Author Caroline Lawrence and actress Millie Binks gave a fascinating presentation on Friday at Colchester Arts Centre about life in Roman Britain. The half-term event proved popular with children and families from Colchester and further afield, all of whom enjoyed a free book from The Roman Mysteries series. The event has raised hundreds of pounds and brought us even closer to our target, as we enter the final week of the event.

Thank you to Colchester Arts Centre, and to Millie and to Caroline for giving up their time. Caroline is a patron of the appeal, and has worked incredibly hard using her contacts and her Twitter account to promote the Roman Circus appeal.

Caroline has already received some very positive feedback from members of the Colchester audience on her fanmail page.

Caroline Lawrence, author of The Roman Mysteries books

Come and meet Caroline Lawrence, children’s author of the hugely successful ‘The Roman Mysteries‘ books and television series, as she brings to life the excitement and danger of the chariot races at the Roman circus. Caroline, a patron of the Roman Circus Appeal, is helping us to raise funds by appearing at the Arts Centre, Colchester, during half-term on Friday 19th February at 2.00pm.

Millie Binks, who plays Pulchra in CBBC's The Roman Mysteries

She will be talking about her work and research, with exciting visuals on screen.  She will also be showing an excerpt from the CBBC series ‘The Roman Mysteries’ and one of the young actors will also be appearing to answer questions and sign autographs.

Caroline has studied ancient Roman hippodromes and charioteers. She says: ‘That is the one aspect of Roman life we simply cannot replicate. Gladiatorial combats? Yes. A day at a Roman bath house? Yes. A Roman banquet? Yes. All of these have modern equivalents, but NOT a day at the races.”

Tickets are £6 each and include a free signed Roman Mysteries book. The afternoon talk is most suitable for children aged 7 and up.

Tickets are available online at www.colchesterartscentre.com or by phone on 01206 500900. Book soon because Caroline’s appearances elsewhere in the UK tend to sell out quickly.