[MR] From a SCA Cook

[Hrothgar]

> I feel compelled to point out a few things regarding the topic of whether
> guests at high table should pay for feast.

Greetings Unto the Tavern,
    I'm a bit confused by this whole conversation. I realize that Crysarra 
and I have been away for a while, but I can't understand how basic attitudes 
have changed so much regarding event budgets and how our people are treated.

Crysarra has done about a dozen feasts, and all were relatively inexpensive 
and well within budget. This even though, in every instance, we planned to 
feed at least 10 or 12 for free. Not charging High Table is automatic. The 
Royals spend a huge amount of money BEING Royals, and not charging them is 
more than just a courtesy. The people They invite to High Table are Their 
guests, which by definition means that they are they are OUR guest, and 
proud we should be to have them.

Most of the time, the people invited to dine with the Royals have already 
paid for feast, so the "free" plates that have already been figured into the 
budget can go elsewhere. That enabled us to be able to feed people who were 
working hard but could not afford to pay. We always took great pride in 
being able to ensure that kids short on cash did not miss out on the 
experience of feast. Not to mention not walking around hungry.

I've always thought the purpose of an event was to have fun and be a good 
host so that others are having fun. We always set out to do the best event, 
with the finest feast, for the least amount of money. Making a profit is a 
different animal. If you just want to make money for the group, do a bake 
sale or hold a raffle.. Events should be as inexpensive as possible so that 
as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend. And yes, friends 
and neighbors, $20.00 can be a huge amount of money to a student....

Not to be rude, as Simon Cowell would say, but if you can't feed a hundred 
people based on the budget of 85 on board, perhaps you're not ready to be a 
head cook...

The SCA in Atlantia has lost a lot over the years. As it's grown and 
interests have diversified, the sense of unity has greatly diminished. 
Everyone's off doing their own thing all day. The only time for real unity 
is court and feast. Those should be made to be accessible by as many people 
as possible...

That's all I have to say about that...

Vivat Atlantia! Vivat the Dream!
Hrothgar