By Jenel Hunt
With such activities as feasting, fencing, fighting and archery and an interest in a pre-1600AD world, the Southern Downs Branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism’s self-description as ‘a community group that isn’t the norm’ is rather an understatement.
Some SCA members were in Stanthorpe on Saturday (24 June) to share their medieval enthusiasm through costuming and some display tables at the Stanthorpe Little Theatre.
It’s all quite unusual. Members are dedicated to doing things as authentically as they can and yet they create a fantasy world of characters complete with outfits, names and made-up backgrounds. They have tourneys, kings and queens, and an almost secret language, for example, a president is called a seneschal and someone who is recognised for their service might be called a pelican.
They try to use correct fabrics for their costumes but also have a ‘10ft rule’ where as long as it looks authentic from a little distance, it’s okay.
Worldwide, there are about 30,000 members from more than 20 countries (they call them kingdoms).
President Donna Page (her medieval persona is that of a Medici courtesan) has been an SCA member since 1999 and said there were many facets to the organisation.
She said people could please themselves about which parts of the arts, skills and culture of the pre-17th century world they wanted to pursue.
“There’s nothing that you have to do. If you have an interest in something you can delve as deeply as you like. If it’s illumination, for example, you can learn calligraphy and painting and if you want to get really authentic you can learn to make the pigments.”
She said hand-drawn medieval-style scrollwork and calligraphy, complete with wax seal, was used for invitations to events. Feasts were as authentic as possible, using ingredients and cooking methods researched from information about the era.
Some members like to travel extensively for their interest.
The SCA members clarify that they are not a LARP group (live action role playing).
The Southern Downs group is actually called the SCA Canton of Stegby (which is apparently Norwegian for ‘rose city’).
Arts and science officer and chronicler for the group Belinda Ostwald, who was dressed in hand-sewn Viking garb on the day but who is usually Dorothye, an Elizabethan who dresses in an outfit that has eight layers, said an interest in history and research was essential. One of her medieval skills is making hats that are as authentic to their time as possible.
The funny thing is that when these characters get together, they’re from all kinds of different countries and times, so they’re like time travellers who have magically appeared in the same spot together. But then, that’s anachronism – out of place, out of time.
Anyone with an interest in finding out more about the group can phone Belinda on 0408 989 395. The group’s next major event is a Feast of Friendship, titled A Very Russian Affair, to be held at St Mark’s Anglican Church on Saturday, 19 August. Bookings can be made through the club.
