"The candidate is confronted by members of the occult group wearing a special costume; he is blindfolded; he is led by the arm along a rough and difficult route; he is taken into a specially designed chamber with no windows; he is brought into the presence of a 'master'; he is given a test and made to answer questions; he is shown a variety of symbols designed to remind him of death; the situation suggests he may not survive the ordeal; he is given ritual food or drink; he is blindfolded again and led outside."

Dr. Jacques Vallee, Dimensions: A Casebook of Alien Contact (1988)

After two years in alien surroundings, Reactor’s Martinmas celebrations returned home to the Towers in Nottingham. Members past and present gathered together to carry new candidates across the threshold of the chamber. Once inside, time flew by and spirits were high as we trod the new season’s wine, gracefully leapt over the donkey’s frame and sang loudly to our new lampion. Keeping with tradition, despite a strong wind, the troupe braved the inclement weather to wish the merry folk of the Nottingham a very “Happy Martinmas!”

Exuberant though the festivities may have seemed, Reactor's Martinmas celebrations always contain an aspect of great and solemn seriousness.

In the 4th century AD, the Bishop St. Martin was walking to Rome on a pilgrimage. He encountered Satan and was mocked by him. As punishment St. Martin turned the devil into a donkey and rode the lazy beast for the remainder of his journey. The Donkey cursed him and spoke in palindromes.

Because of this significant encounter, Reactor chose this date as the most appropriate for the interviewing of potential new group members and for their initiation into the most honoured role of Secret Member – a role that is theirs for exactly one year, until the wheel turns once more to Martinmas.

Reactor can now reveal that, for the fourth year in a row, despite unprecedented enquiry none of the applicants who presented themselves for initiation on November 11th 2009 filled the gap, and so the chair of the Secret Member remained empty during 2009/10. Now, this year's prospective initiates have stepped forward and decisions have been taken.

Reactor sincerely encourages those who feel ready to take on the role of Secret Member, to step forward urgently and present themselves for the Martinmas Interviews. There is an opening at the heart of the group that awaits the correct initiate, and Reactor is ready to guide you through the preparations.

“If the geese at Martin’s Day stand on ice, they will walk in mud at Christmas"