In the box below you will find some frequently asked questions. Click
on a question and it will take you to the answer. If your question is not here:
Just contact the webmaster, click
here.
Questions
How much does it cost to join?
What if I do not own transport?
How much does all the kit cost?
What facilities are there in the campsites?
How do you keep in contact with members?
What do you do in the evening?
How much does
it cost to join?
For a full explanation of membership costs go to 'How
to Join'. There is a yearly membership fee.
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What if I do not own transport?
You may be able to car-share with another member depending on where you live.
Sometimes another member may be able to pick you up en-route or you may even
live close to an event. So lack of transport does not always bar you from joining.
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Are there age limits?
There is no upper age limit but minors should be accompanied by a responsible
adult.
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How much does all the kit cost?
This depends on what you want to do at a show, how often you plan attending
etc. and is very variable. There are affordable ways of getting started so feel
free to ask for advice and tips. See the Living History section of the site
for a link to male and female kit guides.
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What if I am disabled?
Disabled members are more than welcome. However, you should bare in mind that
access can be a problem at some sites. Permanent visitor attractions are pretty
good at catering for disabled visitors but wheelchair access (for example) can
be difficult in sites with rough ground.
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What facilities are there at campsites?
Both 'authentic' and 'plastic' campsites are supplied with free drinking water
and toilet facilities. Toilets can be basic portaloos or a toilet block. Some
attractions open their toilets to reenactors in the evenings. Showers are rare.
There will sometimes be a beer tent on site as well as food vans or a cafe.
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Is there security at events?
Reenactors are largely self-policing but in recent years security has been stepped
up. Most event organisers lay on security patrols which monitor both the campsite
and the car parks. Large visitor attractions often have 24 hour security (e.g.
Warwick Castle).
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Do I need to bring food?
Yes, you will usually have to bring food. Any food that is eaten in the living
history area during visitor hours should be 'authentic'. Out of hours you can
eat whatever you wish. You may want to club together with some friends and share
your meals. If you do not want to cook, there are often fast food outlets on
or near the site.
Occassionally a group member may volunteer to cook. You will be asked if you
would like to share the 'group food' and will pay a small sum towards the cost
of shopping. Special dietary requirements are always considered. Sometimes the
cost of a meal will be taken out of group funds.
Group and 'authentic' meals are cooked on the camp fire (shared) but you may want to conceal a camping stove in your tent (this is a lifesaver in wet weather!).
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Are battles dangerous?
Yes, but risks are reduced by wearing the proper protective equipment and training
to use weapons. People of all ages take part in battles and you don't have to
get into the thick of things if you don't feel comfortable. See the Battles
section for more detail.
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How do you keep in contact with members?
Members are kept informed via this website and by 'D.R.' who will send a monthly
newsletter by post.
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How can children join in?
Children can take part at all ages and join in with the adults in certain crafts,
games and activities. Older children can take part in parades and demonstrations.
Otherwise they are free to make friends and play.
The campsite can be a dangerous place if children are not properly supervised
but there are always safe areas for play.
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Where do I buy kit?
Kit can be bought from any of the suppliers listed in our Links Page.
There are also reenactors markets held throughout the year. The dates for these
will appear on our Homepage and in the newsletter.
Many materials and craft supplies can be found in high street shops.
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Can women fight in battles?
Women are more than welcome to take part in battles as long as they dress in
male kit. Everyone must wear a padded jack (minimum) and helmet anyway. The
only extra item needed will be a pair of hose. Women will also need to return
to female kit when they come back to camp. On some occassions (e.g. siege warfare)
female kit might be allowable.
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Do you go abroad?
Yes we are sometimes invited to Europe for shows.
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Does it matter where I live?
No, the Woodville membership is spread across the whole of the UK.
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How are decissions made?
Everyone in the group has a say, but final decissions rest with the group captain;
'D.R.' (Mark Brookshaw). D.R. is the main point of contact for members and other
groups. We have found that this reduces argument and group politics. Perhaps
the only exception to this rule are decisions made by Alan Wilkes regarding
guns and black powder, in which case D.R. defers to his experience. The group
is generally relaxed and new ideas are always welcome.
An end-of-season meeting is held each year so that issues can be discussed and
an inventory taken of group progress and funds. This is followed by food and
drink for all.
Some contacts can be found here.
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Will I fit in?
Woodville members are from all walks of life and we are generally a pretty relaxed
group. Feel free to make contact and perhaps attend an event as a guest. Our
group may not be for you, but we can always point you towards a group that is.
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What do you do in the evening?
After the public have gone we can cook and relax. We may visit the town, pub,
the beer tent or stay in the camp. At the end of the evening we will usually
go back to the campsite and talk around the fire. There may even be music and
entertainment laid on (e.g. Tewkesbury) but it depends on the location.