Romans in Ravenglass - 7/8 September 2013

The Deja Crew are over in Cumbria at Ravenglass as part of the 'Lives in the Landscape' celebration.  This is a month long series of events celebrating the lives, past and present, all taking place in Ravenglass and Eskdale.  As their press release says,

Find out who has walked this on this landscape before you - was it the Romans, Vikings or Wainwright enthusiasts? Have you ever pondered who pulls the pints in pub, runs the post office and village shop or farms the land? Maybe wondered who lives in the castle on hill and how a narrow-gauge railway ended up in the Western Lake District?

That is our living landscape, shaped by people from the past and the present and the custodians of some of the finest landscapes, coast and heritage in England.  The community of Ravenglass and Eskdale offer inspiration, relaxation, and contemplation as they open the valley for a month long celebration of their lives in this rugged and beautiful landscape. 

It's a FREE EVENT,  no booking required.

Victor the Veteran will be there, moving around the village between the Pennington Hotel, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Site of the Fort of Glannoventa - could be translated as the "Market-by-the-Shore"; although some think it's called Itunocelum.  Archaeologists are on site for a month-long exploration, and they will be blogging - Romans in Ravenglass. 

Potter Gaius Bellicus, and Nest the Weaver will show the importance of crafts-people to local trade, as they demonstrate their skill at weaving and potting. They will be at the Pennington Arms Hotel from 11:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and from 10:30am until 4:00pm and Sunday.

On the Platform of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway there will be Herbs and Willow Weaving with Muriel, and Sulwyn making Charms to keep you safe and give you luck. They'll be plying their trade from 11:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and from 10:30am until 4:00pm and Sunday

On Sunday  Shamus the Storyteller  will be out and about, moving around the village and out to the Bathhouse and Fort.  Look out for signs or just tag along as he gathers the crowds.

Thanks to Hadrian's Wall Trust and Photographer, Andrew Heptinstall for the image

If you are near Ravenglass at the weekend, come and join us!

Marvellous Maryport "Great!I loved it!"

That comment sums it up - We loved it and so did the people who came to see us!  Despite some really wild weather, it really was a marvellous 4 days.

I'll let the feedback comments speak for themselves,

"Fantastic for kids, and adults to learn about Roman Times. Thank You." 

"Lovely idea. Informative, interactive, enjoyed by all." 

"Excellent demonstrations and hands on fun for the kids"

"The kids really enjoyed getting their hands dirty."

Kids are fully engaged - great activity. Thanks.

I really enjoyed this it was really interesting to learn so much about the weaving and it was brilliant to have a go myself too - thanks very much. 

The kids loved being soldiers. Thanks.

...and from the 'Pop-Up Shop in Maryport High Street...

Thank you! You see things in museums but it is a privilege to handle things.

"Very enjoyable. Informative and have learned so much. This is just fantastic for Maryport and for showing people what can be done and how interesting to see all the skills people had and still have. Thank you."

"Great, do it again sometime"

Thanks to everyone who came along, we are glad we made such an impression.

Moving Soon...

Hello,
over the next couple of months we will be updating our website which will be linked to http://thedejacrew.blogspot.co.uk/ . All new posts will be here and eventually The Deja Crew Education will be mothballed.    
For a while we'll be posting identical posts on both.
Thanks

Pots at Love Maryport Roman Celebration

Not long now until Gaivs Bellicvs, the itinerant Master Potter will be setting up his stall at Alauna, for the Love Maryport Roman Festival.  He will have travelled all the way from the markets of Portus Dubris and Londinium to bring pottery and new ideas to Alauna.

   

Gaivs will demonstrate how important local craftspeople were to the Roman way of life

Gaivs  will be at The Wave Centre, Maryport on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th August and  Senhouse Roman Fort on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August as part of the  'Love Maryport Roman Celebration'  (click here for more information)

FREE activities from 10:30am to 4:00pm each day.

Come and get your hands dirty!

Thanks to Hadrian's Wall Trust and Photographer, Andrew Heptinstall for the image

Herbs at Love Maryport Roman Celebration

Watch out for Muriel and discover how the Roman's used herbs and spices.  During the Roman occupation Maryport was at the centre of a trading network stretching across the known world. A surprising number of herbs and exotic spices became available to people living here.

How did they clean their teeth?  What could you use to ward off the evil eye?

How do you make that crown?

Muriel will be at Senhouse Roman Fort on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th August and The Wave Centre, Maryport on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August as part of the  'Love Maryport Roman Celebration'  (click her for more information)

FREE activities from 10:30am to 4:00pm each day.

Will we see you there?

Thanks to Hadrian's Wall Trust and Photographer, Andrew Heptinstall for the image

Love Maryport Roman Celebration 15-18 August 2013

Maryport was the centre of a thriving commercial network in Roman times as well as being the site of a Roman Fort and town.  This 4 day event will highlight and celebrate all things Roman.

And The Deja Crew will be there brining Roman Britain back to life with activities for all the Family.  We will be out and about in Maryport, with events at The Wave, Story Walks across Town and activities at Senhouse Roman Fort.

Listen to stories with Shamus, the wise man.  Get kitted out as a Roman Soldier as Rufus Aelius Victor regales you with tales of life in the Roman Army.  Muriel will reveal the mysteries of the Herbalist whilst Sulwyn will help you make an amulet to guard you from harm.  Learn from Nest and Gaius the importance of crafts-people to local trade, as they demonstrate their skill at weaving and potting

Comments from other events: 

"really interesting and enjoyable"
"Brilliant demonstrations, children loved it.  Really friendly and informative"
"Thank you very much.  You made my day, what with the pottery and metal work"
"Your corner has been the highlight of the day"

free event, no booking required.  The Deja Crew will be appearing from 11:00am at Senhouse Roman Museum and The Wave in Maryport.

There's not just The Deja Crew -  there'll be guided tours of the Fort, walks and cycle rides along the coast and even an Italian Market.  Watch this blog for more details in the coming days....
Hope to see you there!

Lovely Lanercost.

Last weekend (15/16 June) the Deja Crew were in action at the Lanercost Experience.  We created our own Roman style Forum, with loads of activities for all.

...a Roman Soldier made an appearance...

The Deja Crew encampment at Lanercost...

Shamus told stories

Nest , spinning thread

Muriel the Herbalist plied her trade

If you'd like to see more visit Lanercost's Facebook Page, there's even some videos.

Next Event - Maryport Roman Festival 15-18 August 

Pictures from Silloth

Silloth Green Day - 26th May, The Deja Crew were there, providing activities for young and old.  The reason why?
  The Romans have been here - Milefortlet 12 - part of the coastal defences, is just to the south of the Town, there are clues all along this coast.  Some of it it even designated as World Heritage, same as Stonehenge or the Egyptian Pyramids!

The day was glorious.  Hopefully we managed activities that were thought provoking...

 

...that were relaxing....

   

...and encouraged curiosity....

  

Next event -  The Roman's are Back!

  Lanercost Tea Rooms 

15th and 16th June 2013

from 10:30am onwards

More Dates...

Over the Summer The Deja Crew will be out and about helping to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail

15/16 June The Roman's are Back!  - we'll be at Lanercost Tea Rooms  for a full team turn out, Storytelling with Shamus, Herbs with Muriel, Roman Soldier - Rufus Aelius Victor, Potter Gaius Bellicus, Nest the Weaver and Sulwyn making Jewellery.

15-18 August - The Roman's are Back! - this time at Maryport, we'll not just be at Senhouse Roman Museum, but we hope to be out and about in the town of Maryport too!  Another full team turn out!
Storytelling with Shamus, Herbs with Muriel, Roman Soldier - Rufus Aelius Victor, Potter Gaius Bellicus, Nest the Weaver and Sulwyn making Jewellery.

8/9 September - The Roman's are Back! - around the village of Ravenglass, yet again there will be Storytelling with Shamus, Herbs with Muriel, Roman Soldier - Rufus Aelius Victor, Potter Gaius Bellicus, Nest the Weaver and Sulwyn making Jewellery.

Beautiful Bowness and Sunny Silloth

Bank Holiday weekend and the weather was glorious!  The Deja Crew were at Bowness-on-Solway on Saturday, 25 May and at Silloth for the Silloth Green Day on the 26th.  Both of these events were to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail.
At both events we had activities, storytelling, weaving, making jewellery and clay plaques, and a Roman Soldier.  We even made it on to the Border regional news!

Stories in the Sun - Jim in the churchyard at Bowness-on-Solway

Sulwyn and Nest passing the time at Silloth

There are more events planned to celebrate the Anniversary of the trail so watch this space for updates.

The Romans Returned

Saturday rain, but Sunday was glorious, we weren't worried - The Deja Crew was under canvas,

Our activities tent...

Shamus told Wondrous Stories...

Muriel wove willow and explained the powers of Herbs

Nest created bright braids and explained the mysteries of Dying and weaving

and the Life in the Roman Army with Rufus Aelius Victor

Hopefully we'll be back again next year, see you then.

Only a few days now...

...and we'll be at Hardwick Country Park for the Romans Return.  The event is now in it's fourth year.  This weekend as the Press Release says

Step back in time and learn what life was really like in Roman Times. Enjoy the dramatic falconry display, infantry demonstrations, see the ballista fire and cheer for your favourite Celtic warrior during a live action battle. All set against the stunning backdrop of Hardwick Park. 

Prices £4 individual, £12 family ticket. No need to book in advance, tickets available on the day. Your ticket admits you to all activities on both days. Free parking all weekend.

For more information contact Hardwick Park Visitor Centre on 01740 621 505 or go to www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

Sat 25 and Sun 26 August

11am – 3pm

Hardwick Park

Sedgefield

County Durham

TS21 2DN

it's official...

...after much work behind the scenes we are there -  we are now a Co-operative and a Limited Liability Partnership in our own right.
For us this means that we now have a legal identity and can trade as The Deja Crew Living History Co-operative LLP.  We're ready now to embark on exciting new projects...

There is still much to do, over the next few weeks we will update the website and our leaflets.

In the meantime we will be at 'The Romans Return Event' at Hardwick Country Park, near Sedgefield over the weekend of 25th and 26th August.  More details to follow

Coming soon...

The blog and the Crew have been a bit quiet over the last few months,  but things have been happening behind the scenes.  In a short while we hope to have a big announcement, so keep watching this space...

Summer Round Up - Tullie House

The Deja Crew have been busy this summer.
25th June and the whole team was at Tullie House in Carlisle for the opening of the new Roman Frontiers Gallery. We ran hands on Pottery Workshops, Weaving, Jewelry making, Willow Weaving and Herbs, and Storytelling in the Border Gallery and Tullie House garden.  We recruited for the Children's Roman Army and marched to Carlisle Market Place and back.

Shamus tells a good tale

Muriel advises on Iron Age dental hygiene

Battle Cry!!

Sulwyn will make you a mystic pendant

Sin-Dex-Sin-Dex-Sin...

Pictures are worth a thousand words....

The Eagles Have Landed - eventually...

This post is really about something from last year, but the pieces have only just fallen into place.

The Eagles have Landed was a programme of schools and community events we developed for Hadrian's Wall Heritage, to support the touring exhibition from Tullie House, while their new Roman Gallery was being prepared.

We ran a 2 day public event at Segedunum (4/5th September 2010) while the exhibition was there. During the Autumn term we followed it to the other side of the World Heritage Site at Maryport. There was another 2 day public event (23/24th October 2010) at the Senhouse Roman Museum. We wanted to highlight the impact the sudden appearance of the sophisticated and intimidation Roman Legion would have had on the locals.

Talk about Culture Shock!

Each of our characters took a view on this, from soldiers extolling the virtues of Army life and recruiting with the promise of an easy life and wages, to the local craftspeople who may have seen new business opportunities and those who would have viewed all this with suspicion and fear. After all what did the Romans ever do for us?

The schools project involved working closely with all of Year 7 from Burnside College, almost 200 of them, during the first half of the Autumn Term. We ran Drama and Storytelling workshops, exploring the identity of those who may have lived near Segedunum and created a large ceramic sculptural piece.

All of this was last year, the new parts are

the publishing of a Teachers Resource, go to http://www.hadrians-wall.org/page.aspx/About-the-World-Heritage-Site/Education/The-Eagles-Have-Landed and scroll down. It's in a number of parts to ease the downloading!

and the installation of the ceramic sculpture, being planned in the centre picture above, at Tullie House for the opening of the new Roman Frontiers Galley early in the Summer. See Graham Taylors' blog for more details and images - http://pottedhistory.blogspot.com/

The Deja Crew - New Name, New Image, Same Quality

You've probably noticed we have changed our name. The old name had a few issues with a certain TV Archaeology programme and a group of management consultants in Allendale. So we are now

The Deja Crew

We are still offering the same exciting, informative and creative historical workshops.
With a new name comes fresh publicity, so here it is...
If you would like a copy of the new flyer, or more details about what we offer, please get in touch.

alnheritage@gmail.co.uk
01547 540235