I've come to the conclusion that both Rich and Gadge come from the shallow end of the gene pool.... 
When we were a Kingdom it was run by a King
When we were an Empire it was run by an Empress
Now we're a country we're run by a..........
OK, here is Paul's statement - I asked him not to post it before we had taken a look so as not to re-open was has been settled.
I've read through it as was going to edit name so as not to be contentious but on careful reading it is positive and not belittling - I'm therefor recommending publishing in full.
It's nice and positive about our intentions as well as offering some clarity.
Hullo!
Stig's tried to make it clear on the AFRA front.
Can I pour some oil on potentially troubled waters please?
AFRA membership is for "those with a legitimate interest" - No more no less. For too long have people been obsessed with hair and accuracy and all those things which make the hobby seem aloof and elitist.
We recognised that there is a need to build a representative body..... Groups are already out there - much like CiA. The fact that CiA is airsoft is neither here nor there. The fact that CiA challenges established "norms" in "re-enactment is a key factor.
You do NOT have to be a 110% dyed in the wool practising Living Historian with a collection of jeeps, tanks and 200 original uniforms to belong. You need to have an active interest.
We DON'T CARE what you look like, how old you are, your orientation or your perceived standing or status.
I hope that's clear. Yith, Dink and Gadge - I hope that answers the main thrust of your enquiries. The other part or caveat if there is one is this - IF... and I say if, you know what is expected then it's up to YOU to make sure that is fulfilled. The hypothesis of "Sally" is as you are probably aware - moot. Would YOU bring Sally along and dress her as South Staffs? Would YOU feel comfy with Sally running around in a denison as part of your re-enactment activities? I'm not saying airsoft because that part does not concern us - we KNOW airsoft is a representation rather than a re-enactment....... I think the answer is plain isn't it? You wouldn't want Sally to appear ridiculous or to devalue what you are attempting to do... so in effect that part is self policing
AFRA is not there to dictate anything. AFRA is there to provide a foundation for YOU to determine how you develop...... As for the rules Yith quotes. Whether it be airsoft or re-enactment - Do you not agree people need to act responsibly? On a PUBLIC show then NO hand thrown pyrotechnics are generally allowed. There may be a case, covered by a relevant Risk Assessment where a grenade could be thrown into a building or bunker or trench..... but arrangements would have been made and a rehearsal undertaken beforehand...... Again the question is self answerable - would YOU point ANY weapon at a member of the public? We are not talking other participants...... And if you treat anything that fires a projectile as a toy then I feel you are irresponsible. The mind set MUST be the same when handling anything that could be classed as a weapon....... loaded or unloaded, live or inert..... Agreed?
AFRA - CiA - Why? Because both parties recognise the crossover. Both parties are sufficiently far sighted enough to take the opportunity to give it room and scope to develop. Both parties are sufficiently open and honest enough to see the prejudice and resistance need to be gently broken down. we also see that the VCR has left a certain genre of player in limbo and we have worked together to allow them to be legally included and given some degree of protection and legitimacy.
It's quite easy and does not need any huge debate really. AFRA is a passive organisation. It provides a service (several really) and it is there for just that purpose. CiA members joining swell the numbers and give weight to AFRA's attempt to become representative. There is room for all sorts of people in this hobby - and we are giving them a forum to meet within.
We already have photographers, prop makers, pyrotechnicians, traders, vehicle restorers and collectors in our ranks as well as the standard re-enactors. We have now added special interest airsofters to the ranks....... There is NO pressure to join....... If it's for you - sign on the line - if not please - do as I ask others to do - let those who want to, join and get their feedback as it progresses.
AFRA is actually very proud to have been able to include airsofters so early on. It was one of our goals as we recognised the take up and the possible direction of this...... we think we can help - so does CiA.
Thanks
Paul Dalby
Chair AFRA
Yep, it's great. Post it.
S
Fup me, Rich just can't help himself can he?
S
Idiots like him rarely can. He and Gadge go out of thir way to find fault with everything. And if they can't find a fault, then they'll make one up.
When we were a Kingdom it was run by a King
When we were an Empire it was run by an Empress
Now we're a country we're run by a..........
Helga asked if PD's post could be linked into Chomley's original post for immediate clarity on the issue, which I though was a good idea, so I've added a link at the bottom of the post you made Dave.
Hope that's alright.
Yes, I ignored her.
PD's post refers directly to what AFRA's allows, not our scheme - which is much more prescriptive than 'anyone is welcome'.
What was a press release somehow turned into a reeactors bitching thread and a stupid Q&A - I'll clean it up at some point. All that happened is airsofters said yay and reenactors said nay. 
Feck 'em.
The reenactors aren't who we were targeting anyway, as you said, they already have PLI and VCR defence.
I do think it's a good idea for everyone to see that it's transparent and that we aren't asking them to be reenactors. Paul's post is a very good one and clears up a lot of naysaying or suspicion.
S
Dump the whinging posts ! 
AFRA form adapted for our use - I'll have 50 printed off for Sat/Sun as well as our membership forms
Call me pedantic, but I think that "participation in Comrades in Arms WW2 reenactment battles", sounds a little bit more *organised* than "participation in Comrades in Arms WW2 reenactment games"
Or maybe im being a bit "Yith" over this?
When we were a Kingdom it was run by a King
When we were an Empire it was run by an Empress
Now we're a country we're run by a..........
Guy
Have people been questioning the length of time on the AFRA affiliation at all? Just wondering what prompted you to send the email.
It's only been 10 days since we took the forms.
S
Guy
Have people been questioning the length of time on the AFRA affiliation at all? Just wondering what prompted you to send the email.
It's only been 10 days since we took the forms.
S
Nobody pestering , just trying to give good service. With the bank account being a month away , I don't mind processing through a personal account instead until we can issue cheques. Theres not many and they are all old faithfulls .
Cool. You could then transfer the £5 admin to the CiA account when it's set up.
S
Cool. You could then transfer the £5 admin to the CiA account when it's set up.
S
that's the plan , when we have an account I'll write you a cheque to avoid the feckin paypal fees.
I've now set up the CiA group on AFRA which I'll run as admin. I'll sort out a private section on this forum for AFRA members that gives them access to risk assessments, insurance information, password and event links as this isn't for public consumption.
As soon as that is done then it will be time for another bit of publicity to enrol another batch of players.
Guy, could you tell me that names of players you have sent forms off for AFRA please?
Oh, and Guy, whilst you're at it could you send that list to me along with the cheque for the admin fees thus far made payable to 'Comrades in Arms'.
Ta
S
Oh, and Guy, whilst you're at it could you send that list to me along with the cheque for the admin fees thus far made payable to 'Comrades in Arms'.
Ta
S
.......Just as soon as you send me a cheque for the Bryansk expenses 
Suggest we divvy it up and work out who owes what 
Finally to confirm, cos I might have missed it...we have paid IED now yes?
I'll send it as soon as Chomley's monies have cleared into the account and I have it to pay you.
Redgarding IED, no. I originally tried to set up my personal bank account to the paypal account, which require verification. Unfortunately the verification would only allow me to set up a bank account which was in the name of Comrades in Arms as that is the name of the paypal account. I've put this in motion with the new account and it has yet to be finalised. Paypal haven't sent through the verification payments and there's nothing I can do to make it any quicker.
I've been in contact with Ed and he's ok with it all.
I thought the money was sat in payapl not the bank 
...oh well ASAP I suppose .
Right AFRA Members
DB ref Membership Number First Name Second Name CiA Forum Name Date joined Afra
17 6 Andy Kneale Steiner 02-Apr-08
19 8 Anne Quinn Barrie and Anne 02-Apr-08
20 9 Barrie Quinn Barrie and Anne 02-Apr-08
8 1 David Pratt Chomley-Warner 09-Apr-08
32 21 Richard Vaughan Lardassmonkey 09-Apr-08
29 18 Leigh Fisher Locutus 01-May-08
Webby and Oddball also filled out a form but have't sent photos or payments. So that's £30 worth of income . I'd like to take a fiver for envelopes and postage to do with the membership scheme and AFRA as well .
Net to Guy 60 -25 = £35 . TBH leave it in the accounts as carried forward income/donation . It was worht £35 just to set of the rockets
