THE RMRS Handbook Part Five: Our Displays
Introduction
The following sections provide specific information for the types of display typically provided by the Society. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list and other displays are permitted provided they follow the guidance in the main body of Part Three of THE RMRS Handbook.
Archery
Take care when stringing and unstringing bows to avoid injury. As with all weapons, keep bows and arrows out of reach of non-members unless under the control of a Member.
Arrows should be kept in a quiver. They may be inserted point first into the ground or stored flat on the ground but this is not preferred as they are liable to be damaged.
Artillery
General All artillery must be assembled on even, level ground with sufficient clearance to walkways and to the boundary of the camp or arena. When assembled care must be taken to ensure the head cannot fall off the stock. For all but the largest pieces this is done by inserting a wedge firmly into the front of the head. Do not use excessive force when inserting wedges as this can make them difficult to remove.
Missiles should be kept next to the artillery to which they belong so that they are available for demonstration. A small number may be inserted point first into the ground for convenience, otherwise missiles must be stored flat on the ground or, preferably, in a bag or basket provided for the purpose.
Assembling large artillery (Belua) Sufficient numbers must be available when carrying and assembling large artillery items. At least one Member experienced in assembling large artillery must be present.
Take care to avoid injury due to finger trapping, entanglement in the bowstring or impact from large items.
The basic assembly process is as follows:
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Place the “former” for the spring frames in the required location which must be flat and level. After assembly the head of the artillery will be in approximately this location.
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Insert the two spring frames into the stand, ensuring they are the correct way up (fixing points for the stock towards the bottom of the frame). Use the markings on the stand to locate the spring frames correctly with the arms pointing outwards.
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Assemble the two lower cross-pieces and two lower smaller pieces onto the spring frames to join them together. Use split pins to secure them in place.
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Insert the stock into the gap between the spring frames. Insert the two threaded bars through the inner sides of the spring frames and the stock, and secure in position with a nut on each end of each threaded bar. Do not fully tighten the nuts at this stage.
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Assemble the two upper cross-pieces and two upper smaller pieces onto the spring frames to join them together. Use split pins to secure them in place.
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Tighten the nuts on the two threaded bars to fully secure the stock.
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Attach the yoke to the underside of the stock using the large pin.
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Carefully tilt the assembled spring frames and stock forwards until it is resting face down on the ground with the stock vertically upwards. During the tilting process the “former” should be held up against the spring frames until it is clear of the ground and can be withdrawn.
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Assemble the stand.
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Lift the stand and rotate it so that the hole in the top can be mated with the large metal peg on the bottom of the yoke.
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Lower the stand and stock together until the front edge of the stand is back on the ground. Take extra care to ensure that the stand is securely held and does not disengage from the yoke.
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Use rope to tie the stock to the stand.
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Lift the spring frame assembly off the ground and continue lifting until the stand is upright.
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Remove the rope from the stock.
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“Aim” the stock in the required direction, then use metal pegs to secure its rear end in position.
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Tie a rope to the notches at the end of each arm, keeping the rope as tight as possible.
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Secure the rope in the latch on the slider. Use the windlasses to pull the rope back, until the arms are far enough back to allow the bowstring to be attached to the notches.
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While maintaining tension on the windlasses to ensure the rope is not released, disengage the ratchets on both sides of the winder. Slowly rotate the windlasses to allow the bowstring and arms to move forward to the released position.
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Remove the rope from the arms.
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Disassembly is the reverse of the above, except that the “former” does not need to be used.
Demonstration in camp Part Six of THE RMRS Handbook includes instructions for operation of artillery. This should also be used when demonstrating the use of artillery, with the following exceptions.
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Only draw the bowstring back a short distance. It must NEVER be fully drawn back unless it is intended to shoot a missile during a full artillery display.
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Take particular care to ensure accidental trigger release cannot cause a missile to be shot. NEVER insert a missile into the trigger mechanism whilst the bowstring is under tension.
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Make sure the stock, which will be protruding out of the front of the machine, does not cause injury when moving the slider forward and when demonstrating the range of movement of artillery.
Demonstration in the arena Part Six of THE RMRS Handbook covers range safety and the safe shooting of artillery.
Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing should only be carried out by Members who have experience of doing so, or are being supervised by an experienced person.
Set up the furnace and forge well away from walkways and public areas to ensure that flying sparks cannot cause injury. Keep flammable items well away from all hot working.
Suitable eye protection must be worn.
Chainmail
Use authentic tools where possible. The use of obviously modern tools should be avoided except where it is absolutely necessary.
Non-members should be encouraged to handle assembled pieces of mail, but should not be allowed to handle individual links as they are a choking hazard
Children's Drill
This should be carried out in an area which is level and free from obstructions, typically the arena used for drill displays. It is acceptable for children to march in “kit” from a separate area to the designated area provided they do not run.
Enough Members should be present to provide adequate supervision and support.
Arms and armour issued to children must be lightweight without any sharp edges or splinters. All hand held items must be soft, so that injury cannot be caused should they be waved about.
Drill Displays
The drill squad will form up in the area around the military camp and march from there to the display arena. Drill must only be carried out in the arena set up for that purpose, unless the drill is restricted to basic foot drill only, i.e. without the use of any weapons.
Weapons safety is set out in Part Six of THE RMRS Handbook and must be observed at all times. The RMRS Drill Manual is provided in Part Seven of THE RMRS Handbook.
A double barrier should normally be provided. Where this is not possible additional measures must be taken to ensure no injury to spectators. In particular, when approaching the edge of the arena:
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All sword points must be withdrawn behind shields or lowered towards the ground.--
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Members must ensure they are able to stop before reaching the barrier. This is particularly important when the ground is wet or slippery.
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A secure grip must be maintained on all throwing weapons at all times.
It is acceptable for non-members to be invited into the arena for entertainment purposes. In such cases extra care must be taken to keep sharp points clear of the non-members.
Make-up Displays
Non-toxic substitutes must be used where possible to avoid potential irritants. All substances should be kept in closed containers except during demonstrations.
Religious Ceremonies
A suitable, level site should be identified with sufficient space for spectators to maintain their distance from the altar and participants. The drill squad will form up, without helmets or javelins / spears but with cloaks if appropriate, in the area around the military camp and if necessary march from there to the display site.
Prior to carrying out the ceremony the commentator should provide an overview of what is about to take place and advise the spectators that incense will be burned during the ceremony.
Devices for making noise at the appropriate parts of the ceremony can be distributed to spectators, especially children, to encourage participation.
See Part Eight of of THE RMRS Handbook for details of the religious ceremonies.
Writing Displays
Non-members should be encouraged to handle writing materials and to use them where appropriate. Small or sharp items should be closely supervised by a Member. Sealing wax should only be used by a Member.
Weaving Displays
Large looms must be assembled on even, level ground with sufficient clearance to walkways. Pegs must be used when assembling the loom to provide sufficient strength and stability.
Use commercially prepared fleece to avoid potential irritants