Frequently Asked Questions

Our practice sessions are usually held at two venues: * On Tuesdays from 6:00pm til 7:30pm, a number of locations in the Kingswood/Hanham area * September to March - On Saturdays from 9:30am til 12:00pm , usually in the Keynsham area

Our season usually starts in April, and ends in the following March - there are so many fun things to learn that the earlier we get to meet you the better. Of course, if you want to check us out at other times of the year then let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you!

Our starting age is usually 5 years of age (Year 1 at school).

All of our sessions are structured to include a warm up and stretch, skills coaching (new skills and refresher sessions) and a chance for the children to practice and improvise with what they have been taught. The environment is relaxed and fun, but at the same time challenging and full of practical experiences. We firmly believe this is the way that children can best enjoy their winterguard experience.

Comfortable stretchy clothes are a necessity. Children don't need to wear a particular style or colour of clothing unless requesed by the staff team. For our Saturday sessions we encourage members to wear all-black clothing as this helps the staff team to develop the show design most effectively.

Each child will be 'kitted out' with the required winterguard equipment - a flag, a rifle/sabre and a flag bag - which they can take home to practice with! These should be brought back to each session. They should also bring a bottle of water or a still sports drink and a small snack.

Trialists: * First session is totally free of charge * Subsequent sessions are approx £5 per week, depending on length of term, payable by bank transfer * There is no additional joining fee Full members: * The fees from April to July are approx £5 per week, depending on length of term, payable by bank transfer * Fees during our Autumn and Winter terms (from September to March) are payable monthly, £35 per month

For trialists, the fees are payable at each session (either in cash or preferrably by bank transfer). For full members, the fees can be paid in cash, by bank transfer or preferrably by standing order. The fees should be paid by the end of the period in which they are due. Contact the staff team for banking details.

Ordinarily you will not be asked to pay any additional fees to take part in our activity - tuition, equipment hire, uniforms and some other treats along the way are all included in our standard fees. During the winter competition season, members and parents can travel on our organised transport to and from each event. If you would like to travel with us we typically charge £10-£15 per person for each event. Any special 'camp weekends' may incur an extra charge to cover costs (you will be given plenty of notice). Imperial merchandise (tshirts, jackets etc) may also be available and will be charged as required as an extra.

All of our volunteer staff team have been involved with the Winterguard activity for many years and have been directly involved with Imperial since we began in 2015. The team includes British Champions, European Champions, International Champions and even a World Champion - we are very lucky!

We are always grateful for offers of help to keep the Imperial team running. If you have a skill that might benefit our group and want to pitch in, let the staff team know. But if you don't, that's okay too. However we ask that all parents: * get their child to our sessions on time, in the correct clothing and with all of their equipment * pick them up on time at the end of each session * keep on top of fee payments * encourage their child to practice at home

Parents don't need to stay in our practice room throughout the sessions. Our staff encourage the children to develop their skills, friendships and independence - this is not always easy if they are also keeping an eye on mum or dad!

All of our sessions are protected by our personal accident and public liability insurance.