[Ansteorra] New Ansteorran Crowns

Tue Oct 13 17:31:31 PDT 2015

Greetings Ansteorra,

There have been many questions and several have expressed concern over the
new crowns that debuted at Coronation.  Our officers do work very hard to
make the best decisions we can for the Kingdom.  While we ask for
understanding and patience, we do not ask for unquestioning acceptance.
With that in mind, the Financial Committee would like everyone to know the
following:

The King/Queen Crowns together cost approximately $13,000.  A corresponding
Prince/Princess set have also been commissioned and cost just under $10,000.

While that is a lot of money to spend on crowns for the Kingdom, a survey
of other Kingdom's crowns found that royal crowns can cost up to $50,000
for a pair.  However, one of the most important things discussed by the
Financial Committee was the absolute necessity of a warranty and service
agreement.  The price we paid for the crowns came with a guarantee on the
work from a highly reputable artist.  Additionally, because of the
decisions of the Financial Committee over several years, the Kingdom was
easily able to afford this as an outright expenditure without any
fundraising or request for donations and still remain in a healthy
financial situation.  Furthermore, the Financial Committee is currently
exploring our options regarding insuring the new crowns.

Of course, some have questioned whether this was the right way to use our
money.  That is a very fair question.  This was highly debated by the
Financial Committee.  First, it is important to note that we are bound on
how our money can be used by federal law.  Spending money on property that
the Kingdom owns that advances our purposes (historical education through
reenactment) is permissible and legal.  Having a set of crowns that is
historically based and is owned by the Kingdom does fit this requirement.

The question that remains as to whether this was a wise decision.  The
crowns are the most seen outward symbol of our Kingdom.  When we are seen
across the Known World, our crowns have always looked very plain and
simple.  Some people like that and think Ansteorra does not need to be
flashy to be amazing.  While that is certainly true (we are the best
Kingdom in the Known World, after all), many have expressed over the years
that our crowns are too plain, especially when we are seen with other
royals.  Is this a bit of keeping up with the Joneses?  Yes, it absolutely
is.  However, our Kingdom deserves to be represented throughout the Known
World by crowns that truly show off our majesty and glory.  Additionally,
there are several that see the crowns as something that adds to the Dream.
Having such beautiful crowns can lend to the period feel and whisk us away
to a medieval court.  Not all share this view, but the beauty of our
Society is that the Dream is a little different for everyone.

Another issue brought up is that we are charging too much for events and
all of that money is going to pay for these crowns.  The income received
from events and how they play into our annual budget played a very minor
role in the decision to purchase the crowns.  Site fees are evaluated on an
event-by-event basis and, unfortunately, sites can be expensive.  We have
implemented new policies that will, hopefully, allow us to reduce the costs
of events in the future.  The Financial Committee remains committed to
making the SCA as accessible as possible to all those interested.

Many have expressed concerns about making sure the proper procedures were
followed.  Thank you!  It is incredibly important that all procedures are
followed and we appreciate the concern of the people in this regard.  To be
clear, a budget was approved for the new crowns and coronets by the
Financial Committee during the reign of Lochlan III and Michelle.  Bids
were solicited in the Black Star.  The Financial Committee discussed the
bids received, which were within the budget, and made a decision during the
reign of Sven and Antigone II.  That decision was announced in the Black
Star.  The proper financial procedures were followed.

Some will remember that we just bought new crowns not too long ago.
Between 6 and 5 years ago, we purchased a new set of crowns.  We also have
a set of crowns that is over 15 years old and another set that is over 25
years old.  The crowns we own have lasted extraordinarily long and may need
to be retired soon.  Additionally, even if they do not get retired, having
a rotation of crowns helps when a set is out for repairs/maintenance.  One
of the unfortunate things is that our crowns are not used like they were in
period.  They are used much more often and experience a great deal of wear
and tear, creating the need for them to get repaired from time to time.
That is why we included a service agreement and warranty when purchasing
the new crowns.

Additionally, several have stated they do not care for the design of the
new crowns.  That's understandable.  Everyone has their own tastes,
preferences, and ideas on this topic.  The design was based on a period
example and approved by the Financial Committee based on the overall look,
design, cost, and ease of maintenance.  The three sets we had before these
crowns were not without criticism either.  The "Earlier Period Style"
Crowns are often said to be too simple.  The "Fleur" Crowns were not well
received by all when they debuted and are relatively plain.  The Darkridge
Crowns have been criticized for their look as well.  Concerning the weight
of the new crowns, they are deceptively light.  They each weigh
approximately 14 ounces and are fitted in such a way to distribute the
weight of the crown to be comfortable and wearable for long periods of time
and adjustable for different sized heads.

In short, the Kingdom can afford these crowns, they came with a service
agreement and warranty, and all proper financial protocols and procedures
were followed.  If you have suggestions as to how these procedures could be
changed, you are welcome to email the Crown, Kingdom Exchequer, and Kingdom
Seneschal.

Thank you for your concern.  The populace has been so vocal about this for
one simple reason: we all care.  Ansteorra is a family and we all share
this Dream together.  We all work to make this Kingdom and Society, as a
whole, a better place.

In Service to Ansteorra, Her People, and The Dream,

Creppin et Toryn,
Rex et Regina Ansteorrae
Brian O’hUilliam,
Kingdom Seneschal
Elsa von Schammach
Chancellor of the Exchequer

-- 
Don Brian O'hUilliam
Kingdom Seneschal
Kingdom of Ansteorra