Despite common misconceptions to the contrary, Modern Victorianism is not merely about defending the Empire and its interests against a veritable sea of foes; although this is a vitally important aspect of all that we do and provides the impetus for all those other things that form the non-martial core of Modern Victorianism. Indeed, Modern Victorianism is about making a life-style choice, where the gentler arts of conversation, fine dining, and strolls in the parks and gardens of the fair cities and towns of the Dominion are equally important - either in uniform or something approaching period dress is de rigueur. After all, Gentlemen in Dress Reds and Ladies in their day or evening wear are certain to add an important element to any event they should happen across and serve to remind the civilian public that there are other ways to garb oneself than those dictated by the current bizarre whims of fashion.
Taking a Lady's arm for a stroll amidst the wildfowl and other savage beasts, or the more exotic blooms, is as important to the survival of the Empire as being willing to lay down one's life for obscure causes against terrible odds with minimal support, or taking tea at oddly inappropriate moments. As, too, is being able to make formal toasts whilst dining in public places, speak knowledgeably about a broad range of topics, and thundering out "God Save the Queen" and "The Soldiers of the Queen" at the appropriate points during your meal. Why in many ways, these fine points of the social whirl are often what seperates us from the very beasts themselves.
There are many events that go to make up the social calendar of the Fifth Waikato Dragoons, including Messes, Banquets, picnics, cinematographic evenings, dining out, zoo hunts, wogsbury cricket, museum visits, and any other jolly fine excuse to undertake an excursion whilst making a public spectacle of oneself. As the Gentle Reader may have noticed, many of these events mysteriously seem to include food and the appreciation thereof.
Social Functions are an excellent place for the inquisitive to make their first tentative exploratory venture into Modern Victorianism, without the added encumberance of paper-sword, ravening hordes of the foe or healing potions and powders. However, these social occasions are not the central core of what Modern Victoiranism is all about. that coveted role is reserved for the glory that is Pacifist Battling, most especially against hugely overwhelming odds!