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.”

The Romans are coming!

Two members of Portals to the Past, who run popular history workshops for schools throughout the region will be appearing at Colchester library.

Come and join Vulpus the Barbarian, Roman gladiator and Marcus Flavius Facillus, Roman centurion, as they bring history alive.  Explore their world and listen to their stories about the Roman conquest, Boudicca’s revolt and Roman chariot racing.

Tuesday 16^th February 10.00am to 12.00pm free at the library.  Donations to the appeal will be gratefully accepted.

The Roman Mysteries with Caroline Lawrence

A multimedia show from Caroline Lawrence, the children’s author of the hugely successful Roman Mysteries books and television series.

Caroline will give a fascinating insight into a day at a Roman Circus, describing the sights, sounds and emotions of a day at the chariot races. She will also be screening an excerpt from the CBBC series The Roman Mysteries, and Millie Binks, who played the character of Pulchra will also be appearing.

Friday 19^th February 2.00pm.  Tickets are £6 each and include a free signed Roman Mysteries book.  Most suitable for children aged 7 and up.  Tickets available from The Arts Centre Colchester www.colchesterartscentre.com or 01206 500900

Secret Circus Treasure Trail

Join firstsite to discover the secrets of the Roman Circus by following a tremendous treasure trail through Colchester town centre.

This event features a fabulous trail devised by artist Jevan Watkins Jones which allows families to interact with some of the unusual history or stories from the past.

Saturday 20^th February, drop into firstsite any time between 11.00am – 1.00pm  and 2.00pm – 4.00pm.  This is a free event.  Donations to the appeal will be gratefully accepted.

Next week also sees architectural historian Dan Cruickshank’s lunch in Dedham and lecture in Colchester on 16 February, and a fundraising collection (for which we still need volunteers) at Colchester United’s football ground on 20 February from 1 – 5.30pm.

Welcome, and thank you, to Tony Benn, Dan Cruickshank, Tony Gardner, Tony Robinson, Peter Snow, and Sven Wombwell.

(l-r) Sven Wombwell, Tony Benn, Peter Snow, Tony Gardner, Dan Cruickshank

Yes, we’ll add photos of the remaining patrons when we get them.