THE RMRS Handbook Part One: Introduction
Salve Amicus!
Congratulations on joining what we think is the premier re-enactment group in the UK. We may not be the biggest, but we always aim to be the best through our enthusiasm for Roman history and our professionalism.
All members of THE RMRS are given the name of either a soldier of Legio XIIII Gemina, Cohors I Batavorum or a Roman civilian. Always try to reflect the Esprit-de-Corps and Romanitas (the Roman ideal) passed to you along with the name. Immortality is in being remembered:
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“Speak my name and I live”.
Think, look and act in a military or Roman manner while on parade or when representing the group. Enjoy yourself but, please, do nothing to damage THE RMRS’ reputation.
Our Aims
THE RMRS aims to advance the education of the public about Roman military and civilian life. We do this principally by presenting living history displays but also by undertaking practical research where possible. We particularly welcome membership from all who share this aim.
While THE RMRS needs support from its members, all are free to assist or belong to any other living history group. In so doing, however, members must not impugn the good name of THE RMRS.
Accuracy
Providing accurate information to our audiences is of paramount importance. If the public's knowledge is not advanced, or the information given is is not clear and accurate, then THE RMRS fails in its aims.
Furthermore, observers will learn much from members’ clothing, equipment and activities even before they speak with us. It follows that we must strive for historical accuracy, with every feature of our display being appropriate to the scenario and based on the most up-to-date knowledge.
Continual research will be required and all members are encouraged to participate in this area. Where new evidence shows something to be inaccurate then it must be corrected. However, no aspect of the Society’s display should be considered proven, merely based on the best available evidence.
Organisation
THE RMRS consists of three interdependent sub-groups:
Research group The Research Group is responsible for carrying out practical investigation into all aspects of Roman military and civil life, and keeping up with archaeological and epigraphic evidence and academic findings. The research group guides the other two sub-groups to ensure accuracy is maintained. All members are encouraged to participate in the research group.
Military group The Military Group portrays, as accurately as possible, the Roman Army in Britain. The group performs public displays of Roman military equipment, tactics, drill manoeuvres and general army life. Displays are presented as vexillations (detachments) of Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix and Cohors I Batavorum.
Civilian group The Civilian Group portrays, as accurately as possible, Roman civil life in Britain. The group demonstrates the skills, crafts and accepted practices of Roman daily life.
THE RMRS Governance
The following documents set out how the Society is run:
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Constitution
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Rule 1 Membership
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Rule 2 Trustees
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Rule 3 Meeting procedure
THE RMRS Handbook
THE RMRS Handbook provides a wealth of information to help members understand how we run events and what is needed to support the Society. It is split into the following parts:
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Part 1 Introduction
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Part 2 Values and standards
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Part 3 Health & Safety policy
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Part 4 Event Organisation
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Part 5 Our Displays
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Part 6 Weapons Safety
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Part 7 The Drill Manual
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Part 8 Songs and Ceremonies
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Part 9 History of THE RMRS
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Part 10 History of Legio XIIII GMV
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Part 11 History of Cohors I Batavorum
Other Documentation
THE RMRS also has a Risk Assessment which is reviewed and updated every year.