The Society of Ancients Conference was held over the weekend at the Chesford Grange Hotel, near Leamington Spa. I thought it was a terrific event combining some excellent presentations as well as some really good gaming.
The opening presentation was from Paul Innes on representing conflict in Shakespeare's plays. It contained a lot of information about Elizabethan theatres as well as new insights into several of his plays. Ian Lowell gave an excellent presentation on a Hittite manual for training chariot horses. Matt Bennett presented two excellent sessions, one on Hastings (we couldn't ignore the anniversary) and on Arsuf (next year's battleday!).
The gaming sessions included Simon MacDowall hosting a game using his Comitatus rules, Paul Innes running a mini-campaign on the battles of Phillipi (two games for the 1st battle and a final game for the 2nd battle) and Phil Steele running re-fights of Bouvines and Bosworth Field.
I presented a game using my own rules "Lap of the Gods" as well as a presentation on the concepts behind Simon Hall's new rules - Mortem et Gloriam.
Apologies to the anyone who I have missed out. I am already signing up for next year's conference which we hope to hold at the same time of the year. Details to follow shortly.
Richard Jeffrey-Cook
Thanks for starting this thread, Richard - you beat me to it! I have just put an initial report on my blog thing at:
http://caliban-somewhen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/society-of-ancients-conference.html
I've deliberately given it as an overview, because I want to write up the whole battle as an article for Slingshot, including some commentaries by the commanders on the day. I haven't had the time to read those, yet, and some others may well come in later.
Thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable event.
Paul
Definitely a success, and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. I hope to see you all next year!
I will make it next year if I possibly can
Many thanks to all who put on sessions, without you the Conference would not work.
Next year will DEFINITELY be happening. Watch out for news soon on the Forum...and book early to avoid disappointment!
Take a bow, Richard - this is to a great extent your achievement.
Not forgetting Richard ... :)
Any chance of a few photos of the participants (in context)? I would like post this around.