A Bear Update So Far

Well it really has been quite some time since I left a blog. Its been a very busy time of late what with our march through the foire de Sens (festival in our twin town in France) which gave us all loads of drill practice, about 8 miles a day of drill practice but of course this was somewhat sweetened by the spontaneous applause and copious offerings of wine and beer tasting. Long live chateau nuf du pap, don’t blame my spelling here I defy anyone to be able to still read any language let alone french after all that. Our French hosts were fab and we were very proud to represent our city at this event. It must of course also be said that the Chester international Links association played a very large role in looking after us as an addition to there own significant workload. The fantastic Jones Coaches from Macclesfield of course were once again our elected transport to the legion. This time time Gary the owner was left with the kids while his lovly wife Karen took the helm and when not driving played her Ukelele accompanied by the horn player theo and his whitty ditties. Some of the accompanying councillors were even heard singing along.

Now that Chester is officially Chester West And Chester and we are its very own Roman military display team. We are very happy to finally be recognised as the the CWAC Legion.

With our new pythoness label we duly headed out to the Bath house at Prestatyn to lead the Walking festival up the hill (a big one) to see a huge bronze helmet sunken half way in the side of the mountain in recognition of the starting point of Watts Dyke trail. It rained of course an I left me helmet on the bus.
Minerva and her shrine received us once again with open hearts and this year some giants as well. The Ship inn was most hospitable so I bought the lads a round of beer for a good days celebration. The interest rates for the round were very reasonable and I should clear the debt before retirement.

Bear Training
This year I was determined to get the bear working so if a jobs worth doing you have to do it yourself sometimes. Being considerably shorter than the person who the costume was made for has greatly helped. This lack of height allows me to be able to fall down on all fours and bend, this being critical to persuade an audience that it might just be real. The first outing was in a school in the North west were a suitable student was hand picked by the old crow to fight the beast. As I appeared in a flurry through the curtains, the kids went wild and our great warrior applied reverse gear faced by a very sweaty smelly centurio in a bear costume complete with snarling teeth. After several reversing foot manoeuvrings Conix stepped in with some friendly encouragement “get him or you will have to fight me” this was decision made fight a bear or conix? He chose the Bear, throwing down his weapon he hurled himself around my neck and wrestled me to the floor what a star.
Stage two
now convinced the bear costume is convincing lets get the areana games underway. We decided to keep it a big secret from the audience other than the background bear sounds curtesy of i tunes cause i only growl like that when I have had little sleep and no coffee. I would add here a big thanks for all the encouragement from the boys, that the when walking on all fours it looked great. Cheers lads you bloody liars. Just proving that telling the boss its all fine when its not is called sucking up. In fact I looked like a Bear with an arthritic and or broken spine dragging my legs behind. The heat in that costume is unbelievable and more than 15 mins at a time is nearly intolerable.
The day of the games we finally figured out the biggest problem of getting it on stage within the scenario being presented. I wont tell you here cause i dont want to spoil the surprise for you. check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgSRMC-60JA on you tube though for an interesting bear training clip. In the next few days you should be able to see the Bear in action at the same devavictrix location on the tube.

Being a Bear has been one of the most difficult things I have had to do but what a laugh and the audience loved it too especially the shocking gutting of two captured warriors and the little girl dragged out to face the bear with a spear. Will she die ? you will, have to watch and find out.

Finally though I would like to say here that the support we have recieved in Chester to put on these games which attracted more than 1500 people on the Saturday and a furth 700 on the Sunday in torrential rain, could not have gone ahead this year without the backing and partnership of Chester Museum Archaeological team and the financial assistance of David Pickering. Your support is more gratefully received than you will ever know. In fact without this support and encouragement Roman history displays would be none existant.

If you missed he games than why not come and see the music dance and death at Beeston castle, Cheshire on the 8th and 9th August. Thanks to all those we attenbded this year and to the Legio VIII Augusta, Legio XX coh Hibernia and the Ya Raqs dance team you were awesome. Its always good to work with professionals especially in severe weather.

Aftermath

Rome is far behind now and seems as if only a shadow of a memory. Except of course of those who’s support enabled it all to happen. Time now to turn our thoughts to a busy season for events and city tours. On top of this like most small businesses and organisations we are constantly fighting for recognition and improved profile, and developing the next big thing. I am very pleased to see this site now being picked up by some of our other partners in attempting to improve the visitor experience and economy of Chester and the region. Posts from others who stand the same fight against the beauocracy goes quite some way to support the fact that Chester is in dire need of significant improvements.

I have had some criticism for allowing such negative comments about the amphitheatre. I believe that if the site was better presented and managed there would be nothing to write. Tourism in this city will not survive on its “prestige shopping” and black and white buildings. Especially as the economy takes a down turn. NWDA invest a fortune in public money to promote and develop our visitor economy. A top heavy system which probably costs in administration than the amount that finally reaches the intended destination.

I speak to many people and businesses in the city and I would say that the current moral and optimism is very low. If you’re an hotelier, caterer, restaurant, stately home / country house then the system is your friend. If you’re a small attraction or tour guide then you will fall between the cracks at the moment. Don’t believe me then check out the categories currently available for awards on the CATS (Chester Awards for Tourism skills) and even the Chester and Cheshire awards. You will find no categories for our excellent city guides (blue badge, Green badge), street entertainers, visitor experiences or indeed nothing that recognises those of us who actually meet more tourists than any single hotel or restaurant. Visitors need more than a good hotel and expensive shopping. These awards also have to be applied for which requires the nominee to basically sing their own praises. Maybe I am naive but I think that the Tourism department and marketeers should have there fingers on the pulse of the region and know who is being effective. In past years those people who are paid (well) to promote our tourism etc. have them selves been winners of these awards which for me, blows all the integrity. How can those who establish and manage the awards honestly win them?

Perhaps we should look at the examples of other more effectively promoted tourist cities like York with their raft of merit based awards for guides, street entertainers, and quality visitor experiences. Along side the Hotels, restaurants, Chefs and large scale exhibits.

Surely the tourism of any city requires a fully integrated approach of all these business and experiences, each must feel valued, respected and supported. It should be result lead. Marketing positions should be result based (you’re only as good as your next sale) Clever people can write reports and the politicians can spin and sell it but reality is evident to those of us with the smallest voice. Who’s very survival is dependent on strong tourism economy.

Ocratii

Once More unto the Breach

Chester’s best kept secret the Shrine of Minerva at Edgar’s field, was recently the focus of our attention. A good two day presentation of how the Romans may have celebrated Minerva the third most important Deity in the Roman Pantheon. My thanks go to those of our group who stood shoulder to shoulder in challenging weather condition to man the camp and hold the all night vigil on both nights. As a group I have to say I was a little disappointed in the support of the overnight requirement. We still have some way to go it seems to reach our preached Frater ships. Also thanks to those demonstrating the religion it was a huge amount of work well presented did you see the silly hat. Ya Raq’s dancers though frozen gave a brilliant display of how a woman can wiggle with practise,(got my vote). The support of the Grosvenor Museum providing Jim the fab but mad potter was great. Our thoughts to Echeniron who couldn’t make it due to his wife’s health. We missed you. The weather was so threatening that Minerva’s owl didn’t make the second day but my offering of wine for good weather won her over it seems despite BBC weather forecast.

The amphitheatre excavations have now been covered over. Returned to the original slight slopping bank. Grading has been attempted with what can only be described as a disastrous choice of material. The levelling and finishing of which was obviously done by a blind man in a latex JCB. The very popular walk way has of course been closed which is to be expected as it makes no sense what so ever and was the only way to measure the footfall for the arena.

The good points are that the local youth problem, who home themselves at the arena. Now have a new game! Throw stones at Dee house window; at least they are not getting bored with just littering and abusive language. ( If we gave them grenades they could demolish DEE House for us). How do they afford those mobile phones and drugs? Oh yes parent pocket control “here is some money sod off; be someone else’s problem.” Said the reasonably well off parent to the inconvenient adolescence offspring.

We dont have to trudge all the way around the arena to gain access. Now we need only employ our all-terrain Roman sandals to reach the inner sanctum in half the distance.

This is achieved of course via the once condemned but now miraculously self fixed wooden stairs. To think our proposition to sand cover the arena and improve its presentation and possibilities was denied. I suppose it would tarnish the lovely glitter from the million tiny shards, of glass and the landscaping of newly smashed ancient masonry.

Unfortunately for the public our planned gladiator shows will not be able to go ahead this year due to the state of the arena which will be a great disappointment. Unless of course something is done to change the current situation.

Having said all this my most sincere sympathy goes out to those in the council, whom I have had many conversations with re this and other situations. Each one is dedicated and very hard working. They need to be really as they are doing what they can with zero funding always a tricky one that. Your in the Front line receiving heavy fire, got all the weapons you need; just no bloody ammo “Medic, Medic”. In fact funding is so non existent that when we put the Minerva shrine weekend on (at our expense) we couldn’t even get the city to hire us a toilet. The local pub closest of course was as unhelpful as they possibly could be. Despite the increased trade from our event. Toilet use for performers was denied.

Thank God then to the fabulous Friends of Edgar’s field without whom we would have literally been in the ****. Though I am sure the DEE could have coped.

Watch this space as we March forward towards Archaeological weekend a free show for the public provided by the Friendliest most approachable team of archaeologists I have ever met. Lots to see lots to do. We will be out in force doing what we can with what we got even promise to smile. Once more unto the breach dear friends once more or block up the gates with the quango dead.

Centurio Gittus

Germania Victor

As we cross the alps finnaly I have a moment to reflect. Since departing Chester for me it has been full-on. I am overwelmed by the solid professionalism of our team. From the excellant drivers to the water carrying children. All have been where they are supposed to be before time. This has helped to present a very slick appearance.
Lorrach welcomed us with open hearts. it seems that you need to travel too really undestand Hospitality. The 5 Kilometer march into town was escorted by three policemen and a town official. THis under an atmosphere of two sided pride. Us representing Chester and they presenting their town to us and us to there town.

After all the official bits we spent our 3 hours of freetime in the town centre interacting with The locals in a very german way? Then the 4 kilometer march to the next appearance. The down side was missing a call in to dee 106 due to functions. Sorry mike.

Our thanks to lorrach can not be overdone we felt as if we belonged.
My thanks to our team for high spirts and quality ambassador ship. And a lament for sore feet.

Centurio Ocratius Maximus

Head Banging

Well what a couple of days!  certainly rivals the Big Max without the smiles.  We are ten days to go and still £950.00 away from covering our costs.  Though that is the least of our woe’s  its hard to comprehend that this close to departure we still have a fluctuating  passenger/attendee’s list.  Some dropping out due to the costs that we need to charge the team for taking part. Others though well informed of costs and criteria dropping bombshells at the last minute.  The manipulation by various players in the Chester PLC scene who have pushed for a place and when you move the world to do for them they pull the rug out aaAAAArrrggghhh.  I suppose though my biggest disapointment to-date is the dwaning comprehension that the regional tourism industry’s promotion machine is (at least for us} not very evident on the ground.  Perhaps my expectation were to high.  I had thought that haveing the various professional bodies behind us?  would provide great marketing and raise the profile amongst the tourism and business community and members.  Yet still I find that most when contacted for support are unaware, have not a clue what we are doing

So many people have offered ther support verbally and spoken with vigour about our cause.  Not all have however grasped, that if you dont put in you dont deserve to take out.  Those that have helped us, we are very grateful to for the vision, forsight and courage your support has shown.  You know if every person in Chester gave just 10p we would have enough funds to do this and much more.

Though you would not be aware over the last 4 weeks we have as a body of  volunteers logged more than  £5200.00 of man ours based on minimum wage organising, planning, fixing, repairing equipment, creating equipment.  Attending press calls and presentations, training etc etc all this time has been done by what I call the faithful crew the unsung heroes, they know who they are and they dont do this for reward.  But you know a little encouragement would help, a little recognition of the efforts of these people on behalf of our  beautiful city.  A very wonderful lady said to me once as I struggled to understand to evident apathy around us  “Chester is as a beautiful old lady, who feels she needs doing nothing but sit back and be admired” Jackie Leech.  And sadly she was it seems right.

Ocratius Gittus

Lean in to the hill

Today we were given the pleasure of pitching our funding deficit to the big business breakfast at Chester race course.  Many thanks to the ever supportive James from Auctus and Paul Daniels from the Best of Chester.

Those businesses in attendance received our request and some have already responded with donations towards our costs.  The summit of our funding hill is visible but we cant plant our flag yet.  Small streams become rivers apparently but a watched kettle never boils. The whole thing was filmed by our ever present university student film crew who are producing a blow by blow documentary on our exploits and attempts to enthuse the region to its home grown Roman’s and heritage and its need of support.
Today also saw a rather productive meeting with Gerald Tattum, Alison Kelly and David Serjuip from Chester City council tourism and marketing.  Lots of good ideas and offers of  direct contact with potential funders.  Help with the press releases and joined up thinking as we try to get momentum behind the last two weeks.  Watch this space?  no final news from Granada T.V with respect to filming our training session on the 4th April between 6pm and 7pm.  But a decision is hopefully imminent.  North west tonight may also turn up for this which will be great especially if it helps to gain that last £1150.00 of support.  Big thanks to the Chronicle for another great feature.

I would like to add here that we have recieved some great words of encouragement and support from many  businesses and especially individuals.  I am quite humbled when an individual approaches  me sticks £20.00 in my pocket with the words ” I think what your trying to do is great keep going.  Please accept this as my personal contribution and encouragement”.  So a big thank you to those people who have given, when some businesses  who would benefit from an increase in visitor numbers have declined.  It is for all those who are lining up behind us that I say we will lean into the hill, its a grind.  If we cant climb it we will wear it down.  Thanks jackie we know your with us.

Ocratius maximus gittus

Centurio Leg XX v.v  Deva Victrix

Progress So Far

Well we have to date recieved  fabulous support from lots of different parties in Chester’s business and tourism community.  Its two weeks to go and we still need to find £1500.00.  To think that if each business in the city centre had been willing to contribute just £10.00 then we would already have succeded.  Tomorrow we present to the big business breakfast in the hope to encourage a few more contributions to close the gap on our funding needs.  Lets hope there in a generous mood eh!  It still surprises me what a big difference even the smallest contributions add up to.

The team have all worked really hard for this trip giving up there time and hard earned cash to take part in this amazing opportunity to celebrate Chester’s unique Roman heritage.   Some people have very annoyingly suggested that this is a bit of a jolly.  so lets just outline to the reader what they are doing for this.  Lets start with many hours of work creating, improving and adding to what would normally be sufficient equipment.  Time given to present media oppertunity’s with journalist and film crews.  Hours of organisation. Days of training,  A day given to presenting before the lord Mayor and people of Chester on the 13th April at 2pm.   Then when we leave on our promotion of Chester trip at around 1am on the 17th April, its a straight drive to lorrach our twin town arriving around 6pm on the same day.  Time for bed then a 7.30am wake up before donning 65lb of armour and a 4km march into the town to present to the Mayor.  Then the march back before tea.  Next day 6am departure for Rome (12hr drive)  then to bed with a 7.30 wake up.  9.30 am muster at the circus maximus a pre parade 1.5km march past the palatine followed by the big procession (7.5km)  then back for dinner and bed.   Oh yes here’s were the holiday starts we get a day of on the 21st.  7am start on the 22nd april as we head for home via Lorrach our twin town.  23rd earley start on the way back to Chester.  I forgot to mention even if we succeed with our required amount of sponsorship those takeing part still have to pay a contribution for coach,  all their accommodation and food costs.

I thought it usefull to use this space just to educate the very small minority of critics.  Yes we are enthusiast, yes we are passionate about the promotion of the heritage of Chester.  Chester is our base its a beautiful city and we would love to see it have the success it deserves.  More visitors will come to Chester, but only when we promote our successes our uniqeness.  Chester is a heritage city and the only city I have heard of were you can see full and authentically dressed romans all year round.  We are supporting the commercial and tourism interests of Chester its a shame thats not more readily encouraged.

Ocratius Maximus Gittus Cen Dec Pil Pos LEG XX v.v

aka Paul Harston