Tournée is a small, friendly society which aims to have fun while presenting a realistic vision of our period. If you share our interest, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Membership of Tournée is open to all, and we're happy to provide assistance to get you started.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and we've all been there, so we understand that it can be a bit daunting. You've seen the finished product, and hopefully been inpressed, but that can mean that there seems to be a huge gap between what you know and have now, and what seems to be required to participate. However, it is never as huge as it may seem, and there's plenty of help along the way, so here are a few pointers to help you decide whether membership of Tournée is for you:
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Combat - we have over 250 years of experience in re-enactment combat between us, and several of our members have extensive experience in training others. With a reasonable level of fitness, just about anyone can be taught to take part in our combat displays - safety is our main concern, but as with any contact sport, occasional injuries have to be expected, and although it is unlikely, these could be serious.
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Archery - we have two members with formal archery teaching qualifications, and several others who are happy to teach new members.
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Other roles - Tournée wishes to portray the full range of activities and people at a Tournament, and so there are few restrictions on what you can do during an event. Squires, musicians, craftspeople and others are very welcome, and if there is an aspect of the period which interests you but we're not currently showing it, we'd happily help you to develop this.
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Clothing and Equipment - you will be expected to make or acquire your own clothing, weapons, and camp equipment. We have a limited quantity available for new members to borrow, and we would strongly advise anyone considering membership to talk to us and come along to an event before buying or making anything, as it is better not to spend your money on something which doesn't meet our requirements, and which can't then be resold easily. Basic kit can be made for under £100, but if you are determined to portray a high ranking knight, it will probably take you several years to build the kit you need, and several thousand pounds will disappear in the process.
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The Process - if you are keen to join us, please contact us and we'll answer any questions you have and put you in touch with someone who can assist you. You will then be invited along to one of our events as a guest, so that you can see from the inside how we operate, and we can get to know you and have a chance to gauge how you will fit in to the society. We then operate an "esquire" system, where prospective members will initially by esquired to an experienced current member. Unlike the 14th Century, where you would be expected to polish armour, carry heavy loads and generally be a dogsbody, our esquiring system is merely to provide you with a mentor who can advise you, answer your questions, and provide whatever training and assistance you may need to ensure that you are ready for our events, and can get the most out of them. It is expected that new members will be esquired for at least one year before being offered full membership, which is dependent on having achieved the required standard.
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Membership restrictions - we try to have as few restrictions as possible, but we regret that we cannot accept membership applications from anyone under the age of 18 unless a parent or guardian is also applying for membership and will be present at all events at which their children attend. Also, where you have a medical condition which could reasonably be considered to have an impact on your ability to safely take part in our combat displays, we require this to be disclosed to us so that we can assess the risks and take appropriate precautions, which may include restricting your activities.