Centurion’s lesson
YOUNGSTERS will have a rare chance to step back in history and find out about Romans, straight from the lips of a real centurion. The soldier, part of the small invading army that subdued ancient Britons, will be wearing his full armour as he tells chil
YOUNGSTERS will have a rare chance to step back in history and find out about Romans, straight from the lips of a 'real' centurion.
The soldier, part of the small invading army that subdued ancient Britons, will be wearing his full armour as he tells children what life was like for him so far from home as part of the North Hertfordshire Book Festival.
In another life the centurion is better known as 23-year-old Tim Hobman, who works as a committee and members services officer at North Hertfordshire District Council.
Tim, from Whitwell, will be making two personal appearances as part of the book festival, which starts on World Book Day - March 1 - and runs for two weeks with more than 40 events.
He admires the skill, expertise and achievements of the Romans.
He said: "They invented so much - their waterways were fantastic, their drainage and irrigation for instance. We all know about their roads but there was so much more."
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He is looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm with youngsters.
He said: "I am so pleased to be part of the first North Hertfordshire Book Festival. I think it's a wonderful idea and it's great to have events for all age groups. I am looking forward to telling the children just what life was like here 2,000 years ago."
Tim will be at Christchurch in Bedford Road, Hitchin, at 11am on March 3, as part of its regular coffee morning, which will be followed by a Fairtrade lunch at 12.30pm.
He will also be at Patrick's Café in the Wynd off Station Road, Letchworth GC, on March 8 at 4pm. Both events are free.
The North Hertfordshire Book Festival, running in Hitchin, Letchworth GC and Baldock, includes talks by national and local authors, a book sale and events in schools.
For more details and a programme of events, look on the NHDC website at www.north-herts.gov.uk or call Sue Fisher on 01462 474544.
