Two-week special programme of events
21 July 2010
Cheshire West and Chester Council is celebrating the Festival of
British Archaeology with a special programme of events to bring the
history of the area to life.
The Grosvenor Museum, the Historic Environment and Archaeology
teams have joined together to put on a programme of events during
the two-week festival which runs until 1 August.
On 24 July between 11am and 4pm in Chester's Albion Street
Church visitors will have a rare chance to see behind the scenes of
one of the archaeological stores to talk to archaeologists about,
and handle some of the city's finds from excavations in
Chester.
There will be a number of interesting talks, including If These
Walls Could Talk on 28 July at 1pm at the Grosvenor Museum,
which will review the ongoing conservation and restoration work on
Chester's city walls and explore some of the new initiatives being
proposed.
Executive Member for Community and Environment, Councillor Lynn
Riley, said: "The Festival of British Archaeology is a wonderful
opportunity for everyone, young and old, to learn about their local
heritage, to see archaeology in action, and to get involved.
"Each year the Festival showcases the very best of British
archaeology, and we can be very proud of what our borough has to
offer. Events range from behind the scenes tours and excavation
open days to talks and family activities will make this a special
fortnight."
Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Richard
Short, said: "Ten objects have also been selected from the
thousands of archaeological finds from across West Cheshire to tell
our story.
"These range in date from the prehistoric period to the 17th
century and all help us to understand about how our ancestors
lived.
"They are highlighted in a leaflet and the objects are on
display in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, Weaver Hall and Workhouse
museum, Northwich and Neston Church."
The leaflets are available at the two museums and libraries and
can also be downloaded on the
archaeology page of this website.
A full list of events to be held in Cheshire during the Festival
can be found on the Festival website.
Throughout the two weeks of the Festival there is also the
opportunity to explore Eddisbury Iron Age hillfort, Delamere. The
Habitats and Hillforts project between 19 July and
31 August will be excavating four trenches to expose the
sections and recover charcoal samples for radiocarbon dating.
Guided tours will be offered between 19 and 23 July and 26 to
30 July to groups by prior arrangement.
There are opportunities to work alongside the archaeologists. It
is anticipated there will be a high demand for voluntary places so
booking is essential. Working days will be Monday to Friday between
9am and 4pm. If you are interested in volunteering or a group would
like a guided tour of the excavations please email dan.garner@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.