This page contains everything you need to know about how you can join our society and whats involved in both becoming and being a member.

We have a membership recruitment poster that can be freely downloaded

To join the Red Wyverns Re-enactment Society you need to complete an application form. A copy of his can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. We advise that all applicants read the information provided on this website. Most importantly the contents within this page under the titles 'Information For New Members" and 'Expectations'. Once you have done this its simply a case of completeing the application form.

The application form should be completed and returned with the membership fee to New House, Murton, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6ND

What Happens at a Red Wyvern Society Living History Re-Enactment?

The main purpose of the Red Wyvern Society is to present living history demonstrations. We have an authentic site with tents of the period owned by our members for their use. We have a field kitchen that produces two authentic meals a day of good wholesome food of the period that we depict. At our own events we do archery displays and weapons demonstrations. We do crafts such as: Ale brewing, butter churning, spinning, carding, basket-weaving, so you could try your hand at something different. We expect people to take a role of their own, (see below) There are plenty of opportunities to practice with the billhook or the longbow, or at whatever craft you have decided to take up. If people do not have a medieval name then they adopt one. We usually do 'first person'. Events usually start at 10am and finish at 5pm, and we expect all members to be in "kit" and re-enacting constantly between these times. We also expect all members to help with the necessary jobs such as fetching water and chopping wood . Events can be "hard work" especially when thousands of members of the public attend! but, they are always enjoyable.

We have a number of events during the year, and we like to see as many members as possible at each event but there is no requirement on anyone to attend them all. You will be sent an Events List at the start of the season, and can make up you mind which events you would like to attend, and let us know so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What Happens at a Battle Re-Enactment?

As well as organising our own events, we go to major Battle Re-Enactments, where we join with other groups. Most major Battle Re-Enactments such as Tewkesbury and Bosworth happen every year. There are often a few hundred people on the field, and at Tewkesbury there can be two thousand combatants. At these events there is less emphasis on Living History, and in the afternoon all the Households march onto the battlefield to fight. However, we are still all in authentic "kit" during the opening times and are on "display". The final outcome of the battle is usually decided beforehand as we have to be accurate, but the actual course of the battle can depend on how good each of the households is!

What Clothes will You Need ?

It is relatively easy to make medieval clothes, and need not be expensive. Clothes can also be borrowed from the society for your first event, subject to availability, but members must provide their own clothes for their second event. If you don't want to make your own they can be bought, either new from a seamstress, or second hand. A man should not have to pay much more than £25 for hose (medieval trousers) and £35 for a doublet (medieval jacket). A dress for a woman should cost a similar amount. Hats should be even cheaper.

It is wise to start with a set of clothes for a common man or woman as they are easier to make and cheaper to buy. It is also easier to depict a common person when first joining a re-enactment society.

Anyone wanting advice on making clothes or wishing to borrow patterns should contact Elaine Waite who has made a large number of medieval clothes and is always willing to help new members with their first kit?.

What Is The Minimum Kit I Will Need As Standard?

Men
Cotton or Linen Shirt. Woolen Hose (not fleece or leather) Wool or Linen Pourpoint or Doublet Hat or Coif Belt Bowl, Mug and Spoon Shoes Jack Livery Helmet Gloves

Women
Cotton or linen chemise. Woolen or Linen Dress. Headwear Shoes Belt Bowl, Mug and Spoon

What Shoes Will I Need?

In the fifteenth century shoes were a fashion accessory. Common people would wear their shoes for "best" and go to work in the fields in bare feet. Consequently it is quite authentic to go around a re-enactment with bare feet. However, most people prefer to wear shoes. We do have instructions on how to make them. It is not difficult, but if you are a beginner you may find it a long and boring process. Alternatively they can be bought usually for about £50 a pair, reflecting the time that it takes to make them.

What Role Can I Take On In The Re-enactments?

We receive many enquiries about which roles are available for new members to adopt. Below is a selection of the roles which are available, some of which are already filled by members who will be only too happy to take on "apprentices" to share the workload with them! If your particular area of interest is not covered in this selection please do not be discouraged, simply contact us to discuss your interests. Some example roles are listed below:

• Solider
• Archer
• Monk
• Peasant
• Ale Brewer
• Cook
• Musician
• Wood Worker
• Metal Worker

Re-enactment is a team game, and there is a need for members to have a strong commitment to re-enactment, to the Red Wyvern Society and to other members of the group. Re-enactment is fun otherwise no one would do it but it also involves a lot of hard work. We have "kit" to get together, a van to unpack and pack, an encampment to set up and a show to put on for the public. This all has to be done even when it is cold, windy and wet!

We expect all members to think about what sort of medieval person they would like to depict; and then to carry out the necessary research, gather together the necessary equipment, and depict that sort of person at events. This need not be complicated or expensive and help is always available from the members of the committee.

The Red Wyvern Society is a democratic society and all members are afforded an opportunity to take part in decision-making. A lot of work needs to be done in between events so that we can put them on, and members are encouraged to help with the administration.