A ROMAN invasion will be coming to Portland this half term to celebrate the island’s heritage.

‘Meet the Romans’ will take place at Portland Museum next Wednesday, June 1, during the half term week, from 10.30am to 4pm.

The event will be celebrating all things Roman in recognition of the island’s Roman heritage.

The museum holds many Roman artefacts which have been discovered on Portland including the very rare duck brooch uncovered during the Weston Road excavations.

Portland Museum co-ordinator Lisa Gravett said: “We also have several large Roman stone sarcophagi all carved using hand tools.

“Many activities will be going on throughout the day including the chance to make a Roman style mosaic tile from card as well as practice designs with some real clay mosaic tile pieces.

“Children can also make a good fortune pouch where they can place a wish and a lucky charm, just like the superstitious Romans used to.

“They will also have an opportunity to make a laurel style crown and learn the symbolic importance of the laurel leaf to the Romans.

“Children will also be able to make a paper plate clock complete with Roman numerals.”

An expert will be on hand with a selection of real Roman coins for children to look at and handle and there will be a selection of Roman cakes to buy, baked using authentic Roman recipes.

Youngsters can also take part in a Roman artefact hunt where they will be asked to find various Roman objects hidden away in the museum.

Archaeologist and re-enactment specialist Dee Reilly will be showing the children what life was like for ordinary Romano British citizens with demonstrations of cooking, pot making and other aspects of ancient technology.

Lisa added: “We shall also be welcoming back professional sculptor Pat Moverley who will be working with the children to create Roman shields and a head of the fearsome Medusa, complete with snake hair.

“The event will cost £3 on the door for children and parents go free, a small charge will apply to those wishing to make a shield.

“Filled rolls and other refreshments are available to buy.

“All money raised goes towards funding the development of exhibitions, conservation of artefacts and developing our education and outreach programme.”

To find out more call Lisa Gravett on 01305 821804, email portlandmuseum@googlemail.com or visit portland museum.co.uk