FAQ
ABOUT THE NEW SITE & EVENT STRUCTURE
Why are we changing sites?
While Bungendore Camp Ground has been a great place to hold the event to now, it does have drawbacks:
While Bungendore Camp Ground has been a great place to hold the event to now, it does have drawbacks:
- The kitchen is old and not at a good standard for catering a large SCA event.
- The campground isn't exclusive for SCA use.
- There have been issues with getting the toilets and showers cleaned prior to and during the event
- It's not that close to central Politarchopolis, making the logistics more difficult.
- We have outgrown the site.
- It's not an easy event for inter-state visitors to come to, with limited accommodation in/around the town.
What benefits will the new site bring?
Moving to Camp Cottermouth addresses a lot of the issues we have with the Bungendore Camp Ground
- The site was rebuilt and upgraded in 2004, and it has been exceptionally maintained.
- The kitchen is of a good size, and has all the equipment we could want, including a walk-in cool room, and a large warming oven. There is even a fridge outside the kitchen to help keep your drinks cool.
- The campground would be booked exclusively for SCA use.
- The toilet and kitchen facilities are great - there are more than 40 showers and toilets, all cabins come with ensuites, and there are accessible options for those with low mobility
- The site is very clean, and there are cleaning staff attached to the site to keep it that way. They will also clean the site after we leave.
- This site not only has camping, but it has a really good standard of cabin accommodation, that includes air-conditioned accessible cabins, ensuites, and a full linen service (sheets, towel, doona, pillow).
- The site is close to full amenities, so even if people don't want to stay in bunks or camp, they can still stay close by. It is also closer to the majority of Politarchopolis folk, so they can choose to go home each night if they like.
Why should the event include Friday?
We want the event to bring more of everything we love to the Fields of Gold event. The regular schedule will continue, but Friday will include streams of classes, from Arts and Sciences to martial activities, and culminate in an evening of light-hearted entertainment, dancing and singing. This effectively gives us an opportunity to offer more at the event without disrupting the great event we already have.
We want the event to bring more of everything we love to the Fields of Gold event. The regular schedule will continue, but Friday will include streams of classes, from Arts and Sciences to martial activities, and culminate in an evening of light-hearted entertainment, dancing and singing. This effectively gives us an opportunity to offer more at the event without disrupting the great event we already have.
Why am I being asked to volunteer?
All events in Lochac run on volunteers. It's one of the great things about the SCA. Larger events need more volunteers so that no one is overwhelmed. This year we are proposing that all attendees be asked to volunteer when they register for the event, to make it run a little smoother, particularly for helping us make sure that the cooking teams are well-staffed, and there are enough people to help with site prep on Thursday and pack-down on Sunday. One option is to offer a discount on entry as a recognition that events don't run themselves, and we need everyone to pull together to make a great event. There are lots of ways anyone can help, and here are a few:
Why am I being asked to volunteer?
All events in Lochac run on volunteers. It's one of the great things about the SCA. Larger events need more volunteers so that no one is overwhelmed. This year we are proposing that all attendees be asked to volunteer when they register for the event, to make it run a little smoother, particularly for helping us make sure that the cooking teams are well-staffed, and there are enough people to help with site prep on Thursday and pack-down on Sunday. One option is to offer a discount on entry as a recognition that events don't run themselves, and we need everyone to pull together to make a great event. There are lots of ways anyone can help, and here are a few:
- running an activity (list or marshall a tourney, or run a class in the A&S or martial streams),
- help with the event (kitchen meal shift, or a constabulary shift, pre-event set up, post-event pack up),
- provide entertainment (herald a court or tourney, or entertain for the ringmaster at the Friday Night revels).
What would cooking for the event involve?
All the cooking for Fields of Gold is done by volunteers. We are encouraging people (or groups of people) to volunteer to assist with a meal at the event. We have plenty of experienced cooks that can help on the day if you are not experienced and would like to learn. This could be a breakfast, lunch, or the soup kitchen or feast. Polit prides itself on making our kitchen experiences great ones, aimed at giving cooks more, opportunity to practice, and the confidence to run their own kitchens at events they are planning. (And this will help the Kingdom get a wider pool of cooks to run more events into the future.)
All the cooking for Fields of Gold is done by volunteers. We are encouraging people (or groups of people) to volunteer to assist with a meal at the event. We have plenty of experienced cooks that can help on the day if you are not experienced and would like to learn. This could be a breakfast, lunch, or the soup kitchen or feast. Polit prides itself on making our kitchen experiences great ones, aimed at giving cooks more, opportunity to practice, and the confidence to run their own kitchens at events they are planning. (And this will help the Kingdom get a wider pool of cooks to run more events into the future.)
What is the timeframe for the event?
Site Opens: 10am on Friday. Please contact the stewards if you wish to arrive earlier than that.
Event start: 12pm on Friday.
Event close: 4pm on Sunday.
Pack down will start Sunday afternoon, and bump out will be completed on Monday morning.
Hire equipment will be delivered Thursday, and will be picked up on Monday by arrangement with the site.
Site Opens: 10am on Friday. Please contact the stewards if you wish to arrive earlier than that.
Event start: 12pm on Friday.
Event close: 4pm on Sunday.
Pack down will start Sunday afternoon, and bump out will be completed on Monday morning.
Hire equipment will be delivered Thursday, and will be picked up on Monday by arrangement with the site.
SITE RULES
SITE RULES
What are the the COVID requirements?
The event is following the Lochac COVID-19 response plan.
The event is following the Lochac COVID-19 response plan.
Are there any things we can't bring on site?
Food: There are no restrictions relating to food (eg nuts or wheat) for the site, cabins or kitchen.
Alcohol: Only in wine or champagne bottles or cans - beer bottle glass breaks too easily, so no stubbies.
Can we bring animals?
Service animals are always welcome, in-line with legal requirements.
Horses are permitted and an area has been allocated for equestrian activities. There are no specific horse facilities, so portable fencing and accommodation will have to be brought by owners. Horses will only be allowed to go on the grassed areas at a walk to protect the turf of the camp ground. All horses will need to have dung catchers, or manure will need to be collected by owners as you go.
Service animals are always welcome, in-line with legal requirements.
Horses are permitted and an area has been allocated for equestrian activities. There are no specific horse facilities, so portable fencing and accommodation will have to be brought by owners. Horses will only be allowed to go on the grassed areas at a walk to protect the turf of the camp ground. All horses will need to have dung catchers, or manure will need to be collected by owners as you go.
Can we have fire?
Given that the event is held in summer, we will have to comply with any fire restrictions that the RFS might have in place for the site. Pit fires will not be allowed, including in the permanent fire pits, but the Site Manager will be requesting permission for cooking fires. If you want to have a fire in your camp, bring your raised fire pit, and sand and water buckets.
Given that the event is held in summer, we will have to comply with any fire restrictions that the RFS might have in place for the site. Pit fires will not be allowed, including in the permanent fire pits, but the Site Manager will be requesting permission for cooking fires. If you want to have a fire in your camp, bring your raised fire pit, and sand and water buckets.
Are cars on site?
Cars are allowed on site only to drop off gear. You cannot drive onto the campgrounds, you must stay on the roads on the other side of the barriers. Trailers can be pushed on site temporarily, but must be removed once they are unloaded. Please let us know if you are bringing a camper van so that we can work out the best location for you.
Parking: There is limited parking on the site directly, but the road to access the camp only has a couple of private facilities on it, and plenty of parking is available there.
Emergency vehicles are the exception, and will of course have complete access.
Cars are allowed on site only to drop off gear. You cannot drive onto the campgrounds, you must stay on the roads on the other side of the barriers. Trailers can be pushed on site temporarily, but must be removed once they are unloaded. Please let us know if you are bringing a camper van so that we can work out the best location for you.
Parking: There is limited parking on the site directly, but the road to access the camp only has a couple of private facilities on it, and plenty of parking is available there.
Emergency vehicles are the exception, and will of course have complete access.
What about Rubbish?
All rubbish will need to be removed from the cabins and campsites and placed in the skips available. Please take responsibility for your own rubbish, and your cabin and campsite, and leave the site cleaner than you found it, as we normally do.
All rubbish will need to be removed from the cabins and campsites and placed in the skips available. Please take responsibility for your own rubbish, and your cabin and campsite, and leave the site cleaner than you found it, as we normally do.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Will there still be fighting?
Of course there will be fighting - FOG would not be the same without it. There will be the same number of tournaments, but there is space to run larger martial activities if there is a demand for them. There will also be a full day on Friday of classes aimed at honing fighting skills.
Of course there will be fighting - FOG would not be the same without it. There will be the same number of tournaments, but there is space to run larger martial activities if there is a demand for them. There will also be a full day on Friday of classes aimed at honing fighting skills.
Can we have archery?
There is an archery range as part of the site, that is well laid out, including embankments to minimize stray arrows. It is separated from the main site by an access road.
There is an archery range as part of the site, that is well laid out, including embankments to minimize stray arrows. It is separated from the main site by an access road.
Can we have equestrian?
Yes equestrian has always been part of Fields of Gold, and it will be welcomed here. Details to follow.
Yes equestrian has always been part of Fields of Gold, and it will be welcomed here. Details to follow.
Will there be Arts and Sciences ?
There will be a range of classes, across the arts and sciences spectrum, that will be held across the weekend. There will be a particular emphasis on the Friday on entertainment classes and martial classes, but there will be something for everyone. There will also be the usual competitions, including Something Gold.
There will be a range of classes, across the arts and sciences spectrum, that will be held across the weekend. There will be a particular emphasis on the Friday on entertainment classes and martial classes, but there will be something for everyone. There will also be the usual competitions, including Something Gold.
Will there be an Artisans Corner?
There is plenty of space for an Artisans Corner, and a range of facilities they could utilize, including permanent shade structures that have water points and 3 phase power. We encourage all artisans to come and set up their craft, as this is a particularly awesome part of Fields of Gold.
There is plenty of space for an Artisans Corner, and a range of facilities they could utilize, including permanent shade structures that have water points and 3 phase power. We encourage all artisans to come and set up their craft, as this is a particularly awesome part of Fields of Gold.
Will there be entertainment, bardic, or dancing?
There are several really good spaces for entertainment activities, including a full stage with amphitheatre, several permanent camp fires, and if weather is inclement, there is a small hall. Friday night is planned as games and impromptu entertainment evening, and all are welcome to bring their best short entertainment to wow or involve the crowd.
There are several really good spaces for entertainment activities, including a full stage with amphitheatre, several permanent camp fires, and if weather is inclement, there is a small hall. Friday night is planned as games and impromptu entertainment evening, and all are welcome to bring their best short entertainment to wow or involve the crowd.
Can I merchant at the event?
We encourage it! There will be a merchant coordinator, who will be happy to work with your needs. We have already been advised that some of Lochac's favourite merchants are intending to attend! Please contact the stewards so that we can work with you on your stall location.
We encourage it! There will be a merchant coordinator, who will be happy to work with your needs. We have already been advised that some of Lochac's favourite merchants are intending to attend! Please contact the stewards so that we can work with you on your stall location.
ACCOMMODATION
Can I stay in a cabin?
Yes! This site has 8 large cabins available, with two small rooms containing 1-2 double bunks, a number of bunks in the main room, a countertop and sink in the main area, and an ensuite (the fridge & kitchenette stove in each is non-functional at this point in time). A full linen service, including towel, sheet, pillow (with pillowcase), and doona (with cover) will be provided.
All cabin bookings must be in before 11 November.
Yes! This site has 8 large cabins available, with two small rooms containing 1-2 double bunks, a number of bunks in the main room, a countertop and sink in the main area, and an ensuite (the fridge & kitchenette stove in each is non-functional at this point in time). A full linen service, including towel, sheet, pillow (with pillowcase), and doona (with cover) will be provided.
All cabin bookings must be in before 11 November.
Can I still camp?
There are great camping facilities. There are camp sites available, some with water points and power if needed. There are also large shower and toilet facilities near the camp sites.
There are great camping facilities. There are camp sites available, some with water points and power if needed. There are also large shower and toilet facilities near the camp sites.
Are there showers and toilets?
There are shower and toilet facilities aplenty across the site. They are all clean and in good repair. All of them, including those in the cabins, will be cleaned on a daily basis to meet COVID requirements.
There are shower and toilet facilities aplenty across the site. They are all clean and in good repair. All of them, including those in the cabins, will be cleaned on a daily basis to meet COVID requirements.
I'm travelling from interstate, can you be flexible on arrival or departure?
The site is booked for accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights. If you need assistance with accommodation outside those days, please contact the stewards team and we will see what we can do about billeting. You can bump your pavilions in on Thursday night, and out on Monday morning, but they cannot be camped in without prior arrangement with the stewarding team and the site manager.
The site is booked for accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights. If you need assistance with accommodation outside those days, please contact the stewards team and we will see what we can do about billeting. You can bump your pavilions in on Thursday night, and out on Monday morning, but they cannot be camped in without prior arrangement with the stewarding team and the site manager.
Are my health needs being met?
St Johns will be on site for the event, and it is close to a hospital if a medical emergency occurs. There are powerpoints in all cabins, which will facilitate CPAP requirements. Two of the cabins have disabled access bathrooms, and rooms with wider access. Please contact the steward team if you have any further concerns.
St Johns will be on site for the event, and it is close to a hospital if a medical emergency occurs. There are powerpoints in all cabins, which will facilitate CPAP requirements. Two of the cabins have disabled access bathrooms, and rooms with wider access. Please contact the steward team if you have any further concerns.
ABOUT THE FOOD
What will the food be like?
It's Politarchopolis - the food will be good. Breakfast will be substantial, lunch will be fairly portable, and the night meals will be appropriate to the activities of the day, including a soup kitchen on Friday, and a Feast on Saturday. Full menus will be available before the event. Eat, eat, you're too thin!
It's Politarchopolis - the food will be good. Breakfast will be substantial, lunch will be fairly portable, and the night meals will be appropriate to the activities of the day, including a soup kitchen on Friday, and a Feast on Saturday. Full menus will be available before the event. Eat, eat, you're too thin!
Can I go off-board?
Yes, you can go off board. You should be aware that the food costs are not large, and the savings will similarly not be large for off-board pricing. If you need financial assistance to come to the event, please let us know, as we have some financial hardship options available.
Yes, you can go off board. You should be aware that the food costs are not large, and the savings will similarly not be large for off-board pricing. If you need financial assistance to come to the event, please let us know, as we have some financial hardship options available.
Will you cater for my allergies?
The Kitchen Steward is well-versed in designing menus that cater for allergies. If you give us advanced warning, there are few things we cannot cater to. Please contact the stewarding team with specifics if you have questions.
The Kitchen Steward is well-versed in designing menus that cater for allergies. If you give us advanced warning, there are few things we cannot cater to. Please contact the stewarding team with specifics if you have questions.
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