M'lord and I have recently been sponsored into the Irish Penny Brigade (An International (now!) social group that travels to festivals). While we are still halfpennies, my first penny event will take place at the festival that I play Queen Elizabeth at. Since we are a very small cast, there will undoubtedly be many opportunities to interact!
I was hoping that perhaps some existing pennies could make themselves known, and perhaps give me an idea of what to expect? It seems a little daunting to almost "host" my first event with a new group, that I am still learning about!
Congrats!
I would like to hear more about this Irish Penny Brigade. Is there a website?
Quote from: Orphena on March 09, 2015, 07:40:52 AM
M'lord and I have recently been sponsored into the Irish Penny Brigade (An International (now!) social group that travels to festivals). While we are still halfpennies, my first penny event will take place at the festival that I play Queen Elizabeth at. Since we are a very small cast, there will undoubtedly be many opportunities to interact!
I was hoping that perhaps some existing pennies could make themselves known, and perhaps give me an idea of what to expect? It seems a little daunting to almost "host" my first event with a new group, that I am still learning about!
It is such a fun group! Bristol is hosting the National Family Gathering this year. We welcome your clan to join us there the weekend of July 11-12.
Usually a gathering begins on a Friday night with a Meet and Greet, so the members and half pennies can get to know each other. It usually is at a bar, sometimes people eat there, sometimes not. Other times it's poolside or in a meeting room at the hotel, and people bring drink and or munchies to share.
If your faire allows tailgating, the hosting clan usually arranges breakfast and a meeting place. Easy things, like donuts, easy to eat hand foods, coffee, mimosas, etc. Then on Saturday night, there is a dinner at a place that has been prearranged and will expect and can handle a large crowd.
At some family gatherings there are games like musical men or scavenger hunts, some Faires have merchants who will donate small prizes for a drawing. It's pretty much whatever you want to do.
Just be sure that there is 1 pub in the faire where the family knows is the designated pub, where they can gather. That is where the 3 p.m. toast will be both days.
Lady Renee! Huzzah!
We are planning on attending Bristol that weekend, travel arrangements pending. Looking forward to meeting you!
So, I have some more specific questions...
Regarding clan colours - black, hunter green, saffron, blue and burgundy. The saffron..is that more yellow, or more orange? And the blue..is there a particular shade?
From the few pics I can find, it is difficult to tell just how "in clan colours" people are. I am also a little leary of making entire ensembles to coordinate. I'm considering a sash of sorts to put on at Penny Events (especially when I am in character), but want to get the colours correct.
Also, Friday nights tend to be non garb gatherings, except that the men wear kilts. What, then, is the expectation for women to wear?
Dinobabe,
No website, but a private Facebook page for members. I'm having trouble finding a lot online to know more about the group, and since m'lord and I are the first Canadians in the group, I have lots of questions that don't get asked or answered until an event, which will likely be at Faire.
To find out more, I suggest you look for people wearing a penny necklace - Google irish penny, and you should come up with an image of what you are looking for!
I think the yellow is more of a gold or mustard type than orange. The blue is like a royal blue. I don't have all the colors in my garb. I have a black bodice, a green skirt, and a yellow chemise.
On the Friday night, women wear jeans, tshirts (clan shirt if you have it. I don't). Some women wear mini-kilts. Dress like you're going to a bar and be comfortable. The guys typically do wear kilts if they have them.
My mind is foggy after a long workday, but I think on Saturday is the day to wear the clan colors. As it gets closer to the National Gathering, I will get my "rememberings" back.
lol
So how do you find any info or become a member if there is nothing online?
Mostly word of mouth, at faire, Dinobabe. What faire(s) do you frequent? Maybe I can steer you toward a Penny, or a Penny toward you.
Well thank you, Iain!
I attend TN RenFest and now our new faire in Memphis, TN.
Clan Griffin is the chapter at the TN faire. I've asked the IPB national leadership who is the co tact there, and I will let you know.
YAY!
And then Dinobabe, you can visit other faires and meet other Pennies, and continue to recruit!
I have my "sash" almost done - I will try to get a picture online soon!
Volunteer or vulontold? ;D
Hi Dinobabe, i am a regular TNRF playtron and a member of IPB. Please feel free to message me here or on FB with the name Amy Jorgensen.
Here is my sash! Hope the colours are good!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/ShariO/image.jpg1_zpsvukww2uw.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ShariO/media/image.jpg1_zpsvukww2uw.jpg.html)
I am also interested in becoming a member. I frequent the MNRF, whom do I talk to?
Gwyndolyn....I din't know who is in charge, but Lady Kathleen just became a full penny on the weekend, so I suggest you speak to her. If you don't know her, pop over to the costuming / sewing side of the forum, and you will likely bump into her pics so you can recognize her!