Romans In Didcot at the Civic Hall, 2019

This year's festival was on 5th October, 2109 at Didcot Civic Hall. 

Guests could...

Watch a Roman cookery demonstration,

see a Roman blacksmith in action, meet a Roman soldier, meet some donkeys, handle some ancient artefacts, watch Greek pots come to life, make a mosaic, find some treasure, listen to a metal detectorist, hear a talk about Ovid's poems and more.

Read about our visitors and their activities here:

​

Greek Myth Drama Workshop with the Enchanted Players Theatre Company

​

Panoply Vase Animation Project

​

Roman Blacksmith

​

Roman Cookery

​

Roman slinger

Roman Mosaic Workshop

​

Dr Marchella Ward, University of Oxford

​

The Earth Trust 

​

Artefacts from Abingdon and Wallingford Museums

​

Talk by Bill Darley about his Aureus gold find

​

Keith Westcott, The Institute of Metal Detectorists

Grants

We thank the following organisations for grants which have enabled us to host Romans In Didcot for the second year in a row. 
​
Tesco Bag for Life                 £1000
The Classical Association       £700
The Hellenic Society             £500


Raffle

Our raffle is an important fundraising element. The purchase of tickets really does make all the difference.

Here are our three top prizes:

First prize:        Miele Hoover

Second prize:    Playmobil Roman history set

Third prize:       Family ticket to the Corinium Museum, Cirencester. 

Food and Drink

We are grateful to Didcot Events for doing a BBQ.
We will have a limited amount of vegetarian food on site. Unfortunately, it has proven very difficult indeed to find caterers willing or able to do veggie food and we apologise for this inconvenience. Please feel free to bring your own picnic. 
However, we do have the following: 
An ice cream van.
Yo2Go 
The Scouts will be selling cakes. 

Festival Competitions

If you missed our mythology competition you are not too late to win some of our books or one of three Roman soldiers, below. There are two competitions: i) design you own Greek vase (ii) a quiz. If there is a tie-break you get a chance to impress us with a fact about Greece or Rome - so get reading!

You will find an image of a Greek vase below. To take part, find one of our helpers at the festival - they will be pouring water, selling raffle tickets, or ask at the gate - and pay £1 for the entry form. The vase is due by the 14th of July. 

You need to take a look around the festival to be able to answer the quiz. Entry forms for this are also £1.

To submit your vase designs, contact stretchdidcot@gmail.com. Prizes must be collected as we have no money for postage.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at the Panoply Vase Animation's project - at the festival, or look on their website, which you can find here: 

Didcot Roman Festival - full details!

The event is on Saturday 7th July at Didcot Girls’ School 

Opens at 10.00, starts at 10.30, ends at 5.00

Full timetable

The cost of the tickets includes all events EXCEPT the Enchanted Players' Eros and Psyche Play. Tickets to see this play will be available from Enchanted Players and a link will be put here as soon as it's available. 

You can buy tickets to our festival here! Just follow this link, which will take you to the ticketing page. 

Prices

4s and under are free
Child ticket £4 
£5 adult
£16 2 adults and 2 children
£11 for 1 adult and 2 children

The full timetable is at the bottom of this post. But first, here are details of all our guests and contributors!

If you want to take part in one of our competitions, see all the details here. You could win tickets to the festival, or lots of prizes!

We couldn't be doing this event without all our amazing sponsors. Click on the link to find out more.

And now without further ado, here is what you can expect from the day:

IN THE SCHOOL HALL                                                                                   

Caroline Lawrence 'Mysteries of Ancient Rome'                Register interest

In this fun, illustrated talk, million-selling author Caroline Lawrence shares her best tips for writing historical fiction.


A one-hour talk followed by book sale and signing.



Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton 'The Causes of the Trojan War' and 'Tales from
Ovid'                                        Register interest

Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are two of Britain's most popular tellers of traditional tales. Their lucid, thrilling performances of Greek myths have toured the UK and America. In 2006, they won the Classical Association Award for the 'most significant contribution to the public understanding of the classics'.

Two one-hour talks followed by book sale and signing. 




Geraldine McCaughrean 'Old Stories for New Ears'
                                    Register interest

Geraldine McCaughrean is a writer for all ages who has had the fluky good luck to get published 175 times and win lots of prizes. She is almost old enough to remember the Romans.


A one-hour talk followed by book sale and signing. 





IN THE SPORTS HALL

Handling of Greek Pots with Claudina Mayorga  from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology    Book space
Become an archaeologist for a day and discover how the ancient Greeks made, painted and used these pots! Learn ancient design, patterns and decorative techniques to replicate in your own vases!
Two 30-40 mins sessions. Capacity is only 15 so this activity will be bookable. 


Wool Spinning with Claudina Mayorga from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology 
Book space
Are you a fan of knitting? Do you love crocheting? Join us at WOOL: A MERL Late to share a good old fashioned craft! We will bring our loom and spindles from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and show you how the Ancient Greeks created their own textiles!
Come and try spinning and weaving just like the Ancient Greeks did: with your hands moving over the stitches, keeping on with the technique and working steadily you can learn a new skill. Bring your own needles and hooks and share your project with us.  
Two 20-30 mins sessions. Capacity is only 7 so this activity will be bookable. 

Oxford Archaeology   Register interest
Come along and ask questions about archaeology in the area and look at finds dug up locally. 

All day drop-in: Mosaic making with Lawrence Payne   Register an interest
Roman mosaics, history, techniques and secrets.
Turn up at any time and choose a design to make. There will also be booklets (children/adults guides to Roman mosaics) and additional kits for sale.

All day drop-in: Didcot Library. Why not join your local library and access a world of information, from Gladiators to Minotaurs, and Caesar to Archimedes! The Library will also bring a selection of books to borrow on the day.

All day drop-in: Air-Dry Clay. Little ones can come and craft with Di Chesterman. 
 
All day drop-in: Women Institute: Weaving. 
The T Birds, Upton's branch of the Women's Institute, will be providing some weaving activities.

ON THE FIELD

Slinging History and Techniques
Listen to a Balearic slinger of the Roman Army talk about the history of this ancient weapon, and learn about the techniques ancient skirmishers used which made this weapon so effective and deadly. Test your slinging technique against our very own Goliath!
This is a drop in activity and will run throughout the day. Each session will take 20-30 mins.

Roman Gladiator Workshop
Please check back. We are having a soldier - and other soldierly related activities.
Three one-hour sessions. Bookable.

Nicomedes the Greek Hoplite

Marcus the Roman Fletcher

British Army
After being drilled by our Roman soldier: listening to him talk about fletching, seeing his display items and meeting our Balearic Slinger talk about the history and techniques of his art - and trying it out yourself - come and see the British Army's Outreach team, from Aldershot, will be spending the entire day with us, out on the school field. You can try some army food rations - including halal, Kosher and vegetarian, take part in some activities and see how their uniforms and weapons compare with Lucius', our Roman soldier. 

Greek Music with James Lloyd (tent or gazebo) Book space
Ever wondered what the oldest complete song in the world sound like? Or wanted to hear an ancient Greek instrument? Find out more about the songs and sounds that would have filled the theatres, temples and streets with replica instruments, performances and demonstrations. 
Two 30 mins sessions. Bookable. 

Enchanted Players 'Eros & Psyche', the Greek myth brought to life for kids! 
Book
The story tells of the struggle for love and trust between Eros and Psyche. Aphrodite, jealous of the beauty of the mortal princess Psyche, commands her son Eros, the god of love, to make Psyche fall in love with the ugliest creature on earth. But instead, Eros falls in love with Psyche himself and takes her away, marking the start of the whirlwind journey between them.
One-hour show. Tickets for this play are £5 each. 

All day drop-in: Roman Food Cookery Demonstration with Pario Gallico
We are sorry that this event will not now go ahead.

All day drop-in: Roman Blacksmithing with Big Beynon's Blacksmithing
Click here to go to the Roman blacksmith webapge

Demonstration throughout the day. Items made will be on sale.

Marchella Ward 'Shakespeare's Ovid'  Register interest
One 30-mins session.


We are also very lucky to have the following: 

The Fire and Rescue Services will be there with a fire engine. 

The Donkey Sanctuary. 
We are very sorry: it is not possible for the donkeys to be on site today. We hope we can have them in the future. 

 A Bouncy Castle - will be payable directly to Ynot Treat Yourself. 

Wallingford Museum has kindly loaned us some small finds. They can be 'excavated' from our sandbox - come along and see what is hidden.

Food and drink including an ice cream van, burgers from Didcot Events, teas and cakes from the Scouts, and milkshakes. Please also feel free to bring a picnic if you'd like!

IN THE CLASSROOM


All day drop-in (with breaks when the talks below are happening): Panoply Vase Animation Project Stall 
The Panoply Project makes animations from the scenes on real ancient vases. Come and watch the animations and get creative decorating your own vase!  

Oxfordshire Finds Talk with Anni Byard             
Register interest
Anni is Oxfordshire's Finds Liaison for the Portable Antiquities Scheme. She is an ex DGS girl and lives locally. You will see her name in museums in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. She is often on local radio and has been on national tv. She will be giving a 40-minute talk on Roman finds found by the public in Oxfordshire. We hope she can bring her book '50 Finds From Oxfordshire'. 
One 30 mins session. 

Bellerophon Mosaic Talk: the Boxford Mosaic Mudhole, a muddy hole and a mythical masterpiece with BARG
Register interest
The joint project leader for the Boxford Roman Project and joint chairman of the Boxford Archaeology Research Group (BARG) will talk about the exciting Roman finds near Boxford and in particular one of the most spectacular Roman mosaics ever discovered in Britain.
One 30 mins session.

Buy Tickets, Donate and Donate via SO Lottery

The event is on Saturday 7th July at Didcot Girls’ School 

Opens at 10.00, starts at 10.30, ends at 5.00

The cost of the tickets includes all events EXCEPT the Enchanted Players' Eros and Psyche Play. Tickets to see this play will be available from Enchanted Players and a link will be put here as soon as it's available. 

You can buy tickets for our festival here! Just follow this link, which will take you to the ticketing page. 
 
Prices

4s and under are free
Child ticket £4 
£5 adult
£16 2 adults and 2 children
£11 for 1 adult and 2 children

The full timetable is at the bottom of this post. But first, here are details of all our guests and contributors!

If you want to take part in one of our competitions, see all the details here. You could win tickets to the festival, or lots of prizes!

We couldn't be doing this event without all our amazing sponsors. Click on the link to find out more.

And now without further ado, here is what you can expect from the day:

IN THE SCHOOL HALL                                                                                   

Caroline Lawrence 'Mysteries of Ancient Rome'                Register interest

In this fun, illustrated talk, million-selling author Caroline Lawrence shares her best tips for writing historical fiction.


A one-hour talk followed by book sale and signing. Suitable for anyone aged 8+. 



Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton 'The Causes of the Trojan War' and 'Tales from
Ovid'                                        Register interest

Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are two of Britain's most popular tellers of traditional tales. Their lucid, thrilling performances of Greek myths have toured the UK and America. In 2006, they won the Classical Association Award for the 'most significant contribution to the public understanding of the classics'.

Two one-hour talks followed by book sale and signing. Suitable for anyone aged 8+. 




Geraldine McCaughrean 'Old Stories for New Ears'
                                    Register interest

Geraldine McCaughrean is a writer for all ages who has had the fluky good luck to get published 175 times and win lots of prizes. She is almost old enough to remember the Romans.


A one-hour talk followed by book sale and signing. 





IN THE SPORTS HALL

Handling of Greek Pots with Claudina Mayorga  from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology    Book space
Become an archaeologist for a day and discover how the ancient Greeks made, painted and used these pots! Learn ancient design, patterns and decorative techniques to replicate in your own vases!
Two 30-40 mins sessions. Capacity is only 15 so this activity will be bookable. 


Wool Spinning with Claudina Mayorga from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology 
Book space
Are you a fan of knitting? Do you love crocheting? Join us at WOOL: A MERL Late to share a good old fashioned craft! We will bring our loom and spindles from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and show you how the Ancient Greeks created their own textiles!
Come and try spinning and weaving just like the Ancient Greeks did: with your hands moving over the stitches, keeping on with the technique and working steadily you can learn a new skill. Bring your own needles and hooks and share your project with us.  
Two 20-30 mins sessions. Capacity is only 7 so this activity will be bookable. 

Oxford Archaeology   Register interest
Come along and ask questions about archaeology in the area and look at finds dug up locally. 

All day drop-in: Mosaic making with Lawrence Payne   Register an interest
Roman mosaics, history, techniques and secrets.
Turn up at any time and choose a design to make. There will also be booklets (children/adults guides to Roman mosaics) and additional kits for sale.

All day drop-in: Didcot Library. Why not join your local library and access a world of information, from Gladiators to Minotaurs, and Caesar to Archimedes! The Library will also bring a selection of books to borrow on the day.

All day drop-in: Air-Dry Clay. Little ones can come and craft with Di Chesterman. 
 
All day drop-in: Women Institute: Weaving. 
The T Birds, Upton's branch of the Women's Institute, will be providing some weaving activities.

ON THE FIELD

Marcus the Roman Fletcher - Slinging History and Techniques
Listen to a Balearic slinger of the Roman Army talk about the history of this ancient weapon, and learn about the techniques ancient skirmishers used which made this weapon so effective and deadly. Test your slinging technique against our very own Goliath!
This is a drop in activity and will run throughout the day. Each session will take 20-30 mins.

Roman Gladiator Workshop
Please check back. We are having a soldier - and other soldierly related activities.
Three one-hour sessions. Bookable.

Nicomedes the Greek Hoplite

British Army
After being drilled by our Roman soldier: listening to him talk about fletching, seeing his display items and meeting our Balearic Slinger talk about the history and techniques of his art - and trying it out yourself - come and see the British Army's Outreach team, from Aldershot, will be spending the entire day with us, out on the school field. You can try some army food rations - including halal, Kosher and vegetarian, take part in some activities and see how their uniforms and weapons compare with Lucius', our Roman soldier. 

Greek Music with James Lloyd (tent or gazebo) Book space
Ever wondered what the oldest complete song in the world sound like? Or wanted to hear an ancient Greek instrument? Find out more about the songs and sounds that would have filled the theatres, temples and streets with replica instruments, performances and demonstrations. 
Two 30 mins sessions. Bookable. 

Enchanted Players 'Eros & Psyche', the Greek myth brought to life for kids!
The story tells of the struggle for love and trust between Eros and Psyche. Aphrodite, jealous of the beauty of the mortal princess Psyche, commands her son Eros, the god of love, to make Psyche fall in love with the ugliest creature on earth. But instead, Eros falls in love with Psyche himself and takes her away, marking the start of the whirlwind journey between them.
One-hour show. Please book separately (link to be added shortly).  

All day drop-in: Roman Food Cookery Demonstration with Pario Gallico
We are sorry that this event will not now go ahead.

All day drop-in: Roman Blacksmithing with Big Beynon's Blacksmithing
Click here to go to the Roman blacksmith webapge

Demonstration throughout the day. Items made will be on sale.

Marchella Ward 'Shakespeare's Ovid'  Register interest
One 30-mins session.


We are also very lucky to have the following: 

The Fire and Rescue Services will be there with a fire engine. 

The Donkey Sanctuary. Did you know the Romans first introduces donkeys to Britain?

 A Bouncy Castle - will be payable directly to Ynot Treat Yourself. 

Wallingford Museum has kindly loaned us some small finds. They can be 'excavated' from our sandbox - come along and see what is hidden.

Food and drink including an ice cream van, burgers from Didcot Events, teas and cakes from the Scouts, and milkshakes. Please also feel free to bring a picnic if you'd like!

IN THE CLASSROOM


All day drop-in (with breaks when the talks below are happening): Panoply Vase Animation Project Stall 
The Panoply Project makes animations from the scenes on real ancient vases. Come and watch the animations and get creative decorating your own vase!  

Oxfordshire Finds Talk with Anni Byard             
Register interest
Anni is Oxfordshire's Finds Liaison for the Portable Antiquities Scheme. She is an ex DGS girl and lives locally. You will see her name in museums in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. She is often on local radio and has been on national tv. She will be giving a 40-minute talk on Roman finds found by the public in Oxfordshire. We hope she can bring her book '50 Finds From Oxfordshire'. 
One 30 mins session. 

Bellorophon Mosaic Talk: the Boxford Mosaic Mudhole, a muddy hole and a mythical masterpiece with BARG
Register interest
The joint project leader for the Boxford Roman Project and joint chairman of the Boxford Archaeology Research Group (BARG) will talk about the exciting Roman finds near Boxford and in particular one of the most spectacular Roman mosaics ever discovered in Britain.
One 30 mins session.

Grants and Donations

We thank the Roman Society for awarding us £150 from the Hugh Last Fund. This grant has enabled us to pay for a visit from the Ashmolean Museum.

Didcot's Rotary Club has kindly granted us £200, which will go towards the costs to hire our venue. Thank you Rotarians!

A HUGE thank you to Willowcroft Primary School in Didcot. Willowcroft has agreed to hold a non-uniform day and donate the proceeds to Stretch. We thank the school for its kindness. 

Thank you also to an anonymous benefactor, for donating £150 to our funds! 

The Classical Association awarded us a very generous grant of £1,750. 

Thank you to the Council for British Archaeology for giving us £500. We are very grateful. 

The Hellenic Society granted us £150 towards the cost of the Ure Museum and the Panoply Vase Animation's attendance. 

Didcot Town Council granted us £500, for which we are very grateful.