Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group
Annual Meeting Newsletter

- Released November 15th, 2003 -

The annual meeting was held Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, and there was a good turnout of existing and new members. Several important issues were discussed, a summary of which follows.

Annual Dinner

One of the highlights of our new season is the Annual Dinner.

The date is Saturday, Jan. 31, in the same hall the annual meeting was held, St Paul's Parish Hall, St. George St., Port Dover.

For new members, this is a full dress occasion in period clothing.

Linda Hanna, (905) 770-4743, and Olga Charuk, (416) 653-0223, have again agreed to head up this event and please give them a call to see how you can help.

You are responsible for your own dinnerware (cuttlery, plates, mugs, and cups) and refreshments (if you wish more than just tea or coffee).

One change this year, each table will be responsible for cleaning up their own mess. Last year some members thought it appropriate to leave their garbage for others to clean up... if it happens this year your mess will be delivered to you at Longwoods.

Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. (we are always a bit late) but feel free to arrive anytime after 5 p.m. If you have food to deliver the hall will be open from 9 a.m. on.

This is an event not to miss... see you there.

Elections

Under the new format, Bob Blakeley was returned as chairman and Russ Greatrex was named vice-chairman. Ruth Schumacher, Jon Bowman and Ken Gamble were named as directors.

Ruth agreed to continue as treasurer and Carol Whittaker has volunteered to assist her in the taking of memberships and insurance payments. Jon has agreed to continue as quartermaster and Bob will continue with the newsletter.

Date Change

Due to an unavoidable conflict, the dates for Spring Training have been changed. This weekend will now take place April 23, 24 and 25 at Backus.

The buildings will be open from 6 p.m. Friday and you are responsible for your food etc. Please bring something to share for Saturday night's supper.

Remember - if you are planning on taking the field next season you must attend this weekend. Those not trained will not take the field.

Insurance

The chairman pointed out our former insurance policy was cancelled suddenly last summer through no fault of our own.

Investigation showed the National Firearms Association provided the only alternative and the Norfolks are now covered by their policy. The new policy provides for $5 million in third party liability, up substantially from the old policy.

All Norfolks must now be covered under the insurance. It will cost each and every member $10, and there will be no exceptions.

It was pointed out if members attend other events they should probably let a member of the executive know and register at the event as a Norfolk (even if they are taking the field with another group). This ensures insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

For a single member the fees will be $15 membership plus $10 for insurance for a total of $25. For a family, the membership fee is $20 and $10 each for every member of the family.

These fees may be paid at the annual dinner and must be paid by Spring Training.

Camp Protocol

It was noted that there are increasing number of Norfolks setting up trade blankets in camp.

It was unanimously voted that no selling be allowed in the Norfolk camp.

If Norfolks want to sell they should make arrangements with the site to set up as a sutler.

The decision was made to avoid hard feelings both inside and outside our own group.

In his opening remarks, the chairman noted that some Norfolks appear to have gotten away from the idea that they must have a role to play when we are in camp. The Norfolks have never assigned roles, we allow members to decide for themselves what they want to do. However, there must be a role.

If you are confused please contact a member of the executive.

Upcoming Dates

SATURDAY, DEC. 6-Historic Merchants Christmas Gathering... Melrose United Church, Locke St. and Homewood Ave., Hamilton, Ont., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31-Norfolk annual dinner.

FEBRUARY 14 and 15-Ogdensburg-contact Larry Hanna (905) 770-4743 if interested.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6-Living History Conference... Middlesex Courthouse, London, Ont.

APRIL 23, 24 and 25-Spring Training, Backus. Be there.

CLICK HERE for as complete a list of events (and as up-to-date as possible).

Backus 2004 (September 10th, 11th, and 12th)

I am very pleased to announce a positive meeting with Backus staff.

The War of 1812 Event will go ahead in 2004, funded by the site and other sources of funding. They are prepared to feed 300, and possibly more, fund two portables behind the schoolhouse etc.

I must confess I sent them a pointed e-mail before the meeting outlining our concerns and they have met the challenge.

What this means is... I will be calling on members to help out next year. I suspect we will have up to 500 re-enactors and needless to say I can't do that number alone.

This is very positive for the Norfolks... re-enactors come to events we help organize because they realize we look after them as we expect to be looked after at other events.

However, we go several steps beyond what is offered at most sites and it pays off.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the annual.

Bob Blakeley

©2003 - Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group - This Website is C/O GHRS - Ontario 100632991