Site News
It was hoped that our last submission to Northampton County Council would be more favourably received but alas that is not so. The decision of what we do next really needs to be that of all the members and those who are interested to discuss what we do next. For that reason we will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on Wed. 10th June at 7.30 at the Talbot, Meadow Road, Kettering, to decide our next course of action.
A.G.M.
The less said about the November ’08 AGM the better. My apologies for the organisation being so poor. Suffice to say that the following were re-elected
Chair – Carol Morton
Treasurer – Kerry Hand
Site Director – Bruce Hardy
Janet Hales.
Jon Hall and Dave Turner have been co-opted on to the committee.
A big thank you to Tony Eyles for being willing to be a committee member if necessary but as Jon and Dave live much closer to where the meetings are held Tony was told he would not be needed after all.
Unfortunately, we are without a permanent secretary .Robert Warren agreed to do it for a year which he has done admirably. His input will be sorely missed. Thank you Robert for all you have done.
If by any chance anyone has a burning desire to be our secretary please contact Carol Morton on 01536 420723.
The committee has continued to meet regularly, now every two months instead of monthly. The main item discussed has been the “paper work” and the condition of the site. The recording sessions, AGM and the winter programme have featured highly as well.
The Xmas Get Together.
As ever the Talbot did us proud. We were fewer in number this time but good fun was had by all. This year there was only one “prize.” Bruce got a gold star for the work he has done on the project design and report for the dig.
The Winter Programme
January’s presentation was amazing. Martin Weaver took us through the intricacies of putting a face on a skull. It was totally fascinating.
Unfortunately, the February meeting had to be cancelled because of the snow. Paul Blinkhorn rides a motorbike and it was definitely not safe to use one that evening. We will be seeing his presentation about what happens behind the scenes of Time Team next year. Thanks are due to Steve for apologising about the late cancellation.
In March John White told us about some of the things that can be seen around the inside and outside of a church. Some on the outside were a bit naughty. If you were there you would know what is meant. Once through the church door into “heaven” it was very different. We can only imagine, how in medieval times, the colour and imagery contrasted with the drabness and starkness of everyday life.
In April, John Kliene filled in the last part of the picture about Alderton’s archaeology. As ever it was well presented and extremely interesting.
May brought us Roy Friendship-Taylor and the story of the Roman Villa over at Piddington. The talk was really interesting, full of detail about the site and the finds that have been made. He also invited those who want to do some excavating to come over any Sunday afternoon.
Pottery Recognition and Recording Workshops.
These have now been transferred from the Talbot to the Pleasure Park in Rockingham Road, Kettering. The venue provides better facilities being light, bright and warm. The small group, who meet fortnightly, is slowly but surely recording our finds. Thank-you to Kerry and Steve for running the group, and to Pat and Merle for being such stalwarts. Other members do drop in as well.
Any member can go along and be given the necessary training on the job. This is a great way of being involved with archaeology without getting cold, wet and dirty!!
Web Site
It is still only an information web site. It is correct even if items are a little late being taken off.
A Sad Loss.
On 3rd December, 2008 Mike Allen died unexpectedly. He was an associate member and came regularly to the talks with his partner Pat. She was asked to write a few words about Mike and this is what she has written.
“Mike passed away very peacefully He was doing what he loved to do, where he loved to be and for the person he loved – DIYing for Pat! If he had to go, he wouldn’t have chosen any other way. Mike enjoyed the IARS meetings very much and the friendships he made there. His curiosity about just about everything in life was infectious. He was a much loved partner, companion and soulmate and will be sadly missed.”
Summer Visit
After Roy’s talk it was felt that it was time for a return to Piddington. A lot more has been excavated since our last visit and the museum has been updated. This summer’s five week dig is focusing on a new building which might be a temple or could be a mausoleum. Already some painted plaster has been found so why not come along to see if they have an answer.
We are going on Sunday 6th September. It will cost £3.50 per head which includes entry to the museum. Please let me know by 15th Aug. if you are coming and whether you can offer anyone a lift. If you need a lift please contact me either by e-mail on carolannmorton@hotmail.com or phone me on 01536 420724. We will meet at the church. The best place to park is along the wall side in the cul de sac by the church.
Some Things to Look Out For.
Sun. 12th July – Whitehall Farm Villa Open Day
Sat. 29th Aug. Piddington’s Roman Villa’s Open Day
Manor House Museum, Kettering, displays this summer are about Kettering Football Club (The Poppies) their past, present and future. This is on until 11th July. To go with this there will be a football activity day on Sat. 4th July. From 18th July the exhibition will be about “Sharks”
