Hael Groups in Focus - The Woodland Watch

A while ago Maynard von dem Stein was nice enough complete a group interview for the Woodland Watch. The Watch is one of the larger groups represented in the Hael but has an impact far beyond our borders. My apologies for taking such a long time to actually publish this interview.

Who is the head/leader of your group?

Woodland Watch does not have a leader. All peers in the group take a leadership role and help organize, coordinate and provide for the members

When was the group started?

The Watch was started in 2010.

Is the group still active?

The group is still active.

Approximately how many members are in your group?

We will have 45 members as of April 2017 most of which live in AEthelmearc.

Does the group have a device or heraldry?

Our device and name were designed by Duchess Liadain. 

What type of group is it (fighting household, A&S, mixed)?

The Watch was started as a fighting company to fight and train together and to defend AEthelmearc in times of war and to support its people in times of peace. It is a group of like minded people that enjoy each other’s company. We fight, train, eat, camp, and help each other in and out of the society. The group has grown into more than a fighting company; we have many pelicans and laurels. We even have a great group of rapier fighters and a Master of Defense.

Is the group primarily in the Rhydderich Hael?

About half of the groups members  live in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael. Almost all live in the Kingdom of AEthelmearc.

Please provide a brief history of your group.

The Watch was started by Maynard von dem Stein and Liadain ni Dheirdre Chaomhanaigh and a group of their friends including Anna Blackleaf, Otto of Westphalia, Eirikr inn Havi and others that camped and participated together at events and wanted to form a fighting unit on the field.  The group has grown over the years to include rapier fighters, artists, archers etc. and spans to nearly every corner of the Kingdom.

Woodland Watch Device,
designed by Duchess Liadain

Is your group accepting new members?

The Watch does accept new members. We never actively recruit members. For the most part, new member become friends first. They ask about the group and have an interest in joining. We have a period where the person gets to know other members of the group and all members vote to decide if the new person is a good fit.

Who should interested people contact?

The best people to contact are Duke Maynard von dem Stein and Duchess Liadain ni Dheirdre Chaomhanaigh. They are founding members and help coordinate and organize the group. But, you can go to any member of the Watch and ask about the group.

Woodland Watch camp at Pennsic