UKAPUOur Student Rep and newsletter editor, Chris Salter, recently had an article published in computer magazine ‘Micro Mart’ which details the IT systems that UKAPU uses from day to day. If you are interested in the subject ou can view the article at http://chrissalter.me.uk/Files/Running_A_Voluntary_Organisation.pdf
On Wednesday 13th June I attended the first meeting of the Air Soft Industry Association, an organisation which wishes to become the focal point of UK airsoft. They would like UKARA, UKASGB and UKAPU to join ASIA and it would be funded by its direct members, i.e commercial bodies who wish to donate a large fixed sum to the association as membership. 2/3rds of the board would be made up of these companies and ASIA’s focus will be commercial. UKAPU is conducting a consultative process with members in the forum http://www.ukapu.org.uk/index.php?topic=639.0 so members are strongly encouraged to read the extra information available in our forum and post up their opinions. The committee will make a decision on whether to join in the coming months, but UKAPU is not committed at this stage. I am extremely keen for a tri party ‘umbrella’ body to be formed but I have strong concerns about promoting an authoritative and representative body for the whole hobby that has a substantial commercial focus.
The minutes can be viewed here Minutes 1306012 ASIA although they are rather brief and needless to say do not cover the breadth of the discussion.
Matt Furey-King
Chairman
Reports are coming in that UK postal provider Parcel Farce will no longer carry airsoft replicas. We will contact them for a first hand explanation. Players are best to avoid overseas carriers who use Parcel Force as their UK agent till we can clarify the situation.
Keep an eye on our website and forum for feedback from our Chairman from the ASIA meeting tomorrow. We have high expectations and are very interested in supporting a scheme which will benefit the airsoft hobby and airsoft players.
For those that haven’t seen it, here is an interview with our Chairman by Yosser of Airsoft Odyssey, filmed at the 5th airsoft arms fair last weekend. For those new to UKAPU, this video succinctly sums up the association. Please share with friends and help us spread awareness.
For those new members who joined us at the arms fair, welcome aboard. You will receive your membership pack soon after we verify you as a skirmisher.
We are simplifying how members can be verified when joining UKAPU. As of now, existing members are able to verify a new member by emailing membership@ukapu.org.uk instead of waiting for site owners to do so. Membership of UKAPU is open to all Airsoft players that have completed at least one walk on game in the UK at an insured site.
When emailing, please include your own UKAPU membership number.
The UKAPU forum has been updated and now looks a lot better!
Remember, if you are a full UKAPU member you can access the members only section for discussion topics and exclusive members only discounts at Airsoft sites and retailers. If you need your forum account upgraded because you are a paid up member then please view this thread on our forum http://www.ukapu.org.uk/index.php?topic=117.0
Members are reminded that the UKAPU Annual General Meeting is being held tomorrow (Saturday 19th November 2011) in Worcester. All are welcome.
For more details and full directions please view the following web page http://www.ukapu.org.uk/wordpress/?page_id=526
Last academic year, the UKAPU affiliated Loughborough University Airsoft Society won their universities best new society award. This award is given to the society that was formed in that academic year and has performed the best in various categories, including membership numbers, membership participation, finances and contribution towards the union life. Congratulations to all in LSUAS, your excellent work is paying off! http://www.lsu-airsoft.co.uk/
If any other university student unions would like to affiliate then please get in touch as it gives UKAPU a much needed numbers boost and raises the profile of the airsoft society.
The local planning committee is examining the possibility of turning the Worcester airsoft site, First and Only Asylum, into a traveller site. We suggest that all players sign this online petition which requests that they keep it in use as an airsoft site, as good sites are key to our community too.
SB798 has been defeated, but the senator involved can still modify the bill and bring it back at a later date. Congratulations to the US airsoft safety foundation for their hard work. They have released a video, you’ll notice that the concepts the representative discusses in the video ring very true in the UK as well.
http://youtu.be/v5lVeex3EUQ