BIG Roman Week – the annual festival celebrating Falkirk district’s Roman roots – comes to a close this weekend.
There will be a film show for children, a book signing, a free Italian lesson, and a history walk to Kinneil Roman Fortlet.
Organisers have hailed the Week a success with local people turning out to activities right across Falkirk district. To find out more visit http://www.bigromanweek.org.uk
On SATURDAY morning (Sept 22), children from Bo’ness Public School will be in the spotlight when their local history film “The Rockin’ History of Kinneil” (including a Roman scene) is shown at the Bo’ness Hippodrome Cinema before a screening of Disney’s “Hercules”. The film starts at 11 a.m.
Around 12.30 p.m., author Brian Young will be at the Inskpot and Silverleaf Booksellers in South Street, Bo’ness, to sign copies of his new Roman book, “The Eagle Has Fallen”.
Then at 2 p.m. on Saturday people can drop into the upstairs rooms at Bo’ness Library in the town centre for a free Italian lesson. An earlier session this week was a hit with participants.
The Week comes to a close on SUNDAY at Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness. There’s a guided history walk to the Kinneil Roman Fortlet (pictured right) with expert Jim Walker. Mr Walker discovered the Roman altar on show at the Museum. The walk leaves from outside Kinneil Museum at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The Roman Antonine Guard are also coming along – so bring your cameras.
The Italian lessons and history walk are free (as is admission to Kinneil Museum, open 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday). Please note: there’s a small charge to see the film show at the Hippodrome (Tickets £2.25) – and the book will cost £8.99 to buy.
ABOUT THE BIG ROMAN WEEK
The Big Roman Week is an annual festival, held each September. It marks the birthday of Emperor Antoninus Pius (born 19 September 86AD) – who built his Roman frontier, The Antonine Wall, across Falkirk district. Working with partners organisers deliver a series of events to get people to explore and enjoy local history. The Festival is co-ordinated by volunteers from Bo’net and The Friends of Kinneil (with support from a number of partners). For 2012, the organisers are grateful to Awards for All for providing core funding for some events in Bo’ness.
FINAL EVENTS FOR 2012
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – HERCULES (PLUS SHORT). Oscar nominated, fast-paced animation (from the directors of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid) about the hero of Greek and Roman mythology. Plus the premiere of The Rockin’ History of Kinneil (complete with Roman history) – made by P5 pupils of Bo’ness Public School with Sanctus Media and The Friends of Kinneil. Hippodrome Cinema, Hope Street, Bo’ness, from 11 a.m. All tickets £2.25. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/arts plus www.kinneil.org.uk
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – BOOK SIGNING – “THE EAGLE HAS FALLEN”.Author Brian Young visits the Inkspot and Silverleaf Bookshop, South Street, Bo’ness, to talk about his new novel on the disappearance of the Ninth Legion and to sign copies (the book costs £8.99). www.eaglehasfallen.com Visit the Bookshop at www.inkspotandsilverleaf.co.uk. Brian will be on hand from 12.30 p.m. on September 22.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – ITALIAN LESSONS.– Get a free introductory lesson from teacher Avril McInnes. Bo’ness Library (upstairs), Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. No need to book, just turn up. Please note: you have to use a flight of stairs to access the community room at the Library. Parking is beside the venue.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – WALK AND TALK WITH JIM WALKER. Join Roman expert Jim Walker and members of the Roman Antonine Guard for a free guided walk to Kinneil’s Roman Fortlet. Leaves from outside Kinneil Museum, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness, at 2 p.m. Open to all. The Museum will also be open from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. that day. Admission free. Organised by The Friends of Kinneil. www.kinneil.org.uk
Kinneil 