Bangers and Mash (tun)...

a fine selection in Guntons, Crouch street

Sausages and beer - a perfect combination, and all in one place this Saturday at the Primrose Pork open day at their farm shop at Great Bromley. Local microbrewery 'Sticklegs' (named after a dog I believe) has relocated to the farm and will I believe be giving tours of the brewery. There will of course be many tasty treats to eat as well, and a farm and crafts market. Oh, and tractors too if that's your thing! 10 am till 5 pm, for details of location click here.

Don't drink and drive (it's really a bad idea because you might spill some). I'm catching the number 105 bus from Colchester Town station at 12.21. You can find other services from all over Essex at Traveline. See you there!

Song... A cover of the Beatles 'Piggies' from the White Album. Some fabulous photos of George Harrison.

tasty treats from Primrose Pork at Wivenhoe Farmers' market

What did the Romans ever do for us?...

Jess Jephcott and trainee Roman soldier

It's often said in Colchester that we don't make enough of our Roman heritage. Well, partly that's down to all of us, and there are some hard-working people at Roman Circus House that are certainly doing their bit this summer. There are activities, tours, games, and of course tea and cake, almost every week. Check out more details at www.romancircus.co.uk
the full list is:
 Saturday 23rd July: Blue Badge guided tour of the circus site and centre, at 12.30 and 1.30, by Colchester Tourist Guides Jonathan or Dinah. Each tour lasts 45 minutes. £2.50 per head. Children under 11 FREE.
* Saturday 23rd July: ‘Making cutlery 300 years ago’ – illustrated talk with finds display by archaeologist and bone specialist Pip Parmenter about an industry which once flourished in Thaxted in Essex. 45 minutes starting at 2.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday 30th July: ARCHAEOLOGY ROAD SHOW. Dug up anything archaeological you want an opinion on? Do you have any mysterious finds under your bed or in the attic? Bring them along and try them on our panel of experts! 11.00am-4.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday 30th July: ‘Walking the Martello Towers of Suffolk’, illustrated talk by Trust archaeologist Howard Brooks. 45 minutes starting at 11.30am. FREE.
* Saturday 30th July: guided tour of the circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.
* Saturday 6th August: Blue Badge guided tour of the circus site and centre at 12.30 and 1.30, by Colchester Tourist Guides Jonathan or Dinah. 45 minutes. £2.50 per person, children under 11 FREE.
* Saturday 13th August: ‘Things they buried with the dead’ – hands-on finds session with Trust archaeologist Emma Holloway. 45 minutes starting at 11.30am. FREE.
* Saturday 13th August: guided tour of the circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.
* Saturday 20th August 20th: Blue Badge guided tour of the circus site and centre at 12.30 and 1.30, by Colchester Tourist Guides Jonathan or Dinah. 45 minutes. £2.50 per person, children under 11 FREE.
* Saturday 20th August: Kids’ dig – come and try your hand at excavating with a real archaeologist, and keep what you find! Sessions might be limited if popular. 11.00am-3.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday 20th August: Aquila game session with Alex (for players aged 10 and over). 11.00am-2.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday 20th August: the Two Daves concert. Triumphant return of the Two Daves to the stage at the circus centre with favourite songs from the Sixties. Quality! Starts 2.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday August 27th: Blue Badge guided tour of the circus site and centre at 12.30 and 1.30, by Colchester Tourist Guides Jonathan or Dinah. 45 minutes. £2.50 per person, children under 11 FREE.
* Saturday August 27th: ‘1971-1985: giant sites – big finds’ – illustrated review by Trust director Philip Crummy of his work in Colchester from 1971. 45 minutes starting at 11.30am. FREE.
* Saturday 3rd September: ‘1986-2016 – the Roman circus and much more’ – illustrated review by Trust director Philip Crummy of his work in Colchester from 1971. 45 minutes starting at 11.30am. FREE.
* Saturday 3rd September: guided tour of the circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.
* Saturday 10th September: HERITAGE OPEN DAY – part of the National Heritage Open Days 2016. 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Visit the former NAAFI of the Artillery (Le Cateau) Barracks of Colchester’s old garrison, built in 1937, which now houses the Roman circus centre. Small display about the NAAFI including some vintage NAAFI artefacts. Try 1940s NAAFI-recipe cakes in our tea room. Vintage military vehicles in the garden. FREE.
* Saturday 10th September: tour from Castle Park to the Roman circus – guided tour with Trust director Philip Crummy. 10.30am-12.30 pm. Meet outside the castle and see the remains of the Roman theatre, Duncan’s Gate, the Roman temple arcade and the Roman circus. FREE.
* Saturday 10th September: guided tour of the circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.
* Saturday 17th September: ‘More to pots than meets the eye’ – hands-on session with Trust archaeologist and pottery specialist Steve Benfield. 11.30am-12.30pm. FREE.
* Saturday 17th September: Aquila game session with Alex (for players aged 10 and over). 11.00am-2.00pm. FREE.
* Saturday 17th September: guided tour of the Roman circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.
* Saturday 24th September: ‘The Fenwick gold and silver treasure’ – illustrated talk by Trust archaeologist Adam Wightman who found the treasure. 45 minutes starting at 11.30am. FREE but best to pre-book to guarantee a seat (01206 501785 orinfo@romancircus.co.uk ).
* Saturday 24th September: ‘Digging deep for sound’ – an interactive family experience led by COMA East Firewire, a band that uses music to explore the present and the past. The band brings life to things long buried under our feet in Colchester through instruments and voices. 2.00pm to 3.30pm. FREE.
* Saturday 24th September: guided tour of the Roman circus site and centre by Trust guides, at 12.30 and 1.30. FREE.

The game of Aquila, adapted from a game found at Stanway

Phew! Hopefully there's something there for everyone in Colchester - Your move!

Music - well, actually the brilliant scene from Monty Python's Life of Brian!

Lend a hand, lend an ear....

Even older folk can hold hands.....

'Performance Art' - what do we mean by this? for me it is above all about a personal interaction, not passively looking at a picture or watching a film, but connecting with other people. And it's not really about big ideas, unless you count reconnecting with the beautiful simplicity of life a 'Big Idea'.

A man I trust totally to put something interesting in front of the good folk of Colchester has got the most beautiful, simple performance lined-up for this weekend, created by Rosanna Cade. So how about being in touch physically, and having a chat? All he now needs is some people who want to try it. There is nothing to lose.... Pay what you can or want to, and you can even ring Anthony Roberts (for it is he of course) to find out more on 07814 695598. Find out more or book by clicking here for Saturday or here for Sunday. And if you can't be there (sadly that's the case for me) then please share this.
Song - well among many strong contenders it has to be the Beatles - I want to hold your Hand.
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Mersea Beat....

Elena Urioste will again star

The Roman River Festival brings a weekend of Music to venues in the Colchester area next weekend - Top-class classical music in relaxed and informal settings. It features a very welcome return for top violinist Elena Urioste. Two events on Mersea Island - including a children's event. A good excuse to leave the mainland.

Music - Elena plays Romance by Amy Beach. Classical music doesn't have to be difficult!

Enjoy a nice walk and some Mersea seafood

Parr for the course...

Martin Parr photographed at Firstsite!

Martin gets in a bit of work at the opening

Song - Blondie - Picture This - nothing too subtle! A fabulous live video, and despite Debbie Harry's ,erm, presence, it's great to hear what a tight live band they were.

Selfies with Martin!

And you can take part too by submitting your own photos. How about this one?

Martin Parr may not be as familiar a name as Andy Warhol, but I think he is one of the greatest artists working in this Country. His wry photographs show the absurdity of being human (and it doesn't get much more absurd than the last week). I beseech you to catch the show at Firstsite - it's great fun.

With thanks and apologies to Sally and Lynn of Annie's Fantasies