The Summer of 2009 saw Britannia appearing at Colchester Barracks (16 Air Assault Brigade) as gladiators (Eventplan). Britannia were proud to present a cheque for £1,000 to the Army Benevolent Fund following our historical demonstration.

Retired serviceman Derek Clow of Britannia is seen here handing over our
contribution to ABF representative Major Peter Harcelode.

For 65 years the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) has worked tirelessly to provide support to serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

The people the ABF supports include those with disabilities or mental
illness, people experiencing homelessness or unemployment, and older people.

Visit their site:

www.armybenfund.org/

 

 

 

In the summer of 2010 Britannia members Bryan Lightbody and Dan Shadrake joined members of the Metropolitan Police for a 5k run in Roman armour around Hyde Park in aid of Help for Heroes.

"Modern running gear was worn under the armour, the kit's weight didn't present a problem but even with modern fabrics, the heat being reflected back into the body trunk and head made the exercise far tougher than I'd anticipated, the coppers coped excellently, but they're used to running in body armour, you've got to admire them for that."

D. Shadrake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In April 2011 friend of Britannia Tim Rees ran the London Marathon as a Roman legionary. He did it in aid of the Welsh Guards charity (website at http://www.justgiving.com/welshguards).

We were happy to support him in this venture by lending him some 'Classic legionary' kit from the Flavian period.

Here's what he said:

"I did it in sandals! I used ones that didn¹t have a hobnail base and they were surprisingly hardy and comfortable. The woollen tunic worked brilliantly, when soaked, at keeping me cool whilst all around me people were puffing and panting and fretting about the heat. The segmented armour was comfortable and I can imagine that if tailored a little it would have been fine to wear in all sorts of circumstances.

I completed the Marathon in 4 hrs 59 mins which is very slow but I am pleased to say I didn't walk a single step. My legs have only just recovered, testament to how strong the Legionarys must have been to do it day in day out."

Well done Tim, great cause mate!