[Ansteorra] Bjornsborg Academy of Defense Thanks

[Baroness of Bjornsborg]

Thank you to the many good gentles that joined us at Bjornsborg's Sixth
Academy of Defense and Ansteorran Kingdom Cut and Thrust Championship.
Philippe and I especially were honored to have Her Stellar Majesty,
Antigone join us as we hosted a (warm) day filed with camaraderie and fun.

First and foremost, we would like to thank Lady Mariana Garcia, the event
steward, who handled everything well, including last-minute changes, with
aplomb, and did an outstanding job of coordinating the many activities that
were held.

Almost 40 combatants vied for the approval of the Masters of the Academy,
who presided over their students with aplomb, and the hostesses of the
respective schools made all feel welcome, comfortable, and well-fed. Our
heartfelt thanks to:
The Spanish Master, Don Iago Cabrera de Cadiz, and his hostess, Lady Jeronima
Arias la Roja.
The French Master, Don Aubrey de Baudricourt and his hostess, Mistress
Adelaide de Beaumont
The Italian Master, Don Lorenzo Baglioni d'Aosta. and his hostess, Lady
Elizabeta Maria  dei Medici, and
The English Master, Don Caelan MacRob., and his hostess, Lady Alys Langton

Our spectacular luncheon was created and served by Lady Madelena de Orozco
and her staff, and we would like to take the opportunity to thank her for
ensuring that our guests were fed delicious and filling food, in the finest
of Bjornsborg traditions.

A special thanks to Lady Elisabeth Graham and Lord Donal Graham, for their
ongoing hospitality, ensuring that any and all needs of our visitors, (and
especially of Her Majesty) were met and even exceeded.

Congratulations to our Provosts, who received beautiful appliqued cloaks
created by HL Alexandra Doyle, )with the help of HL Czina Angieliczyka. who
hand-wove all of the cords):

Alejandro Ramirez Mendoza.
Alric Godwynson
Baltazar Cerrida
Jean Rambeaux (AKA Havaar Ericsson)
Magdalena Cortez
Michael de Eryri
Miguel Vaello de Villa Joiosa.
Rowan Marie

An important addition to this year's Academy was the inclusion of archery -
there were many bowmen who shot for the Masters, as well. Lord Faloan
MacCairbre conceptualized and ran many fun and exciting shoots, which
helped the Masters in their quests for superiority for their respective
countries. Congratulations to the following archers, who were selected as
Yeomen of Bjornsborg's Academy of Defense, and who also received capes to
wear with pride:

Alys Langton (who was also Lady of the English field, as noted above)
Catalina Ana de Salamanca.
Jared (age 7!)
Lazarus Heidwolf von Robel
Wentiliana le Chandeler.
Zagel Fenstermacher Holzknecht

A third aspect added to this Academy was the addition of Arts and Sciences
classes - thank you to HL Ines Alfon, who organized and coordinated this
portion of the event for us. Thank you to the teachers who joined us -
Soteme, Mabry, Kassandra, Alex, Haraldr, Willoc, Eireann, Ladawna and
Donwenna.

We also wanted to take a moment to formally thank everyone who volunteered
their time from play in order to make this event happen, from the setup and
take down crews, water-bearers, those who sat gate, those who helped with
decoration, and all of the other things that make an event work.  If we
have failed to thank someone specificaly, please be assured that it is not
intentional.

There was one final addition to the event -  thanks to Lady Enneleyn Phye
Heydewolff, who coordinated a fundraiser to aid the family of Owen and
Genevria as they continue to rebuild.  We are pleased to announce that just
over $450 was raised through the generosity of those who participated in
the fundraising game.

And last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank Don
Piete*r*Rausch, the Dean of the Academy, and Master of Ceremonies,
Piet - thank you
for allowing us to share in your dream.

Well done, all! We are very lucky to have such people in our Barony, and in
our Kingdom.

For those of you were unable to join us, we hope to see you all soon.

Philippe and Suzanne
6th Baron and Baroness of Bjornsborg, Holder of the Award of the Sable Flur
of Ansteorra