Roman Pudding Pans mystery off Herne Bay turned into film for children on show at Seaside Museum
Published: 08:06, 26 April 2019
Updated: 10:10, 29 April 2019
A centuries old Kentish mystery has become the subject of a special exhibition and animation created for children to learn more.
Marcus and The Mystery of the Roman Pudding Pans has been created to accompany an exhibition on show at the Seaside Museum in Herne Bay.
It tells the true story of the Roman cargo ship which sunk off the Kent coast in 200AD. Its pottery was brought ashore in the 18th century and mistaken for pudding pots.
Scroll down to hear from UCA Rochester Computer Animation Arts course leader Phil Gomm.
The actual pottery is on display at the museum.
It has been made by staff and graduates of Computer Animation Arts at the University of the Creative Arts (UCA) Rochester and has been funded by the Heritage Lottery.
Written, produced and directed by Phil Gomm, course leader, everyone on the teaching team played a part in making it, with Alan Postings, senior lecturer, Simon Holland, technical tutor, and Nat Urwin, sessional animator, plus graduates, Ethan Shilling, Emily Clarkson, Deanna Crisbacher and Thomas Smith all involved.
The animation features professional voice actors - but also the voice talents of Lake Blumenthal, a pupil at the Herne Bay Junior School, who auditioned for the lead role of Marcus last year - plus a whole shoal of fish, designed by pupils at the school, are also featured.
Paula Amos from Herne Bay Junior School said: "The animation has exceeded our expectations. The children will take away so much from this."
Sandra Porter, Seaside Museum trustee, who came up with the idea, said: “Each step has been a new adventure for those involved at the Museum. Introducing the idea to the school and seeing their enthusiasm and support has encouraged community involvement. The film has far exceeded my expectations. It brings the story to life but still leaves an unanswered question - what did really happen?"
* Marcus and The Mystery of the Roman Pudding Pans runs until Sunday, June 2 at the Seaside Museum, William Street, Herne Bay. It is open between 11am and 4pm daily and costs £2, with accompanied under 16s free.
Read more: All the latest entertainments and events across Kent.
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Angela Cole