On 1st February eight intrepid staff and volunteers from YAC and the CBA donned Roman tunics, helmets, spears, shields and swords and set off with our Roman standard and replica trumpet to conquer six laps of York's City Walls in aid of the Dig Deep for YAC campaign www.yac-uk.org/yaccampaign!  And conquer it we did!

 

Setting off at first light (well eight o’clock) on a chilly but clear morning we entered York’s City Walls at Bootham Bar without any resistance from the locals.  In fact those driving past in their cars were more inclined to offer friendly, if bemused, waves!  We had a long way to go to cover the distance a Roman soldier walked in a day but we were up for the challenge.  With a rallying call on our trumpet we marched our first lap and soon realised just how fit Roman soldiers were.  Our helmets, shields and spears grew heavier on each lap and our trumpet calls became less impressive as the day wore on.  We certainly needed our Roman army rations of oat cakes and dried fruit to keep our aching muscles moving.

 

So, with a clattering of swords, a triumphant trumpet call and cheers from well wishers we completed our sixth lap at 5pm.  With weary legs, aching necks (those helmets are heavy!) and a distinct aroma we gathered for our final march back to YAC HQ safe in the knowledge that we had faced and met our Roman challenge.  In the process we had raised awareness of the great work YAC does, been filmed and photographed and continued to raise much needed funds to save YAC’s Branches.  It was worth it!

 

You can still donate and all the money I raise will go to our Dig Deep for YAC Campaign aimed at saving the fantastic, volunteer-run, UK-wide network of YAC Branches www.yac-uk.org/yaccampaign YAC Branches give young people a wide range of opportunities to get involved with archaeology.  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So please dig deep for YAC and donate now. 

 

To see a full range of photos and a video clip of our walk please visit www.yac-uk.org/yaccampaign/events/romans