Meetings, Guilds and Workshops

Meetings

Newcomers' Meetings
Newcomers' meetings provide information on local activities, how the SCA functions and what you can do to participate in the fun. To get more information and meeting dates, contact  Lady Ciarnat of Firethorn at 281-693-6441 or send email to ciarnat AT consolidated DOT net.

Business/Populace Meeting
Stargate's Business and Populace meetings are held together on the first Monday of each month, unless the first Monday is a public holiday, in which case the meetings will be held the second Monday. The Business meeting is held from 7:00 - 7:45 pm, and is open to the populace. It is followed immediately by the Populace meeting from 7:45 - 9 pm. 

The location is Hope Episcopal Church (formerly St. Michael's), 1613 W 43rd St, in Oak Forest. Park in the row of spaces on Cheshire at the corner of 43rd, by the small white buildings just down from Oaks - go past the nearest building to get to the meeting.

Garb is optional. For more information contact the Stargate seneschal, HL Alden Drake at seneschal AT stargate DOT ansteorra DOT org. 

Stargate/Loch Combined Chivalric & Rapier Practice
Stargate Chivalric and Rapier is now practicing with Loch Soilleir on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm at Centennial Park, 3219 McLean Road, Pearland, TX. Garb is encouraged.

Historically, this practice has been held every Tuesday night from 7-9ish pm at the University of Houston main campus @ Entrance 13, across the street from the stadium; however, the UH location is no longer available to us.  We are looking for a new location. The minimal requirements it should meet are:
• Centrally located between Stargate and Loch Soilleir (so that we can keep joint practices).
• Access available between 7 and 10 pm.
• Good lighting and parking within reasonable access.

If anyone has any suggestions for new locations, or wants more information, contact Stargate's Acting Knight Marshal, Sir Godwin of Edington (David Jurgens) by email at Djurgens AT swbell DOT net, or Stargate's Rapier Marshal, Don Corvin Fenarro (Kevin Wilson) at (281) 658-9412 (cell) or send email to kevwilson AT swbell DOT net.

Another option for interested fighters is the Gates Edge fighter practice at 1 pm Sundays at Meyer Park.

Guilds

Bardic Guild On hiatus until further notice
Stargate's Bardic Guild is now on hiatus for the foreseeable future. Those interested in the bardic arts are invited to attend the Madrigal Guild. If you are interested in being notified of any future guild activity, please notify Alden Drake (seneschal AT stargate DOT ansteorra DOT org).

Madrigal Guild
Stargate has a new guild! All those interested in madrigal singing are invited to join the Stargate Madrigal Guild. It meets at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. The meeting location is the home of local bard Andrew Scarhart, 903 Highland Ave, in the Houston Heights. For more information, contact Alden Drake (seneschal AT stargate DOT ansteorra DOT org).

Equestrian Guild
The Equestrian Guild is open to all who are interested in learning about the SCA's Equestrian games and competitions, the making of garb and gear for riding in events. You do not need to have your own horse, as we have some that we are willing to share.

Stargate holds twice monthly practices, usually on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at the Equestrian Marshal's farm in Needville (Little Moon Farm, 16916 Brumbelow Rd, Needville, TX 77461). This will be a combined archery/equestrian practice, starting at 10:00 am and running all day until 5:00 pm. During the heat of the summer, when we have more daylight in the evenings, we will begin at 5:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm.

Everyone must have closed-toed footwear; heel is suggested, though not required. Minors 10 and up can participate with a parent, signed waiver, approved helmet, and closed-toed shoes or boots.

For more information and to verify when the next meeting is scheduled, please contact the Equestrian Marshal, HL Lorraine Fraser (Laura Betenbaugh) at (832) 646-6162

European Dance (NW) On hiatus until a new location found
The European Dance Guild, which was holding practice on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Central Market, is temporarily on hiatus and looking for a new location that can accommodate a Wednesday evening practice. If you have a suggestion for a new location, please contact Lord Antonello del Bello at (281) 850-2443 or antonello DOT sca AT sbcglobal DOT net. Please, no calls after 10 pm.

European Dance (SW) On hiatus until further notice
Every Thursday night at 7:00 pm at Madame Perronnelle's house. Contact Perronnelle at perronnelle AT earthlink DOT net for more information and directions. Garb is optional.

Scribal Guild
Come learn the ancient and beautiful arts of calligraphy and illumination. The Stargate Scribal Guild is for learning the scribal arts, as well as to provide a service to the Barony and the Kingdom by creating award scrolls. Scribal Guild meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, from 5:30-8 pm at Central Market, 3815 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027. Bring your paint supplies;  some loaner items will be provided. All are welcome, newcomers and masters alike. Contact: Hillary Greenslade at hillaryrg AT yahoo DOT com. 

Siege Guild
The Stargate Siege Guild is a new guild in Stargate and is for those interested in the art and science of tossing objects. If you are interested in siege weapons and their use in the SCA, contact Lord Miguel (Mike Meyers) at desweds AT gmail DOT com if you have any questions.

Weaving
The Stargate Weaving Guild meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Lancaster Community Center, located at 19831 Stoney Haven Dr., Cypress, TX  77433, from 7:00 to 9:00. We actually work on an assortment of things, from weaving, sewing, crocheting, knitting, creweling, embroidery, needlepoint, beading jewelry and clothing, and many other activities. If anyone is interested, they are most welcome to come. Contact Lady Annalies for more information.

Workshops

Heraldic name and device consultation
Heraldic consultations are available by appointment. Contact Stargate's Herald, Lord Bernard ben Moshe ha Kohane.

Chivalric armoring
Tools (including a forge) and armor-making advice available at Vaclav's house by appointment. Contact Vaclav Namatko (Random) at (713) 686-9883 to arrange a mutually agreeable time, and to get directions.