Archeology Press Release 2009

MUSIC DANCE & DEATH
Roman Arena Games

Ever wondered what a Gladiator tournament was like?  Have you ever wished you could see a full blown Ancient battle in Ancient surroundings?  Well now you can!!

Next Saturday and Sunday 18/19th July see’s the first Roman Arena Games in the Ancient Amphitheatre in Chester for nearly 1600 years and will be based on a day at the games.

The event is being planned, in conjunction with CHESTER ARCHEOLOGY Department. And the support of David Pickering and Chester’s own Roman Army Display Team and Roman Tours UK and is completely FREE to everyone!  What’s more, you can speak to the Gladiators and find out what really went on nearly two millennia ago, and what didn’t happen as well.

Also appearing are the ever popular North African dancers, Ya Raqs, who will be supporting the Gladiators and will also be running dance workshops, again which is completely FREE.

As part of the National Archaeology week, which the Arena Games is supporting, there will also be Roman Soldiers from around the British Isles demonstrating amazing Roman siege engines and will also be performing a military display.  And it is all FREE.

The event will be starting on both days at 11.00am from the Amphitheatre with a traditional march through the city and various events will be going on throughout the day until it’s close at 6pm.

We are also proud to announce that the event will be opened by the World famous author, Simon Scarrow, who will also be available to chat to as well as sign autographs.

One last thing, beware of the BEASTS which will be there, including a European Sun Bear and an Elephant!!

For more info, please see our website www.romantoursuk.com or contact Paul Harston on 07885 403485 or Ian Edge on 07813 144951.

Archeology & Arena Games

I am sorry to inform our regular visitors,

I have been told today, that unfortunately due to and injury Simon Scarrow, will be unable to attend this weekends event.

Sponsored by

The hair of our celtic team, is kindly sponsored by Essensuals of Bridge Street

The bear is being fed by a donation of fish from S. Cartridge fishmongers in the Forum market Chester.

The back up power supply has been donated by HSS, Sealand Road, Chester

Romin to Rome with Roman

*Sourced from Chester Evening Leader and Chester Chronicle
Taking the dog for a walk is an everyday activity for many people but one man is going a step further this summer.
Matt Dalton, from Chester in the UK, will set off on a gruelling trek to Rome to raise money for charity.
His only companion for the energy-sapping journey will be his aptly named Rottweiler, Roman.
He expects the 1,500-mile-plus trip to take about three months, walking around 20 miles a day.
Former King’s School pupil Matt, who has an interest in Roman military history, plans to depart from outside Chester Town Hall and arrive in the Eternal City three months later.
Matt, 27, will first make his way to Dover to catch the ferry to Calais. Once he is on French soil he will then head south to Marseille before following the coastline through Southern France before heading south to Rome.
Matt, who used to work as a business strategist before quitting his job last week, says he wants to raise £100,000 for four charities before he sets out on his journey at the end of August.
Matt said: “I’m just bored of life. I want to do something different. I believe there has to be more to life than just work and I want to do something to help others.”
He will camp on the roadside while eating at various diners along the route.
“People ask me if I think it’s going to be dangerous,” he said. “Crossing the road can be dangerous. I’ve got no fear about it.
“I think by doing something like this you really get to know who you are and what you are capable of doing.”
Matt said he did not speak Italian but has already started learning it.
He said he had chosen to support an English, a French and an Italian charity as well as a charity for Rottweilers.
“I am raising funds for Help for Heroes, Médecins Sans Frontieres, the Italian Red Cross and the Rottweiler Welfare Association,” he said.
For more information go to:

www.roamintoromewithroman.blogspot.com

Or go to his Facebook group:

“I’m walking to Rome for charity!!”

And the winner is????????

The Winners of Best Tourist Experience for Chester & Cheshire 2009………….. ROMAN TOURS LTD

Here you can see the Centurio finally get revenge on all the stitch ups done to him, he managed to enlist help from the boys. A possible entry into 2010’s Britains Got Talent????? I get the feeling that a stitch up war has been started, Some of the boys are now starting to worry as to who is next on the hit list……..

“Nuts”

Whilst on Patrol in Mamucium today, and discussing the food of the Romans. An innocent little sounding voice asked… “If you saw a squirrel in the forest, instead of eating him, wouldn’t you eat “HIS” nuts instead?”

I will leave you to imagine what the 5 adults present thought ………………..

Marcus Nepos

Virgin Trains

This morning 3 of our soldiers and our Emperor are on the platform of Euston station, to promote the start of the London to Chester direct service, stopping only at Milton Keynes, where 2 further soldiers will be joining the train.

Good luck boys and have fun. I wonder how many travellers will think they shouldn’t have had that last drink last night. Watch this space for updates from the soldiers on their return.

UPDATE All returned safe and sound on the new modern chariots, thanks to  Fidelity House, 12A Stocks Lane, Boughton, Chester CH3 5TF    t: 01244 320677     f: 01244 320686 for the following images

Marcus Nepos

The Priory Parish CofE Primary (Wirral)

Today our new Soldier took his first solo patrol of Deva. He handled the recruits very well, and experienced his first illogical response to “What metals did the Romans want from Britannia?” Answer PLASTACINE!

That was the first hearing of that reply to that question either myself or the Optio had heard, and I must admit all the adults present with in stitches over it.

 

Marcus Nepos

The GAUL return to Deva…. or not!

Waited for the GAUL to arrive by the town hall, for a tour at 1300, but it turned out to be a no show. I thought they didnt like the idea of walking around Deva in the glorious snow showers we had today! It now appears that they had been given the wrong information by their tour operator. This isn’t a good start to this tour season……………

The next tour arranged by this operator, is scheduled for 1530 on Thursday, fingers crossed it will go off without a hitch.

Marcus Nepos

ST MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS PS UPTON

Had two great patrols of Deva today, despite the two heavy snow flurries, that both had to happen whilst we were out. The students all loved being out and about in snow, despite the cold. Although I have to wonder how the Romans would have reacted to seeing a venatore fighting a fox in the amphitheatre……………?

Macus Nepos

Twitter

I can now announce you can also follow the soldiers of Deva Castorum on Twitter. If you are a tweeter http://twitter.com/RomanTours

Prestbury Primary School

The first patrol with Prestbury Primary, was a nice way to start the day. First off not even 5 minutes away from the museum and I have had a newbie slip over and gain her new  nickname of Slipicus Maximus, which I’m afraid to say has stuck with her now. Also during the hypercause section, to turn around and see the tutor in charge with tears streaming down her face from laughing so hard.

 

Marcus Nepos

Tamworth Library

Roman Tours presented an absolutely fascinating day for everyone at Tamworth Library on Saturday September 27th, 2008. Adults and children of all ages attended and were enthralled to learn about the Roman world and how the Romans actually lived. It was a superb day and very much appreciated by us all at the library.

Ian Burley.

What is going on here???

CLEAN! suggestions as to what is going on, or being said please…. Remember schools read this blog also.

Marcus

Ya Raqs

I am pleased to say the EXCELLENT Ya Raqs Dancing Girls have at last caught up with the 20th Legion and got themselves a blog…..

It can be found here http://yaraqs.blogspot.com/

or via the link further down on the right.

Marcus Nepos

Our March on the British Museum

It was good to be back on the coach from Jones Coaches, especially to see it was the same coach used to take us on our March on Rome. Jones Coaches being the professionals they are, got us to the British Museum 1 hour early.

We had a brief practice, at our normal loud volume to announce our arrival, and in the forecourt of the Museum we sounded good. Knowing us we could have been heard in Tottenham Court Road.

During the actual drill performed in front of the Sponsors, 2 of us had technical problems with the over boots that had been worked out to protect the indoor marble floor from our studs, where we had to fall out of formation, or we would have looked like we were wearing flippers. Once repaired we obviously had to fall back in. All done with our normal High Standard of professionalism.

After escorting the Sponsors in to the Museum, we were on Guard duties throughout the evening, at various points within the Museum itself. I can say that it has been a long long time since I had to stand in one place wearing so much weight, and I now remember why I hated it, but saying that, despite all the aches and pains, I wouldn’t have missed the evening for anything.

Once again we have raised our Profile, and in front of some very important people and companies, I believe that we can only get better and higher than we are now, if we continue in this way, not only will we keep climbing a slippery ladder, but raising the profile of our beloved home “DEVA”

And to show I am not just saying how good we were, but below is a copy of the email send to Centurio in regards to the evening.

Marcus

Date: 3 September 2008 11:28:39 BST
To: <info@romantoursuk.com>
Subject: British Museum – 02/09/08

Hi Paul,

I hope you all got back without too much trouble last night?

I received an email from the client and they were delighted with your performance. I have attached part of the mail below but I wanted to pass on my thanks onto you for all your hard work in the lead up to the event and on the night itself.

I guess the greatest praise I can give you for last night is simply to have observed how the general public and our hosts/guests reacted to the Roman characters and centurions.

The Roman characters, horn players and centurions were fantastic. I would say they performed far beyond our expectations and were friendly, efficient and pleasantly ubiquitous. I must chuckle though as I think some of the centurions may have travelled home in full costume. Just what someone may have made seeing a centurion walking towards them (after they’ve probably had one too many) must have made some question their sanity at that precise moment!

The costumes were amazing, so authentic, and everyone conducted themselves in a cheerful, professional manner which made the event such a success.

I look forward to working with you all again,

Best wishes,
Karen

Karen Rogers
Jillie Bushell Associates
15 Claylands Place
The Oval
London
SW8 1NL
UK

Centurion being set up by the Legion

See the Legion setting up the Centurion at the end of the Archaeology Weekend in Chester, by clicking on the link below.

STITCHED UP VIDEO!!

Archaeology weekend

I have to start by thanking the members of the 20th Legion from Hibernia for coming this weekend, it was good to see them over here and they are a great bunch of guys who helped us to put on what I thought was an extremely good and entertaining weekend.

We had large crowds throughout both days, I think Yar Raqs had the biggest crowds all weekend (but they do look better than us). We had a great time on Sunday with a couple of new pieces, firstly we tested a Testudo, it is/was said that the Testudo was held together so tightly that a man could stand on top of it (so I have been told). I can now say that it was possible for that to be done, as I was the poor guy that had to stand on it… Saying that I must say thank you to all the soldiers within the Testudo for not dropping me, and I doubt if it was actually done as we now know that it was extremely painful for the soldiers in the Testudo , as I was crushing the head of one soldier down into his armour, and preventing him from breathing properly. Plus I was a sitting or should I say standing target for slings and bows whilst ontop of the Testudo. We have video footage of this and it shall be getting placed online very soon.

Secondly was the finale to the whole weekend, where our Centurion was set up by every member of the 20th Legion, instead of trying to explain the scenario hear, I feel it would  be better to wait until I upload it to the web, so you can see it in its glory, and I must say all credit has to go to our Emperor in regards to Centurions dress code at the end.

I can definately say that being shot by a blunt arrow even whilst I was wearing chain mail HURTS!!!!! it is still tender everytime I put my glutious maximus on the chair. I little advanced notice next time please Centurion…

Marcus

St. Paul’s C of E Primary, Longton, Stoke on Trent

Today was my best school visit this year, I received a very warm welcome from staff and pupils. I had the most enjoyable day teaching Yr4, especially one young lady, called Cloe. Cloe all morning was my own personal Nemisis, I hope you had as much fun bouncing of me as i did of you.

I will have to ask your headteacher Mrs. Hearson, to award you all with an award of her choosing, for next Friday’s assembly, for your excellent work today, your excellent questions and answers. One answer in particular, I can’t remember who gave the answer, but when asked what animal the small fur I was holding had come from, I got the answers of everything from squirrels to bear but the best by far was it came from a “CHIHUAHUA”. It was in fact a Rabbit fur. Now I think of it there was another answer that had us all in stitches, when I was holding up a Sling, and when asked what it was for, one little boy (you know who you are) in his little voice said “It’s a G String”

Once again thank you for a wonderful day, I hope to see you all again in the future.

Marcus Aurelius Nepos

One of the Largest Patrols

Today one of the largest patrols left the museum, a group of newbies from St. Elizabeths Primary School in Liverland had 43 recruits. I will admit that I thought it would be a logistical nightmare to get them around the Patrol route, and to keep them in a tight enough group so they could all hear the information.

They ALL proved my fears to be totally unfounded, They maintianed a tightish group all the way round, and after an unsteady start, they really got into the swing of things, and were coming out with some sensible answers.

For the return, I tried to get them into groups of 3 for a quicker return to the museum, this worked very well as they got back to the museum quicker, it also made them louder for the return through Chester. Over all I was very impressed, and had to give them a 9.5 out of 10, as the only thing that let them down was leaving wallaping gaps in the lines. I look forward to seeing this school again in the future.

Marcus Aurelius Nepos

Hotelier claims Roman site is a ‘disgrace’

May 30 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

Hotelier claims Roman site is a ‘disgrace’

THE MANAGER of a city centre hotel has questioned why Chester’s amphitheatre has been filled in after complaints from guests about its condition.

Damon Yoxall, general manager of the Westminster Hotel, City Road, has stopped recommending the ancient site because of the number of complaints he has received from tourists staying at the hotel.

He said: “I would like to know what plans there are for the amphitheatre – I have had many complaints about the state of the site and would not recommend a visit for any of my guests or myself as a local.

“A quarter has been filled in and I want to know why it was not grassed over to match in with the other quarter, and what is happening with the derelict building? It remains because it is the only Georgian building in Chester but it is being left to crumble.”

As the hotel relies on tourism for its survival, Damon has also questioned the development of other areas of the city which he says have a detrimental effect on business.

“Why spend money on Chester Gateway outside the train station and not on the other end of City Road?

“The city should be attracting the same clients as Harrogate or York – after all we charge the same prices to stay here and charge the same prices for the local attractions.”

Chris Brown, chief executive of Visit Chester and Cheshire, said: “We cannot take our eye off the ball and move Chester forward. People who visit Chester are our customers and we cannot afford for them to go away having had a poor experience.”

Chester city council say the amphitheatre was backfilled with sand and limestone chips to conserve the findings whilst the long-term conservation and development of the site is considered.

Spokesman Kathryn McGiveron said: “Protecting our city’s heritage and boosting Chester’s position as an international tourist attraction are both important priorities and the council is looking forward to exploring options of how it can make the most of this internationally important site.”

Roman soldiers appeal to clean up amphitheatre (From the Chester Chronicle)

CHESTER’S Roman Tours say the Amphitheatre is becoming too dangerous to take children – because it is littered with broken glass and syringes.

Lance Prince, known as Caius, one of five full-time soldiers at Chester Roman Tours says that, along with rival armoured guides Dewa Roman Experience, the centurions bring in more than 100,000 visitors to the city each year.

However the centrepiece of their tour, a visit to the city’s famous amphitheatre, may have to be struck off the trail.

Lance explained: “There’s going to come a point when we say we can’t go in there because it’s too dangerous.

“We have to do a safety check every day. We always find bricks and broken glass and we’ve got to take kids down there.”

Lance regularly informs the council when more litter is strewn across the historic site but says they often take days to clear the mess.

“Four weeks ago somebody emptied a needles box which could have been used by heroin users,” he added.

“Recently somebody broke a bottle and stuck all the shards in the grass.

“We have to say to the kids ‘stand still, don’t stamp your feet down’. We stand them in the middle in a safe zone away from all the areas I know are dangerous.

“It’s time consuming. We have to get gloves, a pick-up stick and a glass box and if I get injured, the council would say you’re not supposed to do that.”

Lance says that while more than the existing one bin would help, litter is not the only problem.

“Somebody threw stones towards us when we had kids down there last weekend,” he added.

“A couple of weeks ago I saw people dealing drugs in the Amphitheatre and smoking cannabis.

Mike McGivern, Chester City Council spokesman, insisted: “When the public reports incidents of needles, broken glass, blood, urine and dog mess our cleansing teams deal with them as priority tasks.

“People responsible for such litter are putting the public at risk and we find this selfish behaviour totally unacceptable.”

Hotel manager slams state of Roman amphitheatre

A very interesting article from todays Chester Chronicle……

May 29 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

THE MANAGER at a city centre hotel has questioned why Chester’s Roman amphitheatre has been filled in after complaints from guests about its condition.

Damon Yoxall, general manager of the Westminster Hotel, City Road, has stopped recommending the ancient site because of the number of complaints he has received from tourists staying at the hotel.

He said: “I would like to know what plans there are for the amphitheatre – I have had many complaints about the state of the site and would not recommend a visit for any of my guests or myself as a local.”

Full Story in Friday’s Chronicle

The Wii scores are now up!!!

Check our Roman Wii Fit page to see the latest high score lists

The Roman Wii Fit Challenge

3 Members of the Roman Tours / Deva Victrix, are now in possesion of the fabulous Wii Fit system, and are now opening the doors to all of the schools we have and will be taking on tours, and everyone one else who we have had the pleasure of having the company of, and all other visitor’s to this blog. After using the system since it came out, we have come to the conclusion that if the Wii Fit was available in the 1st Century, the Roman Army WOULD have used this to maintain their enjoyment of fitness and fun.

it also reminds us that although he are hard, fit agressive Roman Soldiers we also need to have a sense of humour, and this is how we as Romans have found to be the best way to wind down, and also have a great laugh at the Centurio attempting to hula hoop. (pictures/video to follow), and we advise caution once the videos are up, that death may occur when watching the Centurio either Snowboarding or doing Step aerobics…

So watch this space

Triple Patrol 02-05-08

On Patrol with Brookside Community School from Liverpool, they were a great bunch to take. Especially one little Numptie who I feel my not be alive any more after giving the wrong answer to a question. When the Recruits were asked, “If you have not been to school, you can’t read, write or do maths, what job are you going to do?” The correct answer should have been Join the Army, but this one Numptie as quick as a flash (and definitely not thinking) shouted out “BE A TEACHER!” He has earned himself or class 10 points for his shear bravery in giving such an answer.

Patrol with Christchurch Primary School for Stoke on Trent. They started out as a very quiet Patrol who were listening and answering their questions very well (with a bit of prompting from the teachers), but by the end of the tour showed me that for little Recruits, they had very loud voices and were the loudest of the day. Saying that, the 15 boys were drowned out by the 8 girls (Boys you let the Men of the Roman Army down today, as you should not have been beaten by the girls)

Final patrol with All Saints Catholic Primary from Sefton. this Patrol of recruits were definitely the best at answering questions with hardly any silly answers, this tour was cut short courtesy of the gods who decided to pull the plug of the great bath in the sky. The decision was made to return to the museum and I have to say, I have not had a Patrol move so quickly and in excellent formation. despite the speed we were marching back through Chester they remained in almost perfect straight lines, and in twos.

Marcus Aurelius Nepos

Second day in the new Armour

Day 2 of the new Armour, and I am sorry to say Mummius, but the Armour needs to be returned to the Armorer for repairs….

Firstly one of the pins has pinged of from the front, all I can think of is that it disappeared when the Scutum was taken off at some point. Plus one of the plates has come away from the leather strapping again at the front, if it wasn’t for the pins, the plate would be hanging down. I think the 2 locking keys at the back may have bend, when trying to take it off…

Centurio, should you read this, can I go back to wearing my old Segmentata please??????? Although this is a very nice piece of Lorica Segmentata, from wearing it for 3 patrols now, I doubt very much if would have been an operational piece of kit. I feel that it was a parade Armour for an Optio or above.

I had 2 very good patrols today, and both sets of recruits did everything they should have done first time(ish). Out of both patrols, Riverside Primary School were the best group of recruits, this is due to todays top recruit Shorticus Minicus who listened to every word and was the only one to remember the response to “DEVA” every time I shouted it. Shorticus Minicus has earned himself or his class 5 points from me, (if Riverside have point awards) or something similar.

Marcus Nepos

First day in New Armour

Today was the first day our new Armour has been let out of the museum cabinet, and I am the only Legionary Soldier that is able to fit into it. Unlike my other set of Lorica Segmentata, this set has to be put on in the same way as a set of Chain mail Armour. From wearing this Armour for 3 hours today I have already started to find problems with this set.

1. Getting into it is not a major problem, as long as I remember to breath in.

2. Trying to get the locking pins into their holes/sockets takes almost as long as it take to wriggle into the actual Armour.

3. The spikes/rods at the front and the back, are almost like kebab skewers(Note to self) must not get to close to passing public)

4. Whenever I bend over to any degree, I risk getting one of the pins pinging out and being lost, (so far no cure thought of)

5. The sub armalis, has sheep skin placed in the shoulders, which although very comfortable and good for weight distribution, cause my shoulders & neck to overheat.

6. And this is the biggest problem area, it took me almost 10 minutes to get out of this thing at the end of my patrol today, I did think at one point that i was going to be stuck with it only half way off my body.

I have so far come to the idea that this armour was to be put on using the buddy system, as it is so hard to take it off and on by one man alone.

That said though, this piece of Armour, is the most comfortable and the most flexible Segmentata I have worn to date since joining the legion. I shall be wearing this set of Armour for at least the next 7 patrol days, to see if just by wearing it alone, there are any improvements or problems that arise from constant day in day out wearing. So watch this space for further developments……

Marcus Nepos

Back on Patrol

After returning from Rome, last week. It is good to be back on patrol with the little Recruits… It was another wet day in Mamucium, when I met up with 22 little Recruits who had to be taken out on their 1 hour patrol. For my pains of taking them on patrol, I have now got to spend at least a hour cleaning my segmentata, before it develops a nice light brown sheen of RUST!!

I will be glad to be back on patrol in Deva tomorrow, back on my home terrain… and hopefully better Britannic weather.

Marcus Nepos

As seen on SkyNews

Thank you Squamatus for telling me that we had been shown on SkyNews’s 7 day review. Despite the numbers of Roman Soldiers who took part in the Founders Day Parade, there is only one name mentioned, he travels from Deva all the way to Roma to get his name said on British national television. I am of cause talking about the one and only Maximus GITTUS!!! I don’t know how he does it!!

From The Wall Posting

This was placed as a comment under Last into battle, First in the pub. By Robin Brown who joined “The Victrix” for our epic journey……

Glad you made it home okay, Mummius! I had a 22 hour day getting from Lorrach back to Wales with the main troop, and finally got back to my posting up on the Wall at 3pm on Thursday.
It was certainly worthwhile to go without all that sleep in order to return to the place where it all began…
I think we also made history in a small way by combining members of two legions, XX and VIII for the benefit of the spectacle, without getting hung up with all the “equal recognition” issues which have always blighted reenactment in general. Although we all get a buzz out of looking “cool”, I hope that everyone can keep some humility and make it possibly for us to do this again. There have been too many groups which in growing in stature have succumbed to their own egos and suffered in everyone’s eyes as a result. It’s better to honour the founders of our civilization by portraying excellence and letting the performance speak for itself. Having said that… what a performance… I’m proud to have served with you all, comilitones!

Rousing speech from the Centurio

This short video was recorded by Gary Jones from Jones Coaches, on the morning of our march before we left our campsite to join the march through Rome.

“The Victrix” photo site

Now we are back we are in the process of trying to upload all of the pictures he took on our expedition to Rome, they can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/devavictrix/

You will see the good, the bad, the ugly and the out of focus, as we have not had time yet to sort through them as of yet. As we get the time we will sort through them and remove the out of focus pictures and the duplicated ones. As you can imagine it is rather difficult to get a picture in focus when the bus is traveling down the motorways of France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

Jones’s with Love

Congratulations to Deva Victrix for their succsesful invasion on Rome. It was an honour and privilege, to serve along side the 20th Legion.

Gary Jones
(Jones Coaches)

Competion (No prize we’re sorry to say)

We are asking for all our readers to comment on the previous posting. With their ideas as to the true translation from the latin it is written in……. We look forward to reading your translations

“The Victrix”

salutatio

Vos saluto ex caput mundi et memento aut Caesar aut nihil

Triumphant Legion

The frata marched proudly through the streets of Roma, we have come home dis manibus Jackie

Ferronius

Best journey of my life, we have done Chester and our ancestors proud…. Honour and Glory

Titinius Felix

What more can I say, we have been there and done it. Veni Vidi Vici.
Those who are about to die salute you.

Brutus

The fighting is done, the victory won and the Deva Victrix has marched in Roma.
Thanks to all our supporters, the businesses and wifes who have allowed us a small moment of glory, in Rome’s history.

Gaius Longinus

following in the footsteps of the legions and auxilliaries

Ican only imagine how the soldiers and officers must have felt returning victorius from their campaigns in Brittania From Segontium in North West Wales. Victory at Mona the capture of Caracatus(caradog i ni o Cymru) and back through Gaul over the Alps down the spine of the Empire and on to the Eternal City. What an experience for us a small band from Deva and Segontium A chariad o Gymro Macsen a Sean

Frontier Wolves

Outstationed on the northern frontier,I started at one border,then crossed another before our vexillatio set off for Rome.The legacy of Rome has brought us together for an adventure away from our historical boundaries to find out how similar we are to our new friends in Lorrach. There is the rivalry and banter between those on different sides of the borders, but it really does look like the emnity is in the past. The twinning of cities helps me realise how much we have in common.So here we are in Italy, about to meet up with even more fellow Europeans to celebrate our heritage. It’s taken us about 2000 years to move from conquest to mutual respect and friendship, but at last we can return as ambassadors of Dewa to the city which gave birth to us.We’ll make you proud!

Gaius Flavinus Squamatus
Coh VI Legio VIII Augusta
Attchd Leg XXVV Deva Victrix

Drivers views day3

What a day never seen lightening like that but now sunshine, all good!!!This is the strangest job I have ever done the looks we get are madness! Great bunch of guys just a bit bonkers.Jon The Driver

chester uni film crew

Was amazed at the hospitality of the people of lorrach. We have been capturing fantastic footage with help from the proffesional attitude and we are well on the way to compiling great material. Adam hawthorne

Glashaus Cafe-Bistro

We must send our sincerest thanks to the Glashaus Cafe-Bistro for their excellent hospitality, we arrived at Chester Square to a table of glasses of wine for the soldiers. All supplied with smiles and exellent service, and constant top ups. It is worth traveling for the hospitality in Lorrach.

The Deva Victrix

Big Storage Cheshire Jets

Last night myself and Connix, attended the last game of the season at the Northgate Arena, to support the team. Unfortunately the team due to injuries etc. had only 6 players for last nights game, despite this they played a very good game, leading for most of it, only to have the game snatched from them in the dieing seconds. Final score 97 – 100. We must thank all of the supporters who attended last nights game, for raising £67 to help support our March on Rome which departs at 00:001 on Thursday morning, and for raising the same amount to support Clarie House.

Marcus Aurelius Nepos

Work in Progress

All bar 2 scutum’s have now got nice clean brass work. All that is left to do is repaint our Boar onto them, and they will be ready to go. I am starting to hate the smell of Brasso and Burgundy paint, from doing so many of the Scutums, but that is one of the joys of being a member of “The Victrix” team.

Talking of “The Victrix” any more members who wish to make entries onto this blog, should create a user name and email me with the details A.S.A.P. so I can add you to the authorized list… and we need as many “Victrix” members as possible to start making entries. Especially as we are going to be doing a daily update to this blog once we are on our way.

Also we need as many people as possible to know about and donate to the charity we are supporting, please tell as many people as you can about it, and let them know the web address so they can donate to when You Wish Upon a Star by going to http://www.justgiving.com/chestersromanlegion.

Marcus Aurelius Nepos

Possible TV coverage

We have just had an email from Granada’s Paul Crones, which read as follows

“Not sure yet about joining you on your tripus maximus, but wonder if you might start ringing a few of the guys to see if we can do a live in Chester into Granada Reports on Friday 4th April. Not checked it withi the boss, but I sincerely hope he’ll go for it. Am in Granada Thiursday, so will check then.

cheers

Paul”

(Spelling mistakes are not my doing), we have our fingers crossed that this will come off, as it will be great promotion for our trip to Rome, and of course a big promotion for our charity fund raising for the charity. We have raised so far £60 of the £2,000 we hope to raise, click on the above logo, to be taken to our Justgiving web site.

Marcus

Visit the Chester Chronicle web site….

Visit the Chester Chronicle web site, to read the full article, about what we are aiming to achieve…

Also please don’t forget to make a donation to the When You Wish Upon A Star Charity, by clicking on the Logo link on the posting below.

We are raising money for When you wish upon a star

Please click on the logo below, to be taken to our Just Giving web page, and help us raise £2,000 (we would love to raise more than that if we can……)

When You Wish Upon A Star is a small charity who grant wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.
Our aim is to bring smiles to faces and make magical and long lasting memories for our brave and courageous children.
We love to hear them say ….. “When I wished upon a star …. my dream came true!”

Hello world!

See who is sponsoring us by clicking HERE.

Click HERE to open the document in full.