| FAQ |
Answer |
| Why
do you do it? |
A
variety of reasons can be given, largely personal to the
individual concerned and include a fascination for the
period, desire for something totally different to everyday
life, the comradeship of like minded people, and others
too numerous to mention. |
| How
much does it cost? |
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. |
| Is
it dangerous? |
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. |
| Are
you expected to camp? |
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). |
| How
do I choose which Unit to join? |
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. |
| Are
the two armies of roughly the same size? |
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! |
| Is
it all just battles, or is there anything else? |
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. |
| Can
you change unit after joining? |
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 Union outfit, but adds a
little diversity to the day. |
| Do
I need to know anything about the Civil War before joining? |
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"! |
| How
do I learn more about the war, its causes, and what happened
afterwards? |
Please
refer to the Links page.
Alternatively, you may talk to any of the re-enactors at
one of our events.
|
| How
do I join up & how much does it cost?? |
Please
go to to the Join Us Page. Current fees are detailed there. |
| And
then what happens? |
After
being assigned to a Unit of your choosing, the NCO for
that Unit will contact to you to introduce himself/herself,
and invite you to a training session to meet the other
members. Then you can see what it is like at first hand! |
