The statement has been made that the Baron/Baroness is the heart and soul
of the Barony.  Boroughs in particular tend to have large crops of
newcomers.  It is your duty to make them feel welcome, to encourage them
and to introduce them to those who share similar interests or activities.
Part of the SCA that makes people feel a part of it, is to feel
recognized, individually or in groups, the Baron/Baroness needs to
acknowledge everyone.  Part of this is mingling at events, walking up to
and approaching new faces in particular, calling up groups and individuals
at court, and just generally spending time meeting and talking to people
and making them feel that you canr, you are approachable and you will
listen.  And that you will not bite unless invited to...
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Boroughs tend to have people that show up, learn, participate and then
leave within 3-4 years.  In the Boston area, many stay longer, but many
are only here for that long.   If the borough people are active and
helpful and worthy of
an AoA or other award the Baron and Baroness need to write the Crown with
reccomendations early enough and make the crowns aware that the awards are
time critical, so that they are still given while the borough member is
still living in Barony.
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The Baron/Baroness are are there to make the event feel more medieval and
to add a little more to the magical feel of an event.  In Court, or just
around the event you should encourage that feeling for all participants,
without making yourself distant.  You have to appear regal and commanding
without scaring away people who are new and uncertain.  Johanna and Aquel
did a good job of this and as did Patri before them.  This is pretty much
a case of knowing when to look aloof and commanding and when to crack a
smile or to utter words of encouragement.
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For all of the above, I would follow the examples of those who have
gone before me, and try to live up to the examples set by Patri,
Johanna and Aquel.
