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2

A very good question! The best advice we can give is to talk to one of the officers at an event. While we seek to maintain a "minimum impression standard", the cost can vary between units.

In the first year it is sometimes possible to borrow some of the necessary kit, in order to ensure that this is really what you want to do.

3

There is some risk, of course, but all members are fully trained for the tasks they may wish, or be called upon, to fulfil.

We have a very good safety record, of which we are justly proud, and it is our intention to keep it that way. Qualified First Aiders are always present at each event, and only those trained in firearms who have been independently assessed by Soskan are allowed to fire their weapons. Only members who hold the relevant licences are permitted to handle or use black powder.

We have third party liability insurance to a limit of £5m.

4

No, but it is encouraged. As with most other things, the more you put in, the more you get out. There are three camps at most events, namely the campaign camp (everything in period), an authentic camp (similar to the campaign, but perhaps a lower standard), and the family camp (where cars, caravans et al. can be parked).

5

Please refer to the resumes of the Units in the Regiments page. Most regiments have a recruiting board at their camp. Go to any and all of those you find to be of interest. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Conducted tours are sometimes available around both campaign and authentic camps.

6

Not really. In common with similar societies elsewhere we find that most volunteers (by a ratio of 2:1 or even 3:1) choose to join the South. That means on the days that the Union is set to "win", we need to ask some Southern Units to "galvanize", which means joining the other side for the day!

7

We are a "living history" society, so a great deal of our effort goes into "living the role", including camping, drill, research into family trees, and other activities. Cameo performances are included at our major events, and visitors are welcome to enter the camp sites to see them.

Note that there is always a call for more civilian roles, for both men and women, to support the military. These may include doctors, nurses, clerics, musicians, wives of officers, camp followers (?!), domestic duties, local yokels and so on. As we are a family orientated society, children are most welcome too. We have musicians in the fife and drum corps who are vital to our portrayal of the period (they help to keep us in step, too!). So if you have a budding drummer who's driving you crazy in the house, we have the solution!

We welcome people acting as guides around the camps, as well as anyone willing to help with the challenges and chores of running a public event.

We also have a Confederate Naval Unit, known as the Alabama Crew.

8

Yes, with the approval of both commanding officers concerned. Note, however, that due to the imbalance of Union and Confederate armies, that there is often a chance to "galvanize", i.e. for Confederates to go and fight for the Union! This entails an additional cost for a cheap Union outfit, but adds a little diversity to the day.

9

Not really, although it helps to know that the guys in blue are the Union forces, and those in grey are the Confederates! Also be aware that Southerners do not refer to a "Civil War", rather they refer to the "War Between the States" or even "the recent unpleasantness"!

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Please refer to the membership page. Current fees are detailed there.

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