So, after an aborted attempt to attend the Winter Comicon at the NEC, a couple of friends in the UK Garrison pointed out that there is a long standing, inter group invitation for us to troop with them and use their changing facilities. Can our Command staff confirm this and let us know where or with whom we need to express our interest? With the Spring NEC Comicon coming up in March I thought I'd ask this now (as I'll probably forget by February) and along with trooping with some great folks, secure changing rooms beat the hell out of gearing up out of the car.

Cheers

Steve

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When the pin is pulled - Mr Grenade is NOT your friend

PFC Cliffe.S
A09/TQ2.0.62144E1

This is currently being discussed Stand by

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1

I've been chatting with Chef and we are in agreement that this is all silly with a them and us attitude and historic indifferences shouldn't be used as a justification to reflect how both parties should react with each other. I for one am for building bridges and can not see any issues, however the finer points should be ironed out so that both parties are happy with any rules and regulations that members have to abide by.

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Captain "geekmaster" Spiderpool of HMS Golden Pond. May God bless her and all who sail in her.

When I took over as the UK Garrison Aliens Armourer I sent several offers to the UKCM to join us at events, trying to build bridges and get the two groups trooping in partnership, for whatever reason this was never taken up. The past is the past and Im still happy to be the liaison between the groups and get this sorted.

No not at all, myself or whoever is appointed Liaison can post them on here, all the UKG need are a list of names for the fire register and parking passes before the event. A few people have voiced concern that "all the UKG wants to do is take over the UKCM" The UKCM is the UKCM and will remain the UKCM the UKG has no intention of taking over the UKCM just the same as it has no intention of taking over the UK Preds, Mando Mercs, Rebel Legion, R2 Owners club or any other group that is invited to troop with us. No matter what costuming group we come from we all do it for similar reasons, we all love the chosen costume to whatever extent and accuracy level we choose, that's personal choice. Im sure the command staff will be working behind the scenes on building bridges between the two groups and I hope come next year I will be seeing the UKCM trooping with the Garrison.

Whilst I do understand some fears (based on experiences) after speaking to the UKG events people and having a complete understanding of what is what I believe this could be a good thing for both clubs and Alien fandom in general

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1

It is of my understanding that the only caveats for attendance are as follows.

1: For a list of attendees to be provided.
2: The attendees arrive/depart as per the times stated by the event organiser (we are there are 'affiliates' and not punters after all).
3: They are available for the briefings (such that they are... but it covers health and safety, protocol etc)
4: They uphold the etiquette that the event organisers require.


In agreeing to these rather simple terms, the attendees get Free Entry to the events (and usually parking too), a secure private changing area and refreshments.


There is no requirement for anyone to sign up to the UKG forums.
There is no requirement for anyone to conform to the UKG standards of costuming.
There is no requirement for anyone to affiliate themselves with the UKG at the events if they should choose not to.
There is no requirement to abandon the UKCM's identity.


This was broached about 13 months ago, and the same offer was extended to the Rebel Legion (a group we've worked very closely with over a number of years), the R2 Builders (again another close club), the UK Predators and the UKCM.

All bar the UKCM took it up at the time, and have been in attendance at the major events ever since. For the most part, everyone does their own thing as and when they want.
There is some cross pollination for pictures and stuff, and I think they sometimes get involved in the 'parade' that goes on at Comic Con. But it is entirely mutual and not a requirement from either side.



What ever 'rift' or 'assumptions' (call it what you will) that exists between the UKCM and the UKG have been propagated in a time that has since long past and those involved have either long since moved on, been replaced, gotten over it or forgotten about it.
It simply doesn't exist any more.

Everyone approaches the ultimate goal of all of us, which is having a laugh in our chosen costume in their each own individual way.

The UKG approaches from the angle of 'screen accuracy' in the costume, and has a standard to facilitate that.
The UKCM approaches from the 'enjoy what you've got' angle, and does not have any prerequisites.

NEITHER approach is wrong.
Comments from either side of "if you're going to do it, you might as well make an effort and do it properly" and "Elitist Armour Nazi's" are always bound to exist. They're not helpful or conducive.
The sneering and pointed jibes from either side, whether under the pretence of 'jest' or 'banter' should be challenged because they are seated in past tensions and only preserve to continue them.

I exist in both... Is that an issue?? No. There are different approaches and I can appreciate both. I can socialise with either (and do) because there is a common denominator here... The Aliens costumes and films etc.
If people can't see that and get over what ever has gone on before, then they need to 'address those issues' with themselves.

Yes, there are people we may or may not like... There are always going to be such. It's human nature.
There is no requirement to socialise with them. It's very possible to just avoid, ignore or otherwise be civilly dismissive of those individuals at these events.
It doesn't have to be a drama.


As far as I can see, these proposals of 'joint attendance' are a win win situation. Everyone gets to turn up and drop/troop/attend for FREE!!!!

Yes, some may switch to the dark side and join up to the UKG, but just as equally many may consider the UKCM to be a more preferable option. The door swings both ways.
But without grasping the handle, no-one would ever know!

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You don't have to be pitilessly sadistic to work here.... But it helps.
http://www.chefs-creations.co.uk/shop/index.php/colonial-marine

http://www.kgbairsoft.com/wordpress

OK everyone me and James have this covered and an announcement will be forthcoming

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1

Up north we have trouped with garrison on a few occasions and always been a good day.

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Reformed Pacifist

>Everyone approaches the ultimate goal of all of us, which is having a laugh in our chosen costume in their each own individual way.

I can only second that.

In Germany it is normal that AL members,
UKCM/The Deviant Dragoons, AvP Universe Germany, Basemental Props (I miss the Space Ritter drops) ... join forces at Cons.

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Sgt. Frank Peters 'reload' Smartgun Operator
A03/TQ3.0.12136E1 "It will be no picknick!"
AL Colonial Admin. - Sergeant at Arms (SgtA) -- 2020-2022
GERCM - Executive Officer (XO)
UKCM Foreign Legion: The Deviant Dragoons

Speaking as a relative newcomer, if we could 'join forces' as it were, I think it would be good for both the Garrison and the UKCM. Standing getting changed in that freezing cold NEC carpark is not something I'd particularly fancy doing again!

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

So the fight in the car park is off now?

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AKA: Simon

Any news on this yet guys?

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

Still in the works but looking good

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1

Sounds encouraging, thanks Kris

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

Im all for biparty shenanigans

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" I'm anispeptic, frasmotic, even compunctuous to have caused you such pericombobulation."

Private
UKCM
42 rgmt, 1st Bttln,
Hadrian's Wall.

Look out for a drop notice very soon

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1