#RomanCircus20 Blog – Debbie

“Today we have some lovely words from volunteer Debbie, about her experience of volunteering at the Roman Circus Centre!

It was following a visit to the Roman Circus visitor centre in the summer of 2022 and a very interesting chat with Sam Rowley and Linda Martinez I decided I should like to volunteer in some way. After another visit in September to meet Sam and, whilst touring the centre again, a large board caught my eye printed with two Colchester sky lines of different time periods. Some buildings had been coloured in to highlight similarities in the two periods. I was told they were looking to colour in the whole board for a Roman Wall project in the future. It was at this point, as being interested in art projects, I was hooked by the challenge and completed the task in November 2022.

There follows other ‘art’ challenges completed over the last 18 months interspersed with general cleaning and tidying activities ;

To repaint lifesize boards of a Dog and a chariot Pony head

Enhancements to the beautiful scale model of Camulodonham to recolour the river area for an official opening of new lighting to highlight different areas on the model. Which I was then invited to attend.

Painting a charioteer drawing made to scale on the end of a display cabinet.

Recolouring and mending a small Roman Circus model for the Roman festival in the castle park. Which I was also able to help out at.

Making wounds and making-up a rather handsome manikin dressed in roman costume, to appear more battle worn!

Painting small plain white models of Minerva and ? for the ?.

Constructing an example roman town depicting important buildings in card, intended for school demonstrations.

During all these projects my very limited knowledge of Roman history was being increased and my interest grew. Not only has volunteering given me new interests, the team have all been incredibly friendly imparting their knowledge and enthusiasm freely. We had a most enjoyable gathering at Christmas as a thankyou where we were able to meet fellow volunteers and generally have good fun!”

Thank you for all you do, Debbie