I have had time to talk to staff and the problem came from three complaints from members of the public about weapons being fired in the galleries.

I have since had a letter of complaint to this effect too.

None of my staff or security saw the incident, so I cannot tell you if it was fired, dry fired or pointed while somebody shouted bang, however, when three separate complaints are made you have to start believing the validity of the complaints.

As I have said, when approached the people in question were very obliging in taking weapons to their vehicle, the only steps security thought should be taken.

Mr C, I did not look at the NSC providing a weapons check area, as this was something I believed would be covered by the AL and UKG. Obviously I did not think that random members of the general public would come to an event with replica weapons with the current legislation crack downs.

I will have to look seriously about future weapons use at events.

Three complaints ? Damn that’s not good.

Mrs M, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen a member of the public turning up as they did. Obviously you need to make sure that you’re happy with the conduct with all those attending your event and any assistance we can give as a group will be gladly offered.

I’m not sure you need to go as far as independent checks. I guess one possibility is to state only sanctioned groups (those that have satisfactory member guidelines) are to be in costume ?

Sorry to hear there were 3 complaints

I hope this has no ill effects on sanctioned groups there.

As said previously this is why I believe an pro active implimented check system is the best way for us & anyone else.

As for none sanctioned/affiled people/groups turning up at future events,well I say Allow the costuming though a more stringent rule needs to be applied where weapons are concerned ie: Flat BAN on ALL weapons,or they have to have them checked by NSC & or Sanctioned Groups for allowing.

Maybe then having a ID Tag issued to them stating weapon safe?

Sounds draconic I know But this IS in Our best interest as well as there`s.

Jason

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What ya gonna do when I TECKNO HUG Youuuuu!!



Pvt.
STEAD,J "TECKNO VIKING"
A06/TQ1.0.22140E1

Skype: ulthur1

But then we get the problem of people coming from *insert part of the country here* to visit the show in costume with the other costumers and being told they can't participate because they're not with a sanctioned group. Sanctioning is only really possible before the event - we can't expect a lappy set up with Google running to check the IDs of the smaller/more obscure organisations!

I honestly believe that no massive changes need to be made. Vigilance and proper checks can be carried out with minimum fuss - all it needs is an additional desk at the front for recognised personnel to do full RIF checks on those who turn up, and to keep an eye on things. It wouldn't take much for a small team to rotate between shifts like any of the other events and do inspections a la airsoft sites. Further, it wouldn't take much to mark accepted RIFs - stickers, tags, anything. All of these are facilitators for an easier event, and if after the RIFs have been checked and they then act irresponsibly with them? Well, we know what to do after that.

However, if we do it for some, we must do it for all. As Scapey stated, this needs to be a universal measure.

Those seperate reports do show what we as a group and also as enthusiasts are up against. As I have mentioned before, at events such as Beltring it is commonplace to show the workings of deacts and to demonstrate, and kids will mess with toy guns irrespective of whether you tell them not to - I think this instance is an issue of background rather than of social or sensory malfunction, and all we can do is try to educate on such issues. Even-handedness is vital to the continued operation of such events, and education on all levels is the only thing that can save our hobby and that of many others.

Naturally these steps can only go so far, and in such a public place outside of arenas such as Beltring, tolerances are much lower. But perhaps by stepping in at the start of the event future incidences can be avoided.

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IT'S ALL HERE REALLY:


You will be in the public eye so at all times act appropriately and sensibly. No swearing or inappropriate suggestions or actions please. You will often be asked to pose for photos. Be obliging and polite. It’s a family event and most of the requests will be for children to have their photo with you. If necessary please crouch down to their level.

It is common practise to offer a weapon or helmet to wear for photo opportunities. If you intend to do this it is done entirely at your own risk, if they drop your pride-and-joy that’s entirely your problem and no comeback can be expected from Joe public.

No real / deactivated guns

No real knifes / blades of any nature

Any fake knifes or blades (rubber / resin) must be bonded (tied down)

Air soft / Nerf style weapons to have no batteries, gas or ammunition and magazines to be inspected before use.

Please tape or cover any vulgar language or pictures on weapons or armour.

Gun pointing: Don’t. Any real military personal have this beaten in to them at an early stage. It might be pretend but in character treat it like a real weapon. Please don’t point guns unless specifically requested to do.


IT WILL HAVE TO BE ADHERED TO MUCH MORE STRICTLY.

As far as other groups are concerned there are many variables, hopefully some sort of framework can sorted out.

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A72/TQ6.6.95356E8





"I plan to live forever.........or die trying!"

c_c; I was only meaning education for those outside our groups. Those inside should know better.

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I must say regardless of personal POV’s it’s nice to see everyone contributing so positively towards a common goal.

Carry on

As Clanger says - All that needs to be done is for the UKCM guidelines he posted to be made visible to anyone entering the event, and for all attendees... Be they part of ANY group, or merely members of the public... to adhere rigidly to those guidelines or be asked to either put their weapon away or to leave.

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MSgt, UKCM 42nd Reg., 1st Batt. : Hadrian's Wall. UKCM

Wasteland Workshop
Props, cosplay pieces, upcycled ornamentation, and miscellanea;
For the discerning survivor of the apocalypse.
Steve Fletcher : Maker, Scavenger, and Junksmith.
linktr.ee/wastelandworkshop

I don't mean to barge in on this thread however I do believe I have something to contribute.

Over here most conventions have adopted the "Peace Bonding" (or Binding) policy.

Any weapon airsoft or imitation that has moving parts (IE trigger) has a plastic zip tie bound around the trigger/grip in the fully pulled position. The zip tie must remain on for the duration of the event.

Most organizations use brightly coloured zip ties for quick and easy identification that the device is safe and has been through the inspection process- however lately I've noticed a shift to black zip ties so as not to completely detract from the overall look of the impression (which is nice of them ).

Same goes for real steel bladed weapons- they must be sheathed, and zip tied in such a way so as not to be removable from the sheath so long as the zip ties are in place.

Of course this does nothing to prevent someone acting like a jerk and pointing their weapon at the general public- but would prevent projectiles from being fired, and perhaps "dry fire" incidents.

Anyone bringing a weapon or imitation to the event must have it inspected by convention security before being allowed to mill about the convention.

Security personel also roam the convention checking weapons to ensure they have been through the inspection process.

Hope this helps.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!