Mistress Hertha Blair of Froggestow passed from this world on January 31st.

Image courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA.

Halidor Arkellsson
I just talked to Bobby Comstock, Mistress Hertha Blair’s Daughter. On the morning of January 31st, Hertha Blair of Frog Stow passed from this world. Rest easy sweet Lady. May you be in Chidiock’s strong arms.

Kristin Hacker
I met Hertha when I was 8 at our first newcomers’ moot. She wasn’t a Laurel yet. She taught me how to spin with a drop spindle and weave on a blanket loom. She is a part of every SCA memory I have from age 8 to 21. I saw her at my last event which was a QPT a few years ago. We also randomly ran into her and her daughter at the Nelson. My heart is broken.

Mike Jackson
Very few people know what a critical role both Hertha and Chidiock played in getting Calontir permission to use the park at Smithville for Lilies and later so many other events. Hertha set up a meeting with the park superintendent and Chidiock, Malachi, and I drove around the park looking at possible sites. The youth camp we now use was pretty much a wild gamble into having an event at a very primitive site.

Ellen K. Herndon
She was a friend and mentor early on after I came into SCA. The few memories I have of the 80s include her and Chidiock. (One was of house sitting for them once when they were out of town. Don’t remember if I did good at it though.)
She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. I always felt peaceful around her. She taught me drop spinning and weaving (and answered other stupid questions on fiber arts and other things). As well as was my go-to for questions on herbs and herbalism.
She and Chidiock are dear to my heart, I am 🥰 they are together again.
Thank you for Messaging this to me Halidor. I would have missed it otherwise. Please let me know when and where on respects. 💔🌹

Mellitus
Mistress Hertha has left this world. She was kind to me and welcomed me into the Barony of Forgotten Sea when I came here from Standing Stones. She encouraged me on my path in the SCA. She is reunited with her lord, Master Chidiok after many years. She had a big impact on many and her presence will long be felt in Calontir. Rest well noble lady. You will be missed.

Courtesy of The SCA Memorial Shield Project

Sir Stephen Grimfalcon du Norfolk passed from this world on February 2nd, 2021

Some collected memories from those who knew him:

Baroness Gwendolyn Verch Morgaine
He was always so kind. When I was new to Calontir and traveled for work, we would get together for dinner on most of my visits to Wichita. He made me feel welcome, and I enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed.

Master Johann Steinarsson
Outside of the friends who brought me into the Barony of Vatavia, Sir Stephen was one of the first to approach me and welcome me as a newcomer. He was always kind and encouraging, forever had a smile on his face, and never a bad thing to say about anyone. Sir Stephen was one of those who kept me going when I was at my lowest points, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He was, indeed, a true embodiment of chivalry. And his friendship touched so many of my fellow Calontiri. I will miss him so very much. Rest in peace, Sir Stephen.

Duchess Hywela frech ferch Wyddel
My Champion when I was Princess the first time. He made me feel like a Princess, too! RIP, Old Friend.

Master Donald Andrew MacDonald
I met him when i was 16 and he was running a hobby shop in town. He invited me out to the sca. He was pro fencing long before calontir was ready for it. He was loyal and welcoming and generaly a awesome person. He was my peer before i even wanted to be a peer.

Courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA

Sadly, I must report the passing of Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith, also known as Sally Heald.

Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith began her Society journey in the Shire of Mag Mor when others urged her to attend a small local event. Not too long after, she moved to the Canton (now Shire) of Crescent Moon to pursue her modern profession. In Crescent Moon, Salamandra encouraged the group’s the group’s young folk – Duke Chrystofer Kensor, Sir Angus of Blackmoor, Mistress Rhianydd Arbeth – just to name a few. In those early days, she often loaded several people into her van and traveled to distant events allowing local folk to know and be known by fellow Calontiri.

In A.S. XXIV (1990), Their Royal Majesties Tomuki and Fionna recognized Salamandra as a Mistress of the Laurel for her decorative metal work.

In A.S. XXX (1996) Count Chrystofer Kensor was victorious in Crown Lists and made Salamandra His Queen. She was an enthusiastic Patroness of the Arts & Sciences. They also traveled to Pennsic and led the Calon army to much glory.

At times after stepping down, Countess Salamandra’s participation in Society events ebbed, but she always maintained her interest in Calontir. Eventually she rekindled her interest in SCA merchanting, offering a variety of wares including gorgeous, beaded jewelry. In 2019 Salamandra moved back to Mag Mor – now a barony. She enjoyed participating in baronial activities and, at the time of her death, was serving as Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences.

Salamandra never met a person who wasn’t interesting – she might disagree with you, but you were interesting and worthy of encouragement. She loved rocks, cats, horses, books, arts & crafts, and learning new things. She also deeply loved her chosen family. She was talented, funny, and optimistic – as well as stubborn, impulsive, and an inventor of words. We miss her sorely. Her memory will always be a source of encouragement and motivation for those who knew her.

A celebration of Countess Salamandra’s life and our memories of her will be planned for a later date – when we can meet, talk, laugh, and cry face to face. If you want to “do something” sooner, consider donating to a local no-kill pet shelter in her honor. – Isadora of Orange Woode

Sing Non Nobis!