Cosmeston 2007

Event Report

Over three days we experienced sunburn, flood, hailstone and frost – but without exception we would all go back tomorrow.

Cosmeston has been a favourite for the society since the very first event there. Friendly, helpful, familiar and fun. We had plenty of space to create a camp, contributed (due, mainly, to the sterling efforts of Daz and Mark) to the bar running out of ‘Mead Ale’ and simply had a very good time.

The weather gods stayed with us on the Saturday and enabled the camp to be set up. They also gave us the opportunity to perfect what is clearly going to be a regular activity – ‘Shoot the Spartan’. It’s amazing how a live target with a red crest can help improve archery skills. All very safe of course and providing much needed practice for arena displays…. at least that’s the official line. Much thanks to Stephan though for becoming the main target over the weekend and hopefully he will have his shield mended for the next time we want to shoot him!

Sadly poor weather forced a cancellation of activities on the Sunday. For most of us that meant sitting around the bit tent, occasionally inviting in a rather damp member of the public to regale them with stories and tales of ancient Greece. Rumour has it that as many as 40 visited that day – but as we only saw about 24 it is still unconfirmed.

The rest of the time was spent learning new skills, making and mending kit and marvelling at the powers of Ash. Every time he moved around the tent he managed to leave a steaming stool behind him…… you had to be there!

Mark and Daz took it upon themselves to guard the bar; just to protect it from flooding it was suggested. Certainly they did their absolute best to remove as much fluid as they could from the building. All to good effect though, they managed to recruit two new members at the same time. So guess who will be given bar duty at Colchester??

All things went back to normal on the Monday and a full and busy day saw yet another development with the arena display and yet another new member, so look out 2007, the Hoplites are on the march.

A huddle of Hoplites and Scythians keeping warm

.

Flower power...