[Bryn-gwlad] Report to Bryn Gwlad - Part 3

[Thomas]

REPORT TO BRYN GWLAD - PART 3

TINY TOURNEYS
I believe the custom of tiny tourneys began with Johann and Erika.  
I know Pendaran and Jehanne held them.  I felt it would be good for 
our barony to enjoy these tourneys more often and allow more people 
an opportunity to compete for honor.  It also allows court life to 
thrive throughout the year and provides frequent examples for our 
newer members.   I’ve encouraged various people to organize these
tourneys at our Tuesday and Sunday gatherings as well as the 
Wells Branch demos.  We enjoyed at least 30 tiny tourneys 
while I was Baron. 

October 12, 2003 – Rapier & Chivalric at Sunday park

Tuesday, June 15 2004 - Rapier Tournament 
Sunday, July 18 2004 - Archery Tournament
Tuesday, July 20 2004 - Chivalric Tournament
Sunday, Aug 1, 2004 - Boffer Tournament (10 fighters)
Sunday, Nov 21, 2004 – Archery Tournament

Tuesday, April 26 2005 - Chivalric Tournament   
Sunday, May 22 2005 - Archery Tournament (22 bowmen)
Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - Rapier Tournament
Tuesday, June 28 2005 - Arts & Sciences Display & Contest
Sunday, Sept 22, 2005 – Archery Tourney
Tuesday, Sept 20, 2005 – Rapier Tourney 
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 – Chivalric Tourney
Sunday, Dec 4, 2005 – Archery Tourney
Tuesday, Dec 6 2005 – Boffer Tourney

Sunday, April 2 2006 – Archery Tourney (“William Tell” shoot)
Tuesday, April 18 & 26 – Rapier Tourney 
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 – Chivalric Tourney 
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 – Youth Boffer Tourney
Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 – Youth Rapier Tourney
Sunday, Aug 13, 2006 – Archery Tourney
Saturday, Sept 16, 2006 – Arts & Sciences Display & Contest
Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006 – Rapier Tourney – the Guard won

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 – Chivalric Tourney
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – Rapier Tourney
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 – Chivalric Tourney
Tuesday, Aug 7, 2007 – Arts & Sciences Display & Contest
Sunday, Sept 9, 2007 – Archery Tourney
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 – Rapier Tourney & Desert Contest
Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 – Chivalric Tourney

As a result of these local tourneys, we've had many local heroes
emerge as victors, some of whome include (in no particular order):
Edward, Ysfael, Rene, Pieter, Ricardo, Jeb, Steven, Augustine, 
Dalen, Victoria, Benjamin, Lochlan, Zachary, Mason, Simone, Lucia, 
Aerin, Steele, Michael, Mathew, Esteban, Kansuke, Jason, Fergus, 
Tiffany, Gaston, Catalina, Hoegaarden, Claire, Alfred, Rurik, 
Tivar, Margaret, Ceallach, Margaret and Dore among others. 
Word-fame and honor was also given to others at these 
gatherings, often given by the victors.  

SOCIAL SUPPORT
I’ve always felt that it is important for our Society’s ideals 
to affect the rest of our lives.  For example, it is good to 
be honorable and courteous all of the time, not just when we’re 
in the group.  One way of exhibiting this is through public service. 
So the first two years at Yule Revel, I organized a Food Drive 
through the Capitol Area Food Bank.   I also encouraged people 
to march in costume with the Austin Heart Walk one year.   
Goldweard also organized a Food Drive for the most recent
Candlemas.  Of course, we also provided a number of educational 
demos for schools each year, however these other efforts made 
a greater attempt to help the world, and I hope we’ll continue 
such efforts in the years ahead. 

REPRESENTING THE BARONY
King Miguel told me that the life of a barony depends on the 
commitment of the Baron.   I took this counsel very seriously 
and attended every Coronation in order to continue swearing faith 
to the Crown.   I also visited the following groups while I was 
Baron of Bryn Gwlad:
Bjornsborg
Dragonsfire Tor
Elfsea
Emerald Keep
Glaslyn
Raven's Fort 
Rosenfeld
Seawinds
Shadowlands
Stargate
Steppes
Tir Medion
Westgate
I wish I had visited more!

OFFICERS
The well-being of our barony often depends on our leaders.  
I was especially fortunate to work with excellent seneschals:  
Lord Jehan, Lady Myfanwy and Lady Emeline.  I also worked with 
a number of fine officers and I thank all of them for their 
worthy efforts.  In addition to officers, Bryn Gwlad has 
had dedicated guild leaders whose interests and dedication 
encouraged others to learn.  The Bryn Gwlad Baronial Guard 
also had dedicated guardsmen during my time; I appreciate 
the leadership and service of Lord Duncan and Baroness Claire 
as well as all of those who served with them.   Thank you!

ENTOURAGE
Those who served in my entourage did so with great dedication a
nd were immensely helpful in keeping me organized and relatively
healthy.  Those who have served in my entourage these past four 
and a half years have included:  Wrenne, Celestria, Rahman, 
Garreth, Douglas, Amata, Illaria, Elisabetta, Niklas, Clare, 
Ysabeau, Saundra, Rhiannon, Robin, and Ragenhildr.  Conor served 
as my personal herald throughout this time; others also heralded 
my courts including Pegasus, Liam, Garreth, Johan, Saundra, Alfred,
Douglas, Lazlo, Rhiannon and Catalina.   Thank you so much! 

CONCLUSION
Being the Baron of Bryn Gwlad was one of the greatest honors 
of my life and I now have so many wonderful memories that I will 
always cherish.  My thanks to everyone who made these days great. 

Life is Good!

Thomas of Tenby
Baron Emeritus


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