Vol. XV, no. xii, December 2005

BETHLEHEM

       We are in the midst of the Walk Through Bethlehem, with two nights down and three to go as of this writing.  Turnout has been good so far, both Roman and public, and everyone seems to be enjoying the show.

       Roger and Ray report very favorably about the Bethlehem show at Parkwood Baptist Church.  Naturally the hosts were thrilled to have authentic Romans, and everyone enjoyed the interaction.  This may very well become another regular event for us, though we're going to need a little more manpower if we're going to participate in this show as well as the Adventist event AND the Bethlehem Marketplace at St. Luke's Church!
 

EVENT

       Plenty of notice for this one!  The Legion has been invited to set up camp at the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League State Convention on May 20, 2006.  This will be held at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA, and it is a one-day event.  Since this is roughly a 4-hour drive from the DC area, they are providing dormitory space for us for Friday and Saturday nights, if necessary.   That way we could easily be set up by 9 AM when the program starts.  This convention is attended by over 600 high school Latin students, all of whom will naturally be more interested in Classical history and more motivated than the average high school audience.  So it should be a very rewarding event.  More details as the event approaches.
 

STUFF

       Let's see, what new toys do we all have?  Ray's basics are pretty much complete, so he is embarking on a brass rim for his shield.  Mike F. is finishing the painting on his shield, and I should be done making his caligae before year is out.  Richard is working on a spiffy new belt, with tinned Herculaneum plates by Yours Truly, and blue leather.  He also picked up some birch plywood so I have started making shield blanks, the first one going to Nick (one of our new members).  Can't for the life of me remember what Henry (other new guy) has been working on lately, but he has certainly not been idle!

       I myself got a new gladius from Albion Armorers, their "Next Generation" Fulham sword, which they name "The Aquilifer".  It is a VERY nice sword, very pleasing to the eye, a good feel in the hand, and I believe quite accurate.  It may be a while before I can make a worthy scabbard for it.
 

SURF'S UP

       Tour Guide Nigel Cole in Scotland sends a link to his company's site, offering Roman-oriented tours, http://www.catswhiskerstours.co.uk   Be sure to check the Gallery!
 

CALENDAR
   December 10, 11, 15, 17, 18 --Walk Through Bethlehem, Seventh-Day Adventist HQ
   February 18, 2006 --Lupercalia Party, Richard and Allison Campell's house
   March 17-19, 2006 --Tentative invitation to Historical Miniature Gamers Society convention in Lancaster, PA (http://www.coldwars.org/ )
   April --Marching Through Time, Marietta Mansion, Glenn Dale, MD
   May 20, 2006 --PA Junior Classical League Convention, PSU

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ENOUGH!  Everyone have a Very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

ADLOCVTIO is the Official Newsletter of the Twentieth Legion, supposedly published on the Ides of each month.  I am Quintus, aka Matthew Amt, the Legion's Commander and Editor of the Newsletter, http://www.larp.com/legioxx/.