Colchester 2007

Zeus was clearly trying to remind us of his power and presence over the weekend, but in a strange sort of way he was also on our side. Whilst most of the UK started to float under the storms, he gave us a pretty wet Saturday and hit us with thunderbolts as soon as we took to the arena, but he allowed some clear spots as well and the Sunday was glorious.

One really big change this year was that we didn't have to stand on parade whilst the massed bands played the 1812 Overture - bliss. However, they substituted Bohemian Rhapsody instead! For those able to watch, the Swiss Mercenaries strumming along with their air guitars which, fortuitously, they had taken with them, was a sight to behold in itself...

Using archers against a phalanx of hoplites remains one of the best ways to keep everyone in their place, but it seems that accuracy is starting to suffer a little. Clearly more practice is required and so 'shoot the spartan' might well be resurected at Odyssey and at Clivedon... beware Spartans, your time is nigh!

We had three new members with us over the weekend and another five enquiries for membership whilst there. If the current trend for applicatons continues the Association could double its size by Christmas. Imagine.

Following on from last year, after each final parade was a reenactors' salute, and for many of us it was the first opportunity to see our fellow reenactors up close. The reenacting community has a great deal of respect for its fellow participants and it is nice, on occasion, to be able to show it. Slightly embarrasing, perhaps, but heartfelt and not without a sense of pride. Since the old days of Kirby Hall this has rarely been seen but long may it stay a feature of Colchester when the event recommences in 2009.