Author Barbara Erskine recently agreed to become a patron of the appeal.
She has spoken exclusively to the appeal to share her thoughts on the Colchester Roman Circus and why she believes it is important.
“When we first moved to the Colchester area someone told me that if you looked down the hole when men were digging up the road you would see the blackened layer which marks the burning of Colchester by Boudicca in AD61. Ever since I have walked round peering down every hole I see! History is there, everywhere, beneath our feet in this town and every time someone puts in a spade, more history emerges – usually briefly, to be quickly hidden beneath yet more development. We have to move forwards, of course we do, but from time to time the chance occurs to preserve some of that history and allow us to see it and to keep it safe, to let our imaginations have free rein.
“A Roman circus! Horses, chariots, thousands of spectators. Imagine the ghosts there must be there! The sound of voices cheering, the thunder of hoof beats, the rattle of wheels, the chink of harness. And behind the scenes, heroes, celebrities, wags, bookies; fortunes made and lost. Hopes and fears, dreams and nightmares.
“We have this once in a life time chance to capture those dreams and echoes and to save this unique place. And we have the chance to create a new centre where Colchester can celebrate its amazing history. Somewhere not just for us but for our children and our children’s children, so they can hear again the cheers and feel the excitement, and see the activities of the town celebrated with a display they can be proud of, and an attraction which draws visitors from all over the world.
“Imagine how awful it would be to have to admit that we failed. That we weren’t interested. That we didn’t care. We can’t let that happen. Can we.”
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