Official newsletter of the Principality of Insulae Draconis
AS LIX, Volume 32, Issue 12, Nov/Dec 2024
Table of contents
Cover artwork: The Holly Monarch. Photo by Princess Agnes.
Masthead & cover text in Philosopher. Internal text in EB Garamond. The Baelfyr
is created with Jekyll and PagedJS.
Send submissions for publication to
chronicler@insulaedraconis.org; plain text with
images separately attached is preferred.
Markdown formatting may optionally be used.
PLEASE NOTE: The Baelfyr is published both by email and on the web. Submission for publication
in the Baelfyr includes publication in both formats.
Subscriptions may be requested by emailing the Chronicler,
chronicler@insulaedraconis.org,
and will be continued without the need for renewal unless cancelled.
The season of contemplation is upon us. Long dark nights, warm fires and strong ale lead to a person reflecting upon the world and their place within it.
We in our society pride ourselves on being welcoming, open and progressive. We celebrate diversity, reward effort and celebrate those who enrich our lives through their service.
But as the contemporay saying goes. A fall can soon follow excesive pride or hubris. As Princes we are asking ourselves, are we truly welcoming?
So our challenge to the populace is. If a pair of newcomers turned up to your event or practice and wanted to partake in an activity that you already carry out in the Barony/shire/hamlet, could they?
If not we would like you to consider the logistics of making such a thing possible. For by planting such seeds your gardens will grow and our principality will shine.
Referring back to our previous missive, this cannot rest on a single persons back. A group and a community are always more successful the better they collaborate.
Yours in Service
Alexander & Agnes
Principes Insulae Draconis
Court Reports
This is a court report for Champions of Lough Devnaree XVII. Champions
of Lough Devnaree XVII was organised by Dun in Mara.
This court report is for court on 28 Sep 2024, it’s identified as
Saturday Evening Court.
Court report filed by: Court Herald, Sela de la Rosa
Court was opened and their highness welcomed travellers from across
the isles and beyond.
Those officers of the principality present were invited to swear
fealty to the coronet.
Alice de la Wode was called forward, and presented with a backlog
scroll previously awarded.
The outgoing Champions of Lough Devnaree announced the results of
their tournaments and named their successors.
Baroness Melisende had business before the court.
Their highness greeted those for whom this was their first court.
Noble Ingemar was called into court and made a member of the Order of Ffraid.
The seneschals of Dun in Mara and Eplaheimr were invited to speak of
the recent accomplishments and future ambitions of their groups.
Lady Aoife was called forward and presented with a tiara by their highness.
Sadhbh of Dun in Mara was called forward, awarded arms, and made a
noble of the court.
Their highness gave some closing words and court was closed.
Prize Play announcement
Unto the Academy of Defence of the Kingdom of Drachenwald, our Sovereign Rulers
of the same, and all nobles and attendants of their court, do I Baron Nicholas
de Estleche dictus le Tardif, Prefect of the said Academy, Companian of the
Silver Guard and the Fox &c, send greetings.
I hereby make known my intent to sponsor Hlǣfdige Rebeeca Stormwiga of Flinthǣþ,
Holegncwēn Gēolġebēorscipes, Provost of the Academy to play her prize for the
rank of Prefect of the Acedemy at St.Bede’s Fair to be held at Bourn in the
county of Flinthǣþ on the final weekend of May next.
May those who would stand as examiner make themselves known unto. Let all who
would test her as she holds the field assemble at the appointed place and at the
appointed time. Let all who would witness her skill and prowess gather likewise.
Let those who would face her pray for a clear sky, for should the storm
accompany her, Rebecca shall lay low those who stand against her as wheat in the
field, and wrest the trees from the soil so that nothing shall stand above her.
Writ this eleventh day of December anno scoietatis 59 at Utbech
In service,
Nicholas de Estleche
Archery Lesson 3: Check Arrow Length for safety
By Pól ó Briain
Not everyone is built in the same way. Some people have longer arms, different size torsos and longer jaw lines. Because of this, different people have different draw lengths which in turn means that they need different lengths of arrows. When you are starting in archery the first thing to worry about in reference to arrow length is to ensure that the arrows are not too short. Arrows being too long you can live with. Arrows being too short can spell disaster. When beginners are at full draw you want at least an extra 2 inches of arrow length beyond the front of the bow for safety.
To get a quick check to make sure the arrows you are planning on shooting are not too short, fully stretch out both of your arms out in front of you and place the palms of your hands together with fingertips fully extended. Measure the arrow length against the distance from your chest to 2 inches beyond your fingertips and that should be your starting MINIMUM arrow length.
Most target archery marshals will have beginner archers shooting full length arrows (normally 32 inches long) which have several advantages.
As they are full length arrows, you don’t normally have to worry about them being too short (be warned, there are some people with really long arms that this will not work for and people that may try to over draw the bow).
Beginners should be shooting short distances so the excess arrow length should have little to no effect on performance.
Because most beginners should also be using the pile of the arrow (arrowhead) to aim with, using a longer arrow means the archer is more likely to shoot lower. This means you have less arrows shooting over the target.
When the piles break off the arrows, you can remove ½ an inch or so and make another set of 30-inch arrows giving them a second life.
Please note, care should always be taken not to over draw the bow.
How to measure your arrow length (for advanced archers)
To get a more actuate arrow length you can measure it one of two ways. Both ways need a second person at hand to help.
The first way is to nock an old arrow when standing on the shooting line and aim down range and draw the string back to your normal anchoring point. With a marker, a second person makes a vertical line on the arrow where it meets the front of the bow. You then measure the length between the inside of the arrow’s nock to that mark and that is your arrow length.
The second way is done in much the same way as the first except you use a measuring arrow. This is an arrow that has the length in inches marked up the cock feather side of the arrow already. When you draw the arrow back the second person has only to read the length off the arrow. No need for a measuring tape. A measuring arrow should be marked 5 inches from the inside of the nock to the pile.
In both above cases you should never shoot the arrow. Simply ‘come down’.
Why should I use arrows the same as my draw length (or rather my draw length plus 2 inches for extra safety)? There are 2 reasons:
The shorter arrows are, the less they weigh. This has the benefit of being able to send arrows more distance with the same poundage bow.
It also means if you use the pile (arrowhead) for aim, you have to correct less then shooting longer distances.
Events
These are the upcoming events in Insulae Draconis.
To submit an event for inclusion, use the form on the Drachenwald website,
https://drachenwald.sca.org/events/calendar-add/.
You don't need to provide all information right away; a minimal entry is enough at first.
The day after you submit an event, you'll receive an email with a link to edit your entry.
Changes will be reflected on the Principality website within a few minutes, and in editions
of the Baelfyr that are published before the event takes place. (If you're unable to find that
link, contact webminister@drachenwald.sca.org
for help.)
To keep entries consistent between the calendars, The Baelfyr no longer accepts event submissions
by email.
August Convocation in Harpelstane
Hosted by Harpelstane
Takes place: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
Monthly convocation meeting - more details and links to people to contact can be found on the Shire of Harpelstane facebook page, where each monthly convocation is set up as an event. The convocations are in Kirkcaldy, Fife (Scotland). We do a range of craft, cooking and fighting activities, weather and interest depending, so if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing, you can contact us for a special day! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Site address: Kirkcaldy, Fife
Event steward: Elen Benet
Reservation: Contact Helen Lever on facebook/messenger to advise if you have dietary requirements, or a request for the day, otherwise please see the facebook event to indicate attendance!
Reservation: If you have not already done so, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQVoke8fRAYESvkkqZC_9-YvMTRV6ZG85_ykcLOji5EyGJfA/viewform
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Depedene Monthly Gathering
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Takes place: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, A&S
A gathering for the people of Depedene in sunny Lancaster. There is space availalble for Armoured Combat, Fencing and A&S activities.
As part of Norfolk Heritage Park Summer Fayre, the Shire of Pont Alarch will be hosting a demonstration of what we do here in the SCA. We hope to have demonstrations of heritage crafts such as backstrap weaving and calligraphy and show and tell of period armour and weaponry.
We have a 20sq ft space, so if enough fighters or fencers and marshals can attend, we can potentially demonstrate some martial arts.
Site address: Location Norfolk Heritage Park, Guildford Avenue, Sheffield
Cost:
This event is Free to attend, though you may need to purchase or bring your own food and drink
Site information: Norfolk Heritage Park, a large public park in Sheffield. It is accessible via car or public transport using the Sheffield supertram system, and is a fairly short distance from Sheffield railway station.
Depedene on the Wirral
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Takes place: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Activities: Archery, Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Sewing, Music
Monthly meet up with archery, dancing and music and A&S Potluck lunch
Begins: Friday, 11 September 2026 Ends: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
The Prince and Princess will be present.
Come and celebrate as the Champions of Lough Devnaree are chosen.
Event steward: Caitriona of the Ravens
Baht At Bardic
Hosted by Pontalarch
Begins: Friday, 18 September 2026 Ends: Saturday, 19 September 2026
Activities: A&S
Full weekend of talks and classes in the Bardic arts. Due to the online nature of the event this year we are particularly focusing on poetry and storytelling.
Site address: The Beamsley Project, Harrogate Road, Hazlewood, Skipton, North YorksBD23 6JA
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 19 September 2026 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning). Please remember outside shoes are not allowed in the Hall. There will be pot-luck munchies. If you would like to bring along some food to share, that would be great.
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 15 September at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Reservation: If you have not already done so, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQVoke8fRAYESvkkqZC_9-YvMTRV6ZG85_ykcLOji5EyGJfA/viewform
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
September Convocation in Harpelstane
Hosted by Harpelstane
Takes place: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
Monthly convocation meeting - more details and links to people to contact can be found on the Shire of Harpelstane facebook page, where each monthly convocation is set up as an event. The convocations are in Kirkcaldy, Fife (Scotland). We do a range of craft, cooking and fighting activities, weather and interest depending, so if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing, you can contact us for a special day! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Site address: Kirkcaldy, Fife
Event steward: Elen Benet
Reservation: Contact Helen Lever on facebook/messenger to advise if you have dietary requirements, or a request for the day, otherwise please see the facebook event to indicate attendance!
Site information: Please note! Our location name listed here is in the spirit of SCA place names. Please email or message for mundane site location address.
Pont Alarch Shire Day
Hosted by Pontalarch
Takes place: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S
Site address: Tockwith Village Hall YO26 7PR 10am - 6pm
Reservation: If you have not already done so, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQVoke8fRAYESvkkqZC_9-YvMTRV6ZG85_ykcLOji5EyGJfA/viewform
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Golden Arrow II
Hosted by Pontalarch
Begins: Friday, 16 October 2026 Ends: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Activities: Archery, Feast or Potluck
The Prince and Princess will be present.
Golden Arrow II sees the return of last year’s archery event in the UK midlands! Join us once more in Sherwood Forest to shoot for the glory of the Golden Arrow - there’s a very shiny prize to be won, if you can defeat the current holder of the Prize Quiver. Events will include target and field archery, as well as a feast, an archery-themed quiz, coaching and workshops from archery experts and other fun and games.
Site address: Robin Hood Activity Centre, Ricket Lane, Mansfield, NG21 0NF
Cost: Full event on-site (including camper vans and campers): Adult (no concessions) - £75 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £65 Child 13+ - £65 Full event off-site: Adult (no concessions) - £65 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £60 Child 13+ - £55 Day trip - Saturday Only, includes all meals: Adult (no concessions) - £55 Adult (unwaged, student, disability, pensioner) - £50 Child 13+ - £45 Children under the age of 13 at the time of booking will not be charged for this event.
Payment: Payment information will be provided after registration, Foreign guests can pay at the door
Site information: Robin Hood Activity Centre is a fully accessible event venue with dormitory-style accommodation for 24, plus the option for crash space and campervans/camping. The main building contains the main hall, dorm rooms, bathrooms and kitchens, and there is an additional outdoor bathroom block. The property also has a dedicated archery range and outdoor campfire circle. Shoots at Golden Arrow will take place in the woodland surrounding the building, which offers the chance for both field shoots and target archery.
Turnaimint Coróinéid na Marbh (Insulae Draconis Coronet Tourney)
Hosted by Eplaheimr
Begins: Friday, 23 October 2026 Ends: Monday, 26 October 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Camping, Royalty present
The Prince and Princess will be present.
Eplaheimr’s Annual Medieval Dead this year plays host to Coronet Tournament. In the tranquil setting of The Burren Outdoor Education Centre located in a beautiful area of Conservation in Co. Clare, Ireland
There will be space for camping and beds inside the Building. We will also organize some A&S classes including a class on feast preparation and cooking.
Cost: Friday to Sunday Lunchtime Adult Member €85 Adult Unwaged Member €75 Child Member 5-17 Years €70 Child Under 5 using a bed €50 Adult Member Camping €50 Child Member Camping €35
Friday to Monday Adult Member €120 Adult Unwaged Member €105 Child Member 5-17 Years €100 Child Under 5 using a bed €75 Adult Member Camping €70 Child Member Camping €50
Off Site ticket Adult Member full weekend €45 Child Member Full weekend €25 Adult Day Trip Saturday Only €35 Child Day trip Saturday Only €20 Adult Day Trip Sunday Only €25 Child Day trip Sunday Only €10
Non Member Surcharge Friday to Sunday €15 Friday to Monday €20 Single Daytrip €5
Payment: Online Payments at time of registration TBC
Site information: https://burrenoec.com/
Due to site restriction the Eplaheimr cancellation policy will be amended as follow: Cancellation 2 weeks before the event start up to 1 week before you will be charged for the bed and refunded partially. Cancellation within a week of the event No Refund
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 24 October 2026 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning). Please remember outside shoes are not allowed in the Hall. There will be pot-luck munchies. If you would like to bring along some food to share, that would be great.
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 20 October at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Monthly convocation meeting - more details and links to people to contact can be found on the Shire of Harpelstane facebook page, where each monthly convocation is set up as an event. The convocations are in Kirkcaldy, Fife (Scotland). We do a range of craft, cooking and fighting activities, weather and interest depending, so if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing, you can contact us for a special day! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Site address: Kirkcaldy, Fife
Event steward: Elen Benet
Reservation: Contact Helen Lever on facebook/messenger to advise if you have dietary requirements, or a request for the day, otherwise please see the facebook event to indicate attendance!
Begins: Friday, 6 November 2026 Ends: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck, Royalty present
Kingdom University is Drachenwald’s Premier Learning Event. This year, it’s hosted by Dun in Mara in the scenic and historical surrounds of the Glendalough Valley, a short walk from the remnants of the 6th Century Monastery of St. Kevin. We’ll have a wide variety of classes, good food, merriment, and a warm welcome for all!
Site address: Glendalough International Hostel, The Lodge, Sevenchurches Or Camaderry, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, A98 F576
Cost: €95.00 - SCA Member €85.00 - Unwaged SCA Member €47.50 - Children 13 and over €45.00 - Day Trip Free - Children 12 and under
Payment: Payments can be made on sitePayments will be made via Fienta
Site information: Glendalough International Youth Hostel is set in beautiful Glendalough, surrounded by its pretty countryside and at the foot of Camaderry Mountain. With free WiFi, it is surrounded by gardens and features a shared kitchen, lounge and terrace.
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, Archery, A&S, Feast or Potluck
Please join us for Flintmoot in Flintheath! An afternoon of A&S projects ongoing in the Hall, along with bardic and cooking. Outside, enjoy rapier, rattan, and archery practice.
Saturday 21 November 2026 from 12 noon to six o’clock (at 4pm, we’ll sit down for a discussion about Flintheath business and planning). Please remember outside shoes are not allowed in the Hall. There will be pot-luck munchies. If you would like to bring along some food to share, that would be great.
Location, Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Site address: Waterbeach Tillage Hall, CB25 9NJ
Event steward: Eularia Trewe
Reservation: As per our insurers, membership status is required to attend. If you have not done so already, please submit your membership info by Tuesday, 17 November at 6pm in order to be covered by insurance: https://tinyurl.com/FlintheathMemberStatus
Cost: Attendance is free - donations appreciated.
Site information: Tillage Hall is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. Inside There is a brand new kitchen (fitted in Spring 2021) with a large central island and deep serving hatch, opening out onto the hall and providing plenty of worktop space. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave with plenty of crockery available for teas and coffees.
There are 9 tables and approximately 60 chairs available for your use stored in a cupboard off the main hall. The hall floor area measures 9.4 x 9.4 meters and has a high vaulted ceiling with velux roof windows. There are three toilets available, including disabled and baby change. Free Wifi available. Tillage Hall has a disabled toilet and entrance and fire exit doors suitable for wheelchair users. Parking The car park is shared with the recreation ground and can get busy on football fixture days (typically Saturday mornings).
Public transit Walking distance from the Waterbeach train station Nearest bus stop PR5 Park & Ride at Recreation Ground
Reservation: If you have not already done so, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQVoke8fRAYESvkkqZC_9-YvMTRV6ZG85_ykcLOji5EyGJfA/viewform
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
November Convocation in Harpelstane
Hosted by Harpelstane
Takes place: Saturday, 28 November 2026
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
Monthly convocation meeting - more details and links to people to contact can be found on the Shire of Harpelstane facebook page, where each monthly convocation is set up as an event. The convocations are in Kirkcaldy, Fife (Scotland). We do a range of craft, cooking and fighting activities, weather and interest depending, so if you have a particular craft or activity that you are interested in doing or discussing, you can contact us for a special day! Pickups from the train or bus station available on request, basic lunch will be available, contributions welcome.
Site address: Kirkcaldy, FIfe
Event steward: Elen Benet
Reservation: Contact Helen Lever on facebook/messenger to advise if you have dietary requirements, or a request for the day, otherwise please see the facebook event to indicate attendance!
Begins: Friday, 4 December 2026 Ends: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Activities: Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck
SAVE THE DATE
Join us in Flintheath at Buckden Towers for our annual Yule Ball 4-6 December 2026 The Holly Monarch will be decided by an Arts & Sciences competition. Feast will be held at lunchtime, after the conclusion of the Holly Monarch tournament. Later, our dancers and bards will take charge of the Ball, which will continue until there’s nobody left on their feet.
Stay tuned for details.
Site address: Buckden Towers, High St, Buckden, St Neots, CAMBS, PE19 5TA
Event steward: Lady Shannon of Oak of Honor Hill
Reservation: Important note: in accordance with our insurance provider and SCA CIC UK policy, membership in either the SCA CIC UK* or an SCA affiliate** is required for all attendees in order to be covered under our insurance. Membership is £15 for an adult for one year. If you require membership, visit https://membermojo.co.uk/scauk
If you are unwaged and would struggle to afford membership, please contact us at reservations@flintheath.org.uk
*SCA Community Interest Company (CIC) UK is a UK and Republic of Ireland-based affiliate of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., a 501(c)3 Educational Not-for-Profit organization, based in the US. This affiliate is a local corporation, registered at Companies House, which provides its members services. ** SCA Affiliates: Nordmark (Sweden & Iceland), Aarnimetsä (Finland), Central (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France. Netherlands, Russian Federation, Bulgaria), SCA Inc. (United States & Canada), Lochac (Australia & New Zealand)
Site information: The site, known as Buckden Towers has a rich history spanning over 900 years (https://www.buckden-towers.org.uk/history)
Depedene on the Wirral
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Takes place: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Activities: Archery, Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Sewing, Music
A lovely day with good company, A&S, music and dancing, potluck lunch and possibility of archery if the weather is kind.
Reservation: If you have not already done so, please submit your membership info in order to be covered by insurance for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQVoke8fRAYESvkkqZC_9-YvMTRV6ZG85_ykcLOji5EyGJfA/viewform
Cost: Members £10 - Non Members £13 - First Time Event FREE
Payment: Payments can be made on site Payments can be made online. Please contact exch.pontalarch@gmail.com for details.
Depedene Yuletide Gathering
Hosted by Depedene under Wychwood
Takes place: Saturday, 19 December 2026
Activities: Heavy Fighting, Fencing, A&S
A gathering for the people of Depedene in Lancaster. There is space availalble for Armoured Combat, Fencing and A&S activities. The same as normal but with Holiday flair!
Site information: Please get in touch for the address
Imbolc
Hosted by Dun in Mara
Takes place: Saturday, 30 January 2027
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
February hangs heavy in many a heart The sun still hides behind rain swollen clouds and yet it fights each day to shine a bit longer over the winter-worn multitudes
Let us fight that winter melancholy together Join us in celebrating the coming of light at our one-day revel, Imbolc As in past times people celebrated the Chailleach of winter giving sway to Brigid, so shall we, with the making of candles, cheese and planting seeds.
For the feast, we put a call to all who would join us, and hope ye answer. We would love to highlight the foods that remained in late Winter/early Spring, those that were stored and preserved in all manners whether it be drying, curing, salting or other methods of preservation. We can share what we have preserved from now until the event, eat together and share our experiences.
We will update the calendar when further details are secured.
Payment: Payment information will be available at time of registration.
Blankety-Blank II
Hosted by West Dragonshire
Takes place: Saturday, 13 February 2027
Activities: A&S, Feast or Potluck
Come make quills! Learn different calligraphy hands and painting techniques! Eat at our medieval potluck! All just 150m from a major train station (Didcot Parkway–on the Paddington line). Fully accessible.
Site address: The Junction, Lydalls Rd., Didcot, England
Payment: Payment information will be provided after registration
Site information: Fully accessible for chair-users, with a kitchen with two ovens, six hobs, and enough baking sheets and things to (re)heat anything you like. Non-gendered facilities. On the London Paddington line (Great Western). A 12-17 minute train ride to Oxford, in all its 15th-century splendour. A Premier Inn and Courtyard Marriott are down the road, at the Milton interchange of the A34.
Flaming Arrow
Hosted by Glen Rathlin
Begins: Friday, 30 April 2027 Ends: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Activities: Archery, Feast or Potluck
Weekend of archery and good company
Event steward: Caitriona of the Ravens
Mynydd Gwyn Eisteddfod 2027
Hosted by Mynydd Gwyn
Begins: Saturday, 15 May 2027 Ends: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Activities: Dancing, A&S, Feast or Potluck, Music, poetry, recitation.
A celebration of the performing arts, including classes and culminating in the Eisteddfod competition to determine the Chief Bard for the coming year.
Site address: Burgage Hall Church Lane Ledbury HR8 1DW
Reservation: When booking opens, an Eventbrite account will be set up for it and details added here.
Cost: £25
Payment: Payment in advance by Eventbrite Discounts will be available for Children and unwaged.
Site information: The site is a hall in the centre of the beautiful town of Ledbury. Disabled access is sub-optimal but has been proved to be doable! Please contact steward if this affects you. Ledbury has a railway station and good public car parking though the site itself does not have parking... for loading or unloading, again, contact steward for advice.
