About Membership
Though numbering just over a hundred members, Vikings! Of Middle England is a Kindred of like-minded individuals, who happily socialise with each other as would any extended family. However, Vikings! Of Middle England is also an organisation that endeavours to put on the best show possible for its clients and thus needs to be administered efficiently.
Members are arranged into Units that, like an army regiment, contain combatants and non-combatants, who could be seen as support personnel. There are Five units, Odin's Wolves, Thor's Few, Baldur's Bears, Tyr's Foxes and Sleipnir's Children (Also known as 'Horse' unit); these units compete against each other in tournaments held throughout the year and a gift is rewarded at our annual banquet. Each has their own Battle Standard and Officer who makes sure everyone is happy and acts as liaison to other group officials for show attendance etc.
Up the scale, The Thegns, are charged with the major aspects of the group; membership, shows, living history etc. Beyond the day to day running of the group that the Thegns oversee is the 'Council of Elders' who are responsible for effecting new rules or changes to rules and the tough decisions. A Battle Commander, or Stallari, is also appointed to take care of combat and anyone fighting under the groups Banner, the 'Bla Raf', or running blue fox; the Stallari also appoints training officers who marshal combat.The group leader, or Jarl is a jack of all trades and appoints his/her Thegns and the Council of Elders. The Jarl is voted in at our annual general meeting by a majority vote from the groups members.
What is it to be a member?
Throughout your time as a member, through loyalty, contribution and acquisition of kit and equipment to enhance your own 'character' and the group as a whole, members are rewarded. Twice a year, at a show, there is a promotion ceremony where members are rewarded a new rank, and a gift by the group's Jarl. It also presents a chance for the rest of the group to give each other a pat on the back, and give credit where credit is due; we feel that people should be rewarded for their services to the kindred, and we will make a big deal about it if we think someone is deserving - a real community spirit that you will probably not find anywhere else.
But, it is to be remembered that only those who have put in the effort will be rewarded; a two way relationship is a must.
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