracksuit pants and a wide T-shirt tied at the waist with a belt will work. (Keep away from t-shirts and tracksuit pants with logos.) For shoes, lace up shoes or sandals will do.
Events - Feast Gear
For any feast, a minimum of the following is required. For first time attendees, the Gold Key can help.
- Plate and bowl (wood, ceramic or metal - not plastic)
- Knife and spoon (no forks please, they came much later)
- Goblet (metal or ceramic cup) or tankard (preferably pewter).
- Candle and holder
- Napkin (preferably plain, of coarse material, unbleached calico i.e. curtain lining will do)
Persona
Once you are comfortable with the SCA and it's aims, you may wish to develop a persona. This will focus your interest in a particular period or geographical area, by creating a concept of a person who could have lived at that time and in that area. Your persona should reflect your interests and must not be an actual person from history. A persona could be simply an idea around which to dress or it could become much more; it is up to you. You will have to study your period of interest to enable you to develop a meaningful persona, especially as it will become part of your conversations and actions at events.
Guilds - The Arts and Sciences
There are various Guilds within the Shire, which concentrate on specific arts and crafts. These are an integral part of the SCA and are another way of increasing your knowledge of the period and it's way of life. The following list is not exhaustive, but does include all of the Guilds presently extant in the Shire. For more information, contact the Mistress of Arts & Sciences, Janita de Vasconcelos.
- Armourers Guild
- Cooking Guild
- Embroidery Guild
- Brewing Guild
- Herbalist Guild
- Costuming Guild
Combat
In addition to the arts and sciences, combat is practiced - under strict SCA rules. In the North Farthing, heavy combat (with rattan swords and shield) and archery are currently active. But, a word of warning, combat requires armour and practice, so new members or casual attendees should not expect to be able to immediately start fighting. Please ask the Marshall, Russell Abery, for more details.
List of Officers
Seneschal – Lord Alric of Couentreu (Martin Ayres) m.ayres@absamail.co.za 011 865 3527
Minister of Arts and Sciences – Lady Biringeira de Vasconçellos (Janita de Vasconcelos) janita_abery@hotmail.com 082 747 0560
Marshal – Lord Rainer Wulfgar (Russell Abery) russell@ccs-support.co.za 083 658 6841
Chatelaine - Lady Mary Elizabeth Sutton (Lesley Ayres) m.ayres@absamail.co.za 011 865 3527
Chronicler – Lord Alric of Countreu (Martin Ayres) m.ayres@absamail.co.za 011 865 3527
Should you have any questions regarding any of this information or anything else do not hesitate to contact me.
In service,
Lady Mary Elizabeth Sutton
Chatelaine
Shire of Griffin’s Tor, South Africa
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