Author Archives: Ron

About Ron

Ron is he MD of Jolly Good Workshops for Schools Ltd and delivers most of the workshops himself. Ron is a highly experienced, enthusiastic, energetic workshop facilitator. Completely at home working with any age group including teenagers and adults but brilliant at engaging and inspiring younger children. He is reliable, flexible, well organized and professional with a good sense of humor. Ron travels to schools throughout the UK and has received many excellent reviews from Teachers. These can be viewed on the company web site.

Pirate Day Poster

Thousands of children in primary schools throughout Northern England, The Midlands and The South East have participated and enjoyed Pirate Workshop Day.

This activity is ideal for Year 1 and Year 2 children but older children up to Year 4 will love it too. The day can be modified to cater for Nursery and Reception if required.

For more details and a quotation please go to Pirate Day on our main website.

 

Why The Sea Is Salty

This is an ‘explain’ legend. A poor fisherman catches a seal in his net by mistake. The seal asks to be put back into the sea. In return for his freedom the seal brings the fisherman a magic shell which can produce anything you wish for. The shell is stolen by a wicked pirate who wants to use it to become rich. However in his haste the pirate fails to use the correct magic words and his ship fills with salt and sinks to the bottom of the sea. That is the end of the pirate but the shell makes salt forevermore.

Traditional Tales performed with puppets.

The Willow Pattern Story

This is a well known legend of the pattern on the famous china plate. The Emperor’s daughter falls in love with a lowly garden boy. Her father plans for her to marry a wealthy nobleman. The young couple try to runaway but are trapped by the palace guards. Before they are captured a friendly spirit transforms them into blue birds and they fly away together. True love prevails.

Traditional Tales performed with puppets.

 

The Wolf And The Seven Little Lambs

A familiar story in which a mother sheep warns her playful lambs not to open the door to strangers whilst she is away. A crafty wolf tricks them into letting him into the house after which he gobbles them up and falls asleep. The mother returns and rescues her children finally disposing of the wolf by pushing him down the well!

Traditional Tales performed with puppets.

Exploring the Romans

Roman Towns, Forts and Museums

Since I began presenting my Roman Workshop Day in schools I have visited as many archaeological sites and museums as possible in order to gather information, add to my existing knowledge and create my own photographic record for use in my school visits. Here are some of the wonderful places I have been able to explore so far.

Aldborough, Roman Town

In Roman times Aldborough was the civitas capital of the Brigantes tribal area. It was therefore an important centre of local government. Remains of the town wall can be seen as well as some very fine mosaic floors. There is a very small museum located at the entrance.

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Arbeia, Roman Fort

Originally a fort but later a main supply depot.  Although South Shields is not on the “tourist trail” for Hadrian’s Wall this site is well worth a visit. There is a reconstruction of a gate house, commandant’s quarters and a barrack block. The small on site museum also contains some very interesting objects.

Binchester, Roman Fort

Just on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland lies Binchester, a Roman cavalry fort. The bath house can be explored and parts of the barracks and the roman road “Dere Street” are also uncovered.

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Caerleon, Roman Legionary Fortress

Once the home to 5,000 Roman legionary soldiers, the fortress covers a considerable area. Some of the barrack blocks are visible together with the amphitheatre, baths and perimeter walls.

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Chesters, Roman Fort

Built where Hadrian’s Wall crosses the River Tyne, Chesters has an excellent museum with a huge selection of finds on display. Much of the fort can be explored and down by the river are the remains of the bath house.

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Chichester, Roman Town

Look at a modern day map of Chichester and you can immediately see the layout of the town centre follows the original Roman town plan. The museum in the town centre is built on the site of the public baths and later Roman town walls are still in existence.

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Colchester, Roman Town

This is where the Emperor Claudius came to accept the surrender of the south eastern tribes following the invasion of AD43. It was the first Roman Colonia and was burnt to the ground by Boudicca during the rebellion of AD60. Colchester has the only known circus for chariot racing in Britain. The castle museum has a floor devoted to Roman times with many fabulous exhibits relating to all aspects of Roman life and culture.

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Corbridge, Roman Town

This must have been a very busy place in Roman times as it was the main supply base for the garrison of Hadrian’s Wall. Here you can see the remains of the Roman town, walk down the main street and enjoy the superb museum. The remains of the original fort can also be seen.

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Fishbourne Palace

It is thought that Fishbourne Palace was built by the Romans for a local British king as a reward for loyalty during the Roman conquest. It covers an extensive area although a large part of it lies beneath a local housing estate. No expense was spared in the construction of the buildings and much of the stone and marble as well as the specialist craftsmen had to be imported for the task. Whoever lived here must have been very important. There are some wonderful mosaics, a huge ornamental garden and a museum.

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Herculaneum, Roman Town

When Vesuvius erupted in AD79 the town of Herculaneum was buried under a sea of volcanic ash. Today part of the town has been excavated and some of the best preserved buildings can be seen here. Even some of the original timber beams, doors and window frames have survived.

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Hermann Monument

Under Emperor Augustus the Roman Army had been campaigning in Germany with a view to establishing control over the territory between Rhine and the River Elbe. In AD9 Germanic tribes lead by Arminius delivered a crushing defeat on the Romans wiping out three entire Roman Legions in the Teutoberg Forest. After this the Rhine became the northern frontier of the empire and a period of consolidation began. Today the Hermann monument with Arminius raising his sword in triumph is a symbol of German unification.

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Housesteads, Roman Fort

Possibly one of the most popular forts on Hadrian’s Wall here you can clearly see the layout of the buildings, the perimeter walls, gates and roads. As Houseteads is  high on a hill it has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. There is a scale model reconstruction of the fort in the museum.

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Lincoln, Roman Town

After four years most of southern Britain had been subjugated. The Roman Army had moved forward to a line roughly between the Humber and the Severn. Two new colonia were founded. One at Gloucester and the other at Lincoln. On visiting the latter there are still some visible remains of the Roman town to be seen including parts of the original town walls.

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Mainz Museum of Ancient Shipping

Here you can see fully reconstructed Roman ships. There are warships and merchant ships some of which are full size and others scaled down. Unfortunately photography is not allowed and so I was unable to use my camera.

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Naples, Archaeological Museum

This museum contains an astonishing collection of statues, mosaics, paintings and objects from Herculaneum and Pompeii. Although not very well curated there are a great many fabulous exhibits. Well worth the effort to get to this place.

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Piercebridge, Roman Fort

Built where Dere Street crosses the River Tees, this was one of a number of forts on the line of this important road which ran from York to Corbridge, Hadrian’s Wall and beyond. Much of the fort remains are exposed and nearby the bridge abutments for the roman bridge can be seen too.

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Pompeii, Roman Town

The entire town was buried under volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Here you can explore a complete Roman town. Visit the forums, temples, basilicas, public baths, theatres, roads, shops, houses, amphitheatre, gladiator barracks, walls, tombs. Pompeii has it all. This is the ultimate step back in time!

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Richborough, Roman Fort and Amphitheatre

When the Romans invaded in AD43 they used the Wantsum Channel as a safe anchorage and landed their army at Richborough. The remains of the earthworks they built to protect their landing area is clearly visible. Richborough became the main entry and exit point for reinforcements, supplies and people coming from Gaul. On visiting the site it is possible to trace its development over the course of Roman occupation.

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Roman Army Museum

The Roman Army Museum on Hadrian’s Wall provides detailed information about the Roman Army in Britain and particularly the units engaged in the garrisoning of the northern frontier.

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Roman Legionary Museum

A very good museum dedicated to the Roman Army. Lots of information, objects and displays explaining the organization, weapons and equipment of the army and information about the Roman Army in Britain.

Rome

The heart of the Roman Empire. The Forum Romanum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus, Trajan’s Market, Ara Pacis and much much more.

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Saalburg, Roman Fort

Superb restored Roman Fort in North Germany with an amazing museum including a special exhibition on Roman siege artillery. Close by is a section of the “Limes” which is the German equivalent of Hadrian’s Wall built to protect the land between the natural obstacles of the Rhine and Danube rivers.

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Segedunum, Roman Fort

The viewing tower allows a birds eye view of the fort. There is also a reconstructed bath house and an excellent museum.

Trier, Roman Town

From 260 to 274 AD Britain was part of the breakaway Gallic Empire. For this period Britain was governed from Trier which was the capital city of the Gallic Empire. There are lots of interesting Roman sites here including three bath complexes, a basilica ( now a church ), an amphitheatre, an excellent museum an of course the famous “Potra Nigra” city gates.

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Vindolanda, Roman Fort

Prior to the construction of Hadrian’s Wall the northern frontier in Britain followed the Stanegate line. Vindolanda was one of the forts forming part of the Stanegate line. Remains of the fort and the vicus ( civilian settlement ) are visible. The on site museum is amazing with a massive collection of finds from the site on display. It is also possible to view the Vindolanda writing tablets which give an insight into life at the fort prior to the construction of Hadrian’s Wall.

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Xanten, Roman Town and Legionary Base

Now a huge archaeological park, Xanten was one of the most important Roman bases on the Rhine frontier. Today there are many reconstructed buildings, displays and exhibitions on many aspects of life in Roman times and a superb museum.

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York, Roman Town

When the Roman Army moved north York was chosen as the site for a Legionary Fortress and later it became a colonia. York was the most important town in Britain after London. There are few visible traces of Roman buildings to be seen today however you can see part of the public baths, the Roman walls and a few columns and statues. The city museum also has many interesting Roman exhibits.

More to follow…..

My Visit To Colchester Roman Circus

Chariot Racing in Britain

Colchester Roman Circus Centre is well worth a visit. I am so glad I made the effort!

The Ancient Romans were mad about chariot racing. Colchester has the only known chariot racing circuit in Britain. If there were others they have yet to be discovered. When the Romans invaded in 43AD they made straight for the heart land of the enemy. Camulodunum was the home of important tribal leaders and a spiritual settlement named after Camulus the celtic god of war. Once opposition had been subdued the Romans took over the area and founded their first colonae which they called called Victricensis, which translated from latin means city of victory. Thousands of retired soldiers were given land here and a model Roman town was built complete with all of the amenties Roman citizens expected and this included entertainment in the form of a theatre, amphitheatre and a circus.

 

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Although nothing remains above ground of the circus building, extensive archaeological investigation has revealed the foundations and clearly the original structure was massive. It was 450 metres long with a capacity for 16,000 spectators. The only Roman building in Britain bigger than this is Hadrian’s Wall.

 

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I have been to Circus Maximus in Rome. This was the biggest circus of all. However all there is to see is a huge open field. Colchester is far more interesting. The museum although containing very few artefacts does have some excellent displays, some of which are interactive. There is a reconstructed chariot and a superb scale model showing the layout of the race track and spectator stand. Outside there is a reconstruction of the foundations of the starting gates with a window to look through showing an elevation of how this part of the stadium might have looked. Very clever idea! There is also a metal frame work set up showing the profile of the spectator stands and the lines of the inner and outer walls have been marked out in the ground.

 

Profile of spectator stands

 

For anyone interested in Ancient Rome and chariot racing then I highly recommend a visit to this place. They have done an excellent job of providing information and designing displays both indoors and outside which enable the visitor to visualize what must have been a magnificent sports stadium. To the Romans this was surely their equivalent of Wembley

The Circus Centre is only a few minutes drive from the centre of Colchester and there is a car park on Butt Road ( which was free when I went ).

Contact details are as follows:

Roman Circus Centre, Roman Circus House, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, CO2 7GZ.

Tel 01206 501785

www.thecolchesterarchaeologist.co.uk

 

Related articles

Understanding Roman Britain

Roman Britain Workshop Day

Roman Britain Workshop

Roman Britain Workshop

Who were the Romans and they did they come to Britain? Why was the Roman army so powerful? How did Britain change under Roman rule? How has the way we live today been influenced by the Romans?

The Roman Britain Workshop Day investigates the Roman conquest and life in Roman Britain. Famous people, important dates, events and places.

Why did Hadrian build a wall across northern Britain? Who built it? Who guarded? Why did the Romans eventually abandon Britain?

This workshop day is aimed at KS2 children. It is run in school and provides a good alternative to a school trip.

Schools in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Doncaster, Harrogate, Wetherby areas and some North Yorkshire schools may like this.

For more information please contact us now.

 

Special Offer, Richmondshire Schools!

Richmondshire Schools Workshop Discount

Ron Wood

Learning is Fun!

Schools within ten miles of Richmond, North Yorkshire now qualify or an automatic £50 reduction from the cost of any of our fantastic school workshops.

This applies to Seaside Day, Pirate Day, Magic Maths, Roman Day or Puppet Workshops.

I have been delivering workshops in schools on a regular basis for over five years. Although I am extremely busy with many schools re booking year after year, a great deal of my work is in the Midlands, London and the Home Counties.

There are many primary schools in Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Bedale, Leyburn, Darlington, Barnard Castle and the villages close by who will now qualify for a preferential rate.

I am quite keen to do more work in local schools and would welcome calls from teachers who may be considering engaging my services.

If you would like to know more about what I offer or have any questions either fill in the enquiry form (recommended) or try my mobile 07984 495089.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Wood

 

 

 

Seaside Day for North Yorkshire Schools

Seaside “Wow” Day

Punch and Judy

Children watching a Punch and Judy Show during Seaside Day.

Primary Teachers in North Yorkshire can book an exciting seaside day experience to take place in their own school.

North Yorkshire has many wonderful seaside towns. Redcar, Saltburn, Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington all immediately spring to mind. For schools close by having a day out at the seaside is relatively straight forward. York, Thirsk and Northallerton are all within an hours travel time from the coast. For schools in Harrogate, Ripon, Catterick, Richmond or those up in Swaledale or Wensleydale the practicalities and cost of going to the seaside may mean that a trip is not viable. Instead many opt to have their own seaside day in school.

I have participated in a number of excellent school seaside days which have been planned and organized by the teachers. In addition to in house activities such as flag making, dressing up, craft activities involving cutting, sticking, drawing and painting, seaside shops etc outside providers are also used. There are sometimes an ice cream van, donkey rides, Punch an Judy,  imported sand for a beach area and even paddling pools too.

Putting together a special day like this requires time and energy. As Primary school teachers are very busy people they do not always have time available to plan an exciting event like this. Hiring in a “Seaside Day” is therefore an appealing alternative.

My “Seaside Day” includes learning about the history of the seaside and seaside holidays in the past. Watching an authentic Punch and Judy Show and participating in a carousel of seaside activities. The day which combines learning and fun is ideal for all KS1 children.

If you are looking for a “Wow Day” for your seaside topic please go to my web site for more information. Alternatively check availability and get a free quotation by visiting the enquiry page.

If you are interested, don’t delay, please get in touch now to secure the date you want.

 

 

 

Roman Soldier Video

Roman Army Weapons and Equipment

This You Tube video gives an excellent overview of the equipment, weapons and armour that helped to make the Roman Army the best in the ancient world. Basic methods of combat and tactics are also explained.

Book a Roman Day for your school for your children to see a full demonstration of the above, first hand.