Paul Murphy (Paul.Murphy@gemini-research.co.uk)
Mon, 29 Nov 1999 11:00:07 +0000
>Don't know who has heard yet but I just caught on he
>news that someone "naked" ran through a church in
>Thornton Heath (Near Croydon) with a Sword and has
>injured nine people.
>God Almighty! Is this what it has come to? Watch for
>the fall out over this one I feel!
>Any comments anyone, especially NAReS, EMA, etc etc?
I chair the NAReS Edged Weapons committee, so I am taking a very close
interest in this one. It will obviously generate a large amount of
press coverage, not only because a large number of people were hurt, or
because the injuries were caused by a sword, but because the guy who did
it was naked. That files the story under "madman".
As the details emerge, I will keep a track of them, and will be happy
to hear any comments from re-enactors in _any_ society who have
something to offer. If any government reaction develops, I will be
talking to both the police (through the Association of Chief Police
Officers, and also through the Home Office) to ensure that our opinion
is heard and understood.
Without having the full facts of the case, its hard to comment
specifically, but yes, it is likely that as a result of this some MP
somewhere (probably Malcolm Wicks, of Croydon North) will call for a ban
on all swords or edged weapons. This has happened before, and may
happen again, so we shouldn't panic - but we should keep it under
observation to ensure that if this is the time which does result in
legislation, we find out early.
If anything does come of this, government departments tend to work on
sliding scales, so the most likely outcome will be to ban the sale of
sharp weapons. An alternative would be to require all edged weapons to
be registered. Next, all edged weapons would require a licence, the
granting of which would require references and a check that you have no
criminal record. Next, the licence would be valid only for blunt
weapons or antiques. Finally, all edged weapons would be banned.
At the moment, we sit in comfort before any of this has become
necessary, and I would hope that this will continue. If any draft
legislation does come from this incident, you can be sure that NAReS
will be active in attempting either to oppose it, or to redirect it so
that it affects only weapons outside of re-enactment. The second part
of this is very important - if the bandwagon becomes big enough, we
cannot afford to stand in front of it holding a STOP sign.
Should it come to this, I would urge that any re-enactors and societies
who will be affected should either join NAReS or get behind any NAReS
action, as we are more likely to be listened to if we present a single,
rational face with a consistent message, but which is backed by the
basic premise that we represent a total of 40,000+ adult voters.
>Was this only a matter of time?
Yes and no - it has happened before, and may happen again. There have
been several attacks with swords in 1999, but since they mainly involve
Sikh feuds with what are termed "ceremonial" swords, they have not been
well reported.
In time, every possible accident or event which causes bad publicity
will happen. That's why we talk to the authorities beforehand, rather
than after the event.
Best Wishes,
Paul.
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Paul Murphy - Head of I.T., Gemini Research Ltd
162 Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0GH
Tel. 01223 435305 Fax. 01223 435301
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