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“Samhuinn, or Hallowe’en, was one of the two main festivals of the Celtic peoples. It marked the entry of winter; but, since the Celtic year began with winter, it marked also the entry of the New Year. Hence Samhuinn was probably of even greater importance than Beltane. Again, since the Celtic day began with night, the festival began on it’s eve. Samhuinn, in short, was the Celtic Hogmanay.” – F. Marian McNeill, The Silver Bough (vol. 3)
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The harvests are about to begin, marking the start of the descent to Winter. Her call will become stronger still come the equinox, but before then preparations for Samhuinn will be well underway. Beltane Fire Socity is looking for driven group organisers to help bring together a vision of Summer’s wane or the waxing of Winter … depending on your perspective!
As a potential Group Organiser your application should be sent to scribe@beltane.org (scribe null@null beltane NULL.org) on or before SUNDAY 7TH AUGUST.
This application form attached requests information for this, which include the following. There are also application guidelines attached to assist you further.
1. Time commitment.
Including a GO WEEKEND (27-28th August), open meeting (11th September), group meetings, organiser meetings (likely to be Tuesdays), tech walkthrough (4th October), two full-cast walkthroughs (16th & 23rd October), Samhuinn (31st October), and GO Debrief (8th November).
2. Planning commitment.
Outline your plan of action – meetings, milestones, and general content. You should have completion of performance before the first full-cast walkthrough, costumes by the second full-cast walkthrough, and technical requirements to be handed to Producer by the end of September.
3. Volunteer commitment.
We engender an environment of trust and respect. Realise that volunteers are just that – they’re donating their time, energy and commitment. Respect this by planning your sessions and aim to fully engage with them during meetings. The GO is responsible for instilling a safe and respectful environment both within the group and toward the community.
4. Financial commitment.
This will cost you and your group money – please use planning to limit your expenditure. The Committee, Blues and other GOs are your resource to finding cheap and efficient ways of doing things, and BFS fully supports recycled and ‘found’ items.
Here’s to a blending of visions for Samhuinn and a potent celebration of the new year!
Blues and Board
Group Organiser – Application Guidelines 2011.doc Group Organiser Samhuinn – Application Form 2011.doc