After a 'good' night's sleep and a filling breakfast, everyone was ready for the main attraction of the weekend. A hike to the ancient Roman city of Calleva and a picnic in its amphitheatre. Map

We split into small groups, armed with maps and compasses, and headed off into the undergrowth. As can be seen by the photo, it had rained heavily the day before and many of the footpaths had turned into bogs - a serious danger when you're only 4 foot tall and not wearing waders. Luckily the fashion police were not out in the woods too.

Lunch was sandwiches although the boys chose to supplement their rations with hot drinks brewed up in the amphitheatre. Not as exciting as throwing Christians to the lions, but marginally safer.

Right: Jaimie, Jamie and Alistair watch a pot boil. Clothes by 'army surplus'.

With everybody full up it was time to recreate the Roman games, last witnessed on this site nearly 2,000 years ago. Coached by Bonnie Ambrose, each group had to produce entertainment for the others.

I'm not sure what was happening in this scene, but it seems to have a military theme and involve Steven starting a flying career which was to lead to great things in the future.

Left: James, Tim, Jamie, Adam and Alistair, carrying Steven.

Another group took on the idea of chariot racing; the waterproof clothing indicates the state of the weather, although we managed to watch each group before a downpour sent everyone hurrying back. 

Right: Caroline, Jonathan, Claire, Lee and Kate enact a scene which was to inspire the movie 'Gladiator'. Which one is Russell Crowe?