The Yeomanry Volunteers

The Yeomanry Volunteers are organised along military lines, and recruit in the spirit of the original yeomanry using the many ex-forces personnel (of all types), owners of privately owned ex-military vehicles and any supporters of the TYV aims out there who feel that they still have a role to play in the defence of this country

1. Who are the Yeomanry Volunteers?

• The Yeomanry Volunteers are an ex-servicemens organisation organised along the lines of a multi-purpose military unit that also enlists owners of ex-miltary vehicles and suppoorters of its aims.
•  We recruit in the spirit of the original from individuals out there who feel that they still have a role to play in the defence of this country.
• We aim to act as a focus point to protest against the military cuts of this and previous governments and to prove their are many out there who care about the defence of this country.
• We aim to keep alive the names of all those units of the British army who have finally been disbanded by ill-advised politically motived cuts in the Armed Forces.
• We hold a yearly muster of all members.
• We support our designated military charity.
• We help to maintain the link between military & ex-military personnel.
• We campaign against every attempt by the government to cut the Armed Forces.
• We to remind the population of the UK that there are members of the public who seek genuinely care about the state of the Armed Forces even if politicians do not.

 2. What are the membership rules?

•  Membership is open to all those have some form of military experience and all others who support the aims of the TYV.
• Owners of ex-military vehicles (which have replaced the original horse requirement) who are freely giving up their time (even those with no military experience) and taking their vehicles to the muster are automatically classed as full members.

 3. Are there any restrictions on membership?

• There are no gender restrictions excepting that you should not be unduly embarrassed at being the only female in an otherwise male crew or vice versa (it will happen believe me).
• You must be capable of turning out for a four day muster each year though this is not compulsory.

 4. Are there any health requirements?

• The only health requirement is that you should have some mobility and be able to communicate. The annual fitness test involves getting from your tent to the beer tent (getting back afterwards is an option)

 5. What is the muster?

• The Muster is the occasion on which the Yeomanry Volunteers assemble with their vehicles & equipment for a period of 4 days.
• Though outwardly intended as a combined public relations exercise & vehicle show it is the main opportunity of the year for vehicle owners to meet their crews, get all the faults fixed on their vehicles, fill up with free fuel and thrash them around the training area.
• The Muster will also include a mounted parade, Smoker to end all smokers ( we will be saying that every year) and refresher training.

 6. What are the membership fees?

• There are no membership fees though you can donate towards the TYV thru a link on the web site.

7. How do I get a membership card?

• Membership packs, including cards are issued or updated at the Muster.

8. If you have need of any further information then please use the JED hotline on 08712886958 (calls cost 10p a minute (two minutes max usually) and all revenue goes towards maintaining the web site).

9. How do I register?

• Please note that you cannot register on the site - this to deter spammers/spam-bots.
• If you have not been registered automatically on the site then you can register by phoning/skyping the JED hotline on 08712886958 (calls cost 10p a minute (two minutes max usually) and all revenue goes towards maintaining the web site) or by clciking on the chat button on the front page of the web site @ http://www.theyeomanryvolunteers.org.

10. What about vehicles?

• Vehicles used by TYV fall into two categories; Privately Owned and Regimental Property.

11. What are classed as privately owned vehicles?

• These are usually owned by individuals (who in some cases have no previous military experience) and allow the use of their vehicles by members of the TYV in return for which we help them out by providing free transportation to and from the muster, a tank full of fuel to keep them going at the end of the muster and a crew who will probably pester you indefinitely to let them help you clean/service/fix it.

 12. How can I get my vehicle to the muster/show?

• We allow use of the TYV transporters to transport a vehicle to the muster if a private owner requests it. For all other shows a fuel charge is made.

 13. My vehicle has a major/minor fault?

• Those privately owned vehicles which have mechanical problems beyond the abilities of their owners and are not garaged at the TYV site can be repaired at the muster, a slot may be booked on the workshop timetable or you can book a visit from a WWG to your own location.

 14, Do you have vehicle storage I can use?

• Private vehicles can be stored at the TYV site at no charge where they have their own hanger, secure store and accommodation (for those long weekends changing tracks, hiding from the wife etc). You will also have access to the facilities like the workshop, paint bay. driver training area etc.

15. Do vehicles have to be in good condition to use the TYV storage?

• There are no restrictions on the state of a privately owned vehicle and they are allowed even if they fall into the 'needs restoring' category though regular progress would need to be shown with regard to the vehicles restoration as the bays are not to be used as a dumping ground..

16. What are Regimental Property vehicles?

• These are donated to or purchased by the TYV and are maintained by the permanent staff with a little help from the allotted crews though their is no compulsion for the allotted crews to attend any maintenance weekends or compulsory free drink smokers afterwards :)

17. Is a placing in the TYV a full time job?

• No it mostly consists of turning up at the Muster and looking magnificent in the hatch of a vehicle.

18. Are there paid jobs?

• A limited number but a lot of work is done by members who take upon themselves to spend a few hours each week organising some aspect of the TYV.

19. How much does membership cost?

• Nothing - We consider that times are hard enough for veterans/ex-service personnel so there is no charge not now not ever. Even meals at the muster are free as well as a certain amount of drink.

20. Do we have to wear uniform?

• Basic uniform is provided free and can be collected at the Muster. It is a pair of dark blue coveralls. At your own cost you have to get a TYV brassard, your own beret/badge boots etc.

21. How can I help out?

• In any number of ways - look on the web site and join one of the committee groups.

22. How many members are there?

• Never enough - recruit your friends as members or supporters. DO IT NOW!

23. Do I need to own a vehicle?

• No - there are plenty of vacancies for crew.

24. I hear you have to be in good physical condition to be a member?

• NO! Anyone can join no matter what physical condition they are in. We have limbless ex-service personnel and go out of our way to ensure they can attend.

24. How can I get to the muster as I have no transport?

• No problem - at the moment we are working on a pickup system. More details on the web site.

25. Do I have to help out the owner of the vehicle I am crewing on?

• No but bear in mind that the best turned out vehicle at the Muster earns the crew a share of the cash prize.

26. Do I have to repaint my vehicle in TYV colours.

• Good grief no! At the muster each private vehicle will be issued cam panels and a magnetic callsign board for use during the muster.

Register on the site here