All things come to an end. After nine months of ruling Seregon announced on August 30, 2003 that she would be leaving her position as Rose Cotton. She had been thinking about some sort of change weeks prior before the opportunity came around. It was a hard decision to make, as she was very fond of the Shire and the hobbits. However she is not leaving the Plaza. She has been summoned to Valinor and serve as the Valië Vana.
Here is a snippet from her "My dear hobbits, I have had a fabulous nine months as your Ruler. You all have made it so special for me. I’ve become very fond of all of you, and am truly blessed to have gotten to work with you all. It has been an amazing experience to know all of you as we have a great group of hobbits! I’ll never forget all the great times I’ve had in the Shire. The kingdom has really become another home for me. The Shire wouldn’t be what it is now without all the work from you guys!"
With resignation comes the choosing of a suitable successor. There are many qualities to look for in a future Ruler. Honesty, loyalty, patience, stamina, and leadership to name a few are what Sere and BB looked for. There was one hobbit who stood out from the rest, Rosebud was her name. The decision came relatively easy. On September 1, 2003 the changes were made and Rosebud became Rose Cotton and Sere became Vana.
Of course such an event cannot happen without a good party! The flags were hung, the balloons were blown up, and the ale was brought out! May Rosie's rule be full of great times!

~oOo~

After the excitement of BB's first plaza birthday on January 19, 2004 died down, a very important announcement was made.
Two days after the party, Rosebud resigned as Rose Cotton due to time constraints in real life. The mood of the kingdom was quickly subdued, as no one wanted to see their beloved ruler leave them. Luckily Rosie has promised to never leave the Shire completely! She's still seen around as a happy hobbit, best wishes from all hobbits to Rosie!
On the 21st Brandybuck was chosen by BB and Rosie to become Rose Cotton! Valinor and the Shire greatly approved to her promotion as she's served the Shire for over a year. Congratulations, Brandy!

Back when Pippeness was the first Samwise Gamgee, she founded the Hobbit Defense Squad better known as the HDS. The HDS is the oldest organization still running in the Shire. Many of the hobbits that were the first members of the HDS have left us, leaving the HDS run down.
In August 2003, Sere presented her co-ruler, BB, with a new HDS plan. The conversed in Valinor and refined the new setup. The goal for the HDS was to expand, enhance role play, and strengthen ties with other kingdoms. There are two troops: Defense and Troops Abroad. The Shire Defense remains within the Shire maintaining the peace (only hobbits are allowed to join the SD). The Troops Abroad travel throughout Middle-earth (hobbits and other races may join the TA). Within each troop are two units. The SD has control over the Archers and Swordsmen. The TA controls the Scouts/Spies and Foreigners.
The Shire Knitting Circle, Pony Center, and Armory are the places to buy your supplies.

There are two leaders of the HDS - Lord and Lady. With the confusion of ruler changes, a new rank was added - Commanding Valie. The Lord and Lady are the traditional leaders of the HDS, with the Commanding Valie behind them.
A vote was held to elect new HDS Captains and Deputies. The new HDS roster is as follows:

Commanding Valie- Seregon
Lordette- Blackrose Bugg
Lady- Brandybuck
First Shirriff- Ember
Defense Captain- Diamond
Troops Abroad Captain- Eamila Bolger
Archer Deputy- Malta
Swordsmen Deputy- Marigold Took
Spies Deputy- Jenom, Loralinn
Foregin Deputy- ThomastheGreen
Hobbit Emeritus- Endymion

The TA and SD are separate from each other and gather in a different thread. Different RPGs and missions are created by the Captains. Currently the Shire Defense is busy with a tour of the Shire, while the Troops Abroad are going through drills.
Any rank and race may join the HDS by signing the oath in the HDS Sign Up Hall V. It's a great way to meet people and get used to role playing!

~oOo~

The Shire Troops Abroad have been going through some radical changes lately.
When the HDS was first started, it was clear that the Shire needed a defense system. However, pretty soon the Training Grounds became a place where people met to socialize. There were no really organized practises, and it became obvious that the Shire, now more than ever, was too vulnerable in case of war.
Commanding Valie Seregon has been working very hard to get things back on their feet. The HDS was divided in a Defense Squad, and a Troops Abroad. This last team is specialized in presenting the Shire outside it’s own borders, but it’s also the place to be for members of other Kingdoms who love the Shire, and want to help it stay protected.
The TA moves around a lot, to watch the Shire borders, and if needed, to attack any enemy that is threathening it.
Besides these major changes, Sere also made a good structure in the ranks.
Sadly enough Jenom had to lay down her duty as an officer, but in honour of all her work for the HDS, she will keep the special title of Honourary Officer.
Eamila remains the captain, assisted by Spies Marshall Loralinn, and Foreigners Marshall ThomastheGreen.
In order to give the new privates goals to reach, a few new ranks have been added to the system. Some of them have been filled by members that have shown a good attitude and hard work. Aradell, Sable, Tinw and Mick: congratulations!
The TA had it’s first real challenge when assistance was asked by the Elves of Lorien, during the attack of Mordor. The Hobbits and foreigners did all they could to help out, but mostly they realized how much there is to learn, so they can be better prepared in case of new emergencies.
After their return, Ea and Thom made sure that some good new excersises were started. The new officers all had the opportunity to show their skill and creativity in practise for the whole team. After a spy-training, fighting skills are now practised with great zeal.
If any Hobbit or foreigner would like to join the TA, they are welcome to come to the HDS headquarters House, and meet the captain and her team. There is always time to ask questions, and the TA can always use new and enthousiastic members.

Hello Shire Folk,
I'm Sucura Falton,here to update you on the new Coney Races being held in the Shire. This is being run by the one and only Ruser. It’s Ruser who has stated that practice will be beginning soon, but has not given the date of it yet. Also for all of you who wonder what a coney is, its a rabbit. So far now all entries are being received by all beloved coney racers. Here are the new members.....

Ruser with Shunuggels
Tittamiire with Mr Sprouts
Marigold Took with Geogre
Rashaen with Ria
Arthur M with Scrumpy Jack
Rosie with Little Rose
Sable with Mith Moth
Pippynish with Hugh Ernest Waldo Packety Shmackety Boom Boom Wuggles (Mr Wuggles)
Tele Mektar with Shaywyn
Vethowen with Fritters
Lalaith with Lord Herbert Of Van Huxembourg (The Professor)
JanesKnight with Janesbottem
Andwise Roper with Thalayli
Merrywethien with Galiant Geoffry Gregory Wiskers Gamgee (Galiant)
Loralinn with Cotten Ball
Sucura Falton with Tal

Ruser is still welcoming newbies, so please join us as we race our coneys in an head to head all out exciting race. Bring your coney and sign up today, time is limited and practice will be starting soon. There will be an update on each race that goes on. I'm Sucura Falton for The Shire Leaves, Good Day Everyone.

Shire Drill Team led by Team Captain Balbo participated in several interkingdom lore competitions. The members of the Shire Interkingdom Drill Team are Balbo, Marigold Took, Icy Baggins, Brandy, Uhhh, Sable, Edelweiss, Emmi-lou Bloom, Pippynish, Lalaith Mel, Eamila Bolger, and Elanor the Fair. The Shire Team packed their belongings and traveled to Rohan in December. There, the Hobbits participated in a duel against the Horse Riders. The competition ended in a tie.
After coming home, the team rested and stayed in Hobbiton during the busy holiday season. To keep the Hobbit Team in fighting condition during their stay at home, Team Captain Balbo organized an intra-Shire Drill Team Competition. Hobbits competed against other Hobbits. Team Red led by Icy Baggins faced off against Team Blue led by Lalaith Mel. Balbo asked difficult questions that would have stumped most learned loremasters. After a very exciting Sudden Death Round, Team Red was declared the winner.
In early February, the team went on the road again. The Hobbits and the Dwarves of Khazad-dum faced off in a lore tournament judged by Alhorie of Minas Tirith. The Hobbits won the tournament. The final scores were Hobbits 9 and Dwarves 6. As we go to press, the Shire Interkingdom Drill Team is in Mordor. The competition is not yet over but the Hobbits have the lead over the minions of Mordor.
In early April, the Hobbits will participate in the end of season Drill Team Tournament. The Hobbit team is the defending champion having won first place in last season's end of season Drill Team Competition. The competition will be held in the Shire.

The Debate Team article is coming soon and will be edited in asap. Thank you.