Ben Kane

I know, I know, I’ve been terrible at posting and giving details of the events that I’m doing. Here’s an attempt to remedy that:

Wed. 2nd October – Appledore Book Festival
Wed. 9th October – Cowbridge Book Festival
Sat. 19th October – Bristol Museum, with Manda Scott and others
Sun. 3rd November – Taunton Lit. Fest. with Tony Riches and Ruth Downie
Mon. 4th November – Cadbury Heath Library, South Glos.
Thurs 7th November – St. Albans Library, with Tony Riches
Tues 12th November ― Calne Library, Wiltshire with Ruth Downie and Manda Scott
Thurs. 14th November, 2.30 p.m. ― Bridgwater Library, Somerset
Thurs. 28th November, evening, Wells Library, Somerset

I hope to see some of you at some of the events! Ben.

Many of you might have had an email from me about this. In case you haven’t, and for those of you who are visiting the site for the first time:

Would you like to try and win one of two signed hardback copies of my new book, Hannibal: Fields of Blood? Also up  for grabs: four signed copies of the paperback of Spartacus: Rebellion. In the pot too are a lovely bronze ram’s head bracelet (a replica of  an archaeological find) and a clay face of the god Vulcan (again a replica of  an archaeological find).

First prize gets both Hannibal books.
Second prize gets a copy of Fields of Blood and the bracelet.
Third prize gets a copy of Fields of Blood and the Vulcan image.
Fourth prize gets a copy of Fields of Blood.
Fifth and sixth prizes each get a copy of Spartacus: Rebellion.

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. I’LL POST THEM TO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
COMPETITION ENDS NEXT MONDAY (the 17th June).

Answer me this: Where did Hannibal annihilate eight Roman legions?

TO ENTER, JUST LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW.

Good luck, and thanks for reading my books!

Ben

Since late January, I have been walking three times a week. It started off at about 4 miles each time, but I have been building up one of those more and more. Yesterday, I did about 8/9 miles. I got lost, so have no idea how far it was! I started off wearing normal hiking clothes, carrying only my shield on my back but as my kit arrived, I began to wear it too. Each time now, I go out wearing the lot – all to get a real feel for the kit, and also to identify any problems that might arise. The only thing that I haven’t worn is the shield, and that’s because I have a niggling shoulder injury that I need to get better.

I do get some looks from passersby and drivers, however! “Oi, mate, where are the rest of the 300?” from a van driver. “Coming in for a drink?” from a blonde outside the local pub. “Just a normal resident of Cccc (village),” from a passerby to another. It’s all in a good cause, however, and so far we’ve raised more than £7600 – and that’s with a month to go! If you haven’t already given, please think of doing so. You can donate from anywhere in the world, using Paypal. Please ignore the click boxes about being a “UK taxpayer” and go on until the Paypal page comes up.  Donate here. Thanks!

Finally, I have started training for the walk! Straps to carry the shield sorted, I thought, it’s now or never. I’ve walked just over 4 miles/6.5 km each time, once with the crested Montefortino helmet (in the photo, it’s missing a feather – it fell off on the walk – but thankfully, I found it again later). It’s acutally quite comfortable to wear the shield like this, although it needs a little adjusting so that it doesn’t knock off my left leg. The helmet is another matter – it’s slightly too small, and I am a little concerned about what my head will feel like after 85 miles/139 km!

Mike Bishop, archaeologist, author and noted expert on Hadrian’s Wall, has agreed to accompany us on our walk. This will add immensely to the experience, as he knows more than most people alive about the wall. Thank you, Mike! If you’re on Twitter, you can follow Mike @perlineamvalli or check out his Hadrian’s Wall website. He will be tweeting, blogging and taking photos as we march.

Most of my gear will be ready soon: linen undertunics, tunic, cloak, boots, straps for carrying my scutum, scutum cover. I’m expecting my helmet back with a three-feathered crest, and the postman to deliver a pilum and sword belt and new gladius hispaniensis as well. I’m champing at the bit to get out and about near home in the gear, so that I can really get a feel for it. Break my boots in. Tweet photos of myself that will have you falling off your chairs with laughter. Stay tuned!

Your generous donations have seen the total raised in just 7 days to an amount over £1550. That’s incredible – thank you, and keep spreading the word, please! The site to donate is here.