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, 2nd December 2006, at The Cadbury Club, Bournville Lane, Bournville, BIRMINGHAM, B30 2LU, starting promptly at 1 PM.

If you are a current member and have any nominations for posts of Directors of the Society and/or you have any agenda items for the AGM, then put them in writing as soon as possible to the Secretary, to be received no later than Friday, 15th September 2006.

Post such nominations / proposals to: Philip Clark, Company Secretary, ACWS P O Box 52, BRIGHOUSE, West Yorkshire, HD6 1JQd

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

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
10th July 2006

The AGM is followed by the ACWS Annual DANCE at the same location which starts at 7.30pm until late. Further details and Tickets from Phil and Jayne Olden at West Point Sutlers.

CHARITY SPONSORED WALK
AT FEDERAL EASTER WEEKEND

As discussed at the recent Federal Officers & NCO's meeting, Sharon Paul from the 69th New York has organised a sponsored walk at our Easter get-together/training weekend, in aid of the Breast Cancer Awareness charity.

The walk/march is only 4 miles (**HONEST**), and it will be around the site and local area of the West Wales Toy Museum in Pen-ffynon. The national event is going to be co-sponsored by Norwich Union who will be matching every pound raised, so any money we can raise will be a great help.

Sharon is going to post out sponsorship forms to company commanders for them to distribute before the event. Alternatively, you may download one from the 69th N.Y. Web site by clicking here

Thanks for your time.

Cpl Claire Morris - 69th New York & ACWS Membership Secretary
Ian Morris - 69th New York & ACWS Treasurer

Message posted 26th March 2006

ACWS BOARD MEETING
18th MARCH 2006

At a Meeting of the ACWS Board of Directors on Saturday 18th March 2006, the following matters were decided:

• The Board are extremely concerned at the decrease in the number of subsidised events for the 2006 season. There are many factors leading to this situation, including increased competition from other re-enactment periods, the lack of sponsorship in general , the lack of finances leading to an inability to spend on Marketing over the last few years, and the increased costs in putting on large battle re-enactments. In addition, the Event Promoter who had promised us between three and five events for 2006 has ceased trading. It was therefore agreed. amongst other things, to organise another un-subsidised members only event, at Whitchurch in August, and to allocate a larger budget to the Marketing team to try and further publicise the ACWS with a view towards obtaining new subsidised events.
• The Board are to encourage regiments to obtain more Acquire & Keep licence holders to enable the smooth distribution of gun powder during the season.
• The Board noted the retirement of Captain Alan Carter from the position of Commanding Officer, Confederate Artillery. The Board gave a vote of thanks to Alan for the many years of sterling work in this position, and agreed that he retain the honorary rank of Captain.
• The Board noted the continuing small numbers of members in the 6th South Carolina, and sadly agreed to disband the regiment if there is no significant increase in numbers at the end of the season.
• The Board approved the following Confederate Rank Structure changes:
  1. Lee Fairlee appointed to the position of Commanding Officer, Confederate Artillery, with the Commissioned rank of Captain
  2. David Longstreet appointed to the position of Commanding Officer, Rockbridge Artillery, with the Commissioned rank of 1st Lieutenant

Next scheduled Board Meeting is on 14th May 2006.

Message posted 26th March 2006

Luxury Cruise to the USA with ACWS
Completely free of charge!!

ACWS has been asked to provide four experts on the American Civil War who would be prepared to spend 2 weeks onboard a 5 star cruise ship in exchange for presenting a series of lectures about the American Civil War to the passengers.

The lucky four will spend 2 weeks in luxury accommodation with full board on a state of the art cruise ship. Each of the four may take a partner who will also receive full board free of charge. In addition the experts and their partners will receive a 50% discount off all bar bills. They will enjoy all of the privileges of being a passenger including access to all of the entertainment and facilities on board. They will also be able to join the trips ashore at each scheduled stop.

The cruise, which is leaving Southampton at the beginning of May 2006, is sailing to the US and then down the Eastern Seaboard visiting all of the notable sights. The theme of the cruise is American History and will focus on the American Civil War and the War of Independence. There will be visits to historical sites and Civil War battlefields.

Two ACWS members and their partners will join the ship at Southampton and will sail with her to the US, staying on board for two weeks and providing a programme of entertainment and information over the 10 days that the ship will be at sea (you do not have to work when the ship is in port). At the end of the two weeks you will fly home to the UK.

The other two ACWS members and their partners will fly out to join the ship in the US and again will provide a programme of entertainment for the next 10 days at sea returning on board to Southampton.

This fantastic offer is open to anyone who is a member of ACWS and who is available to spend either the first or the second two weeks in May 2006 on board the ship. If you would like to be considered for this wonderful opportunity, which is worth about £2,500 per person all you have to do, is to write a letter to Mike Bussey, Chairman, ACWS at the PO Box 52 address explaining why you think you should be selected to represent the Society in this prestigious event.

In your letter you must outline a programme of lectures or presentations which will inform and entertain the 650 passengers about the American Civil War, you should describe how you will deliver this over a period of 10 days, what visual and presentation aids you will use, and what living history costumes and props you will take with you. You should also describe what role your partner will take if any (please note that this is optional and your partner may wish to be simply a passenger).

The Society will select eight candidates to be put forward for final selection at a presentation to the cruise operator in the next few weeks. – GOOD LUCK !!!

Roger Willison-Gray
ACWS Marketing Director
20th January 2006

Application for places on the Cruise have now closed
18th March 2006

ACWS on BBC TV

The filming that was done at Peterborough Show earlier this year, will form part of Rich Hall's "Cattle Drive" on BBC4 on Thursday, 12th January, 2006, at 11pm.

Mike Bussey
Chairman and Webmaster
4th January 2006

DECISIONS FROM THE 2005
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 30th Annual General Meeting of the ACWS was held on 3rd December 2005.

Approximately 90 members were in attendance and there had been about 80 valid Proxy Votes.

The following Agenda was discussed and voted on:

1. Apologies for absence were given.
2. The Minutes of the 2004 AGM were APPROVED by a large majority.
3. The reports of the Directors and Officers for the 2005 season were received and APPROVED by a large majority.
4. The Audited Accounts were received and APPROVED by a large majority.
5. David Carty & Co Chartered Accountants were APPOINTED as Auditors of the company by a large majority.
6. The Membership and Registration Fees for the 2006 remain unchanged
7. Election of the Board of Directors:
   The following were re-elected for the 2005 season unopposed by a large majority
   • Chairman: Mr M Bussey;
   • Secretary: Mr P Clark;
   • Treasurer: Mr I Morris;
   • Projects:  Mrs V Corbishley;
   • Membership: Miss Claire Morris;
   • Marketing: Mr R Willison-Gray
   • Communications: Mr K Holden;
   • Confederate Army Representative: Mr L Fairlee
   
   The following were elected for the 2005 season unopposed by a large majority
   • Mr T Radcliffe was elected to the position of Health & Safety Director by a large majority
   • Mr T Stevens was elected to the position of Confederate Army Commander by a large majority
   • Mr T Davies was elected to the position of Federal Army Commander and Director by a large majority
8. The proposal to use only "appropriate fuels" on family camp barbeques was APPROVED by a large majority.
9. The proposal to allow ramrods to be used in certain very controlled circumstances was APPROVED by a large majority.

Mike Bussey
Chairman & Webmaster
5th December 2005

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, 3rd December 2005, starting at 12 noon prompt at The Royal British Legion Club, 64 New Road, Rubery, BIRMINGHAM, B45 9HY.

If you are a current member and have any nominations for posts of directors of the Society and/or you have any agenda items for the AGM, then put them in writing as soon as possible to the Secretary, PO Box 52, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1JQ. These must be received at this location no later than Thursday, 15 September 2005.

Nominations for other than existing post holders have to be signed by the nominee and proposed and seconded by current members, 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 follows:

• Chairman - Mike Bussey
• Secretary - Philip Clark
• Projects - Mrs Viv Corbishley
• Treasurer - Ian Morris
• Membership - Miss Claire Morris
• Communications - Kevin Holden
• Marketing - Roger Willison-Gray
• Confederate Army Representative - Lee Fairlee (for re-appointment)

The current Army Commanders are standing for re-election, as follows:

• Federal - Tim Davies (a Director)
• Confederate - Trevor Stevens (not a Director, hence Confederate Rep on Board)

Also, as Kevin Holden was doing two jobs, he has foresaken being Director of Health and Safety and Tony Radcliffe has been proposed and seconded for that Director's post, with Kevin Holden as his H & S rep in the Confederate Army (in effect, they have swopped H & S roles)

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
9th August 2005

VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION BILL

The following is a specimen letter for all to write - along these lines - to your own MP and/or The Rt. Hon. Charles Clarke MP Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Click here for the text of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, as introduced in the House of Commons on 8th June 2005

Click here for the Home Office Press Release

If you do not know who your MP is, Click here (www.theyworkforyou.com) or here (www.writetothem.com)

If you do not know your MP’s "home" address, write to him/her at:
House of Commons
Westminster
London SW1A 1AA

Dear

Violent Crime Reduction Bill

I am very concerned about this proposed legislation. Would you please re-consider it carefully so as to reduce its draconian effect on legitimate historical re-enactment activities?

Whilst pretend guns and re-activated firearms and knives might thrive in certain communities, why ban them from everybody. The problem is to stop their unlawful use. When hand guns were banned after Dunblane, all that happened was that law abiding and licensed citizens lost their shooting hobby or part-time. Hand guns abound "on the street" nowadays even more, year on year, used by criminals, particularly in the inner city. The problem is to stop this, rather than take all away from historical re-enactors, legitimate collectors, museums and stately homes.

How can you differentiate between a Chef’s knife or a kitchen knife, and a knife wielded by some thug or robber?

This bill needs to be amended so that there is an exemption for collections and collectors, historical re-enactors and theatrical use.

This bill will seriously hamper our historical and military heritage. It is using a blanket ban sledgehammer to crack a nut. In reality the problem is of enforcement, not an outright ban. Fencing is an Olympic sport. Is it to be banned from the 2012 London Olympics? What of English Heritage, the Royal Armouries and the National Trust? Can we no longer have historical interpreters teaching our past in schools and colleges, from Celts and Romans to 2nd World War, showing pupils things that bring our History alive?

Film TV and Theatre and also the world of historical military re-enactment are legitimate lawful activities that need de-activated weapons, swords, bayonets, appropriate military knives and the like. These things give pleasure to millions and harm no one. This Bill will harm the UK’s heritage and entertainment industries, for which Britain is rightly famous.

Re-enactors have to train new recruits to be safe and know what they are doing. A Brown Bess Musket from the Napoleonic wars, an Enfield Rifle from the mid Victorian period or a 1st and 2nd World War rifle needs to have the right licenses (shotgun if smoothe bore, firearms if rifled and if the weapon fires black powder, an explosives license, too). New members do not have these things. They are impractical to get for some time, and a person has to be trained properly. Why not with a de-activated version of the appropriate gun? Why can’t the men buy a bayonet or the officer a sword to re-enact his/her historical period? This bill is so rigidly drawn even a wooden or plastic replica is banned and a criminal offence to even handle. This is ridiculous, and throws the baby out with the bath water. How many banks have been held up by a robber with a Brown Bess Musket or street crimes carried out by an historical military vehicle owner with the dummy machine gun mounted correctly or with a WWII 25 pdr artillery piece?

Please confirm you agree with the point I am making and please advise that you will take up this issue and do your best to get the Bill amended so that it doesn’t apply to historical re-enactors, the entertainment industry or those who protect and present our heritage e.g. Stately Homes, Museums, The Royal Armouries, National Trust, English Heritage etc. etc. If all else fails, surely a simple licensing system for legitimate uses/purchases/disposals could be instituted, if such a burdensome and beaurocratic process was thought necessary.

Yours sincerely

..........................

ACWS RAFFLE FOR CONFEDERATE MARINES PRINT

The raffle for the Confederate Marines Print (kindly donated by Captain Bill Brown) was drawn at Stanford Hall on Sunday 17th July.

The winning ticket number was 140, belonging to "Wayland" from the 4th Texas

Runner up was ticket number 123, belonging to Kevin Mitchell, Confederate Staff, who won a large cake.

LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL

This event has now been CANCELLED.

The Liverpool Council voted at 4 p.m. on Wednesday 8th June, to drop the American Civil War ceremony scheduled for the Cathedral on June 19th. This follows adverse response from the local community and a desire not to cause offence or inflame them.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral have invited ACWS to take part, on Sunday 19th June at 1.00 PM, in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the twelve American Civil War soldiers' graves recently discovered during historical restoration in the old "sunken graveyard". The large bronze plaque has been donated by the American Civil War Round Table Washington Veterans. The graves include that of George Harwood who served on the Alabama as Bosun's Mate from August 24 1862 until its sinking off Cherbourg on June 19 1864. He then joined the Shenandoah as Bosun, surrendering on board the latter on November 6th 1865 in the Mersey channel. Another marker is that of Fredrick Matthew Johns who served on the Alabama from August 24 1862 until he was killed when the Alabama was sunk off Cherbourg on June 19 1864. His father erected a memorial marker in the Cathedral grave yard in 1865.

The event requires about 12-25 soldiers, both Blue & Grey, and drums, bugle and flags. We now have police permission to fire rifle salutes during the ceremony. This could one of the most important and prestigious ACW events in the UK for a long time.

Message posted 1st June 2005
Message Updated 5th June 2005
Message Updated 8th June 2005

PETERBOROUGH EVENT - PRE-PUBLICITY

To emphasise the educational nature of our displays and to give some pre-event advertising, the ACWS are looking to take part in the following activities:

• Friday 10th June - Peterborough schools educational programme
• Saturday 18th June - Peterborough Publicity Photo Shoot @ Peterborough Museum @ 12 noon.
• Saturday/Sunday 18th/19th June - Peterborough Museum Living History / Publicity Display.

If you would like to take part in any of these important activities, please contact Roger Willison-Gray by Email (click here) or any Board member, as soon as possible.

Message posted 30th May 2005
Message Updated 8th June 2005

ACWS FEDERAL BATTALION
OFFICERS & NCO's MEETING

Sunday 20th February 2005

Ward End Community Fire Station, Washwood Heath Road,
Ward End, BIRMINGHAM, B8 2HB

The meeting will start at 12:00.

There will be a small fee to cover the cost of the room.

The West Midlands Fire Service have a NO SMOKING policy in all its premises.
Tea and Coffee will be available (maybe some biscuits) - at a small cost.

For further details see the ACWS Federal Battalion Web Forum

On arrival parking is available around the back, entrance to the right of the building, then walk back around to the front door.

Location Maps: MultiMap.com or StreetMap.co.uk or Map24

ACWS BOARD MEETING
15th JANUARY 2005

At a Meeting of the ACWS Board of Directors on Saturday 15th January 2005, the following matters were decided:

• The theme for this season's events will be the Campaign for Atlanta, the last year of the war.
• Due to the shortage of subsidised events this year, the Registration Fees will need to be slightly higher this year
• Arrangements for the 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Stanford Hall are well under way. It was decided to open up the event to other ACW groups. To ensure compliance with Society Rules any such group would need to be made known to the Board and officially invited.
• The annual review of regimental strengths & command structures was conducted. Regiments at risk will be notified shortly.
• The Board approved the following Federal Rank Structure changes:
  1. Stuart Munro appointed to the position of Commanding Officer, 2nd U.S. Art. Bty.B, with the Commissioned rank of Captain
  2. Phillip Berry appointed to the position of Commanding Officer, 19th Indiana, with the Commissioned rank of 1st Lieutenant
• The Board noted the following Federal Rank Structure changes:
  1. Nigel Morgan (69th New York) promoted to the rank of Captain as 2-i-C
  2. Garry Holman (U.S. Staff) to have a brevet rank of Captain with the position of Adjutant
  3. Nigel Hurst (2nd U.S. Art. Bty.B) to step down to the rank of 1st Lieutenant
  4. Derek Pitman (19th Indiana) promoted to the rank of (Battalion) Sergeant Major
• There will be two ACWS Raffles for 2005.
  1. A Don Troiani Print (No 4 of 100) Confederate States Marine Corps will be raffled up to and including Stanford Hall.
  2. A Springfield Musket will be raffled all year starting at Stanford Hall and finishing at the Annual Costume Ball in December.
• The Annual General Meeting and Costume Ball is to be held on Saturday 3rd December 2005 (provisional date)

Next scheduled Board Meeting is on 12th March 2005.

Message posted 16th January 2005