Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history
of north Devon
ACTIVITIES
WEST YEO
Archaeology Projects (external)
Tiverton Archaeological Group (TAG) - Jenny Yendall ((Newsletter No 6 2003)
Over the 21 years of its existence, members of TAG have
worked as volunteers alongside professional archaeologists, many of whom
are now members and are good friends. Working with professionals, we have
all developed confidence and a variety of skills and a number of us have
been inspired to go on and become academically qualified. TAG members
regularly participate in digs in and around Devon,
uncovering the past from prehistoric times to the Second World War.We
have worked with organisations and individuals such as the National Trust,
Exeter Field Unit, the British Museum, Dr Malcolm Todd, Professor Val
Maxfield and the Exmoor Iron project with Gill Juleff, to mention just
a few.
From these encounters, I believe every member has memories of an archaeological experience that they hold dear. Mine was excavating my first bit of Samian. The thrill of seeing and holding this ancient bit of red pottery was tremendous and understanding the whole site of the Roman Villa at Otterton was overwhelming. That was way back in the early 1990s!
At our winter meetings we have guest speakers and during the summer evenings we meet out of doors. This year we had a tour of the Exmoor Iron excavations. In June, Dr Nick Berry, gave us an excellent guided tour of Exmoor and its stone settings including Porlock’s Stone Setting, which I have never been able to find in the past!
We meet every third Thursday in the month, at 7.30pm, at the Age Concern Offices in Becks Square Tiverton. The meeting commences with TAG business and continues with a guest speaker.
Our next meeting, which will be (exceptionally) on Thursday
October 30th , features Stuart Blaylock
who will talk about Tiverton’s historic buildings. Our November
meeting reverts back to the third Thursday, November 20th with guest speaker
Mike Sampson, local historian and author, who will talk about his new
book. In December we have the TAG Christmas party (with speaker). This
is a club institution and not to be missed!
We are a friendly outgoing group who welcome and encourage new members. At present we have over 25 paid up members from Tiverton and the surrounding areas with one even travelling from Watchet in Somerset. Our meetings are open to all.We ask for £1 per visitor to help towards the speaker’s expenses and we make a small charge for tea and biscuits.
As more people show an interest in local history and archaeology, we are able to continue to monitor and record our local historical and archaeological past for the benefit of future generations.
If you wish to have further information regarding future guest speakers or would like to attend a meeting please contact either the Chairperson Jenny Yendall on: 01884 255397 mobile 0777 349 1204 or the Treasurer who can give you information on membership details and future events on: 01884 258895 mobile 07817941547
Tiverton Archaeological Group: Autumn Report -Jenny Yendall (Newsletter No 8 2004)
The Tiverton Archaeological Group has had a very interesting and active year so far. Members of the group have enjoyed many guest speakers on a wide and diverse range of subjects. From Exeter University we have had Professor Val Maxfield, Dr Bruce Bradley, Dr Martin Gillard, and Dr Gill Juleff.
We have had lectures from Dr Nick Berry from the National
Trust and Trevor Dunkerley from Combe
Martin. The importance of small finds and how the systems are in place
to register, document and record archaeological finds was presented by
Nicola Powell, the Finds Liaison officer working for Devon, based at the
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. In addition, we have been entertained
and fed sumptuous puddings wrapped in Devon clotted cream by Pat Webber,
a TAG member, when we visited and explored her 17th century home and the
countryside surrounding her farm and estate.
As the autumn months now creep upon us, Howard Williams
from Exeter University will lecture the group about Medieval Mortuary
Practices. Rob Wilson-North, from Exmoor National Park will discuss his
work on Exmoor this year.
To top off the year, our annual Christmas party, hosted by Isabel Richardson
invites Nancy Grace to explain Corfe Castle’s history. This will
end the year very nicely for many of us.
Many members experienced the pleasures of excavation for the first time
this year thanks to NDAS; and Trevor Dunkerly’s work on the Silver
Lead Mines at Combe Martin. For many, working under Dr Martin Gillard
and Terry Green at Holworthy Farm Hillslope
Enclosure, Parracombe, was an experience they will not forget. It has
meant a lot to many who have made new friends, opening the way to further
opportunities for archaeological work.
After the relatively warm weather, at Parracombe, some went on to work on the Exmoor Iron Project. All reported what a great time they had at Blacklake Wood, and how helpful and friendly everyone was. For the first time, some experienced working in wet weather, but it is remembered with pleasure since finds were made which confirmed the importance and significance of the site.
TAG members will look forward to next year and the opportunity
to join excavations in and around Devon. They will look forward to meeting
new and old friends, exchanging ideas, discussing new theories and possibilities,
even gaining recognised qualifications.
TAG continues to increase in membership.We are now exploring new premises
and hopefully will be meeting in a new venue in the very near future.
I shall keep you informed. If any one wishes to attend a meeting, we meet
every third Thursday of the month, (at the moment) at the Age Concern
Building in Beck’s Square, Tiverton, starting at 7.30 pm.