Greetings to the good populace of Ynys Fawr,
Rejoice, Ynys Fawr, for Lochac has new Heirs!
On 5 September, the Shire of Dismal Fogs hosted Lochac’s Crown Tourney, where combatants entered the lists to determine who would next bear the Crown of Lochac. From the field emerged victorious Count Sir Ratbot von Borg and Baroness Grete Engelhardtz, our new Heirs to the Crown.
Sybil and I join with voices throughout Lochac in offering them our warmest congratulations. May their time as Heirs be filled with wisdom, joy and good counsel as they prepare to take up the Crown and the service of our Kingdom.
We also acknowledge all those who entered the lists and those who inspired them. Victory may determine who
shall next wear the Crown, but honour is not held by the victor alone. Skill, courage, courtesy and chivalry
displayed upon the field bring honour to combatant, inspiration and Kingdom alike.
Long may they reign, and may Lochac flourish beneath their care.
Closer to home, it has been a busy month indeed for our fair Barony.
August saw us gather for WinterSouth, with fighting, archery, Arts and Sciences, learning, food and, perhaps most importantly, fellowship. Most heartening was the wonderful attendance of twelve newcomers, many experiencing our Society for the first time. Seeing them welcomed so readily by our populace, encouraged to ask questions, participate and discover the many different things we do was a particular joy.
Our Society grows not simply by being seen, but by making people feel that there may be a place within it for them. Our thanks to everyone who took the time to welcome a new face, share their knowledge, or simply sit and have a conversation.
Toward the end of the month, Sybil and I voyaged across the Strait to visit our cousins in Stormhold, there to farewell Baron Leif Magnússon and Baroness eleanora de la birche at the conclusion of their service as Baron and Baroness, and to welcome their successors, Kakka Angus Galloway and Zhuhou Raw Pengwyne, duly installed by Their Majesties.
We were blessed with wonderful weather, a fine and well-attended gathering, and the generous hospitality of our cousins.
There was, however, some conversation concerning reports of a private “fishing boat” apparently being sailed by certain of our near cousins.
We are assured it is a fishing boat.
Discussion with our Admiral is underway to ascertain the veracity of this claim.
We shall keep a weather eye upon the horizon.
Looking forward, there is much happening within Ynys Fawr, and we encourage everyone to take the opportunities before us to gather, participate and enjoy one another’s company.
Of particular note is the upcoming Fox Hunt, which will also provide the populace with an excellent opportunity to visit and familiarise themselves with the Kingston Scout Hall. For those who have not yet seen the hall, come along, enjoy the hunt and the company, have a good look around the space, and begin imagining the possibilities it may offer us.
We also have a number of events approaching on our Baronial calendar, so please keep an eye upon the usual channels for dates and details. Where you are able, come along, participate and support those members of our populace who put their time and energy into making these gatherings happen.
Events are created by their stewards, but they are brought to life by the populace.
To everyone who travelled, fought, taught, cooked, organised, packed, unpacked, welcomed newcomers, shared their knowledge, or simply turned up and helped make something happen: thank you.
The strength of Ynys Fawr lies in its people, and in the willingness of those people to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and time with one another.
Sybil and I remain deeply honoured to serve you, and we look forward to seeing what mischief — maritime or otherwise — lies ahead.
Yours in Service,
Sybil and Tosti
Baroness and Baron of Ynys Fawr