Notice Board

Page Last Updated:

Previous Notices


ACWS BOARD MEETING

At a recent meeting of the ACWS Board of Directors held on 11th October 2008 in Kegworth, Northamptonshire, amongst other things, the following decisions were made:

  1. It was agreed NOT to serve notice on units with small numbers at this time of dwindling numbers and economic problems, but to encourage units to recruit and build up the numbers of combatants on the field.
  2. However, the 4th Michigan Cavalry and the Washington Artillery are to be formally disbanded, as these Units have effectively left the Society already.
  3. Formal recognition was given by the Board to the voluntary disbanding of 2nd Wisconsin and its merger into 118th Pennsylvania.
  4. The US Signals was formally recognised as a Unit in ACWS
  5. Andy Hopwood was appointed Commander of the US Signals
  6. Approval was given for a Resolution to go to the AGM for voting regarding the re-wording of ACWS bye-laws to re-specify the Society, i.e., to widen the scope, but remain as a principally black powder Society covering Crimean and Lace Wars as well as ACW. This is simply putting into writing what actually already happens and widening ACWS's capability and giving protection to the smaller groups.
  7. The Cavalry Unit was formally recognised as an ACWS unit called The Cavalry.
  8. The 19th of Foot (Crimean) and 22nd of Foot (Revolutionary Wars) were formally recognised as units in ACWS. Currently there is no mechanism in place to have dual membership, but it was agreed that members can now be in an ACW Unit AND a Non-ACW period Unit as well "on the books". The 19th Foot will report direct to the Board through Roger Willison-Gray and the 22nd Foot through Tim Davies.
  9. Nick Pennock was appointed Commander, and Roger Willison-Gray Adjutant, of The Cavalry
  10. Gaynor Willison-Gray was appointed Society Horse Master
  11. Events for 2009 were discussed at length and approval given where necessary.
  12. A possible "International" event near Stratford at no cost or risk to the society was discussed. The possibility of a Lottery grant and a provisional site were discussed. The provisional date being 7-8th August 2010. If funding was not forthcoming, then the event would be scaled down to a normal self-sponsored event similar to Stanford Hall.
  13. The Treasurer's Report for financial period 2007/2008 was discussed, examined and approved for publishing.
  14. A new voting methodology was approved for use when members are voting at the AGM for Army Commanders which should provide a more open and transparent process for the candidates involved.
  15. A targeted marketing and publicity campaign was discussed and tentatively approved (subject to detail) to recruit more members and sponsored events.
  16. It was agreed to try and improve communications to members by using every available channel, including army and unit commanders, the printed Newsletter, email, web forum and web site, as well as possibly SMS in an emergency.

Members with any questions or concerns about the above decisions should contact the Company Secretary or Chairman

The meeting started at 12:35 PM and ended at 6.50 PM.

9th November 2008

AGENDA FOR THE 2008 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY LTD

The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on Saturday, 6th December 2008, starting at 1pm prompt at the Alsager Civic Centre, Alsager, South Cheshire ST7 2AE

  1. Apologies for absence.
     
  2. To approve the Minutes of the 2007 AGM held at the Alsager Civic Centre, Alsager, on Saturday 1st December 2007, as published in the next following ACWS Newsletter.
     
  3. To receive the reports of the Directors and Officers for the 2008 season as annexed:-
    1. Chairman - Mr M Bussey
    2. Projects - Mrs V Corbishley
    3. Treasurer - Mr I Morris
    4. Membership - Miss C Morris
    5. Marketing - Mr R Willison-Gray
    6. Confederate Army Representative - Mr L Fairlee
    7. Communications - Mrs V Holt
    8. Health & Safety - Mr A Radcliffe
    9. Secretary - Mr P Clark

  4. To receive the audited Accounts.
    Draft Profit & Loss account for year ended 30th September 2008 appended. Treasurer will advise the meeting of adjustments/observations from our Accountants.
     
  5. To re-appoint Messrs David Carty & Co Chartered Accountants as Auditors of the company and to authorise the Directors to settle their remuneration.
     
  6. Membership & Registration Fees for the 2009 Season.
    Your Board of Directors recommends no increase in the Membership Fees for the 2009 Season.

    Your Board of Directors, ever mindful of the need for continued financial prudence, will continue the policy of pricing Registration Fees for events realistically. Taken as a whole over a Season, Registration Fees and any other income received, is needed to cover the cost of that event, as membership fees bye and large cover the costs of running the company outwith events. Your Board considers a Registration Fee of £6 to be appropriate for most events, with an appropriately higher fee for any campaign weekend that we run for ourselves, as such an event is a consistent loss-maker. However, if it is possible to reduce Registration Fees, this will be done.

    Your Board also proposes that ‘Regimental’ events (small events involving the use of gunpowder) ought to be priced at £3 Registration Fee, whilst publicity and promotion of ACWS events ought not to attract any Registration Fee.

    Members are urged to use the 2009 Membership Form enclosed to re-join ACWS for next Season as soon as possible. Applicants are asked to write clearly, especially when filling in their e-mail address.
     
  7. Election of Board of Directors

    The following Directors are standing for re-election for the 2009 Season unopposed:-

    Chairman : Mr M Bussey
    Secretary : Mr P Clark
    Treasurer : Mr I Morris
    Projects : Mrs V Corbishley
    Membership : Miss C Morris
    Marketing : Mr R Willison-Gray
    Communications: Mrs V Holt
    Health & Safety : Mr A Radcliffe
     
  8. Election of Mr T Davies to the position of Federal Army Commander & Director
     
  9. Election for Confederate Army Commander

    Two valid nominations have been received for this position, namely that of Mr Bill Brown and that of Mr Glenn Gibson. Accordingly there will be an election by Members of the Confederate Army to decide on the new Confederate Army Commander for the 2009 season. Thus the position of Confederate Army Representative (Mr Lee Fairlee) is held in abeyance, pending the outcome of this election, and the decision of the winning Army Commander candidate to go on the Board or not. If not, then a Confederate Army Representative will be co-opted onto the Board of Directors forthwith.

    There will be a break whilst the Voting takes place and is counted .

  10. Amendments to the Society’s Bye-Laws

    Add additional Bye-Law 2(d) to Section A of the Bye-Laws

    ‘2(d) Additionally this Society declares it is a blackpowder/gunpowder using Society in its historical impressions and interpretations, limited to the ages of and use of weaponry from the flintlock (for the purposes of the American Indian and Revolutionary Wars only and later) and percussion periods of military history and/or any military weaponry in use during the period of the American Civil War 1861 to 1865’.
     
  11. Projects announcements regarding events for 2009 Season
     
  12. To transact ANY OTHER BUSINESS of an Annual General Meeting

On behalf of the Board of Directors
Philip Clark
Company Secretary and Director
11th October 2008

QUESTIONS FOR THE AGM.

Members questions for the AGM may be sent in advance in writing, if you cannot attend, or be put forward from the floor on the day at appropriate points in the Agenda, at the Chairman’s discretion.

Notes to the Agenda

Members are asked to bring their Membership Cards to the AGM for the purposes of validating admission and/or voting, if needed.

Any proxy forms/votes by Members NOT attending the AGM MUST be returned to the Company Secretary, to be received NO LATER than Tuesday the 2nd December 2008

Please DO NOT attempt to hand in Proxy Votes late or for another Member at the AGM as they cannot be accepted there and then. Those who do send in Proxy Votes and who find that they CAN attend the Meeting will be checked and their Proxy Form disallowed. If you do send in a Proxy Form (expecting not to attend) but DO turn up, you are of course very welcome. Please advise the Secretary of this before the Meeting starts, so that he can sort out the records and register a true vote.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

The AGM is followed by the ACWS Annual DANCE at the same location which starts at around 7.30pm until late.

NB: Alsager is easily accessible from M6 J16. Civic Centre in the middle of Alsager, near to cross roads traffic lights.

CHANGE TO ACWS BYE-LAWS
MOTION FOR 2008 AGM

ACWS has had within it, and part of it, the 19th of Foot (Crimean Impression) since 2004. They have paid their way, and contributed fairly and properly to costs of insurances from which they benefit, and earnt vital cash for ACWS, especially when times were hard back in 04/05.

Your Board of Directors thinks it is right and proper to set the record straight, and the time has come to make the appropriate amendment to the ACWS bye-laws, so as to incorporate the existing units of other periods currently within ACWS, who are not of the 1861-65 ACW period.

Please note, it is quite possible for all this to happen anyway within the Memorandum and Articles of Association of ACWS as a Company Limited by Guarantee. However, to be fair and open, it is right and proper to add the resolution in the AGM papers now before the membership, so that our bye-laws reflect what has been and is actually happening within the Society ‘on the ground’. We have a new mounted unit as part of ACWS called ‘The Cavalry’, which are flexible and can portray any scenario for us, whether blue or grey. They also do 11th Hussars (Crimean).

Additionally, this summer, the 22nd of Foot (the Cheshire Regiment) (American Revolutionary Wars) was formed. They also wish to be re-enactors within and part of ACWS. Their constitution requires their members to be members of ACWS, and to re-enact ACW role as a priority. They, too, will contribute to the cost of ACWS insurances as and when they are doing their red coat impression at non-ACW events, and generally help to bring in money to ACWS.

Therefore the amendment to Section A additional paragraph 2 (d) of our bye-laws is designed to accommodate these groups only, but not further or otherwise. Hence it refers to black powder using re-enacting of the flintlock and percussion periods (but the wording must also cover, as it does, late ACW period weaponry, when breech-loading came in). This is what the addition to the bye-laws is all about.

It does NOT mean any break up of ACWS. It means merely an addition to the portfolio of impressions and interpretations that ACWS can offer to sponsors. Historically, you could argue that the 22nd are portraying part of the first American Civil War, and those in blue and grey are portraying the second American Civil War! We are all still going to re-enact the American Civil War. That’s our main objective. These ancillary activities – what some of our members wish to do additionally – merely adds to our impression, especially when we are at a multi-period event, such as Sheffield or Rockingham.

It also means ACWS members can go to English Heritage shows (under the ACWS name) e.g. Kelmarsh Hall. As re-enactors, we must move with the times, and be flexible, especially when times are hard, and getting sponsorship is evermore challenging. Your Board is wholly in favour of this proposal, and calls upon the Membership of ACWS to support this addition to the Bye-laws. It recognises the reality of what has been going on for sometime anyway, without detriment to our ACW activities, whilst broadening what we can offer to sponsors.

The Board therefore commend to you this addition to the bye-laws.

Mike Bussey, Chairman
Philip Clark, Secretary
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors ACWS

4th November 2008

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The American Civil War Society Ltd (a Company limited by guarantee, number 2610962) hereby gives notice that its AGM will be held on Saturday, 6th December 2008, starting at 1 PM prompt at the Alsager Civic Centre, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2AE.

If you are a current member and have any nominations for posts of Directors or Army Commanders of the Society and/or you have any agenda items appropriate for the AGM , then put them in writing as soon as possible addressed to the Secretary ACWS, PO Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 1JQ. These MUST be received at this location by NO LATER than Saturday 27th September 2008

Nominations for other than existing post holders have to be signed by the nominee and proposed by at least one other current member, who must also sign the nomination. The nominee may submit a short address for circulation to the membership to support their candidature.

The current Directors are standing for re-election as at the date of this notice are as follows:

  • Chairman - Mike Bussey
  • Secretary - Philip Clark
  • Projects - Mrs Viv Corbishley
  • Treasurer - Ian Morris
  • Membership - Miss Claire Morris
  • Health & Safety - Tony Radcliffe
  • Marketing - Roger Willison-Gray
  • Confederate Army Representative - Lee Fairlee
  • Communications - Mrs Val Holt

The current Army Commanders are standing for re-election as at the date of this notice as follows:

  • Federal Army Commander - Tim Davies (a Director)
  • Confederate Army Commander - Bill Brown (not a Director, hence Confederate Rep on Board)

Once relevant inputs have been received, the AGM agenda can be put together and the appropriate documentation sent to you before the AGM.

Please note that only current members of ACWS are entitled to vote at the AGM or to submit proxy forms. Members, who wish to attend the meeting, are asked to bring their membership cards to the AGM to help validation, admission and/or voting if necessary.

For and on behalf of the Board,

Philip Clark
Company Secretary and Director
15th June 2008

The AGM is followed by the ACWS Annual DANCE at the same location which starts at around 7.30pm until late.

NB: Alsager is easily accessible from M6 J16. Civic Centre in the middle of Alsager, near to cross roads traffic lights.

ACWS BOARD MEETING

At a recent meeting of the ACWS Board of Directors held on 19th January 2008 in Birmingham, amongst other things, the following decisions were made:

  1. Jayne Olden volunteered her services as Civilian Coordinator. The Board agreed to appoint Jayne to the new position Head of Civilians to be responsible for and to represent the growing Civilians contingent within ACWS.
  2. Due to potential conflicts with John Overton's private enterprise called Company K, the Board agreed to rename Company K within ACWS as Historical Interpreters, with John Overton as nominal Head of Interpreters for now.
  3. The Board approved the new Bye-Laws, Rules, Guidelines and Policy booklet to be printed and distributed to new members and available on request to existing members.
  4. The Board recognised the need to bolster the Pyrotechnics unit and are to seek volunteers to become Pyrotechnicians for whom formal training courses will be made available.
  5. Due to a lack of entries the ACWS 2007 Photo Competition was cancelled and is to be carried over into the 2008 season.
  6. For the Rockingham Castle event, the Board stressed the importance of no trading inside the ACWS tent lines and all sutlers are to contact Duke henry at Call to Arms to book a stall in the Traders market.
  7. Also for Rockigham, it was stressed that no gunpowder is to be brought on site by members as this is to be completely issued and controlled by the event organisers.
  8. It was agreed not to attend the Paris Western Show in September due to logistical issues
  9. It was agreed to look at the viability of another International Event possibly in 2010.
  10. It was announced that Philip Clark had won the musket in the ACWS 2007 Raffle.

Members with any questions or concerns about the above decisions should contact the Company Secretary or Chairman

The meeting started at 12:00 noon and ended at 6 PM.

28th January 2008

ACWS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2008

Due to a lack of entries the ACWS 2007 Photo Competition has been cancelled and carried over into the 2008 season.

The 2008 Competition will now go ahead and can include photographs taken by current members from events that ACWS attended in 2007 & 2008 .

22nd January 2008

ACWS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

A big apology to everyone regarding the non-appearance of the annual ACWS photographic competition for 2007. This is purely and simply due to not having enough spare time to manage the competition. However, if you have not already entered you have until March 1st 2008 to send your entries in. All photographs entered must be taken by current members and be from the 2007 events that ACWS attended.

Please send them via e-mail to The Webmaster or snail mail to ACWS Photo Competition, P O Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 1JQ.

The winner will be announced at the first Event of the 2008 Season and on this web site.

(We reserve the right to use all submitted photographs in ACWS Ltd promotional material).

9th December 2007

PYROTECHNICS TRAINING

Congratulations to Lee Fairlee and Brian Rudge for passing a NAReS Pyrotechnics Course recently at Aston Cantlow.

ACWS BOARD MEETING

At a recent meeting of the ACWS Board of Directors held on 16th June 2007 in Birmingham, amongst other things, the following decisions were made:

  1. The need for a formally organised Civilian Camp was recognised, and Van Bailey was appointed as Temporary Civilian Camp Coordinator (reporting to the Board) to ensure that the Civilians can voice their requirements through a central channel.
  2. ACWS members have requested and been given permission to hire a band for the beer tent at the Sheffield event for the Saturday night.
  3. The Board agreed to attend the Rockingham event on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend 2007. Sewerby Hall, Stanford Hall, and Gun Powder Mills were all booked for 2007 (subject to contracts) and several other potential events were already being progressed.
  4. The Board agreed to look at a framework to enable more local events or displays on weekends where we don't have a major event already booked or in the pipe-line. Regiments and individual members are to be encouraged to help find new events using their own contacts.
  5. The Board agreed to look at the rules in relation to the charging of a Registration Fee at smaller "displays" which are probably more of a marketing exercise than an "event"
  6. The Board approved a new Diversity and Equality Policy and also formulated a Disability Issues Statement, which are required to ensure that the Society and its members abide by the law of the land. (See statements below.)
  7. The Board also agreed to revise the Sutlers Code of Conduct to include a policy regarding the selling of illegal goods, including counterfeit, alcohol, tobacco and food. The Board also clarified that anyone selling goods at an ACWS event must register as such and pay the appropriate Sutlers Fee.
  8. The Board approved the final cut of the ACWS Marketing and Promotional DVD which is to be sent to potential sponsors and event organisers. It's a very professional looking DVD and we would like to make it available to members for a small fee (to cover costs) as well.
  9. For the Stanford Hall tactical, we will be using some of the ideas learned at Wilton House, and adding to them. The available wooded area is far larger than we used last year, stretching to over 1 kilometre long.
  10. As a result on some complaints regarding inappropriate dress on the authentic camps, the Board agreed that once the "Stand Down" is given after the public have gone, it will be up to each Company commander to decide and regulate the level of authenticity of their Company Street outside of Public Hours. Members must then respect that level of authentic when visiting that Company Street. If not, they may be asked to leave the Street. The level of authenticity required includes clothing, furniture, cooking, etc
  11. As a result of some complaints about unsupervised under-age drinking of alcohol (which is not illegal in certain circumstances and locations), it was agreed that children under 18 years of age in possession of alcoholic drink must be under the immediate supervision of their parent or guardian or other responsible adult. Any offenders may be asked to leave the Company Street in question, and ultimately further appropriate sanctions from the Board may be considered.
  12. Members are reminded that the Web Forum is a Public Forum (except for the Members Only Section) and to be aware that what they are discussing may be seen by a potential sponsor.

Members with any questions or concerns about the above decisions should contact the Company Secretary or Chairman

The meeting started at 12:13 PM and ended at 7 PM.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The American Civil War Society is strongly committed to equality for all sectors of the community, and to ensuring that equality is incorporated into all aspects of the Society’s development.

Its policy is to ensure that all members, families, clients and members of the public are treated with equity and respect, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, social/economic status, race, ethnicity, religious belief or disability as required by the Equality Act 2006.

The Society is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their re-enacting hobby in an environment free from intimidation, harassment or abuse.

All members have the responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and language, and foster a culture that enhances the contribution of all members to the positive vision of the Society.

Although ACWS re-enacts a period of history where certain types of discriminationary behaviour were considered acceptable, this must not be reflected in member’s general demeanour and attitudes (unless it is depicting appropriate period behaviour and with the consent of all parties). The Society will deal vigorously with any incidents which breach this policy, in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.

Approved by ACWS Board 16th June 2007

DISABILITY ISSUES STATEMENT

The issue of disability falls under the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005 and it is the duty of all organisations to address disability issues which may affect their services, members and the general public.

In the area of re-enacting, it is clear that a member with a disability should not be treated any less favourably that an able bodied member, without adequate justification. Where necessary reasonable adjustments should be made to assist members to participate in the activities of the Society and where possible, safe and appropriate roles should be found to offer members and prospective members, (bearing in mind the requirements of the historical presentation required) and the venues and events which the Society attends.

However, it must be noted that adjustments which compromise health and safety of the member, other members or the general public are likely to be considered unreasonable, as are those which detract from historical authenticity and accuracy, or cause a fundamental alteration to the provision of the performance or presentation required by the Society.

Approved by ACWS Board 16th June 2007

ACWS CHRISTMAS DANCE

The ACWS Christmas Dance will to be held at the Alsager Civic Centre, Lawton Road, Alsager, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST7 2AE, on Saturday 1st December 2007, from 7.30 PM.

This year’s dance will feature music provided by Moody Food a 5-piece Ceilidh band with caller.
Tickets :- £7.00. Hot food will also be available by purchase of a separate ticket, price £5.00.
Tickets will be on sale at Stanford Hall, and at events thereafter.

Hotels in the Alsager area

Manor House Hotel    0.7 mile
Audley Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2QQ
Tel 01270 884000      Rooms from £65 per night
Restaurant and bar meals available.

The Old Mill    0.8 mile
Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 2UB
Tel 01270 875025      Rooms from £45 per night
The Old Mill is a 17th century water mill which has been converted into a traditional pub and hotel. 2 miles from junction 16 of the M6.

Holly Trees Hotel    1.1 miles
Crewe Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 2JL
Tel 01270 876847      Rooms from £66.50 per night
A fine Victorian farmhouse combining comfort with modern facilities. just 3 mins from M6 Junc 16.Offering evening meal with licensed bar.

The Chimney House Hotel    4.7 miles
Congleton Road, Sandbach (Crewe), CW11 4ST
Tel 01270 764141
Half-timbered Tudor style building, the Chimney House Hotel has an excellent patio Restaurant and conservatory with views of the gardens. Half a mile from M6.

Travelodge Crewe Barthomley    2.9 miles
Junction 16 M6/A500, Alsager Road, Barthomley, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5PT

Travelodge Stoke Talke    4 miles
Newcastle Road, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST7 1UP

Travelodge Crewe    5.6 miles
Crewe Green Link Road, Crewe Green, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5NW

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The American Civil War Society Ltd (a Company limited by guarantee, number 2610962) hereby gives notice that its AGM will be held on Saturday, 1st December 2007, starting at 1 PM prompt at the Alsager Civic Centre, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2AE.

If you are a current member and have any nominations for posts of Directors or Army Commanders of the Society and/or you have any agenda items appropriate for the AGM , then put them in writing as soon as possible addressed to the Secretary ACWS , PO Box 52 , Brighouse , West Yorkshire HD6 1 JQ . These MUST be received at this location by NO LATER than Saturday 15 September 2007

Nominations for other than existing post holders have to be signed by the nominee and proposed by at least one other current member, who must also sign the nomination. The nominee may submit a short address for circulation to the membership to support their candidature.

The current Directors are standing for re-election as at the date of this notice are as follows:

  • Chairman - Mike Bussey
  • Secretary - Philip Clark
  • Projects - Mrs Viv Corbishley
  • Treasurer - Ian Morris
  • Membership - Miss Claire Morris
  • Health & Safety - Tony Radcliffe
  • Marketing - Roger Willison-Gray
  • Federal Army Commander - Tim Davies
  • Confederate Army Representative - Lee Fairlee

Kevin Holden wishes to stand down as Communications Director at this AGM and suitably qualified candidates are sought for this post.

Trevor Stevens wishes to stand down as Confederate Army Commander at this AGM (not a Director, hence Confederate Rep on Board) and suitably qualified candidates are sought for this post. Such candidates may also wish to stand as a Director.

Once relevant inputs have been received, the AGM agenda can be put together and the appropriate documentation sent to you before the AGM.

Please note that only current members of ACWS are entitled to vote at the AGM or to submit proxy forms. Members, who wish to attend the meeting, are asked to bring their membership cards to the AGM to help validation, admission and/or voting if necessary.

For and on behalf of the Board,

Philip Clark
Company Secretary and Director
30th May 2007

The AGM is followed by the ACWS Annual DANCE at the same location which starts at around 7.30pm until late.

NB: Alsager is easily accessible from M6 J16. Civic Centre in the middle of Alsager, near to cross roads traffic lights.

ACWS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

A big thank you to everyone who entered the new annual ACWS photographic competition.

The winner of the ACWS John Rushworth Memorial Photographic Trophy was announced at the AGM.

The following are the top three as chosen by John's widow, Carol, with her comments attached:

1st #108 Lorraine Mitchell, 4th Texas - Stanford Hall

I just loved this photograph, and so, even though there is not a soldier in sight, this is the one I have chosen as my winner.

2nd #051 Philip Clark, 19th Indiana - Sewerby Hall

A good, close-up action photograph.

3rd #045 Marian Pateman, Washington Artillery - Sewerby Hall

Another good action photograph, and beautifully 'framed', but looking at it through John's eyes (as the competition is in his memory), I put it behind No. 51 because of the nearness and clear visibility of the modern spectators and loudspeakers.

4th #070 Helen Berry, 19th Indiana - Gun Powder Mllls
5th #102 Kevin Mitchell, CS Staff - Whitchurch
6th #103 Kevin Mitchell, CS Staff - Whitchurch

The winner will keep the Trophy Shield for 12 months.

Click here for Photographic Competition Entries

4th December 2006

VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION BILL

Please find following a synopsis of the salient points of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill which was given Royal assent and became an Act on 8 November 2006. The Sections will be brought into force by the Secretary of State (who will also issue further detailed guidance) over the course of the next six to eight months or so.

‘Crucial element is Section 35. Section 34 creates various offences relating to the sale, transfer, manufacture and/or import of ‘realistic imitation firearms’. Section 35 creates various defences to Section 34 offences. Within this there are crucial safeguards for re-enactors that shall permit them to still obtain both blank firing and de-activated items for the purposes of re-enactment.

First Section 35 (1) - ‘it shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under Section 34 in respect of any conduct to show that the conduct was for the purpose only of making the imitation firearm in question available for one or more of the purposes specified in sub-section 2.

Section 35 (2) (e) states that one of these purposes is ‘the organisation and holding of historical re-enactments organised and held by the person specified or described for the purpose of this section by Regulation made by the Secretary of State’.

Section 35 (7) states that for the purpose of this section ‘historical re-enactment means any presentation or other event held for the purposes of re-enacting an event from the past or of illustrating conduct from a particular time or period in the past.

Apparently it has also been agreed by the Secretary of State (Home Office) that they will henceforth recognise any group regardless of size in respect of Section 35 (7) - ‘historical re-enactment’ provided it has third party public liability insurances in the name of that group or society. Re-enactors are therefore to be recognised in law as a specific legal activity with a workable definition. The baseline is that whatever the ‘historic activity ‘ being ‘illustrated’, from whatever period all it needs to do is fit the requirements of Section 35 (7) and carry third party public liability insurances in its name. It is to be an offence to put on any form of ‘public’ display even if for private and on private land without such insurances all re-enactments groups will automatically fulfil this definition in complying with the NAReS requirement for insurance.

Section 36 is a long section but ‘realistic imitation firearms’ crucially EXCLUDES de-activated and antique firearms (Section 36) (1) (b). Thus the legislation allows re-enactors to continue purchasing, transferring, importing and even within the law manufacturing blank firing ‘realistic imitation firearms’. Equally it does not affect deactivated and antique firearms at all. Finally it defines the legal meaning of ‘re-enactor’ in it’s widest possible form.

The efforts of all re-enactors at all levels, including ACWS letter writing campaign, has thus proved to be fruitful.

29th November 2006

ACWS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

A big thank you to everyone who has already entered the new annual ACWS photographic competition. If you have not already entered you have until Monday 6th November to send your entries in. All photographs entered must be taken by current members and be from the 2006 ACWS events.

Please send them via e-mail to The Webmaster or snail mail to ACWS Photo Competition, P O Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 1JQ.

The winner will be announced at the AGM.

Click here for Photographic Competition Entries to date.

(We reserve the right to use all submitted photographs in ACWS Ltd promotional material).

8th October 2006

Previous Reports

Notices before October 2006 have been moved to Previous Notices.