PROJECT DIRECTORS REPORT
Firstly, may I wish you all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. At the AGM, I announced 7 events for 2008 although one of them was unconfirmed. Unfortunately, we have lost Harperley POW Camp due to the management having to close the site because of lack of finance. We are trying very hard to replace this event during the same weekend with another, which will be in the North West, if it comes off. I am having great difficulty contacting the sponsor right now and believe him to be on holiday. As soon as I know anything definite I will ask Mike to put it on the Website. Also, Sedgefield have now decided that they would like us for 2009 instead, due to shortage of funds for this year. Not the best way to start the New Year but let's be optimistic and hopefully some more events will come in.
We begin 2008 at Rockingham Castle, Northants 2-6 May, at a Multi Period. This is the second year this event has taken place and it could be an annual event if it is successful. The Sponsor is supplying us with Black Powder and the clear message is DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN POWDER as you will bust their licence. We still obviously have to pay outgoing costs for this event including the Insurance. The Cavalry will be joining up at this one. The Registration fee will be £6. If you have any queries regarding this event please contact Andy Hopwood.
We then travel up to North Yorkshire for the weekend of 23-27 May to what has become a favourite with most of you, Sewerby Hall, Bridlington. Details of the battle plans will be in my next report. Camping from Friday 23. Registration fee £6.
The next event is Stanford Hall, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire 27-30 June, this is our own event for doing our own thing. However, it has all changed! We are to be in the area at the back of the house, that is everyone, Authentic camps, Powder Store, Family Camp and Car Parking. Therefore, you will not use the front entrance, but follow the ACWS signs. Those of you who do the campaign will know the area well; it is where you usually finish the campaign with a skirmish. We also have the use of the original woods again, due to people not being able to get right through the other ones. I must state here and now, that if anyone wants to camp in the woods I have to first get permission, and secondly, NO FIRES. This message did not get through to everyone last year and the management were not pleased at all that fires were lit in the woods. Regrettably this will probably be our last time at Stanford due to management changes. They now want to charge us £250 more than we usually pay and £2,000 after this year which we are unable to afford. So, I now have the task of trying to find a replacement, which will not be easy for a venue in that area. I am really quite sad at having to leave there because it was the first venue I found when I took over the job, and we always, up until last year, got on really well with the management and owners. Camping from Friday until Monday. Registration Fee £10.
Possible event in the North West area 25-28 July.
We then travel South to the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex for what has become one of our regular events, (Thank goodness for the regulars!). The programme will be the same as usual Battles and Displays Saturday and Sunday. Camping from Friday, Registration Fee £6.
Then it's up to Norfolk Park, Sheffield for the August Bank Holiday weekend, 22-26 August for another regular event. Battles Sunday and Monday with Displays at specified times. The Cavalry will be there as well. We are once again, working for Event Plan, so their rules apply as well as ours. Registration Fee £6.
I have had an enquiry for an event at Tamworth, Staffs, for the weekend of 5-8 September, but up to now, no reply. It has been difficult to contact people over the last few weeks, but I will keep on trying to get an answer.
Last year a small number of our members did a token event at Tatton Old Hall, Cheshire and had an absolutely brilliant weekend. They created such an impression they have asked us back. As a number of our members have already got another plan for this weekend (Magz and Oli's [69NY] wedding), I am opening this up to everyone. There will be Living History for the whole weekend with a skirmish or two thrown in. There were some restrictions regarding the gate times etc., but once again as soon as I know what the deal is I will pass it on to you. There is a family camp site as well. The date for this is 19-23 September. I think this will be an excellent way to finish off the season.
I would now like to bring your attention to the Authenticity Guidelines which are printed in the back of the Rules and Regulations booklet. I know that the majority of you are perfectly well kitted out, but whilst you men are making sure you are Authentic, would you please pay attention to what your wives/partners are wearing. Trainers are not acceptable as 1860's footwear and neither are twenty first century glasses. If you are unsure ladies, please ask rather than just having the attitude that will do.
Last year one of our members attended an Eventplan event and was photographed by their official photographer, and the photo's later printed on the Internet. The lady was wearing modern glasses, a wristwatch, had a modern hairstyle and was supposed to be representing a man! This photo has been the subject of much ridicule, and finger pointing at ACWS as the Society who were attending knew that she was not one of their members. Several years ago we had a motion carried at an AGM that any ladies wishing to represent a man, must be suitably disguised and must look like a man. There are only a small few who have actually managed this impression. If you are unable to disguise yourself suitably, then you should be taking a female part, which is so easy. If you haven't got a copy of the Rules and Regs, see Claire at any event as she always has plenty of copies with her.
Sorry about having to be serious for a moment, but it had to be said.
I look forward to seeing you at the first event and trust that you will enjoy your re-enacting again this year.
Best regards,
Viv Corbishley
Projects Director