Those of you who read the account of the desert revolt by TE Lawrence will recall that the original draft was lost somewhere on Reading Station. I suppose we have something of that nature with today’s computer technology. John Bailey had problems with his hard drive, and I subsequently had the power unit on my PC blow, so we must have lost it. I have now found a copy, but it has been a little OTBE (overtaken by events), so I am making a few changes.

Well following the last little epistle, it seems that the Knot is getting back into its stride, and everyone is a friend again. And that is what we all joined for isn’t it. I don’t know if you are like me, one of those people who use the Website Friends Reunited, but it is so great to discover old friends and acquaintances, and trace how you have fared over the years. What is noticeable though is how the old enmities and passions seem to have ceased, and what lasts, is a shared understanding of this human condition. There is a chorus in the Orestiad by Aeschylus which runs to the effect of " Sing a song of sadness, but let the good remain". The issue is for the knot and the regiment that there are all these changes being proposed, but let us hope that we will retain some of the many achievements that have made the society what it is. What we sacrifice in the hope of a better wind can sometimes be more than we are prepared actually to bear.

There is a detailed report by those who attended this session, which john is sending. I was at the first ever Army Council back at Blithfield Hall more years ago than I can now recall. There was opposition then over serious issues. These are now good practice in the SK. What is surprising though was that this often came from what then were supposed to be responsible senior officers. These included proper weapons control, field safety, fighting at point authentic uniform etc. It is heart-warming to see our new Lord’s General and their chiefs of staff advocating these policies. I wish them well on the rocky road ahead.

One disconcerting report was the fruitless and time-consuming discussion over muster bounties. This has to be the perhaps the most divisive issue ever connected with the SK. When I first joined, and we had the RA, and KAW, it was the main source of discontent quoted in the separation process. It is good to see it in the open, but it needs to be handled sensitively as none of us like to have the perception that the rewards and funds from our efforts are being unequally distributed, whether or not the reality is true.

John Bailey is sending a detailed set of minutes, but again few people (none) asked Lurch to put items on the agenda. Nevertheless we looked at a good few issues that John was able to fill his paper with. Again, please keep in contact with Lurch. It’s very good for his morale, and that filters down to everyone eventually.

Issues to note are:

Next Of Kin: It is very important to have NOK forms complete, particularly if you are single, as we may have to contact family when you are away at a muster and are incapacitated. (Through injury or otherwise)

Property: Please let the Quartermaster know if you have any Rivers property.

Pikes: There was a discussion about the cost of pikes. We have had a quote of £35 each. If you want to upgrade to musketeer please contact Sharky. It is almost as costly

Officer Training: All officers will now be PROPERLY trained. Were they not trying to do this years ago, after all most of our illustrious superiors have gained office as a result, and is there an improperly trained alternative especially for knotters?

Footwear: Upgrade now to authentic footwear as dessert boots are only just acceptable, others will not be.

Pike and Musket: to work together fighting authentically.

Stratford-upon-Avon ….. 1-4 June

Eye Show, Norfolk ….. 24-26 August

Wicksteed Park, Northants ….. 14-15 September

This seems somewhat recovered. The lads can once more go out and play soldiers, this is always helpful, but there is a wealth of things to do on the sidelines, and not everyone wants the rough and tumble. Morale is about keeping together the integrity of the whole, and dealing with the deep down problems that create fragmentation. We would all like to return to a regiment that has social events, but it does need wholehearted support from members, not just the efforts of a hard worked commanding officer and wife.

I am always willing, as you know to put on an appropriate service. I know not everyone these days thinks it necessary, but it was an important part of the way of life then, and along with the living history it is a growing addition to the spectrum of portrayals we do for the paying public.

You may not actually see much of us this year though, as we are still seriously committed to The Ark School. Demands on our time have suddenly become exponential. However we are still with you all in our thoughts, and will try to reserve a bit of quality time for the regiment.

May the blessings of the King Of Glory go with you.

Pax Vobiscum

John Oakley