Baldablog

AGM is coming - Online prior & physical at 7pm 10 October 2023  at a venue yet to be confirmed (email Hobdid@gmail.com to get the confirmed venue).


AGENDA: 


AGM 2024 will be between mid September and late October 2024 - details to be confirmed.


If you are seeing this notice and make response to the online survey linked here: https://forms.gle/kbv9aZBduU8f44um6  you will be deemed a full voting member for this year.


Introducing the Baldaquin exec committee prospects for 2023-2025.  Baldaquin members (which includes: Baldaquin, Steampunk Tauranga, LaughterYogaBoP & several more groups)  can vote NOW - digitally - or physically at the AGM - vote here: https://forms.gle/Sww73UbpobE8GZqo9 ). 


So to the who! Prospects in random order: 


Di Brewster:

Di Brewster is a “make it happen” person who has the skills to enable herself and others to achieve their best life!  Di likes to go a-Viking from time to time and that means she is willing to do the behind the scenes work to help make events happen.


Ann Dugmore for Treasurer:


Ann is a canny lass who is conveniently good with numbers, she has been Treasurer for Baldaquin before and would be great to have her there again!.  She is a talented maker of costumes & props as well as a time-traveller of epic proportions - from Medieval to Steampunk, and busy with events, so catch her if you can …  “cats” are good bait!


Jason Alan Edgecombe:


Jason has recently completed a turn as Baldaquin’s Treasurer and yet is still game to make his skills available to exec.  As handy as he is on the field of combat, he is equally happy to churn butter, play games with youngling’s, weave mystical stories of heathens & heroes. 


 Andria B Goodliffe for Secretary:

Andria is a Founding Member & has been active on exec since 2011 . She has been Secretary before, is conveniently fully literate - canny & capable with event planning & management too. Her useful skills include being a research maven, creating arts & textile marvels, oh and tutoring . A time-traveller of epic span - that cave-dweller interpretation was epic - one consistent feature is as plain as the beard on the face - make it happen & let laughter lead.


Rachael Pratt (aka Poptart) for Chairperson

Rachael’s heart is deeply Norse & travel is second nature to her.  Her organisational skills span oceans & her no-nonsense approach to event management makes for swift & efficient meetings.  This is exceptionally handy to make more things happen. Co-incidentally - are you booked for NAAMA yet? https://www.facebook.com/events/881439752857852 


Richard Lees

 

Richard finds exec work rewarding, he helps plan, facilitate & bring to fruition NZ Medieval Faires for the public and private events for re-enactors He has been on the committee for some time & in addition to Medieval, Military & Victorian living history practices greenwood crafts. He is a multimedia crafts-person and has tutored living history craft courses at many events, most recently on cordage at the Baldaquin Matariki event 2023. Watch this space https://www.facebook.com/NZMedievalFaire for information about what event is coming next.

Now, please, go vote: https://forms.gle/fUe8TKE7YfqaECQTA 

Matariki camp 2023 was awesome!

Matariki Camp 2023 was even more splendid than 2022's event.

Baldaquin AGM 2022 Happened!

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! 



The 2022 Annual General Meeting for Baldaquin Inc. Soc. of NZ

AGM will happen online at 7pm on 30 September 2022 

(A link to the video-chat will appear on social media closer to the date)

AGENDA: 



If you are seeing this notice and make response to the online survey linked here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PN7V6XX ) you will be deemed a full voting member for this year.


Hope to see you there, Andria BG with her Secretary hat on


The current Baldaquin exec are: 

Rachael Pratt (Chair), Jason A Edgecombe (Treasurer), Andria B Goodliffe (Secretary), Di Brewster & Richard Lees.  Click to Contact us


Edit - pandemic times , sigh.  As NZ is currently in L4, Baldaquin Inc.'s event "Is it spring yet?!" has been affected.  Unfortunately the event is postponed to (probably) June 2022. At the very least the name & date will be changed - watch this space for what changes next.  First change - AGM is now "open" for Baldaquin members to vote on, linked here: https://forms.gle/EfmbtRZghkb1hszf6  (as at 21/8/2021)

AGM is coming - 2pm on 4 September 2021 at the "Is it Spring yet?!" event (rego & info here: https://fb.me/e/3HOmSf1se ) Now to introduce the Baldaquin exec committee prospects for 2021-2023 (Baldaquin members will be able to vote on these digitally/or physically at the AGM - more on the digital aspect to follow shortly). In alphabetical order: Alex Dugmore, Andria B Goodliffe, Di Brewster, Jason Edgecombe, Liam Ross, Rachael Pratt (aka Poptart), Ralph Bettesworth, Richard Lees, Stretch Mainnearach

Alex dugmore

Has been involved with Medieval re-enactment and Historical European Martials Arts for over 18 years. Co-leader of the HEMA club up in Whangarei that averages about 30 members. Has attended a dozen Medieval festivals including all the Taupo Jousts, some NZMF & many NAAMA, assists at Medieval Madness fun-day.

andria B Goodliffe

Been on Baldaquin exec since before it became an Incorporated Society, I've held various positions, including Secretary, Chairperson & Treasurer ... been involved in the organisation of all the diverse activities that Baldaquin embraces, NZMF, workshops, camps, events & re-enactment activities from Dark Ages through Victorian ... Steampunk, Morris Dance ... Laughter Yoga. I am an experienced artist, textile geek, dancer, maker & tutor of a variety of subjects. Useful skills in fundraising and admin & I can be keen and enthusiastic and very useful.

Di brewster

My family came to NZ before the main wave of European settlers. My re-enactment persona is an Isle of Man craftsperson in the 800s, and I'm also a fighter in ‘Ragnar’s Army', my son & I graded together at Norsewood in early 2021, which was deeply special. .

I’ve been re-enacting a few years and have been to various events around the country. I’ve taught myself drop-spindle spinning, nalbinding &  heddle weaving.  I’ve very much enjoyed learning how to handle leather for turnshoes & pouches, brewing kvass. Next on the list are tablet weaving, woodworking skills, developing outdoor cooking skills.  I can’t go past an OpShop without hunting for things I can use for re-enactment, and I'm sure I'm not alone there. I’ve been on several committees over the years, have a compliance and health and safety background in laboratory management for over 20 years. As well as my science qualifications, I also have quals in project management and auditing. I love networking and connecting people with each other. I look forward to meeting you all and finding out all about your interests.

Jason A Edgecombe

I am a currently serving member of Baldaquin inc and would like to stand again. In my "Modern Life" I am a self-employed mentor working with neurodiverse youth, I specialize in working with youth on the Autism spectrum and similar Neurodiversities, and I am currently studying a Bachelors of Counselling at a University in Tauranga. I have two children, both girls, who are the centre of my life(they are super adorable) and who love that Daddy "does viking" and who is "the bestest dad we have". In my "Re-enactment Life" I am a member of the Northern Horde re-enactment group, based out of Tauranga, and also a member of the Jomsborg Hati elag and the 5th Cohort of the 10th Legion. My primary re-enactment is of a Norse Karl (Norwegian free landowner) living around the 11th century serving in the Varangian Guard of the Eastern Roman Empire. I am passionate about history, Martial arts and Education which means I am keen to bring my passion, expertise, and willingness to learn to Baldaquin Inc and work towards improving the quality of events, frequency of public engagement and overall make the lives of re-enactors in New Zealand more awesome. 

Liam Ross

I am a Viking period reenactor from Waikato Norse based in Hamilton. Good with combat, numbers & village building

Rachael Pratt poptart

Reenacting for over 20 years, wealth of experience. I'm a current member of Baldaquin exec & current member of NEMAS exec (New England Medieval Arts Society - Armidale NSW Australia.)  Skilled at event planning & organisation & living the history.


ralph bettesworth

Has been involved with Medieval re-enactment and Historical European Martials arts for over 18 years. Co-leader of the HEMA club up in Whangarei that average about 30 members per week. Has attended a dozen Medieval festivals including all the Taupo Jousts, some NZMF & many NAAMAs, assists at the Medieval Madness fun-day. 

Richard Lees

I would like to see Baldaquin run some small events, expand & have ready access when required to a building for winter workshops. I feel Baldaquin requires an influx of keen people to the executive. I have been on the Baldaquin exec for quite a few years & have served as Chairperson. During that time I have assisted with the NZ Medieval Faire and various other camps, events & workshops, including tutoring Greenwood in Spring 

Stretch Mainnearach

I'm Stretch, Norse, trader, leather maker, village-builder. Been involved at the Village on the Kaimais and currently village-building again. Keen to be involved at the exec level.  

Baldaquin Thank yous for 2019 NZMF TTMF.pdf

Who you will see at the Faire. 

Northland Armoured Combat Group

Tales tell of mysterious creatures in the north, and great giants of men. The Northland Armoured Combat Group does not disappoint. Lead by their hulking lumberjack of a leader these Northland men and women strike terror into their foe with size alone. One hit from them and you are going down. This club is so well known for its giant leader than he has become a national unit of measurement in the sword fighting community. Shields are rated by how many times it can stand a direct charge from their captain, Donk. The destroyer of shield walls and breaker of men. The sturdy shields made by the Roman Optio Fungus have the current honor of the highest Donk rating of 3 but will they stand before his Donk’s men at the Faire, or crumble like matchsticks. The Northlanders will be without their hulking leader at the Faire, will they break through the enemy line or fall short in Donk’s absence... 


Who you will see at the Faire 

Company of the Wolpertinger. 

Don’t like your neighboring lord? Need an army quickly? Look no further for all your mercenary needs. The Germanic Landsknecht’s Company of the Wolpertinger are here to help. Founded by Emperor Maximilian of the Holy Roman empire in the 15th Century these colorful fellows specialize in providing armed forces during the transitory cross over period of swords and guns. Armed primarily with pike, halberd and Arquebus (early firearm), this force also carried two handed zweihanders to clear pikes.

With their many colors and floppy hats they may look like clowns but get to close and you might get a once in a lifetime experience with a halberd. This Auckland based group caters for both combatant and crafts people and their blacksmiths have been hard at work creating a pair of axes as prizes for our craft and encampment competitions happening at the faire. 

Come and see these men and women of colorful dress as they take to the field fighting on the flanks of the combat, ready to encircle and ensnare the opposition. 

Who will you see at the Faire - Part 2. 

The New Zealand Norsemen. 

The New Zealand Norsemen will come a viking from up north to join us over the weekend 19-20th January. Based in Auckland, this group focuses on 793-1066 Nordic civilisation. While you may expect to see horned helmets and call them vikings that is not the case. Horned helmets were never used by the Norsemen and vikings is not so much a name, as a verb describing the term to travel overseas on expeditions--often  for plunder. 

The New Zealand Norsemen are known for their combat skills and strong shield wall. Lead by their Konumgr (king) Franush and on the field by their Jarl, Ragnar, these men and women regularly leave a trail of defeated enemies behind them. Will anyone be able to shatter their wall of iron and wood on the battlefield this year?

Come along and see these ‘real’ Norsemen in their historically accurate gear knock some heads on the battlefield. 


Who will you see at the Faire - Part 1. 

IMPERIUM-ROMANA

Imperium-Romana is a Roman Living History group that performs re-enactments and displays of the Roman Empire. If you're interested in Roman history, we invite you to join us. You'll be warmly welcomed by a friendly bunch of fellow history enthusiasts. ​The club comprises the military LEGIO VI FERRATA, the NZ GLADIATOR SCHOOL, and CIVITAS ROMANA civilian Romans. 

Our Roman legion LEGIO VI FERRATA (Ironclad) is praised for historical accuracy. We train in Latin military drill, gladius sword-play and period weapons. Events include parades, festivals, camps, schools, film-shoots, and public shows. We star in the Netflix tv series ROMAN EMPIRE, with season 3 soon to be filmed.

​​The NZ GLADIATOR SCHOOL provides gladiator shows as exciting entertainment at public events. We can train you as a gladiator or gladiatrix in safe choreographed fights. Start off with a bit-role to see how you like being the new Champion of Rome. You can also play a non-combat role if you prefer. 

Our Roman society CIVITAS ROMANA displays Roman Life with public talks, school visits, children's activities, and living history camps. We work on Roman handicrafts that give hands-on interaction, and enjoy Roman feasts, celebrations, and group outings. ​


Baldaquin Inc. Soc of NZ hosted the Time-Travelling Makers Faire January 2019!  Aka NZ Medieval Faire 2019, but open to a wide range of time periods, alternative realities.  

Baldaquin are always seeking like-minded seeks people who make crafts by hand, for both demonstrations at events and for workshops. If this is you (even if your skill/craft is not specifically Medieval or you are a complete novice) please get in touch! We are seeking art-makers, craftworkers, performance skilled people - novice and experienced. If you are a maker, craftworker, artisan or creative - whether you do it for introvert delight or teach or demonstrate - please get in touch! If you know of someone who makes and/or tutors - please share this with them too. 

2019 NZMF TTMF Squire School PR.pdf
2018 Baldaquin beaker raffle draw winner.docx

Ta dah!  Finally, here is the album of photos from the  crafty weekend!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WNe6p9p6cTv6pZJA6     Some of the activities did not get photographed, some things really need to be experienced in the flesh ... plush, night photography on a cellphone, lols. Those of us who crafted  enjoyed doing and discussing arts, crafts, maker skills. Some of the crafts featured were: Natural dyebaths for fabric (or other materials) ; Campfire admiration; A Yuletide ritual; Morris dance; loom weaving ;  There was spoken poetry - ala John Cooper-Clark, not captured for prosperity - the experience is in the live atmosphere! Get in touch to come along to the next event, or follow us on Facebook/social media: https://www.facebook.com/BaldaquinIncSoc/

Baldaquin held a winter crafty fun weekend!

A weekend of gentle amusements, exploring the delights of several handcrafts.  We included like-minded people - experienced in their crafts and willing to share.  

The plan was to camp and enjoy social time together to discuss arts, crafts, maker skills. 

The crafts included: 

- Natural dyebaths for fabric (or other materials)  

- Campfire cooking & firesetting 

- Making a handcart - this does not mean everyone will have a finished one to take home (unless they bring materials and work fast) 

- Natural building discussion/experimentation 

- A Yuletide ritual (optional) 

- Possibly some dance 

- Basic loom weaving (or circle or inkle if anyone wants to bring those!) 

- Shared "stone stew & cultural evening" - bring something edible to go in the pot & a poem or story to share around the fire.

We explored a variety of handcrafts and provided some materials

The Growlery has moved!

The Growlery has made way for a new development, leaving the Lower Kaimais to make way for wheels, maybe. Anyone in need of the option will be most welcome in the new location, well, when the rebuild is more complete! Tauranga for the Growl, maybe even with books!

And just in case you are wondering what it is: " growlery \grou-‘ler-ē\ noun; a place of refuge or retreat when one is out of sorts or in ill-humor. "

(from Diary of a word nerd: https://www.juliatomiak.com/2015/02/what-is-a-growlery/ )


Yay, the webmaintainer has taught us to blog again!

Please explore the new website and enjoy the links to other interesting places. (Re-development is still in progress - contact us to join Baldaquin, or because you've found something erroneous on the site)

Thank you to the Company of the Wolpertinger (see a link to their Landsknecht skills on the resource page)

Verily, we were crafty with Baldaquin!

March 2018 Baldaquin encamped in the Lower Kaimais for a making & skill-sharing workshop. There was: 

Exploration of  pit-kiln firing (as a scientific experiment) 

A new thing in an old way! “I’m not an expert, but this is what I tried” - participants brought a current or completed project and shared what they’ve learnt to others interested in making their own *whatever*. (An example might be connected to shoe making – a shoemaker has offered!). 

There was an experienced researcher & garb-making person on-hand (pattern-cutting, fitting etc - bring your problem project and we’ll see if it can be fixed) Note: some research options are not be possible in-field!

Camp cooking skills & tips … for shared meals with tried & true camp skills.

Other crafts included: net-making, weaving with organic fibres.  makers of all levels (Medievalists, re-enactors and non-re-enactors) join Baldaquin for the encampment 

Baldaquin membership $10p/a.

Baldaquin's Breviary is released!

Today is an exciting day - Baldaquin's Breviary is released!  

And aye, there are probably questions about what it is and how it could be useful - so please ask - click here to contact Baldaquin


Click here to see the Breviary release!


Q. What is a breviary?

A. A breviary is traditionally a Breviary is a book of daily prayers and readings in churches.

Q. What is Baldaquin's Breviary?

A. It is a wonderful and growing directory of the wealth of resources, skills, talents of the people and groups in New Zealand who have a connection to pre-1700 re-enactment or to alternative lifestyles, a multitude of skills and entertainments.

Q. Is my information private - if my skills are listed?

A. Yes indeed - read the release to see details - and how to be included!

Q. I'm organising an event, how can I access the skills and resources in the Baldaquin Breviary?

A. Read the attached document and get in touch! 

Greenwood in Spring 2018

This was such a brilliant workshop, with people making things and learning stuff and there will be some photographs to follow, but for now Baldaquin would like to extend huge THANK YOUs to all the participants who braved the slightly damp conditions to learn some interesting and hopefully useful skills.  

Especial thanks to tutor Richard Lees, the venue provider Yvonne James and the most fabulous food-producers - Yvonne and Ann Dugmore.  


Please get in touch with ideas for workshops you'd like to attend - not necessarily woodwork - but things quirky, prepper, holistic, alternative ... arty, crafty ... and watch this space for information about events forthcoming 

Greenwood makes the news!

Have you ever tried to share a passion and know that most of the audience will  just perceive it (and you) as "weird"?  It is still worth putting word out and about, as you may just find kindred spirits coming at the same concept from a different direction.  Greenwood is not just a medieval skill, it is an activity which embraces the concept known as "slow living" in our modern society - but which would have been known as make what you need in previous times. It also embraces the concept of "prepping for the apocalypse" too, according to one person I've spoken with this morning!   The Greenwood in Spring workshop is next weekend, whatever your motivation - get in touch to participate.


Click here to see the article:  http://www.theweekendsun.co.nz/news/2568-pedal-to-treadle.html

2017 AGM happened: 17 September 2017.  

To join Baldaquin, pay $10 for full annual membership into the Kiwibank Account "Baldaquin incorporated", Acc. number: 38-9015-0492977-00. Plus click here to send your name/contact information to Secretary

First Post

There was a little discussion last night about the value of sharing information, and how to get that to reach the people who would make best use of the information, so I thought I would start with a post about what Baldaquin Inc. Soc is, and what a Baldaquin (Baldachin, BaldaKkin, Palladin) is in historical terms.  

Baldaquin Inc. Soc of New Zealand is a legal entity in the form of an Incorporated Society - that gives "us" rights and responsibilities in a legal and official sense.  We created the Society to establish, maintain and advance participation in a wide range of the Arts, cultural activities and physical sports of New Zealand re-enactors, Living History enthusiasts and alternative-lifestyle members. So we are aimed towards people who like to time travel, including alternative-reality time-travel.

We (which means members of the society, exec, formal, informal) facilitate events at which we can enjoy our passion for different time periods - either as a learning and sharing opportunity, such as the Greenwood in Spring 2017 workshop, or low-key events for fun and dance. Or on a larger scale, the multi-day NZ Medieval Faires, which are open to all pre-1700 time-travellers and are open to the public. 

To see the full purposes, click here