Cosmeston 2010

By Ashley Holt

Cosmeston 2010 lived up to its reputation of being in its very own climatic zone. Light rain on Saturday morning, but sunburnt pates for those with little hair on top by the evening.

The HA should have a new motto: first in, last out, as the advance guard arrived early to stake their claim on space, and were the last reenactors to leave on Monday as the tents took longer to crash than expected. Great team work meant that all were packed and everyone ready for a welcome meal at the Harvester to round off a brilliant show.

Each year our camp gets bigger and bigger, this year sporting six tents ranging from Jeff’s one-man model to the new Association beast – it is big! The training meetings have paid off and having much of the canvas painted has added to the impact we have, although there’s still more to do. It was interesting to hear the comments of the traders and other reenactors who watched our tents going up – “Bigger, better and brighter each year,” was one, “always something new,” was another.

Steve’s wagon marked the beginning of the camp, and although we hadn’t planned how to make use of it, it added a new dimension. With the almost finished paint job on the command tent as a backdrop, it did look good.
We also welcomed a new member, Alan, who we have seen before at Detling fighting with La Columna in the Spanish Civil War. Hope you enjoyed playing with men in dresses.

Andy deserves a special mention. His portrayal of a plague-stricken warrior was so accurate that many of us doubted that he was acting. His few appearances were limited to journeys between tent and toilets, but his company was appreciated. Hope you’re feeling better now!

Saturday evening saw a communal BBQ, which was most welcome following the work of erecting the tents, and then the famous Cosmeston Beer Hall was the venue for most of us for the evening. Ian and Janine were present to keep us hydrated as usual.

Sunday started as an idyllic day, although a gentle breeze did pick up. We mustered 16 members ranging from hoplites to Persians, Scythians to civilians plus a rampant war rabbit, Fraser, who had his own pen to keep the public safe. A mix of the familiar old faces and new ones made for a great atmosphere.

The ever-popular ‘Who has the highest hemline?’ contest was a close run thing between Ash, Ian and Tam, but Ian’s daring manoeuvre as he performed a defence against cavalry sealed the deal, stunning the unsuspecting public into silence.

Sunday’s arena show was rather short in an attempt to avoid being too wordy, but by Monday the hiccoughs were sorted out and we delivered a full half-hour that went down very well. Indeed, our hopites even saw a visitation of Athena walking across the battle field as they prepared to defend their city-states! Elaine demonstrated a little-known technique of throwing your arrow at the advancing hoplite – unlikely to catch on I feel.

The Kiddie drill has always been frightening, but in a small space was even more so. As always, the parents were appreciative and the children died spectacularly. Good fun for all!

Cliff, Sarah and Jax held the public enthralled on both days with their ‘debate’ (we’ll be diplomatic here) between a laconic Spartan and our very own Athenian ‘It-girl’ hetaira, Jax, over the relative merits of male verses female and Athenian life verses Spartan. It was unanimously agreed that the Pythagorus cup was most appreciated by Cliff, with the public a close second.

We had much interest from the public with game playing, sessions trying armour on and unending questions. I think our approach is summed up by one of the organisers, who told us that we wouldn’t see them this weekend as we knew what we were doing and did such a good job that they could leave us alone and concentrate on the groups that did need a little ‘support’.

The finish of the Bank holiday weekend saw us all tired, grubby and in good cheer, planning for the next show. Thank you to all present for a great turnout.

See you at Detling!