Cliveden 2008

By Steve Senior

Once again the Gods conspired against us and our fine "Autumnal" weather drove back the gallant Hellenes and their time-travelling allies.

Yes, the Cliveden mudflats and marshlands were deemed no place to contest battle, or so sayeth the Head Groundsman of the National Trust at Cliveden.

Heavy rain on Friday was the catalyst for what was to follow. The Cretan Mora made valiant efforts to make their way to Cliveden to join their Hellenic brothers, but found the Emfive pass blocked and securely held against them.
Spartan Mora from Bletchley delayed their start due to a religious festival or other, but then marched (actually I drove) full speed to Cliveden, joining forces with the Morai from Oxen, Billinghurst, London and Kendall with their new Thracian allies (welcome Chris, hope to see you again).

Mora from Essex was held in reserve pending weather reports, whilst the Mora from Coventry planned to "march" on the Saturday evening after a brief engagement at Bedford during the day.

But alas it was not to be. The grounds were more suited to the Athenian fleet than the Hellenic phalanx and, after much splishing and sploshing, the Cliveden Strategem and Polemarchos Howard  called off the whole engagement, disbanding all forces and sending them home.

Whilst some had already left others had to wait until their wagons could be moved from the soggy marshlands, a sad end to what would have been our largest force ever gathered at Cliveden.
 
So all that remains is for me to thank all those Mora who made valiant efforts, despite the foulest of weathers, and particular thanks to Stephanie who provided the much appreciated ancient Greek fayre: hot tea and banger-butties.