CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN

I have been 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 or four events for 2006 has ceased trading. It was therefore agreed by the Board to organise an un-subsidised member’s only event, at Whitchurch in August. In addition, amongst other things, the Board allocated a larger budget to the Marketing team to try and further publicise the ACWS with a view towards obtaining new subsidised events not only for next year, but for the future. We also agreed to consider going back to Sheffield if the Council could raise the extra funds needed and give assurances about toilets and lack of security. I am happy to say that the funds were forthcoming, the event is now confirmed, and we will seek the assurances mentioned earlier.

We should now consider whether we should do more small regimental type and un-subsidised events, if the dearth of fully subsidised large events continues. Unfortunately, this can only increase costs to you the members, if this situation continues.

We have fought our way out of our recent financial crisis, but the legacy of the lack of funds is still having its effect. It will be difficult to return to the "glory days" of the 1990's, so we must adapt and change to meet the latest needs of our sponsors and audience. If we do not then we will surely find it difficult to survive in a very competitive market. However, I am very encouraged by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by a hard core of members who turn out to every event no matter where and when it is, and for this I thank you. In addition, I believe the quality of our events has improved enormously over the last few years. No longer do we just turn up and do a big battle at three o'clock, but we are entertaining and educating the public all day long. Quality, not quantity is what is being asked for today.

We might experience some Black Powder distribution issues this year, so I would encourage regiments to obtain more Acquire & Keep licence holders to enable the smooth distribution of black powder during the season. Bizarrely, the new legislation is forcing us to obtain more Acquire and Keep licence holders, and to reduce the storage capacity of our existing A&K holders, as well as dramatically increasing the storage costs.

Despite all the difficulties we face, I am still looking forward to the coming season, and cannot wait to smell the smoke again and see as many of you as possible at the coming events.

Until then, Keep Your Powder Dry,

Mike Bussey, Chairman, ACWS Ltd