Joining the Milites de Bec; some frequently asked questions
What do I need? A short question with a long answer, I'm afraid... If you just want to meet us, talk to us, and socialise with us, all you need is time and a sense of humour. If you want to take part in warrior training, you need (at least) some sensible clothing and a pair of strong gloves, for example gardening or welding gloves. For the first few weeks, you can borrow some from the group. If you want to become a real warrior, you will eventually want to get your own spear (from £20) and shield (from £25). For the first few months, you can borrow some from the group. Remember that these items have resale value. If you want to take part in craft training, you may need some tools and materials. For basic crafts, you can usually borrow tools from experienced members, and the group will usually organise materials at wholesale cost. As you progress to more advanced or exotic crafts, you will eventually want your own tools. We can show you how to make some. For the rest, there is a network of potential suppliers. Good quality tools also have resale value. If you want to take part in public displays, you need some period clothing. We will show you how to make your own, from as little as £30 for materials. Alternatively, we can point you to somebody who can make it for you. There is also a thriving second hand market. Some camping equipment may also be useful. This can be anything from a "festival starter kit" from Millets or Argos, to a full scale authentic tent with period travel furniture.
How much does it cost? The short answer: Not a lot. The longer answer is here... When you decide to join us, there is the membership fee: Individual membership is £20 per person (16 years and above) per year. There is a £5 discount when you document that you are in full time education, unemployed, or over 60. Family membership is £40 per family unit (two adults including any children under 16) per year. Of course, if you are not quite sure whether you want to join us, you can always first become a temporary member. For only £5 per person, you can take part in our activities for 2 months. If you then decide to join us, your temporary membership fee counts towards your first annual fee (that is, subtract £5 from the total). Depending on your interests, you will most likely also want some period clothes, weapons, armour, tools, and other equipment. You probably don't need all of this, and you certainly don't need it all at once. Most new members spend less than £100 on these things, spread over their first year of membership. Not a lot, compared to most other hobbies and sports. Besides, many reenactment items have a resale value; there is a thriving second hand market. For details, see What do I need? When we attend events, there are also expenses towards transport (we usually lift-share), food (we often cook communal food), and drink (you decide what, how much, and how expensive).
How do I become a member? Come and talk to us at one of our training sessions (see Calendar).
If you like what you see, ask for a membership form. Fill it in, and return it with the appropriate fee (see above), two passport-type photographs, and any documentation needed to get a discount, e.g. a photocopy of a student card.
How much time does it take up? As much as you want. Some members pop in for an hour or two every few weeks (if that). Some spend all their free time doing something reenactment-related. Most members are somewhere inbetween, depending on their study/work/life situation. Whatever suits you suits us.
I am 15 years old (or younger): Can I join? As a family member, together with a parent or guardian, yes.
I am 15 years old (or younger): Can I become a warrior? Not until you turn 16. If you are close to that age, and are physically fit, you may be able to join the warriors in training.
I am 15 years old (or younger): What else can I do? Pretty much everything else.
I am 16 or 17 years old: Can I join? Yes, with the written permission of a parent or guardian.
I am 16 or 17 years old: Can I become a warrior? Yes, but we want a parent or guardian to come along for the first few training sessions, so they can see what they are signing you up for.
I am 16 or 17 years old: What else can I do? Pretty much everything else.
I am 18 years old (or older): Can I join? Yes.
I am positively ancient: Can I join? Of course. We have no upper age limit. In fact, we have a fee discount for members over 60 years of age.
We are a family unit: Can we join? Yes. The more, the merrier. There is no lower age limit for family members. In fact, a fee discount may apply.
I am a student: Can I join? Yes, we have a long tradition of recruiting students from the fine educational establishments in the East Kent area. There is a fee discount for students in full time education (with documentation).
I am not a student: Can I join? Yes, although about half of our members are students, and we are very friendly with the local Student Union, we are not a student society as such.
I am a member of the university staff: Can I join? We'll assume that you are 18 or older (or a prodigy). Either way, that's a resounding yes. If you happen to research or teach archaeology, history, ancient literature or language, or some such, you'll be a VIP member before you know it.
I have a disability or health issue: Can I join? Probably yes. Of course, it depends on your particular situation and what you want to do. Talk to the group leader: We can probably work something out.
I am a foreigner: Can I join? Yes. About 20% of our members are foreigners. And that includes the current group leader. If you can read English well enough to read this, and if you can speak and understand English well enough to understand basic safety instructions, then there shouldn't be any problems.
I am a female: Can I become a warrior? Yes, in the Milites de Bec you can. There is no historic evidence for female warriors, so you would need to "cross-dress" and portray a man while you are fighting. At other times, we are closer to the audience, and so we expect our members to dress in the clothes of their respective gender.
I am a male: Can I portray a nun? No, "cross-dressing" is only permitted so that a female member can portray a male warrior on the battlefield. At other times, we are closer to the audience, and so we expect our members to dress in the clothes of their respective gender.
I am a male: Can I cook, clean, sew and stitch, look after my young child, and do other things that are traditionally considered "female" jobs? Yes, there are only very few activities (e.g. church-related ones) that are gender-specific.
I am a female: Can I portray a monk or a priest? No, "cross-dressing" is only permitted so that a female member can portray a male warrior on the battlefield. At other times, we are closer to the audience, and so we expect our members to dress in the clothes of their respective gender.
I am a female: Can I do metal work, wood work, and other things that are traditionally considered "male" jobs? Yes, there are only very few activities (e.g. church-related ones) that are gender-specific.
How do I decide whether to become a brave warrior or a clever civilian craftsperson? It's not an either-or question. You can do a bit of both. Most of our members do.
-- Here are some more serious topics, but people do sometimes ask these questions, so it's only fair to answer -- Are combat displays (and the training sessions) dangerous? Well, we’re not playing tiddlywinks, but even so: serious injuries are rare. A few bruises are the norm. After all, you’ll want to be able to show you've had a good time. That said: We rate safety above authenticity, education and entertainment. This is reflected in our training system.
I see a lot of crosses (on flags and so on) but I am not a Christian: Can I join? Yes. The Milites de Bec and the national society, Regia Anglorum, are strictly non-political and non-religious. Members may believe and think what they want (provided they are polite about it). Anything that looks religious or political (or violent, for that matter) is a dramatic representation. But remember that we portray an age and a society when most people, except a few visitors, were Christians.
I see a lot of leather and meat stew but I am a vegetarian: Can I join? Yes.
About food: We can cater for all sorts (and have done so). If you have a special dietary requirement, we may need your help, but we are willing to try nearly anything.
About leather: If that's a problem, then that's a problem. We represent an age when leather was a very common material, and often the only way to make some items (for example shoes). We would only permit substitute materials if it really looks like the real thing.
I understand that the Vikings quite liked their beer and mead: What about you? During our “working day”, when we perform combat displays or work with sharp tools, alcohol is completely off the menu. This is a matter of health and safety, and also good taste. You may occasionally see pretend-drinking as part of a dramatic display, but our “cider” is likely to be apple juice, the “beer” will be cold tea or some other substitute, and so on.
Of course, "after hours", when all weapons have been packed away and the campfire burns brightly, you are free to enjoy beer and mead as much as your great x 35 grandparents.
What about hemp and such? Hemp is brilliant for making good strong ropes or good strong canvas cloth (in fact, the word canvas probably comes from the word cannabis). Absolutely any other uses are strictly banned by the society and by the law of the land. It would land you in deep trouble. Don’t even think about it.
You seem fairly inclusive: Are there anybody you don't accept as members? Yes, even we have our limits. By default and without any ifs and buts, persons on the Violent and Sex Offenders Register are not eligible for membership, nor are problem drug users (formerly known as registered drug addicts). Persons with other convictions or serious problems are required to disclose this to the group leader, who will guide them through a membership suitability assessment.
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