The campaign to raise £200,000 to save Britain’s only Roman chariot horse racing track has been reached, in time for the extended deadline of 28 February.
Donations have come primarily from individuals in Colchester, together with businesses and other organisations, and from people around the world who had been inspired by the discovery of the biggest Roman archaeological monument found in Britain and Northern Europe. Over 2,300 people are following the story on Facebook.
A pledge of £30,000 by Colchester Borough Council was triggered when the appeal reached £170,000, making the total £200,000.
The appeal succeeded despite a zero budget and the fact that it was entirely volunteer led. The only costs to Colchester Archeaological Trust were in terms of their staff time and guidance, for which the appeal team are most grateful.
The appeal has even been contacted by enthusiasts from Circus Maximus in Rome, inviting charioteers from Britain’s Roman Circus to enter a team into a Roman Chariot ‘Biga’ racing event they hope to organise in Rome in their Circus.
“We are overwhelmed by the response to the appeal to Save Britain’s only Roman Circus” says Wendy Bailey, a member of the Appeal Team and Chair of Destination Colchester “people from all over the UK and the world have sent money and good will messages – via FaceBook, Twitter and through the website”.
“This puts us in a very strong position to complete the financial package now required to purchase the site of the eight Roman starting gates which lie beneath the garden of the Victorian Sergeants’ Mess” said Peter Herring, project manager for the site managed by Colchester Archaeological Trust.
The Save the Roman Circus Appeal will stay open and ongoing as news of the historic find and its future gains supporters and donations from around the world.
