Shire Meetings
Shire Meetings are held once a month, during which we discuss shire assets, upcoming events, newcomer help, guild activities, arts and sciences, children’s activities, and Kingdom participation. Attending a shire meeting is a good place to start getting involved at the local level. The monthly Agenda is published a day or two prior to the meeting for all who wish to attend. Shire officers discuss the items on the agenda including new business and old business. If you would like to have a topic added to the agenda, try to get the info to the Seneschal at least a few days before the meeting so it can be added to the agenda (else you may have to wait until the end of our meeting to bring up your new subject to the group). Meetings typically run from 6:45pm to 7:45pm.
The next meetings are currently scheduled for:
Next Meeting: First Wednesday of the month at 6:45pm
Location: 1141 Callas Dr., Oxnard, CA
Next Month’s Agenda: Join Groups.io (Shire of Darach Mailing List (SCA))
Previous Meeting Minutes: Join Groups.io (Shire of Darach Mailing List (SCA))
Equestrian Practice
SCA equestrian activities include mounted combat, jousting with opponents using foam or wooden lances, and games such as jousting at rings, hitting the quintain, obstacle courses, and archery from horseback. Youths may participate in those equestrian activities that don’t require wearing a helmet. Equestrian activities enhance the medieval pageantry at our events! The shire of Darach and the Barony of Altavia practice together at the park. More practice info on our Equestrian Facebook page.
Third Sunday of the month 10am to 12 noon (Usually)
Location: Conejo Creek Equestrian Center: 1350 E Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Join the Darach / Altavia Equestrain Facebook group
Check the email list or contact the Equestrian Marshal to confirm each month’s practice
Helpful reading: Equestrian Handbook
Fighter Practices
Fighter practice encompasses both Heavy Weapons and Rapier Fence. Heavy Weapons is an un-choreographed martial art, recreating swordplay of the middle ages, using rattan swords, shields, and a variety of other secondary weapons. Rapier Fence is medieval Fencing in the round, using foil, epee, musketeer, or schlager (no saber). Please contact the heavy weapons or rapier fence host to confirm practices. Be sure to check in with hosts when it’s been rainy, because sometimes there are alternate indoor fighter practice locations available on occasion.
Heavy Weapons
Time – Almost every Sunday afternoon, from noon until about 4 pm
Location – Via Marina Park, Oxnard California
Heavy Weapons is an un-choreographed martial art, recreating swordplay of the middle ages, using rattan swords, shields, and a variety of other secondary weapons. Heavy Weapons practices are held on the same day/time as the Rapier practices. Please contact the heavy weapons host to confirm practices. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in Heavy Weapons.
Helpful reading: The Armored Combat handbook of Caid.
Loaner equipment is not always available, however you should be able to work with a sword on solo training (no partner) and you will be taught the safety rules of SCA Heavy Weapons. Check with the host of the practice if you need loaner equipment.
Rapier
Time – Almost every Sunday afternoon, from noon until about 4 pm
Location – Via Marina Park, Oxnard California
Rapier Fence is medieval Fencing in the round, using foil, epee, musketeer, or schlager (no saber). Currently rapier practices are almost every Sunday, at Via Marina Park in Oxnard. When the weather turns sour, there are sometimes indoor fencing practices. Please contact the fencing host to confirm practices. You must be at least 14 years old to participate in Rapier Fencing.
Helpful reading: The Rapier Combat handbook of Caid
There are some shade trees at the park, and it’s fine to set out blankets, chairs, tables, whatever your heart desires to make your time in the park more enjoyable. Fighters and their families sometimes bring small children with them to practice, and there is a small playground on site. You should bring your own water and/or snacks, although sometimes people bring extra water and cups to share. Observers (non-fighters) are always welcome, but will be asked to keep a safe distance from the fighting. There is some loaner equipment and armor available, if you’re just getting started. You will, of course, need to provide your own groin protection. You will also be taught the safety rules of SCA Rapier Fencing so that you can later be authorized in Rapier.
Authorization
“Authorization” is required for all martial arts activities in the SCA. Authorization does not certify that you have achieved any specific skill in Rapier or Heavy Weapons, but shows that you have demonstrated knowledge of SCA martial arts rules of combat, safety regulations, and armor requirements. You must be authorized in order to participate in any official SCA tournaments.
Waivers
If you are an authorized fighter, please bring your authorization card. If you are not authorized, you’ll be asked to complete a waiver on site, or you could bring a completed waiver with you to the practice. The SCA Waivers Page
Brewer’s Meetup
Open to brewer’s and non-brewers alike. We get together for dinner out once a month. We rotate the location, so look for the announcement after the monthly meeting. Suggestions for dining locations can be submitted to the group! Previous locations include Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Ojai.
Time – Almost every Second Wednesday of the Month, from 7 pm until about 9 pm
Location – Rotating venue each month. Check the darach.groups.io email blast, Facebook page, Discord server, or Monthly Business Meeting announcements.