...now on Facebook!

After being persuaded to sign on to Facebook, I have now managed to upload a video!

Some while ago The Deja Crew worked with Cambo First School, the post for April 2015 has a link to a video made by the Haltwhistle Film Project about that visit.

https://www.facebook.com/RAeliusVictor/ will take you to a short film just about me - enjoy!

Nexct challenge, put it on YouTube...

...15 mins of fame...

Well four minutes and twelve seconds of fame...
Last Summer The Deja Crew got together with a Northumberland school to run a day of living history and we were lucky enough to have the Haltwhistle Film Project along to make a film!
That film is now on YouTube!



enjoy...

Rufus in Ravenglass

Last weekend I was with The Deja Crew at Ravenglass, more recruits needed for the mill that is the Roman Army.
I was on the Platform of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway  an amazing place, but as usual, didn't manage to get a photo of myself next to one of their amazing locomotives.  It's difficult to whip out a camera when you're a Roman!
They are a friendly bunch,

 ...willing to have a go...

 ...with a little training...

 ...they could even become useful troops!

We were busy, some people even came back both days, to continue the experience.  Other members of The Deja Crew were on the Station and two were at the Pennington Hotel.
The whole even was part of a month long celebration of Ravenglass and Eskdale heritage - Lives in the Landscape.  

There is an ongoing excavation of the vicus next to the fort site, just a few minutes walk south of the village, with report on their blog - Romans in Ravenglass - the excavation ends with an open day on 21st September.  There will be a local presentation in November.

A grand time was had by all who came along, thanks for making it such a fun weekend.

September looks busy...

The kids are back at school and it's looking like a busy Autumn term.

Firstly, there's an event of some kind every weekend in September.

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. 

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.

What I need to know...

image from the article - ALSTON 220AD: Gladiators, Bones and Pies - http://www.foodlinkcumbria.org.uk

...is this becoming some kind of a trend - this was July, on the South Tynedale Railway and now appearing on the Ravenglass and Eskdale - I see some interesting images on the way!

Then,
15th September - a welcome return to Vallum Farm and Milecastle 18 on Hadrian's Wall for a Heritage Open Day.

21st September - another new venue, Walby Farm Park - almost on top of the Wall between Milescatles 62 and 63.

28th/29th September - maybe another Roman at Bede's World - watch this space...

Add to this
  Discovery Visits to Housesteads and 'Meet a Roman Soldier' at Chesters Roman Fort, Famil Man workshops still to be booked in and it looks like September will be loads of fun!

Marvellous Maryport - "Great! I loved it!"

That comment sums it up - The Deja Crew spent 4 days at Maryport and 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. 

and next - Love Maryport Roman Celebration

Victor the Veteran will be at the Love Maryport Roman Celebration from 15-18 August, with the rest of The Deja Crew

PORO!

Rufus Aelius Victor will be at Senhouse Roman Fort on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th, followed by The Wave Centre on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August.  There will be opportunities to try on a Roman Soldier's armour and other kit and maybe even a couple of drill sessions.

There are loads of other things going on, official details here or check out The Deja Crew Blog

I'll post more details in a couple of days - hope to see you there!

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

the Romans Returned...

Back at Hardwick Country Park for the now annual Romans Return event.  It being Summer, Saturday it rained, but Sunday was Glorious.  Still the rain didn't worry the Deja Crew, we were under cover.

Our activities tent, with weaving, willow work and  Life in the Roman Army.

"How did they move around with all this weight?" - quote from one new recruit.

All the things you can try on, including Roman Underpants!

a quite moment in between the raindrops on Saturday,
however Sunday we didn't even have time for a photograph!

A grand event, hopefully we'll be back again next year, see you then.

Roman Roadshow CANCELLED

The Teacher Twilight event at Housesteads Roman Fort has been cancelled - only 2 teachers could make it! Hopefully English Heritage will be able to run it sometime in the future, if they do I'll post the details.

Teacher Twilight Event at Housesteads Roman Fort

Do you want new ideas on teaching the Romans? Do you want to meet experts who can bring the history of Hadrian’s Wall to life? If so, English Heritage would like to invite you to our FREE teacher's twilight event. Discover what exciting offers are available from attractions along the Wall.
Have a look at the Teachers Event Flyer for more information and how to book your place.
Hope to see you there.

Roman Roadshow Teachers Event - 27th June 2012

Come and find out how we can help you teach the Romans.

English Heritage are hosting a Teachers Event at Housesteads Roman Fort.  In partnership with The Deja Crew, Vindolanda, Segedunum, Arbeia, Hexham Abbey and others, we aim to Engage, Enthrall and Educate.
The event will be from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Wednesday 27th June at Housesteads Roman Fort and is FREE to attend.
 It's essential you contact Zoe Spring (01904 601962 or zoe.spring@english-heritage.org.uk) if you want to come along.
I'll post more details soon

The Romans Return to Hardwick Country Park... Again!

For the Fourth Year in a row The Romans Return to Hardwick Country Park, near Sedgefield.  The weekend of the 25th and 26th of August will see The Deja Crew and others creating a Roman encampment within this beautiful landscape.   I'll post more details as they are confirmed or check with Durham County Council at
Hardwick Park Events

The Romans Return
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 August
11am-3pm / £4 each, £12 family
Our annual event is back. Come and learn
all about life in Roman times. Visit our living
history displays, see dramatic battles and
ballista demonstrations.

Coming up over the Summer

The bookings are starting to come in for over the Summer, in addition to the Discovery Visits for English Heritage at Chesters and Housesteads, I'll be at

• Tullie House 25th June for the opening on the new Roman Gallery (see Tullie House events)
• Head of Steam 10th July for more Romans on the Railway
• Hardwick Hall 6th and 7th August - Romans are Coming

I'll add the details and more dates as they come in.

Change of Name

The Tyne Team is no more....
...long live The Deja Crew!!!
Due to a number of issues, similarity to a TV Archaeology programme and a group of management consultants in Allendale we have decided to change our name to The Deja Crew.  We are doing the same things - Living History and costumed interpretation. 
Check us out at www.thedejacrew.com