All about the E.M.A.

The E.M.A. now represents medieval re-enactment societies of all types and from all periods, but where did we come from, what do we stand for now, and where are we headed in the future? So here it is, everything you ever wanted to know about the E.M.A. from how it started to how you can join.
 

The E.M.A. has always been, and still is, run by its members; a network of mutual support and experience sharing; an alliance to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

From its earliest days the E.M.A. has run events where its members could meet and fight in friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding. But as time has gone by the E.M.A. has also taken on other roles. It's provided its groups with information about legislation and liability. Often it's led the way, being one of the first to understand the liability implications of multi-group battles, and one of the first to insist on a minimum standard of protection for all combatants, regardless of the period they represent.

Its combat safety guidelines have grown over the years, aiming to allow combatants from different medieval eras and using different combat styles to fight safely, and as important, happily together. With this in mind in 2006 the E.M.A ran its first training event, designed to share knowledge about different types of weapons, combat styles, and training methods.

Over the years re-enactment groups have come and gone, but the E.M.A. still has among its members some of the most experienced Medieval re-enactors in the country; it also boasts some of the newest groups on the scene.

And, whatever the future holds, the E.M.A. will evolve and adapt. As it becomes increasingly harder for small groups to start up and survive, the E.M.A. will still be there helping its members enjoy their hobby; always run by re-enactors, for re-enactors.

First, the E.M.A. puts you in touch with other groups who have exactly the same questions and problems that your society has. How do they find insurance? What events do they enjoy going to? How do I find a good helmet for newbies? Whatever you want to know someone else will probably have asked that question before. All you have to do is register on the E.M.A. forums and start a new thread. In turn you can give your opinions, and get that warm fuzzy glow that you're helping other people.

Second, the E.M.A. is working for you. Co-ordinated through the committee, the E.M.A. is doing all those things your group would be doing if you were bigger and you had the time. We're making sure that we know all the things that you need to know and we're speaking up on your behalf.  And, when you just need a bit more support, perhaps with an event that's got out of hand, or problems that seem to big to deal with on your own, the E.M.A. can help you out with both manpower and expertise.

And finally, we can give you somewhere to be at home. The E.M.A. organises events and training weekends, where you can learn from others, but most importantly you can have fun. We've got pretty good at working out what works for everyone, so everyone can enjoy re-enactment. And when we get it wrong, you are the E.M.A., so you have a voice in putting it right again.

On the committee page you will find our Membership Secretary’s details; just contact her by e-mail or phone and a membership pack will be forwarded to you. The annual fees at the moment are £16 for societies up to 15 members, £31 for societies more than 15 member and less 40 members, and £45.00 for societies with 40 or more members. Simple as that.

The Brotherhood of the Hood, The Clan of the Dragon, The Companions of the Crow, The Cross and the Crescent, Dal Raida, Devon Medieval Combat Alliance, The Dogs of War, Escafeld Medieval Society. Gods Company of Tabor, The Gun Company, Harlech Medieval Society, Hereward Vanguard, King’s Commission of Array, Knights in Battle, Lancaster Armouries, Lords & Ladies of Staveley, The Medieval Combat Society, Milwr Morganwg, The Order of the Bloody Rose, Order of Fighting Knights, The Poor Knights of St. Dysmas, Stormbringers, Swords of Albion, Team Falchion, Teulu.

If you notice that this list needs updating, please contact the Webmaster.

So the E.M.A. would rather be involved in more events by doing what we do best, looking after and organising re-enactors. So we'd rather work with other event organisers, let them do all the boring stuff, and take the financial risk to boot, we'll make sure that the event is both safe and fun for our members.

And we'd also like to help out our members with their events; so if you're short of re-enactors, or you don't know how to fill in the risk assessment, and you're an E.M.A. member then we can help. The E.M.A. also carries its own insurance for multi-group events, so you can even work with us to turn it into an E.M.A. event.

If you think the E.M.A. can help you with an event, go across to the committee page and contact our event co-ordinator.

If you want to know what events the E.M.A. are planning, or to see what our member societies are doing this season, go to our events page.

Alternatively, you can post in the E.M.A. forums, where allsorts of E.M.A. members will be happy to help you.

If you want to contact an E.M.A. group, try looking for their website on the links page, or contact our Membership Secretary, she'll pass your details on to any of our societies so they can get in touch with you.

If you want to know more about, or need help with, the E.M.A. website, forums or on-line calendar contact our Webmaster.

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