Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2006
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 2.00pm on Saturday 16th December 2006 at New House, Murton, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria.
Present: Marie Ammundsen, Ann Doebereiner, Angela Garman, Malcolm
MacDomhnaill, David Murray, Ginette Murray, Daniel Nelson, Aaron Robshaw, Adrian Waite, Amy Waite, Elaine Waite, Tim Wilson.
1. Apologies for Absence
Andreas Doebereiner, Elizabeth Greaves, Stephen Greaves, Sheila McDonald, Tim Muller, Susan Murray.
2. Minutes of the 2005 AGM
These were agreed as a true record.
3. Report of the Committee on the year 2005/06 including the 2006 events
Elaine Waite reported on the events of the year - in particular the successful events organised by the Red Wyvern Society at Skipton Castle in May and at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in August.
4. Financial Report
Adrian Waite reported that income for the year had been £1,615 and expenditure £1,225 giving a surplus for the year of £390. The balance carried forward was £1,097 but it was noted that much of this would be required to pay insurance and other expenses before any more income was received. It was decided, however, to buy new stocks, a new banner and an additional flag stand. It was also decided to buy wooden swords for use in practice, especially by younger members.
5. Matters raised by Members
5.1 Whether the society should amend its constitution to broaden the period that we re-enact from the late fifteenth century to the whole fifteenth century. This was agreed.
5.2 Battle of Towton commemoration. Some matters that had arisen at the 2006 commemoration were discussed. It was agreed that the society would attend the event again in 2007. It was agreed that members who did not wish to camp overnight at Towton would camp instead at White Cote Park at Ulleskelf where facilities were better.
5,3 Health & Safety, Some members had raised concerns about health and safety issues and these were discussed. The need to observe the health and safety policy was emphasised - including the provision that members under the age of sixteen were not permitted to act as combatants in combat demonstrations or battle re-enactments. It was decided that no member should be allowed to take part as a combatant in a combat demonstration or battle re-enactment unless the Captain or a vintner had certified that they were competent. It was agreed that, where possible, separate people should be responsible for public safety and 'refereeing' at combat demonstrations. It was agreed that in combat demonstrations 'three hits’ would constitute a victory and that losers should acknowledge this.
6. Review of the Constitution
The Constitution was reviewed and the following amendments made:
A copy of the revised constitution is to be provided to all members.
7. Review of the Health and Safety Policy
The Health & Safety policy was reviewed and the following amendments made:
Daggers must not be sharper than the point of a 5p coin
Arrows used on live targets must have large flights but not necessarily flu-flu flights
Members must not take part in combat demonstrations or battle reenactments unless properly trained and certified competent by the Captain or a vintner. The Captain to appoint vintners.
Non-combatants must wear helmets in battle re-enactment areas but not necessarily in combat demonstrations
In archery demonstrations live targets must be over sixteen, archers with bows of more than 35lbs draw weight must half-draw when shooting a live target. In battle re-enactments archers must shoot at 45 degrees but this is not necessary when shooting a live target in an archery demonstration.
A copy of the revised health and safety policy is to be provided to all members.
8. Election of Officers and Committee for 2006/07
The following members were elected to the committee: Ann Doebereiner, Sheila McDonald (health & safety), David Murray, Adrian Waite (secretary & treasurer), Amy Waite (publicity), Elaine Waite (chair), and Tim Wilson (health & safety).
9. Activities for 2006/07
9.1 2007 Events, It was agreed to approach new venues for events including Bamburgh Castle, Beeston Castle, Chillingham Castle and Sizergh Castle. It was noted that an event was to be held at Rockingham Castle in early May and it was decided to seek an invitation.
9.2 Winter activities. It was agreed to hold a practice session during the winter.
9.3 Publicity and recruitment. It was agreed to conduct a recruitment drive prior to the 2007 season starting.
10. Any Other Business There was none.
The meeting closed at 4.30pm.
Christmas Party — 8th December 2007
Once again we are going to combine the Annual General Meeting with a Christmas party. The meeting-will start at 2.00pm and the party will start when the meeting finishes!
We will provide members with an evening meal and with non-alcoholic drinks, but as usual we would ask you to bring your own alcoholic drinks.
There may be a trip to Appleby for a 'pub crawl’ but this will be dependent on there being sufficient willing drivers!
Members are welcome to stay overnight but must be prepared to bring their own sleeping bag and to sleep on the floor!
Please let Elaine know if you are wishing to attend
Practice Day in Sheffield --
25th November 2007
Newton Bowmer has arranged a practice with the Nevilles in Sheffield on Sunday 25th November 2007 which should be good fun. The invitation is open to our entire group. Further details are available from Newton Bowmer or Adrian Waite. Anyone who would like a lift from Appleby is also welcome to contact Adrian Waite who will be happy to give lifts subject to space in the car being available!
EVENTS 2008
We already have two bookings for 2008 so put them in your diary early!
Red Wyvern Events
24h to 26th May Skipton Castle - Living History
23rd to 25th August Thorp Perrow Arboretum - Living History
We will be arranging some further events. If you have any ideas about where you would like us to hold events please let us know. This will be discussed at the AGM.
For details telephone Elaine Waite on 017683-51498.
Battlefield Reports Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow turned out to be another excellent August Bank Holiday event with a good turnout of our members, an excellent standard of re-enactment and a large number of public who enjoyed their visit. It even managed to stay dry in the evenings!
Our arena was better than ever, complete with a dummy at which the archers could shoot. The standard of bill-work, sword fighting, the knight school and archery was high but Master Nelson will have to practice his powers of deception. Even the commoners noticed him cheating at the speed shoot!
Louise McNeill, the administrator of Thorp Perrow has written to say that the event went 'very well’ and we have been invited back again next year.
Blore Heath
We were represented at Blore Heath this year by Newton and Anne Bowmer. Information on what happened is sketchy although we do understand that a good time was had by one and all.
We are short of pictures in this edition of the Herald and so are grateful to Anne Bowmer for providing us with this one.
Apparently, as Newton & Anne were walking back from the market stalls to get Newton armoured up for the fight he had a little trouble with his hose. See Picture. You just can’t take him anywhere.
What you need to know if you would be a
Swordsman!
What you need to know if you would be a swordsman (or swordswoman!) was discussed during our October practice. Two books on the matter are recommended by Newton Bowmer:
• The Swordsman’s Companion by Guy Windsor
• Fighting with the German Longsword by Christian Heniy Tobler
They are both available from the Chivalry bookshelf (www.chivalrybookshelf. com), Amazon and other book dealers.
Newton’s advice is that anyone who is interested should buy the Swordsman’s Companion first as this book covers the basics of body mechanics and the concepts of how to wield a hand-and-half sword properly in much more depth and in an easier to understand method. This book also concentrates on the Italian style of fencing which is a much 'safer' method as it uses two fencing times for most actions. Only when this book is understood or you have the control of the weapon should you go on to fighting in the German style as covered by the other book. This style is much more aggressive and relies on most guards closing off an attack whilst bringing your point to bear on the target.
Present: Marie Ammundsen, Ann Doebereiner, Angela Garman, Malcolm
MacDomhnaill, David Murray, Ginette Murray, Daniel Nelson, Aaron Robshaw, Adrian Waite, Amy Waite, Elaine Waite, Tim Wilson.
1. Apologies for Absence
Andreas Doebereiner, Elizabeth Greaves, Stephen Greaves, Sheila McDonald, Tim Muller, Susan Murray.
2. Minutes of the 2005 AGM
These were agreed as a true record.
3. Report of the Committee on the year 2005/06 including the 2006 events
Elaine Waite reported on the events of the year - in particular the successful events organised by the Red Wyvern Society at Skipton Castle in May and at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in August.
4. Financial Report
Adrian Waite reported that income for the year had been £1,615 and expenditure £1,225 giving a surplus for the year of £390. The balance carried forward was £1,097 but it was noted that much of this would be required to pay insurance and other expenses before any more income was received. It was decided, however, to buy new stocks, a new banner and an additional flag stand. It was also decided to buy wooden swords for use in practice, especially by younger members.
5. Matters raised by Members
5.1 Whether the society should amend its constitution to broaden the period that we re-enact from the late fifteenth century to the whole fifteenth century. This was agreed.
5.2 Battle of Towton commemoration. Some matters that had arisen at the 2006 commemoration were discussed. It was agreed that the society would attend the event again in 2007. It was agreed that members who did not wish to camp overnight at Towton would camp instead at White Cote Park at Ulleskelf where facilities were better.
5,3 Health & Safety, Some members had raised concerns about health and safety issues and these were discussed. The need to observe the health and safety policy was emphasised - including the provision that members under the age of sixteen were not permitted to act as combatants in combat demonstrations or battle re-enactments. It was decided that no member should be allowed to take part as a combatant in a combat demonstration or battle re-enactment unless the Captain or a vintner had certified that they were competent. It was agreed that, where possible, separate people should be responsible for public safety and 'refereeing' at combat demonstrations. It was agreed that in combat demonstrations 'three hits’ would constitute a victory and that losers should acknowledge this.
6. Review of the Constitution
The Constitution was reviewed and the following amendments made:
- Mission Statement amended to refer to fifteenth century rather than late fifteenth century (see above)
- Deletion of category of membership of ‘probationary member’. All members are now full members at joining.
- Clarification that adults who attend events with their children or other young people are responsible for the actions of those young people.
- Deletion of the requirement for members to be given a written financial report and replacement with a right for all members to request copies of the accounts.
- Deletion of the prohibition on committee members joining other reenactment groups and replacement with a need for committee members to declare any membership of other re-enactment groups.
- Tim Wilson declared that he is a member of the Blanc Mange medieval society.
A copy of the revised constitution is to be provided to all members.
7. Review of the Health and Safety Policy
The Health & Safety policy was reviewed and the following amendments made:
Daggers must not be sharper than the point of a 5p coin
Arrows used on live targets must have large flights but not necessarily flu-flu flights
Members must not take part in combat demonstrations or battle reenactments unless properly trained and certified competent by the Captain or a vintner. The Captain to appoint vintners.
Non-combatants must wear helmets in battle re-enactment areas but not necessarily in combat demonstrations
In archery demonstrations live targets must be over sixteen, archers with bows of more than 35lbs draw weight must half-draw when shooting a live target. In battle re-enactments archers must shoot at 45 degrees but this is not necessary when shooting a live target in an archery demonstration.
A copy of the revised health and safety policy is to be provided to all members.
8. Election of Officers and Committee for 2006/07
The following members were elected to the committee: Ann Doebereiner, Sheila McDonald (health & safety), David Murray, Adrian Waite (secretary & treasurer), Amy Waite (publicity), Elaine Waite (chair), and Tim Wilson (health & safety).
9. Activities for 2006/07
9.1 2007 Events, It was agreed to approach new venues for events including Bamburgh Castle, Beeston Castle, Chillingham Castle and Sizergh Castle. It was noted that an event was to be held at Rockingham Castle in early May and it was decided to seek an invitation.
9.2 Winter activities. It was agreed to hold a practice session during the winter.
9.3 Publicity and recruitment. It was agreed to conduct a recruitment drive prior to the 2007 season starting.
10. Any Other Business There was none.
The meeting closed at 4.30pm.
Christmas Party — 8th December 2007
Once again we are going to combine the Annual General Meeting with a Christmas party. The meeting-will start at 2.00pm and the party will start when the meeting finishes!
We will provide members with an evening meal and with non-alcoholic drinks, but as usual we would ask you to bring your own alcoholic drinks.
There may be a trip to Appleby for a 'pub crawl’ but this will be dependent on there being sufficient willing drivers!
Members are welcome to stay overnight but must be prepared to bring their own sleeping bag and to sleep on the floor!
Please let Elaine know if you are wishing to attend
Practice Day in Sheffield --
25th November 2007
Newton Bowmer has arranged a practice with the Nevilles in Sheffield on Sunday 25th November 2007 which should be good fun. The invitation is open to our entire group. Further details are available from Newton Bowmer or Adrian Waite. Anyone who would like a lift from Appleby is also welcome to contact Adrian Waite who will be happy to give lifts subject to space in the car being available!
EVENTS 2008
We already have two bookings for 2008 so put them in your diary early!
Red Wyvern Events
24h to 26th May Skipton Castle - Living History
23rd to 25th August Thorp Perrow Arboretum - Living History
We will be arranging some further events. If you have any ideas about where you would like us to hold events please let us know. This will be discussed at the AGM.
For details telephone Elaine Waite on 017683-51498.
Battlefield Reports Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow turned out to be another excellent August Bank Holiday event with a good turnout of our members, an excellent standard of re-enactment and a large number of public who enjoyed their visit. It even managed to stay dry in the evenings!
Our arena was better than ever, complete with a dummy at which the archers could shoot. The standard of bill-work, sword fighting, the knight school and archery was high but Master Nelson will have to practice his powers of deception. Even the commoners noticed him cheating at the speed shoot!
Louise McNeill, the administrator of Thorp Perrow has written to say that the event went 'very well’ and we have been invited back again next year.
Blore Heath
We were represented at Blore Heath this year by Newton and Anne Bowmer. Information on what happened is sketchy although we do understand that a good time was had by one and all.
We are short of pictures in this edition of the Herald and so are grateful to Anne Bowmer for providing us with this one.
Apparently, as Newton & Anne were walking back from the market stalls to get Newton armoured up for the fight he had a little trouble with his hose. See Picture. You just can’t take him anywhere.
What you need to know if you would be a
Swordsman!
What you need to know if you would be a swordsman (or swordswoman!) was discussed during our October practice. Two books on the matter are recommended by Newton Bowmer:
• The Swordsman’s Companion by Guy Windsor
• Fighting with the German Longsword by Christian Heniy Tobler
They are both available from the Chivalry bookshelf (www.chivalrybookshelf. com), Amazon and other book dealers.
Newton’s advice is that anyone who is interested should buy the Swordsman’s Companion first as this book covers the basics of body mechanics and the concepts of how to wield a hand-and-half sword properly in much more depth and in an easier to understand method. This book also concentrates on the Italian style of fencing which is a much 'safer' method as it uses two fencing times for most actions. Only when this book is understood or you have the control of the weapon should you go on to fighting in the German style as covered by the other book. This style is much more aggressive and relies on most guards closing off an attack whilst bringing your point to bear on the target.
