Across the water to Vectis..
Know then that by decree of the General Stuartus Bestwicus, in the seventh year of his most munificent and august reign did summon to be assembled the mighty legions of Arrow. And they did come from all parts of the country being Michael Johnsson, fair haired son of the barbarous tribes of the northern lands and Christoph Clerk who also was resident in that town of Nottingham along with the scribe Marcus Titus. And the year of their coming was MCMCIXII. Now those assembled multitudes altogether did number IV. And they did march immediately upon Vectis , being a small and insignificant island somewhat to the south.
Fact Panel
Details
Trip Date:
May 1992
Transport:
Ford Seirra Estate
Accommodation:
One Tent
Duration:
Four Days
Cost of Trip Per Person:
£90
Video:
Sony Hi8 Video Camera
Rating:
Good
Members Attending
Isle of Wight Trivia
County
Hampshire
Population:
150000
Known For:
Castles, Beaches, Thatched Cottages, The Needles, Tourism, Coloured Sand
Where is the Isle of Wight?
Day One: Friday
They arrived early on for their 4 day saturnalia and set about constructing the temporary fort to house them . In military fashion this was done in a small amount of time (yeah....right...that would be a first..) and soon it was off to the roman baths for a quick dip and play about in the very agreeable weather. It was noticeable how Marcus Titus jumped in and the water jumped out!
It was then relaxation time before we marched into the small forum of Shanklin where many flagons of ale were consumed. A short stagger back to the fort and it was crash out time.
Day One: Saturday
The next day was bright and sunny, and so an early start was made and a sojourn to the beach commenced, with Mike braving the cold water to go for a swim. The rest of us of course just lounged about on the sand building mini-forts and other roman antiquities. A walk back along the footpath and soon it was off to lunch. A full meal later and time to climb the mighty St Boniface Down which is the highest point of Vectis, being 763 cubits high. An old pillbox made a suitable look-out point. Everybody made it up there, and the view from the top was very worthwhile, for we could see over the sea a very great distance from shore.
Naturally after this strenuous exercise we needed to relax with a few goblets of therapeutic beer in the evening. Then it was on to even more drunken debauchery at a hole called the Hollies Hotel in Shanklin, where one unfortunate member of our legion had his driving licence tablets stolen. So all in all a good night then.
Day Two: Sunday
The next day was bright and sunny again, it was time for another march, this time to a theme park called Blackgang Chine, which was really for kids-so it was perfect for us. Christoph was especially interested in the talking litter bins . 'Thank you very much, my love' it uttered enthusiastically, 'I can't wait to get me snout in that trough of litter! Hours of fun for all, then!
Back at the camp later a game of footy was played and relaxation was the order of the day. Once again imbibing of ale was much practised, and very nice it was too!
Day One: Monday
The final day dawned and a chariot was commanded to take us to Alum Bay and the Needles, again the weather was kind to us. A chairlift eased the strain of climbing to the top of the cliff, with a short period of milling around afterwards. The galley back to the island was caught and then they marched back to the town of Nottingham, stopping off on the way at Stonehenge where one of the overstuffed legionnaires, Marcus Titus, temporarily got stuck under a fence . A brief visit to an ancient chalk hose at Westbury completed the whole march along with a rest at the Little Chef watering station. The legion was getting hungry and tired and deserved to quench the thirst that had built up during the day. A successful invasion, then with much fun into the bargain. There was more territory to be conquered however and a very different approach to next years operation with an invasion to the island of Anglesey in 1993 .
A successful invasion, then with much fun into the bargain. There was more territory to be conquered however and a very different approach to next years operation with an invasion to the island of Anglesey in 1993 .
