The following applies whilst an event is in progress.

 

Barriers and cordons  Members must maintain a physical presence within the military camp and the cook tent to ensure no visitors cross the cordon. Other tents and displays should be cordoned off if they are to be left unattended. This is to ensure the safety of the public and to provide a level of security.

 

To avoid misunderstandings while the event is open to the public, Members should avoid entering cordoned off areas if they are in modern dress.

 

Maintaining the site  Guy ropes should be checked regularly to ensure they provide sufficient support.

 

If the weather conditions deteriorate a review must be held to determine whether extra measures are required (e.g. extra guy ropes in high winds) or whether some or all activities should be curtailed, suspended or abandoned.

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Tidiness  The camp area must be kept tidy, and all walkways (whether formally identified or not) must be kept clear of all items.

 

All items must be kept out of reach of non-members except when supervised by a Member. This applies in particular to items that are small, sharp, heavy or made of glass. Irritants must be kept in closed containers.

 

Sharp items must be stored on a flat surface or provided with protection (e.g. corks). Smaller items with only one point (e.g. artillery bolts) may be placed sharp end first in the ground. Swords and daggers should remain sheathed except when in use.

 

All rubbish should be disposed of carefully, and should be bagged prior to disposal.

 

Fire safety  All cigarette butts and other smoking related litter is to be disposed of either in receptacles provided for refuse or taken with the smoker. Extreme care is to be taken when disposing of lit or recently extinguished cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. to avoid causing fires. The event organiser’s policy on smoking must be followed.

 

Fire pits are not to be dug at any site. Fires shall be set in the freestanding fireboxes specifically for that purpose. As these are raised approximately 125mm (5 inches) above ground level, damage to the site should be minimal. Care should still be taken not to scorch the grass beneath the firebox.

 

Fires must NEVER be left unattended. Water buckets or fire extinguishers are to be in close proximity to any fire.

 

Non-members must be kept at a safe distance from all fires. This will usually be by means of a barrier. When a fire is lit on the altar during a religious ceremony this may be achieved by instructions as set out in Part Four of THE RMRS Handbook. Fires must not be lit close to walkways including those within the camp.

 

After use, burning embers, etc. are to be quenched with water or left to completely cool. The resultant ash or debris shall be disposed as directed by the event organiser(s).

 

Interacting with visitors  Members shall be courteous and considerate to all visitors as set out in Part Two of THE RMRS Handbook. In accordance with the Society’s aims, educating visitors is paramount and thus answering questions must be truthful and the information accurate. Requests for help and assistance are to be dealt with professionally but in accordance with any guidelines established by the Event Sponsor

 

Non-members shall not be allowed to handle any projectile weapon, i.e. spears, javelins, arrows or artillery bolts. Bladed weapons without sharpened edges may be handled by non-members providing they remain under close supervision, and control of the weapon is maintained by a Member. Sharpened or projectile weapons must not be handled by non-members.

 

Handling of other items by non-members should be supervised by a Member. Extra care should be taken with items that are small, sharp, heavy or made of glass.

 

Participation by non-members  Non-members may be permitted to participate in activities provided they are supervised and appropriate measures can be put in place to avoid injury. Part 9b provides more details.

 

Catering and the cook tent  Lunch will normally be provided by the Society, this will be confirmed in the Event Instructions.

 

While in the presence of visitors, Members should avoid consuming modern foods, e.g. sandwiches, sweets, ice cream, coffee. Modern foodstuffs used in the cooking demonstration are to be dispensed into period containers wherever possible or concealed from public sight.

 

Food preparation areas should be kept clean and tidy. Antibacterial cleaners should be available for use on surfaces as required.

 

Hand sanitisers should be used by all Members prior to handling food.

 

Members should not enter the cook tent unless preparing food or otherwise assisting. This is to ensure sufficient space is available, and also to minimise the risk of burns.

 

Food should not be consumed by members of the public.

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First Aid  First Aid kits of sufficient size to treat most minor injuries must be kept in the military camp and the cook tent. The First Aid kit must include treatment for minor burns and eye wash.

 

While some Members may be qualified to give first aid, all should:

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• Be familiar with the basic principles.

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• Know the location of the closest first aid kit.

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• Know how to contact any on-site medical staff or the emergency services.

 

Hygiene  Members should observe basic hygiene measures. Hand sanitisers will be provided and should be used frequently, particularly when handling items, when in contact with members of the public and before collecting food from the cook tent.

 

Alcohol and drugs  The consumption of alcohol during event hours is not permitted. Any Member found to be consuming or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be removed from site.

 

The possession or taking of illegal drugs by Members during an event will not be tolerated and will be treated as misconduct.

 

Security  Members should ensure that any valuables are securely hidden. Members remain responsible for the security of their own possessions at all times.

 

A minimum number of Members must remain on site at all times, including outside event hours, except where other security arrangements are in place.

 

Outside event times  The requirements for maintaining accuracy apply only during event hours. When the site or event closes daily Members may change into modern clothing and use modern equipment, etc. Vehicles may or may not be permitted on site depending on the specific site arrangements.

 

Members should remain mindful that they still represent the Society when on site outside event hours and should refrain from any activity that is unsafe and/or harmful to the Society’s reputation. Members should be aware that the public may still be on site outside event hours.