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1. What was your reaction when you first learned you had been chosen to be a Roman legionary?
I was quite excited. I recall the flyer that came to Norfolk Constabulary asking those officers trained in riot tactics to contact Shine TV as they were looking for volunteers to take part in the TV filming. When I received the phone call informing me that I had been chosen, I was over the moon. The thought of taking part in a TV series was going to be one of those once in a lifetime experiences.
2. What do you believe was your biggest triumph as a Roman legionary?
Although it was only for a few days, they were tough days. We were stripped of our modern day creature comforts and had to live, eat and sleep as a Roman legionary. The climate was cold being in March; the clothing was thin and uncomfortable -- it offered very little warmth. The accommodation was un-inviting and the training was challenging. My triumphs over the few days were being able to pull through without giving up. Being able to smile at the end of it all and thank Shine for the experience. My biggest triumph had to be the route march. The equipment was heavy. I was given the heaviest marching pack. When I first put it across my shoulder it nearly killed me with its sheer weight. The shoes were extremely uncomfortable. We marched for several hours and they were tough hours.
3. What was your lowest moment as a Roman legionary?
I can honestly say that I never experienced any low moments. The group I was with were fantastic, we kept each other going and fed off each other's enthusiasm. As tough as it was, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. If asked to do it all again, I wouldn't hestitate in saying "Yes."
4. Overall, how would you rate your performance as a Roman legionary?
I think I did very well. I gave 100% towards the filming. I came into it expecting it to be tough and challenging, and I wanted to ensure that I would make it through having worked hard at it. I believe that I gave it my all and that my contribution was received very well. At the end of the filming, the director and producer for Shine thanked us all and said he couldn't have asked for more. The re-enactors who go all over the country and put on displays and performances invited us to join them. They were very impressed with our commitment.
5. If you had to choose between daily life as a police officer or as a Roman legionary, which would you choose?
If I'm honest, I would say I would choose to stay as a police officer. We only lived as a Roman legionary for a few days and I found that tough. To be a Roman legionary for 25 years would be extremely difficult. I am not sure if I could do it for 25 years.
6. Has your experience as a Roman legionary affected or changed any aspect of your career as a police officer?
It made me realise how fortunate we are in modern times with modern equipment and technology. As a riot officer called to go to deal with public disorder in a town 40 miles away, I am relieved that we have transport to take us there. The Romans would have marched the 40 miles and then gone into battle.
7. Did your experience as a Roman legionary live up to your expectations?
Yes, it sure did. It was better than what I expected. When I was chosen, all sorts of thoughts went through my mind and they continued to do so right up to the first day of filming. Having completed the filming, I can honestly say that it was not what I expected. The experience was fantastic and it heightened my realization of what it must have been like for the young soldiers of Roam times.
I didn't expect to be completely stripped of all creature comforts. Prior to going, we were sent a list of what we could bring. If it was off camera, it didn't matter what it was, we were allowed to bring extra warm clothing and sleeping bags. Well, when we got there, those things were taken from us and we were left with the sparse clothing that a Roman Legionary would have had and that was all we were allowed throughout the filming. If we were allowed to use our modern warm clothing, then the experience would not have been the same, it made the whole thing more realistic.
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