Romans in Ravenglass

...not to mention Britons and a few archaeologists!
Last weekend saw the last in our series of events marking the 10th Anniversary of the Opening of the Hadrian's Wall Trail.  The Deja Crew travelled to the farthest point of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site in Cumbria - Ravenglass.  There just a few minutes stroll south of the village is the Fort, vicus and Bath House of Glannoventa.
Archaeologists are on site for a month-long exploration, check their blog - Romans in Ravenglass. for the latest news and finds.

The Crew were on the Platform of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway where Victor was gathering voluntarii for the Army, Muriel pedalling herbs and willow garlands, while Sulwyn made charms.

Victor tries to gain recruits from the Station Staff...

...after issuing some kit and a short training session! 

Garland and a charm to protect against bad luck.

Potter Gaius Bellicus, and Nest the Weaver worked at the  Pennington Arms Hotel showing the skills that made Britain famous across the Roman Empire for the quality of it's exports.

Shamus travelled between us and the Bath House, with tales of Britain, Rome and the Sea.

Meanwhile the recruits seemed to get smaller, 

and smaller...

and smaller still!

Despite the weather, many people took the time to explore the heritage of Ravenglass with us, some even coming back on Sunday for more!

Thanks to everyone, who helped us make the two days so much fun.

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

Story Walks at Love Maryport

Shamus the Story Teller will be leading his ever popular Storywalks in Maryport during the Love Maryport Roman Celebration  from the 15th to 18th August 2013.

Hear tales of the sea, myths and legends, and stories from the ancient Roman town of Alauna.
These FREE walks leave from The Wave Centre at 12:30pm and 3:00pm on Thursday and 10:30am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from the Senhouse Roman Museum at 11:30am, 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

Each walk will be less than 1 hour, easy walking on paved surfaces,  and will cover the ground between The Wave and Senhouse Roman Museum.

Come and join Shamus...

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.