Regimental Meeting: 24 March 2002, 3 Horseshoes, Donnington

Chair - Lurch

Minutes John B

Attendees: we forgot to pass an attendance sheet around.

The minutes were passed as accurate

We went through the action points quickly -

Everyone to inform Lurch if they are attending events

Everyone to take part in some form of re-enactment if possible (hangovers are not an acceptable excuse, children are)

Every one to consider whether they want a go at carrying the colours and ask if they do.

Everyone to consider if they can take a living history role within the regiment.

Everyone to complete Next Of Kin forms and return. If you haven't already done so - DO IT NOW.

Everyone to make sure their kit is up to scratch for new season. See later item on Army Council.

Kelly to continue drumming and practising - she promised us she is J

Shirley to liase with Weston Country Park, re small event. Now possibly 27 July. Need to clear date with SK centrally.

Rob, Dave, Kelly, Julie and Sharkey to help with Weston park when required. They still will.

Lurch to ensure that all new recruits get a 'Buddy'.

Lurch to get an information pack together for new recruits. Done but huge. Now being refined.

Every one to consider John O for Weddings, Christenings and Bah Mitzvahs

Lurch to contact Arthur Jackson re pikes - He did - see later item on Quarter Master

Sharkey and Big Steve - to compile a list of muskets held in the regiment. They have.

Pete Cotterell to put together training brief /schedule. He has - Lurch says its really good. Thanks Pete.

JohnB to make sure all online members are aware of new website at www.earlrivers.org.uk - done in November mailing.

John B and Jeff to discuss future website hosting - done.

Shirley to compile Next of Kin form - John B to distribute - went in November mailing

Regimental PRO pack > Rob. - Matt sent it.

Lurch and Sharkey went - morning was good - afternoon a drag J

Action: Sharkey to produce short written report for next mailing

Pike and musket will fight more closely together from the start of the season, and the first 40 minutes of all battles will be given over to seriously using the two arms together. Regiments will be expected to take casualties to musket shot.

The Dress Code Item of the Year is shoes. Anyone with inapropriate footwear will be asked to leave the field. Bare minimum acceptable is dessert boots.

Lurch attended an officers training day in Birmingham in January. He was surprised at how good it was and recommended all officers attend one. The regiment agreed.

Action: All officers and Ensigns to attend officer training.

The regiment decided that the following musters would be selected for a regimental turnout.

Margam Park, South Wales ….. 4-6 May

Stratford-upon-Avon ….. 1-4 June

Eye Show, Norfolk ….. 24-26 August

Wicksteed Park, Northants ….. 14-15 September

Note - The SK will be taking a full photograph on Monday morning at Margam - every one required in full kit.

Hogton Park, Preston ….. 28-29 September. Although this is not a regimental turnout, the regiment decide to fund a minibus if enough people wanted to attend, as it is a special muster organised primarily for the SK, with 'special' activities laid on. Contact Lurch if you want to go.

Action: Contact lurch if you fancy a minibus trip to Preston.

Rivers have been asked to take part in a Queen's Golden Jubilee play at the King's Head, Windsor. We need about 6 firing musket and 6 others to take part in performances on a Friday evening and 2 performances on the following Saturday. It will be held end of September and might clash with the musters we want to do.

Action: Lurch and Sharkey to investigate further, for inclusion in next mailing.

Godolphin's are intending to re-enact Sedgemoor again in 2005. They have asked Rivers to become associated with the event and be available to help. Those of us who went before remember it as great fun - so the regiment agreed to look into it further.

Action: Lurch to contact Godolphin's CO.

Weekend of 30 march. The regiment discussed logistics for those attending. Details not included as this mailing is distributed after the event.

Brian has been appointed regimental Quartermaster, he will be responsible for pikes and other Equipment, maintain the equipment list and liase with the Quartermaster General.

The Slops Chest will remain the responsibility of the Baggage Master (John B). If anyone has old or spare items of clothing that can be used to help new recruits or returnees get in to kit more quickly - please pass them to me (John B) at a muster. Adult and children clothes as well. If you have new recruits who need to borrow some kit - Please talk to me as well.

Action: all - check for kit to donate to slops chest.

Action: new recruits/ returnees/growing children - talk to John B if you want to borrow some kit.

Brian has found that we can purchase pikes ate £35 +vat IF we put in a big order - smaller orders will cost £60 +vat each. Lurch is talking to Blue-coats to see of he can get a better deal there, and we are going to ask the Royalist army to help organise a bulk order spread around the regiments.

Action: Lurch and Brian to investigate sources of pikes further and report back to next meeting.

Digger will send John B an up-to-date list of all the members that the SK thinks Rivers have, and Lurch is to put together a regimental Who's Who - which can be distributed to all members.

Action: Digger send list to John B

Action: Lurch to get Who's Who list to John B for next mailing.

John B to send out the next mailing in late April

Action: Lurch - Who's who > John B - by mid April

Action: John O - Hibble Chronicle > John B by mid-April

Action: Sharkey report on Army Council > John B by Mid April.

Action: Lurch/Sharkey - more detail of Play > John B by mid April

Action: JohnB - mailing end April.

Will be after the Sunday battle at Margam park