[Shaphron]

OK, I told Ian a while ago that I owuld try my hand at organising some weapons practice closer to the next lot of events. As Easter is (I believe) the first event of the year, I thought now would be a good time to start talking about it.

I'm thinking a few full afternoons of weapons practice, starting about 12 ish and going on until we get bored / it gets dark. Preferably in a clearing in the woods, but am willing to think of other locations. I'm sceptical on gardens as some of the best weapons practice is done in large games, and I don't know of any garden big enough for large games, only a few one-on-ones....

Having been a marshal in the Aberystwyth LARP system I have organised weapons practice before. There will be probably some games - various free-for-alls, team practices of grab the flag etc etc, then, if anyone wants to volunteer, a bit of a quick drill in "best ways of fighting", followed by a couple of one-on-one fights, then finish off with more games. If people have odd weapons - such as staffs, shields etc, and are willing to loan them out, it would be good practice to try your hand at different styles of fighting - both with them and against them.

I'm hoping for at least 4 practices before the first event. Practices should be free, bring your own drink/food (water highly recommended). Due to wanting a full afternoon I'm expecting them to be on a weekend. Could anyone who wants to come say so - so I can get an idea of numbers - and please post up only those weekends you cannot do. I will then pick the 4 best days, trying to make sure that everyone goes to at least 2 practices.

If necerssary we can have a couple of evening goes as well, when the weather gets warmer (and therefore lighter in the evening). Plan is that weapons practice will continue after the easter event, so we stary familiar with the weapons for the moots, gathering etc etc.

Now, I sit back and wait for your thoughts:

[Haskeer]

possibly depending on dates and location.

[Kamikazegerbil]

Definately interested. My calender for the new years pretty open bar conception.

[dead]

Interested but will have to play it by ear with the dates. If you set a regular date I could probably fit it into my busy social calender

Did you have a location in mind?

We need somewhere we are not gonna be bothered by randoms wandering through. Geoff has in the past suggested a scout camp he can access but on weeknights only as it is used on most weekends. weeknights wont work with the dark nights. I will poke him about using at weekend.

Ian

[Death Jester]

My garden is open for use, its pretty big, any of you who came to the party would know. There is a smaller but still fairly large side garden for fighting in closer quarters of the big garden for everything else.

[Shaphron]

As I have not been to your house, can you please bespecific as to what "pretty big" is? Giulia's garden is also "pretty big", yet that is not really big enough for games such as capture the flag, or any team based games in fact. Is your garden significantly bigger than Jules', and if so, but how many degrees of magnitude (ie 2 of jules' gardens etc)

Ta

[Death Jester]

Is alot longer than it. maybe 2x. Would we even have enough people for stuff like capture the flag. I would imagine weapons practice to be centred around our formations, awareness, accuracy stuff like that. That dsoesn't require alot of room, how many people are we talking?

[Gileh]

I think my garden is 1.5 jules. I can't Join in anything till new year as I have so much college stuff. I 'd like to, though.

[Gileh]

If HD pesters me on mt phone around lunchtime I can take him around to have a look.

[Shaphron]

Sorry Gilleh, HD is ill today.

I certaibly hope to have enough for capture the flag - you only need about 6 people to have 2 teams. Given that not everyone who may be coming is going to be in pheeds (me and Matt are not) then centering around your formations would be singularly boring for us - we will certainly include both shields walls (should there be enough shields) and fighting them, but to keep the whole thing fun there will definately be games too. Weapons practice should be fun, not just "this is how you do it, now practice until you can". Plus, using weapons in "more reallistic" circumstances makes it better - such as in small teams or indiviually in everyone out for themselves.

I have done these before, and they are always better for including games.

The other thing I have against your garden, DJ, is that you are a very long way away for everyone... I would rather try to pick a location which is more central fro most people...

[Shaphron]

OK, I've checked dates...

Easter this year is sunday 12th, so I will make the following suggestions. Please say if you cannot make any of these dates:

Sat & Sun 4th and 5th April (weekend before easter)
Saturday 28th or Sunday 29th March
Saturday 21st or Sunday 22nd March
Sat & Sun 14th and 15th March
Sat & Sun 7th and 8th March
Sat and Sun 21st & 22nd Feb
Sat & Sun 7th & 8th of Feb

Now - I am obviously not suggesting we do all of these. I suggested 4 pracices before the event, if possible. I suggest only 1 in a weekend (so sat or sun, but not both), and at the beginning to try to keep at least 1 weekend in bewteen. I would like to know if anyone has any they cannot do (due to birthdays, for example), or if anyone has a marked preference for any dates (such as the weekend before - either for or against). Once I know what people think I will finalise the dates and find an appropriate place - if people want to volunteer gardens and I cannot see them beofre hand I would appreaciate a rough plan of them, with rough measurements, and maybe the odd photo, so I can make my decision. I am more than happy to have more than 1 location, so some can  be in one place, and others in another...

I will also try to get in touch with other people who may be interested in a weapons practice - such as the uni club, or if anyone has a friend who may be interested, they are more than welcome to come to a weapons practice, we can between us make sure that they are taught how to fight safely and have a good time. Weapons practice is actually a good way to introduce someone to lrp, as they can get used to the weapons without havinbg to worry about roleplay too...

[dead]

I don't have anything booked for any of those dates. However I will probably be working some of the days probably as feb/march/april are gonna be stupid busy. Also cant be sure of Easter event as I cant book holidays until March.

Geoff is asking about using the scout site. Poke him tonight.

Ian

[Shaphron]

OK venue is sorted - we have use of the field behind tess' house - on the requirements that we are friendly and nice to all natives and address any concerns they have. 1st session suggested end of feb (hopefully better weather), so that's the [21st or 22nd], or the [28th or the 1st]. Please say if you have a preference to these dates.

I will be trying to get in touch with the uni crowd o see if any of them want to join us - games are more fun with more people. Lifts can and will be arranged for people with no transport - please yell (well, preferably post on here or tell me) if you need a lift!

[Death Jester]

natives.....as in sheep?

[Jimmy]

Is there any chance there could be one that isn't on a saturday or sunday? Sadly I work both as some of you will be aware ( Ian, for one, likes to pester   breaks up the monotony anyway)

I do understand that this is a long shot due to the fact that most people have proper jobs that involve working weekdays and having the weekend off.

There may be the solution, if given enough notice as which day it would be, to switch my hours so that I work one day in the week... hmmm I may consider asking if I can switch my sunday hours to a week day...

Okay I know i have rambled a bit there so I shall conclude in this manner:

* Any chance of a weekday practice?

*Can you decide the day fairly quickly so I can ask to shift hours?

*Many thanks  

[dead]

Weekday would have to be evening which are a bit dark atm. Indoors is a no go due to the £140 liability insurance we would need.

In the summer we may be able to arrange somthing.

Ian

[Shaphron]

Weekday is a no-no - because most people work mon-fri, so we'd have to go on an evening, which is too dark to be safe atm. Given people involved I'd be inclined to say start at 1pm and stop when it gets too cold / dark and we want to.

[dead]

[Shaphron]

[Immortal Rites]

thats fine then. we are free al of the above dates.... how about we all bring some picnic stuff and have a break for lunch? I have a picnic blanket

[Shaphron]

As I was thinking of starting at 1 - both to cater to people who do not get up early and to hopefully allow josh to come as then he only has to swap an afternoon and not the whole day, I was hoping poeple would have eaten before they came... However, water is highly recommended - I will be bringing extra as you always seem to run out, and if you feel you may want / need snacks of energy - providing then please bring them along. But I am not thinking about a full-scale picnic, as this would take up too much practise time...

[Shaphron]

OK, I've been told that some poeple who want to come cannot on the 28th, so the 21st it will be - as no-one has said they cannot do this date. Will tell everyone at the club tomorrow night as well, and then remind poeple closer to the time.

[Jimmy]

Personally I would prefer a sunday as i am sure i can get that off work but if sat suits everybody else i'm sure I can try and have kind words with my manager

[Shaphron]

I have no objections to a sunday - can make it the 22nd if that is easier for you.

[Tess]

Ironically I will not be around for the first practice (despite it practically being in my garden!) as I will be at a wedding, but I hope everyone enjoys!!!

[Gabriel]

is the northerner invited to the practice if he can get to it? i'd need a lift off of someone though as i'm not sure where this location is   though the lift would be from around chester, could come back for the weekend and say hi to ya all

[dead]

Nope your not invited we dont want you there

When you coming back? We might have to do a few beers

ian

[Shaphron]

Bah Humbug Ian! Love to meet you Gabriel. I'm fairly sure Ian is joking...

Can arrange lifts if you say where you'll need picking up from.

[Haskeer]

im sorry but cant be arsed going back and reading the begining of the post.
so what day?

[Jimmy]

sunday 22nd i believe, good to see you have the internet back... i think

[Shaphron]

Yup, sunday 22nd, from 1pm, at the field behind Tess'. If anyone needs a lit they need to say so to allow us to organise  

[Haskeer]

kwl, this month or next?
nd yes josh it is good to have the net back.

[Immortal Rites]

we will be needing lifts. any takers?

[Immortal Rites]

actually, Ian if you are coming to fitness training that sunday we can go strait from the leisure centre can we not?

[dead]

[Jimmy]

Right, quick questions:

1. when are we starting/finishing
2. Is it still in the field behind Tess'
3. do we bring our armour
4. if so chain or leather
5. do we bring all our weapons/shields etc

thats all i can think of to ask right now

[Immortal Rites]

also how long will we be going for?
should we bring a sandwich for break time?

[dead]

[Jimmy]

wasnt mentioned monday sorry, i'm sure either matt or shell will spot this and say when. I thought it was origionally 1pm onwards.

Shall bring all then

[dead]

1pm sounds fine, Mat and Shell dont have internet atm.  Im seeing them tomorow so will let them know we are meeting at that time. I take it there wasnt a plug made on monday for it, any idea how many bodies we're gonna have?

Ian

[Jimmy]

so far i believe we have myself yourself matt shell rob giulia gav daz maybe then i havnt a clue aaron poss and his group, couple of others from club may turn up also who knows

[Immortal Rites]

ian
geoff
matt
shell
giulia
gav
taz
hairy matt
and yourself jimmy.

dont think aaron will make it as he is still very poorly.

will bring my picnic blanket for sit down area and place to put shield etc so not on wet floor, i suggest someone else brings one too.

[dead]

Gladstone Scout Site, starts at one on the 22nd of Feb(tommorow) bring weapons, snacks, water and more weapons. Cost will be one british pound each.

Ian

[Shaphron]

Just to say - I did plug it that monday - I went around and told al lthe people who I didn't know if they were coming about it and asking if they wanted to come. Didn't tell Jimmy specially, as I knew you were coming.

[mutter]slanderous people[/mutter]

[Jimmy]

sorry as you have said you didnt feel the need to tell me which is quite correct. From my perspecive nothing was said but would have welcomed someone, as you have done now, to correct me.

Sooooo how would people feel about the next one being the 15th march? same time same place if poss?

And is it worth getting in touch with the uni crowd for more bodies?

[Shaphron]

I was going to suggest the 15th  

I will look around online to see if I can find out where the uni people's website is. I will also bug Robin tonight, should he be there, to ask him if he has any contact info I can nick, as he's the person with the most recent contact with the uni crowd.

Also, Aaron had a couple of mobile numbers, didn't he? Or am I going mad? Were those two nice guys who came along from the uni in Aaron's game? If so, he should have thir numbers, so I could nick them off him - I will pm him now to ask.

If anyone has any leads on the uni crowd do share!

Shell

[Death Jester]

i had them but since changing phones they seem to have gone missing, however i have one of them on facebook.

[Shaphron]

Reminder for all - weapons practice is on this Sunday at 1pm (that's the 15th). Geoff is (meant to be) speaking to Scout people to see if we can have the site again - if not we will fall back on the plan at field outside of Tessa's. hopefully Geoff will tell Ian, and he will post it up before Sunday!

Shell

[Jimmy]

Apparently it has been booked for a while for something else so is unuseable, I believe he is contacting another reasonably local scout camp to see if that is free.

Josh

[Shaphron]

Any Update on Venue? I thought we were going back to the field if we couldn't get the scoutcamp - I cannot ask other people (ie uni people) to come if I cannot give a venue - so I haven't - I also would like to state a preference now for non-paying venues - the scount camp was ok as we didn't know beforehand that we would have to pay, but when we can quite easily have a free site, why should we have to pay for it, and maybe travel long distances?

Has anyone got an objection against haveing  go in the field? If it doesn't work, fine, but I think we should try it. Not only did we always roleplay in a very public woods in Aber, but we owuld have impromptu weapons practices in car parks and such, and nothing bad ever happened. I understand some people may not be comfortable doing it in public as they think people may complain etc, but I think people are better than you think. give it a go. If it doesn't work, fine, but maybe it will, and we'd have easy access to water and a free site.

I'm still up for Sunday, what do the rest of you think?

[Immortal Rites]

count us out. right now ive had enough, im too busy this sunday. as for having it in the field myself and gav would prefere not to.

[dead]

I would really prefer somewhere private, apart from anything else it avoids the "insurance" issues somewhat, otherwise we will require public liability insurance. It also avoids the local CENSORED.

If we do it somewhere public, especially a place like the field which is overlooked by houses we will need to inform the police, and they can ask for the insurance details or just object generally.

Ian

[Shaphron]

Then where will we go?

[Immortal Rites]

has anyone actually phoned the place yet cos all i seem to have gathered is that we 'think' there is summit going on but no one is sure. if you want ill phone on saturday for you all. If not, how about the Wepre Park, there is some nice big fields right at the main enterance and we've larped there befor no problem.

[Shaphron]

Immortal:
1) Geoff works for the scouts, better comming from him
2)Jimmy said that he had called and it had been booked for a while
3)Andy advised me he knows there's a DofE group there this Sunday
4)You said you didn't want to go, so you do not have to organise anything
5)Wepre is as public, if not more so, than the field behind Tess'. so all of Dead's complaints would work for that too

Dead:
1 thing, as this is not an organised event, why owuld we need insurance? I nderstood for the indoor bit, but, for example, if a group of people got together to play football for practice for an upcomming game they wouldn't need insurance. I therefore fail to understand why we would need insurance. We can't damage the site - in fact a lot less then a footballer who has studs on his boots, and we're all happy with the "at your own risk" thing, so *why* would the police insist on insurance? They never did in Aber. If it was an "event" I couldsee why it would need it, but for  friendly practice among friends you wouldn't. I can call the police and ask them if we would need it under those circumstances, if you want. I'm fairly sure the answer would be no, otherwise they owuld be discriminating against LARPers, and thepolice *cannot* be seen to discriminate against anyone.

[dead]

The involvement of swords will be what the police will be interested in. They are offensive weapons, even if they are padded. As far as the police are concerned if they want to be arsey they can and will and it will be technically legal for them to arrest us. I doubt it would ever go to court but..  They can also legally charge us with affray, rioting etc if they want to be really arsey or some numpty decides we are devil worshipers or something.

Even sunday league football has to have PLI as far as I know, you have to have registered first aiders(which I am at  a low level and Josh is I believe). Insurance is technically required anywhere you may have an organised event and members of the public.  Im actually surprised the scouts never asked for it.

Geoff has penciled in the scout site for next sunday in case we wanted it, anyone else got any problems with that sunday?  I wont be able to make that one but if everyone else can then go for it. Ill announce it on rule 7 see if we can get a few extra bodies.

Ian

[Immortal Rites]

1) shell as i dont attend the club i dont know whats been organised so dont make your posts so .... arsey ok.  I was trying to be helpful. I might not be able to attend but it doesnt stop me lending  hand if people need it ok.

2) we are not attending because of location I.E 'tess's field'. So in affect you are discriminating as you know our situation yet you still want to go ahead and exclude us via your means of picking a location.

3) there is another place we can go the back entrance to wepre park, by the castle is one large open field we'll away from the public and large enough to stay away from any random dog walkers ect. Its not a main entrance, its a rarely used and easily accessible.

[dead]

Play nice ladies

Ian

[HDimagination]

[Shaphron]

Dead,

I'm not saying don't tell the police - in fact - I would tell the police. I'm saying they cannot ask for insurance if we are just practicing. We are not a "sunday football league", we are akin to a group of mates going out on a weekend to play a quick game - it is *not* organised, it is not an *event* and we are not charging for it, so we do not need insurance. If you want confirmation of this I will call the police to confirm that this is the case. I have said, we did this a *lot* in Aber, so I do know what I'm talking about.

Immortal,

I wasn't objecting to Wepre myself, I said that all of Dead's arguments against a public place would apply far more to Wepre Park then they would to Tess' field - which is semi-public, not *public*. Also, at Wepre Park we would *have* to get permission from the owners / administrators of the site beofre organising there - I'm not against this, I'm just saying it would add more to it. I objected to you calling up as Jimmy said on his post on Tuesday that it had been previously booked - he did not say he *thought* it was already booked, he said it *was*, so I pointed this out, as it implies you hadn't read it. Also, if you are not coming to said event, you shouldn't organise it. If you would come, but wont cos it's at "Tess' field", then that's another matter, you should have said so earlier, and we will change the location, Tess' field will not be mentioned again - you never said before that you were not coming cos it was in Tess' field, so I did not know this was the reason. It was not discrimination, as it was completely unknowing. I am not trying to exclude you - at the beginning of the post you said you would give it a go, as it wasn't actually at *Tess'", but in the field behind her house - we wouldn't be going in her house. It was a good location from my point of view because a) it was big enough and b)it is only semi-public, as it is owned jointly by all the owners of the houses there, and we would therefore have permission from an owner to use it. To go to a place like Wepre it is *more* public, as any member of the public could see us, not just the owners of the houses, and we would need to get permission from the owners / administrators to use it, which added complexity to the issue. If you have a problem with Tess' field, then you should have said so.

I wasn't arsey, I merely summerised the points against what you suggested.

PS - I have no problem with you going to the weapons practice, I have never tried to exclude you, and I have not been rude to you. If you have a problem with me (or anyone) being there, then that is *your* problem, not mine, as I have done nothing to perpetuate this.

[Immortal Rites]

seriously, look at the field to the rear of wepre park, it s public field but its never used. In fact im sure we've all been ther for larp practice befor, i know i have.

[Kamikazegerbil]

[dead]

Not today due to lack of venue. I am organising a venue for next time as I type.

Ian

[Kamikazegerbil]

I thought that the case, just wanted to be sure.

[Shaphron]

[dead]

Potential Dates for Practicing, I have not checked the site yet I want to confirm we can do dates and then go to them.

5th April   Weekend before Dragons event
19th April   Weekend after Dragons event
26th April   Weekend before the Spring Moot, same dates as Trannies event
10th May    Weekend after Spring Moot

We may struggle with the later dates as te site will start to be used for scouty thingies.

Discuss

Ian

[Tess]

Hiya,

I'm glad everyone who cames had a good time at the back of my house this weekend, and happily noone worried about us excpet for the cute dog who was sent away!

I'm always happy to be a fall back

- and Immortal Rites, any discrimination is in your head. The rest of us are mature enough just to not speak to you if we don't want to. The reasoning why we may not want to is not for the forums though so please do not bring it up just to make yourself a matyr, everyone said it was nice to meet Gav and Taz at the one before and there is no reason to stop the two of them coming along. The more the merrier in all cases!

[Jimmy]

fine for all of those ian. might it be wise to see which ones are free at the scout camp before we decide which one we want? otherwise we we have the same problem as last time

[dead]

Just checking I dont clash with anything before I ring, cant phone now have a director comming to see me every 10 mins

Ian

[JimZ]

Incidentally I'd be quite interested in giving LARPing a go just to see if its my sort of thing, so I might tag along to the next weapons practice if that's fine with people. I assume I'll be free for the dates posted.

[Death Jester]

Maybe 'rule 7 breakers will be shot'? and enter if you dare we have people who have swords.....well kind of.

[Tess]

so so so... when next where next???

[dead]

Erm September if we want the scout site apparently.

It is free weeknights but its not light enougth yet.  Suggestions for other non public sites?

Ian

[Tess]

The meadow at the back of mine. I do have part ownership of it so I'm allowed to use it, and I can't really see people asking us not to - knowing my neighbours we may even get a distant audience!

Its a good stop-gap at least until we find somewhere else with better parking facilities, till then I'm happy with people parking on my front garden if it gets too crowded

T

[Jimmy]

*bump* when is the next one? this seems to have died somewhat...

[Shaphron]

I was under the impression we were practicing until the LARP season started - as signified by the dragon's event - then not doing any more, as the purpose of such was to get used to using the weapons again before going to the first event. If we do do any more, I am saying we can only go if it is a free venue - no paying for scout camps...

Shell

[dead]

Even if we were paying we cant book till september.  I though the intention was to have it semi regular so we can actually get good with the weapons rather then average as we are now.

I would still rather do it at a private site but if there is no other option will use public.

Ian

[Tess]

I'm suggesting to LARPers to bring weapons to my party as one of the fun things to do through the afternoon. Others will be pretty respectful of not touching unless they are told its ok to - and they can all be put out of the way in my room or someone's car when / if people start to get rowdy.

[Tess]

Righty,

I currently can't afford to go to any events - something I'm sure many others can sympathise with - but I want to make sure I'm good for when I can.

SO.

I want to arrange weapons practice at mine for those who would like to join in. Originally with a small group (I think we had 8 last time which was good) to take into the meadow, then if everyone is happy expand the group from there.

I know the GEF is coming up so I'm thinking the weekend before that, probably the Sunday afternoon if that suits, then every couple of weeks from there.

Would that work for people?

Let me know and I can put the finer points together.

Miss T

[dead]

Week after next is the GEF so that would be next week. I suspect I will be finishing my kit packing etc so maybe a little short notice.

[Tess]

Well I'm not wanting everyone to come along at first so no problem if you can't make it. I have 5 people very likely to come along so far and yes to clarify it is this sunday.

[JimZ]

I'd still quite like to come to one at some point to see what its like, though if you only want a small group of people who actually know what they are doing, then I might hold off for a while.

[dead]

Some of us know what we are doing?

Where?

Who?

[Tess]

[Haskeer]

hmmm  interested bt not sure if im busy on that sunday. ill let you know.

[Kamikazegerbil]

Just checking but is anyone coming tomorrow?

Tess is hoping to start about 2- 2.30. Sound about right to people?

[Jimmy]

sounds good see you then then

[JimZ]

I'll try and make it to the next one, but wont be there tomorrow.... car troubles amongst other things

[Shaphron]

apparently that was good you oculdn't go - Jimmy turned up at Tess' at 2, and she was still in bed....

[Tess]

hahahaha!!!! No fair, that didn't need to be advertised - meanie  ;p

When do people want the next one? Sunday afternoons seem good (and I will remember not to go out the night before in the future!)

[dead]

[Jimmy]

I will happily beat you up so you can learn to block   im getting good now apparently  

[dead]

I dont need to block, I have this big oval thingy I lug around which just gets in the way.  Providing I not fighting a spear that bends around it I generally pagger the person I fighting.

Ian

[Jimmy]

well i shall try and highlight your weaknesses so you can improve them

[dead]

WEAKNESS?  WHAT WEAKNESS?

Simple plan, hide behind effing great shield and pagger other bloke in the face until he falls over.  Job Done

Ian

p.s.  Get the Ern Cycle booked even if you cant do your character yet

[Jimmy]

Your back is one big weakness! i am only trying to help.

Shall talk about it tonight (Erin Cycle)

[dead]

Yup thats cause everyone around me falls over first and then I get stabbed in it.  I can only fight in two directions at once

Ian

edit
anyway I supposed to be working, not skiving

[Tess]

Right now Humans!

I have had a request to have another weapons practice afternoon... when will people be free? and would saturday or sunday afternoon be best?

T

[galvatrons funky uncle]

I'm free pretty much whenever over the weekend. When everyone agrees a time, i'll be there. Assuming of course by the weekend i know....where....there is!?


PM me directions, please peeps.

[dead]

not next weekend as I will be hungover, probably(hmm maybe I should practice when hungover).  

after that I dont mind, sat or sun.  Is it worth doing it one night while we have light?

Ian