Prinicpality Stattus Announced and Other News from Christmas at Canterbury
When I set out for the Christmas at Canterbury event yesterday, I expected to see a few friends and have some fun. I did not expect to be part of one of the SMA’s largest and (I think) most important events of this year. But that’s what it was.
It was a beautifully sunny and breezy day at Fort Parker State Park, near Mexia, Texas, on the banks of Fort Parker Lake with a chill in the air that heralded the arrival of winter within the coming week.
It was a wonderfully relaxed and casual event, most importantly (and enjoyably) taken up with welcoming and getting getting to know the many people who were attending their first SMA events.
The day’s activities were highlighted with the pilgrimage walk through the woods to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. This was simply a group walk down a marked path in the park to visit a shelter where one of our new members, Brother Andreas, was giving out blessings and pilgrim badges, and allowing pilgrims to venerate the “bones” of “St. Thomas”. I myself walked the last 50 yards barefoot and bare-headed to show my piety and humility, and I made sure everyone in earshot knew it.
All that was missing was the company of our beloved king and queen, though we were visited by two people who greatly resembled them, to the confusion of many. After all, how many woman could have the face of our beautiful queen?
As the sun set, Their Excellencies the Viceroy and Vicereine of Solumbria, Sir William and Dame Jehanne, called everyone to their seats, welcoming them and thanking them for coming. They then welcomed a special guest, Father Christmas (Brother Andreas again), who from his basket of gifts, pulled out— the royal crown! “What shall I do with this?” He asked.
A voice from the rear of the hall called out, “I can help with that!” It was the Queen, Alexandra! And with her was King Daniel!
Their Graces joined their Excellencies, their court was opened, they greeted their populace, and the feast was called for.
Then followed a fine period feast by Dame Eleanor Gardiner, and it was much enjoyed by all in the filled-to-capacity hall.
Court resumed with much good humor and more gifts from Father Christmas.
I cannot give a complete account of all that passed, but among the highlights was the presentation to Their Graces and Their Excellencies of inkle-woven garter ribbons, to be used as largesse, from the Company of St. Lydia, well as the distribution of the new regalia of the Order of Vigilance to the companions of the order in attendance, and two new recipients. Also, Dame Matylda and Dame Cordeilla were recognized as jouneymen of the company.
The Castle of Raven’s Keep, in Hjartaland, and the Castle of Heortas, in Stokeford, were both formally recognized.
The elevation of Solumbria from the status of Province to the Society’s first Principality was announced, to much celebration.
Those attending their first event were called forward and welcomed. There must have been a dozen of them!
Sir Ullr Carveson and Master Henry of Westbrook received the Order of Vigilance.
Dame Mora MacPhersone was made a Knight Bachelor of both the Orders of the Golden Maunche and Golden Chain.
Baron Galen of Bristol was elevated to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order of the Golden Quill.
Mistress Cecelia gifted the king with a lemon tart, “all his own”.
Young Master William, attending his first event with his parents and brother, presented the Crown with a woven cloth in gratitude for the welcome given his family.
The cook, Dame Eleanor, with her helper, was recognized and thanked.
The stewards of the event, Dames Mora, Cordeilla and Chiara, were recognized and thanked.
Following court an abbreviated bardic circle occurred, and Sir Thorgrim and newcomer Master Cortavius were recognized as the newest Apprentices of the performing arts guild.
We cleaned up and locked up the hall at the last minute.
Virtually everyone who attended helped with this event.
We had people from Stokeford, Centropolis, Hjartaland, St. Augustine-by-the-Sea, and much of the rest of Solumbria.
I predict you will hear stories for years to come about this pleasant day at which so many had their first experience of an SMA event.
Let others who attended also append their impressions here.
- Sir Galen of Bristol, Baron Willowbourne
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