Sue, who dug with us this season, has brought to our attention these nice medieval tiles from Blackfriars in Derby. They show a hare riding a hound just like our seal.
On a sadder note we’d like to note the passing of Doug, a long-standing SSARG member who excavated with us in 2012. Our condolences to his friends and family.
We’ve all safely dispersed back to our homes, families and loved ones. It was an exhausting drive in the wet conditions but we made it back to Newcastle, negotiated University security and dropped the kit and finds off.
Last night we were treated to Barry Paull’s impersonation of Elvis at the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil. It was an excellent night, complete with dancing, raffle winning and the odd conversation about helicopters. The event was in aid of the south-east Somerset branch of the RSPCA and especially the welfare of neglected horses.
If you’ve enjoyed the blog and can spare a few pounds please consider making a donation to the RSPCA – they do incredible work.
Another season of excavation draws to a close and it’s out great pleasure to record our thanks to the many individuals and institutions that make this project a success.
Many thanks to Maggie and Colin – our kind, tolerant and patient hosts – and their neighbours in Lufton who have welcomed our eccentric circus for the last three weeks.
Liz and Graham from Brympton Parish Council have been stalwart supporters for many years. We’re very grateful to them and to the Parish Council for their moral and financial support.
The South Somerset Archaeological Research Group have supported us with equipment and other kinds of assistance. We’re very grateful to them for all their help.
Mike Grinter and his digger, Brandon Hire and their portaloos also helped make this season a success. Asda provided rest and relaxation for many of the team, as did the Mason’s Arms in Odcombe.
The Western Gazette were also great – their help in publicising the excavation is much appreciated.
Finally, my own thanks go to Andew Agate, the rest of the team and everyone working behind the scenes in Newcastle. Without your input this season wouldn’t have happened.
Stay tuned for occasional updates on the post-excavation analysis!.
Seeing as it has come to the end of our excavations it seems appropriate to report what have been highlights for our student digging team.
Lucy
Graduate
“I enjoyed the responsibility of being a supervisor over the last 3weeks the close connection between the uni digging team and SSARG members. I also really living with the numerous cats on the camp site”.
James SA
1st Year
“Working as part of a great team, deepening my archaeological knowledge and eating outdoors for 3 weeks”.
Chris
1st year
“I enjoyed shovelling, local ale particularly at The Masons Arms. Another highlight was the sumo wrestling with Janes SA at the pub.”
Hayley
1st Year
“It was nice to have the opportunity to do other activities on site such as taking levels. I really enjoyed being part of a small team as well”.
Jessie
1st Year
“It was nice to break up the digging by going on trips to places like Lullworth Cove. I also enjoyed seeing the archaeological process from beginning to end. It was lovely to see some kittens at the cattery on our campsite”.
Flora
1st Year
“I loved meeting some of the local characters. It was a good experience learning to dig and plan features”.
Elliot
1st Year
“I enjoyed the challenged of excavating a complex archaeological site and of course winning the open mic night at The Mason’s arms in Lower Odcombe”.
Kimberley
1st Year
“I thought the entire dig was a really good experience and it was great to be part of a really friendly team”.
Ollie
2nd year
“I really enjoyed working on this site with a fantastic bunch of people and keeping people up to date with what we are doing on site via the blog”.
Yesterday was our last day on site. We began by troweling back all of tench B ready for an end of dig photo.
After photos were taken of the trench and the team, with the help of Ski, we began backfilling the large slots in both trenches
When we had finished and packed up all the kit we returned to our usual haunt at the Masons Arms for a post dig celebration.
Today has been relaxed, we breakfasted in Yeovil and have spent the day packing up the campsite.