The Shire of Anglespur boasts an active and varied range of things to do. We currently have a regular fencing practice.

Many of our regular activites are on hold due to the pandemic. In the past, we have a weekly dance practice that we co-run with our neighboring group, the Barony of Concordia, that meets in Scotia. We also had a vocal performance group that met every other week, a semi-regular archery and thrown weapon practice during the spring and summer.

The easiest way to determine if the SCA is for you is to jump right in and try it out! We’re a participation-based organization, so everyone gets to be as actively involved as they choose. Come to a practice, class, or meeting, and see if what we do catches your interest. Our activities are free to participate in, and if it requires special equipment (like armor and weapons for fighter practice), we will most likely have loaner gear you can borrow to start out. The Shire also prides itself on hosting donation-optional events, so that you don’t have to pay to play if your cashflow is tight. Check the Events page of our website to see what is happening when. You can also check out the East Kingdom newcomers page and the SCA newcomers page.

You can also join our email list by contacting the email list owner.

Our activities, also sometimes called practices, are are held any day of the week except Saturdays. They’re casual, come-as-you-are deals. It’s a good place to start if you’re learning a new skill or are learning how to do things “our way.” For example, if you did collegiate fencing in high school or college and are interested in trying SCA-style fencing, our Sunday practice is the perfect place to familiarize yourself with the similarities and differences of the two styles. If you’ve been in a choir since you were ten and want to continue singing with our vocal group, the Wednesday night group time is where you’d be introduced to the medieval music we use and the conventions for singing those sort of pieces.

Our events, on the other hand, are a more elaborate deal. Events usually take place on Saturdays (unless it’s a weekend-long affair). An attempt at period clothing is required. A period name and persona, or character you play while at the event, is encouraged. We have loaner clothing available, as well as many people in the Shire who would be happy to help with making your own. We can also point you in the direction of resources to help you develop a medieval persona. Events are usually centered around specific activities, like fencing or dancing, although some events are known for “a little of everything.” The East Kingdom’s event calendar will have a full description of what the event entails, as well as information about cost, food, and contact information if you have any questions.

Usually the easiest thing to do is to contact the Chatelaine. They’ll point you in the right direction. If you already have a good idea of what activities you’d like to try, you can contact the appropriate officer on the Contacts page of our website. Here’s a breakdown of the Shire officers and what each one does:

• Chatelaine: The contact person for people who are new to the SCA, or new to the Shire of Anglespur. This person helps to hook you up with the activities that you’re interested in, maintains the Shire collection of loaner clothing, and organizes public demos for outside groups that are interested in tapping into our skills. We get requests from places like local libraries and colleges who are looking for an educational and entertaining display of medieval activities.
• Seneschal: The “club president.” The Seneschal takes care of the Shire from a business point of view, and makes sure we’re all doing what we need to do to keep the group running smoothly.
• Knight Marshal: The person who oversees our heavy weapon fighter activities. A “marshal” is someone who is trained and registered with the SCA as having the authority and knowledge to safely supervise the appropriate martial practices and tournaments. Heavy weapons fighting utilizes stiff, heavy armor for protection and rattan (Japanese grass similar to bamboo) weapons wrapped in duct tape.
• Fencing Marshal: The person who supervises our weekly fencing practice. Fencing utilizes lighter, more flexible armor than heavy fighting, with blunt steel weapons that are covered (“tipped”) at the ends.
• Thrown Weapons Marshal: The person who supervises thrown weapons activities. Thrown weapons is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – you’re throwing a variety of sharp items at wooden targets.
• Exchequer: The “club treasurer.” The exchequer keeps track of the Shire’s expenses.
• Minister of Arts and Sciences: The person who coordinates classes and activities that pertain to – that’s right – medieval arts and sciences. In the Shire of Anglespur, that includes (but is not limited to) blacksmithing, glass bead making, pewter casting, dancing, vocal and instrumental performance, spinning, dyeing, and commedia del’ arte.
• Web Minister: The person who maintains and updates our website.
• Chancellor Minor: The person who is responsible for children's activities in general
• Youth Marshal: The person who supervises youth combat activities. Youth heavy fighting utilizes stiff, heavy armor for protection and boffer weapons. Youth fencing utilizes lighter armor and epées and foils.