|
|
 |
  |
| Sunday, 19 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Weekend Meander The Torch arrives... All was set for the big day. A specially-designed Olympic torch was to be brought into the forest Olympic Village - and guess who was to carry it? Puck! Oberon decided that Puck should do the honours because he is so fleet of foot. But that was not the only reason; Puck claims he is a descendant of the ancient Greeks, so that alone would qualify him - and justify Oberon's decision. Of course, Ob's decisions need no justification. In a way he is an absolute monarch. The great day came and all the arrangements were in place. The Grand Opening was to take place at 10 a.m., leaving two hours to go before lunch. But the official opening was to go according to forest traditions; there would only be speeches and formalities. The Games proper would only start the next day because after all the official formalities the athletes would be too tired to start. Oberon was to give a grand reception to all participants and officials after the opening ceremony. Quince was in charge of the official opening in his capacity as Oberon's Media 'Minister,' as it were. But he was being assisted by Greek officials who had come over from Athens for the event. It was a few minutes to ten and everyone was all agog. Bottom was rushing around, worrying about things he did not need to worry about as everything was being handled with top precision. It had been decided to invite Robin O'the Hood and his Merry Men as Honoured Guests. In their own way they were athletes of the highest order, otherwise how else could they have warded off so many attacks by the likes of the Bishop of Southwark, the dreaded Sheriff of Nottingham and others? Oberon issued a special decree to this effect as security had been beefed up to unprecedented heights. The decree was posted on an ancient oak tree and read: 'It has been decided to invite the Excellent Robin O'the Hood and his Merry Men as special Honoured Guests to the Forest Olympics. They will be here as guests and will not be participating in any events although they are capable of presenting the best such as archery - in which they excel - steeple-chasing, fencing and other great sporting events which the world will recognise several centuries later, and which will be written about in great chronicles around the same time. By order of Oberon, King of the Fairies.'Quince was in charge of nailing the Official Invitation on the oak tree, assisted by Snodgrass, Starveling and the rest. Meanwhile, Bottom was planning a program of his own. He was a bit miffed as he had not been asked to take an official part in the proceedings because he can be unpredictable at the most unexpected times. Bottom was fiercely critical of this, saying it smacked of discrimination, but was happy to assist, unofficially, in the domestic aspects of the great events. He had an ulterior motive there. It meant that he would be able to oversee the F&B goings-on, although often he did not eat or drink, because his temperament was such. Of course, a special team of F&B Executives and officials had been appointed. But Bottom had so much experience in this field, often presiding over forest social functions, that he felt he had a place in these arrangements. The early autumn morning had dawned pink and grey. Everything was in place. But Queen Titania was not herself. She had not yet quite recovered from her Sri Lankan experience, as could be expected. Mustard Seed, Cobweb and the other little ones were in attendance, helping her to get ready for the opening ceremony. The king and queen were specially dressed for the grand Opening of the Forest Games. Both were to wear matching outfits of blue and white which are the Greek colours. The autumn sun had risen but there was a nip in the air when the Torch appeared, first of all a glimmer through the trees of the forest as Puck carried them proudly over his shoulder. He wore his usual furs, but Starveling had this time added a special touch - a Snow Leopard trimming because of the autumn chill, and to lend a bit of 'hip' to the attire. Puck was up to the occasion as he whizzed in with the flaming Torch. Oberon and Titania had descended from their royal tree and entered the arena, accompanied by trayd of bubbly, served by the forest stewards in honour of the great occasion.Suddenly there was a chilling silence. Bottom rushed in with the news that the queen's former Sri Lanka Advisor had been seen arriving for the event and was at the entrance to the forest! - Karel R.R. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
