Monthly Meetings
Each month the Shire convenes a meeting to provide updates on activities and plan events. This is also an opportunity to socialize with other Shire members. New attendees are welcome! Garb (costume) is not expected for business meetings. Please feel free to speak up, ask questions, and offer ideas and suggestions.
Monthly meetings begin at 1:00 PM Central Time and rarely run much more than an hour. All meetings are hybrid with a virtual presence on Zoom – join the Shire’s Facebook page, Discord server, or email list to receive meeting notices and links.
In-person meetings may occasionally be moved to online-only due to weather concerns or changes in site availability; any meeting changes will be announced on our social media platforms and via email as soon as the change decision is made.
After each meeting, we often gather to socialize, work on projects, (weather permitting) hold ranged-weapons or rapier practice, or play bocce.
2026 Meeting Dates:
- Sunday, June 14
- Sunday, July 12
- Sunday, August 23 (combined August-September meeting)
- Sunday, October 4
- Sunday, November 8
- Sunday, December 6 – ONLINE ONLY
Monthly Meeting Location (unless otherwise announced)
Church of the Holy Family
25291 W Lehman Blvd at IL. Route 59
Lake Villa, IL 60046
2026 Arts & Sciences Gatherings
Lady Eila will be hosting Saturday A&S gatherings at her home near Antioch on the dates below, from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Though if you want to contribute to the snacks, just let me know. Additionally, if you want to come to the sessions, inform me so I can get enough snacks.
We have space outside (weather permitting) and inside (living room and dining room). So don’t forget to bring a chair just in case we have it outside. There’s also space outdoors for fighter practice if the appropriate marshal is available.
Watch our social-media platforms for info including the address, directions, and any special group projects.
2026 A&S Gathering Dates:
- Saturday, May 9
- Saturday, May 23
- Saturday, May 30
- Saturday, June 13
- Saturday, June 27
- Saturday, July 11
- Saturday, July 25
Armored and Rapier Combat Practice
Armored (rattan) combat practices will be taking place through the summer months, outdoors at the same location as the business meetings (see above for address). The current practice dates are:
- Sunday, May 31, 1:30PM – 4:00PM (a Rapier Marshal will also be in attendance)
- Sunday, June 7, 1:30PM – 4:00PM
- Sunday, July 12, 1:30PM – 4:00PM
More dates may be added if there is enough interest. Updates regarding start time, weather cancellations, and loaner gear may be found on the Shire’s social media pages or by contacting the Armored Combat Marshal in Charge.
The Shire does not currently hold regularly scheduled rapier combat practices. However, our neighbors in the Barony of Ayreton (Chicago) and Barony of Caer Anterth Mawr (Milwaukee) hold weekly practices and welcome visitors.
Online Discussion Groups
These groups are used for communication about Shire activities. All new subscribers will be reviewed by the Shire Webminister. The Shire reserves the right to moderate/approve/deny any requests to its online discussion groups.
Facebook: shireofravenslake
Discord: Shire of Ravenslake
Shire Email List