Cyngor Archaeoleg Brydeinig CYMRU Council for British Archaeology WALES ** Online Information for Archaeology in Wales **

In this issue:

Hubert Savory and Ted Jackson - tributes

The Valletta Convention

Excavations at Llwyn Du medieval ironworks, Coed y Brenin, Merioneth

Projects and Events

Conferences, Study days and Open days

People and Places

Your CBA representatives

Editorial

Once again we carry tributes to two prominent figures in Welsh archaeology. Outline details of Dr Hubert Savoryís career in archaeology were given in Richard Brewerís note in the last edition of the newsletter. Donald Moore has kindly written a more extensive obituary of an extraordinary life, whilst Gareth Dowdell pays homage to a great friend and mentor. CBA Wales has lost another good friend and activist in the death of Ted Jackson, and we are very grateful to Tony Jackson for his note of passing.

Peter Crew reports on exciting developments from this summerís excavations at the Llwyn Du medieval bloomeries, Coed y Brenin (near Dolgellau).

A new departure for the Autumn edition is the inclusion of highlights and news snippets from a wide variety of archaeological projects taking place in Wales in 2001. The notes are intended to be informal and allow for brief updates of projects and news of interesting developments or discoveries. In many ways this is not the ideal time to trial such a departure, given the impact foot and mouth disease restrictions have had field work this year. Despite relatively short notice given to contributors, there has been a pleasing response, with notices of some interesting projects and initiatives giving a flavour of the contemporary scene in Wales. It is hoped to make the section an annual feature.

Because of the excellent response to our request for such notes, we have unfortunately had to drop the usual list of courses and lectures this year, but you can get a copy of the list from the CBA Secretary, Jenny Britnell: do let us know if you think we should generally try to put this information in the Newsletter.

The task of collecting material for inclusion in the Newsletter is made considerably easier through the use of email, and invitations to submit pieces were biased towards people and organisations for whom the editor could find 'e-addresses'. Would anybody who would like to be included on a 'request for information' mailing when next year's newsletters are under preparation please write to john.roberts@heneb.co.uk, or at the address on the "who's who" web page. The spring edition will carry longer pieces, and suggestions for contributions are welcomed.

Dr H.N. Savory, MA, FSA 1911 - 2001

Hubert Newman Savory died on 21 February 2001 in his 90th year, and his funeral at Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, was attended by numerous members of his family and former colleagues. He was for many years the acknowledged authority on prehistoric Wales, first as Assistant Keeper, then Keeper of Archaeology at the National Museum of Wales, where he joined the staff in 1938, retiring in 1976. Thus, apart from wartime army service, he spent virtually all his professional life in the service of the Museum.

The Archaeology Department of the Museum expected its curatorial staff to specialise in a defined period of the past, and Hubert Savory devoted himself enthusiastically to the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, with an occasional foray into the Dark Ages. His bibliography, prepared for the Festschrift sponsored by the Museum on his retirement, contained over 300 items, ranging from notes and reviews to major excavation reports. He had a remarkable memory for detail and a wide-ranging knowledge of specimens not only from Wales but from all over the British Isles and the Continent. As a museum man he laid great store on full and accurate records of objects, and much of his time was spent in maintaining the Museumís Guide Catalogue of the Prehistoric Collections, begun by his predecessor, W.F. Grimes, a task which he continued even after retirement. He was a quick and conscientious worker, ever willing to share his erudition with enquirers. Not given to inventing grandiose models for the complexities and uncertainties of prehistory, he was quick to detect flaws in the arguments of colleagues who did. His many book reviews still provide an insight into the controversies which raged within the archaeological ëcommunityí in his time. In the Museum he was also responsible for the displays in the prehistoric gallery, where his serried ranks of beakers and urns would delight the Bronze Age specialist, even if they left the general visitor somewhat bewildered.

A dedicated excavator, Savory managed to reach the most distant parts of Wales by bus, train and bicycle, weighed down with his impedimenta. In those days excavations tended to occupy only a fortnight every summer; this provided him with an opportunity of offering his wife Priscilla and their children a ëholidayí in his company, without having to interrupt his work. The locations of his excavations ranged from Dinorben in Denbighshire and Dinas Emrys in Caernarfonshire to Three Cocks in Breconshire and Mynydd Bychan in the Vale of Glamorgan. Such travelling gave him an intimate knowledge of many Welsh localities, and he would be complimented at his numerous lectures on his skilful pronunciation of Welsh place-names, an achievement for someone brought up in Oxford.

One must not forget Savoryís overseas interests. While at Oxford University he had been awarded the Randall-MacIver studentship in Iberian archaeology. His intended field work was cut short by the Spanish Civil War, but he continued the studies he had begun and eventually published Spain and Portugal: the prehistory of the Iberian peninsula (1968) in the Ancient Peoples and Places series.

Hubert Savory played an active role in many societies, national and local. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and was President of the Cambrian Archaeological Association 1975-6. Bodies on which he served included the Board of Celtic Studies of the University of Wales, the Ancient Monuments Board and the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments for Wales. He had a long connection with the then flourishing Archaeological Section of the Cardiff Naturalistsí Society, and edited that societyís Transactions for fifteen years. On the verge of retirement in 1975 he became the first chairman of the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust and guided the fledgling organisation through its early years. In all, he made a distinguished contribution to archaeology on many fronts.

I had the privilege of first meeting Dr Savory (never Hubert) some forty-five years ago at the (then) Department of Archaeology in the National Museum of Wales. That meeting, like the many others that were to follow, occurred because as a young schoolboy I wanted his expert advice in the identification of some scraps of flint or a few thumbnail-size pieces of prehistoric pottery that originated from some illicit hole dug in the Vale of Glamorgan. Often I would be accompanied by another lifelong friend, as Dr Savory certainly was, in the person of Howard Thomas, later to become an Investigator with the RCAHM (Wales). It was a delight to us to have the archaeology of these bits and pieces explained to us in a presentation that was always courteous, by a person who, despite our tender years, never talked down to you, nor did he dismiss your queries as of no consequence. Certain of his contemporaries were often guilty of that particular sin.

We were always encouraged and enthralled by his explanations and identifications, his immense knowledge and understanding of times past. He was our role-model and mentor. It was mainly because of him that both of us decided to pursue a career in professional archaeology.

The years quickly went by and he retired from being Keeper in the Department and instead became Chairman, and Director, of the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd. My bond of friendship with Dr Savory, secured by the utmost respect and admiration that had developed over those years, quickly enabled a mutual understanding in which direction to take forward the work of the Trust. Oftimes we were highly controversial in our actions. We were together a formidable team, each sharing in the others a strong belief that we were correct in what we wanted to achieve. Such achievements are there for all to see over twenty-five years after he became the first Chairman of the Trust.

Archaeology has lost the wonderful knowledge that Dr Savory had and I have lost a true, dear friend.

Edward (Ted) Jackson, 1913 - 2001

Ted Jackson, one of the earliest members of CBA Wales, died on 26th May 2001. He came to archaeology as an enthusiastic amateur relatively late in life, having been inspired by Elizabeth Alcockís extra-mural classes in Cardiff. In fact, most of his education was extra-mural, his having left school in the early 1930ís due to family circumstances following the death of his father.

He participated in many digs and surveys organised by Cardiff Archaeological Society and served on the committees of both CAS and CBA Wales for many years. His archaeological interests were catholic, ranging from the megalithic chamber tombs of northern France to the early Shona sites of southern Matabeleland and the Anasazi cultures of Chaco and Mesa Verde. His enthusiasm for these will be remembered by the members of CAS who attended his talks and slide shows on these subjects.

Although suffering from several severe medical crises during his last 10 years, he always made the effort to attend as many meetings as was feasible (including the last AGM in Shrewsbury). A short humanist memorial ceremony was held for him on the 1st of June this year, which was followed by a typical archaeological ìsend-offî at one of his local pubs in Llanishen.

Archaeological Heritage (known as the Valletta Convention)

The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised) was signed at Valletta in January 1992. It was ratified by the UK Government on 21 September 2000 and came into force on 21 March 2001. It contains provisions for the identification and protection of archaeological heritage, its integrated conservation, the control of excavations/excavators (Article 3) through licensing, the use of metal detectors, the prevention of illicit circulation of archaeological objects and the dissemination of information. It is also concerns statutory provision for Sites and Monuments Records.

To a certain extent current measures in place in the UK already meet the conventionís requirements. However, uncertainty over the way in which the Convention will be applied is a cause of concern in some quarters, particularly Article 3, with regard to archaeologists working outside the ëprofessionalí discipline. The Convention of is of potential interest to all readers. The national CBAís draft position statement and requirements for implementation of the Convention is now available on their web site at www.britarch.ac.uk/valletta which contains extensive notes as well as links to the full text of the Convention. The CBAís position will be formalised following its AGM on 29th September 2001 (to be held in London). Comments and suggestions are very welcome and should be sent to the CBA, Bowes Morrell House, 111 Walmgate, York YO1 9WA or by e-mail to info@britarch.ac.uk. The topic will also be discussed at the CBA Wales AGM on 20th October.

Excavations at Llwyn Du Excavations at Llwyn Du, Coed y Brenin, Merioneth, 2001 - woodland management and charcoal processing at a late 14th century ironworks

Peter Crew,
National Park Archaeologist,
Snowdonia National Park,
Plas Tan y Bwlch

Llwyn Du is one of ten known bloomeries in the northern part of Coed y Brenin. Most of these are large sites with slag heaps of between 100 and 400 tonnes. Historical records indicate that iron was produced at a number of sites in Ardudwy between 1357 and 1399 and a late 14th century radio-carbon date from Llwyn Du suggests that it was one of these sites. The bloomeries were surveyed and the records studied in the early 1990s (Smith 1994). High-resolution magnetic surveys have been used to map the sites, detecting furnaces, smithing hearths and other features. At Llwyn Du, the survey indicated the presence of a large furnace and this was partly excavated in 1997 as a demonstration of the value of this mapping technique (Crew 1997).

The completion of the project at Crawcwellt, and the foot and mouth restrictions, provided the opportunity for a renewal of excavation at Llwyn Du, in July 2001. Further work was carried out on the furnace, which is 2m by 1.50m overall, with the vitrified shaft still surviving for 0.5m. As at the prehistoric sites, the furnace had an external ring of stakes, used to support the clay superstructure. Adjacent to the tapping bay was a large tank made from sloping stones sealed with clay. This feature is unique in Britain and may have been used for quenching slags to recover prills of high-carbon iron. The main slag dump is up to 2m high and has very well defined stratification, with alternate lenses of slag and charcoal indicating cyclic activity.

	Left: Llwyn Du furnace with stakeholes and postholes from the covering structure. The tank made from sloping stones is at bottom right. The section on the right is up to 2m high, with alternating layers of slag and charcoal.
Right: the charcoal-processing area, after removal of the charcoal. Note the large oak log in the right-hand section, with one of the posts pushed over to 45 degrees. To the right of the ranging rod is the pointed top of one of the cleft oak stakes.

Some remarkable evidence has been recovered from a small trench to the north-east of the furnace, where a level area rich in charcoal had been interpreted as a charcoal burning platform. However, the removal of the charcoal revealed a series of waterlogged oak and birch timbers, laid horizontally, probably to support a wooden platform for the crushing and storage of charcoal. The largest timber is a 2m long oak log, some 20cm diameter. Structural timbers have also been found, including the bases of two substantial posts and two cleft oak stakes about 80cm long. The stakes may be from some kind of sieving jig to process the estimated several hundred tonnes of charcoal which would have been required to maintain the supply for this smelting site. The wood is in good condition, due to its unusual deposition circumstances. Above a clay deposit there is a peat bed into which the timbers were driven or on which they sat, covered by the deposit of fine charcoal and with a further layer of peat over this.

Dendrochronological analysis by Nigel Nayling has shown that the oak timbers were very slow grown, with 155 and 120 rings. These samples do not, yet, date but may prove to be of value in extending the oak chronology for north Wales back into the 14th century (Esling 1999). The large log has evidence for a blaze and for debarking, suggesting systematic use of the woodland resource. One of the posts has only 44 rings, but this shows two clear release cycles on a 28 year span, perhaps suggesting cyclic removal of the adjacent woodland.

In addition to the waterlogged wood there is a substantial collection of large charcoal samples, some with over 100 rings, including complete roundwood. Identification of some 300 samples by Dr Pat Denne, University of Wales, Bangor, indicates an oak dominated woodland, with a significant birch component. Most of the samples have very narrow rings, suggesting slow growth in a closed canopy. Since much of the charcoal comes from the very well defined stratigraphic contexts in the main slag dump, there is the potential to define a precise site chronology and phasing.

One of the records, from 1391, states that the woodland had been ëlaid wasteí. Very detailed palaeobotanical work has been carried out by Derek Rogers and Tim Mighall, University of Coventry, to try and detect this episode. Contiguous samples at 2mm intervals, equivalent to about 10 years per sample, have been analysed for the 14th century section of the monolith. This shows cyclic fluctuations in the oak pollen. This may be a result of natural variation, but corresponding fluctuations in the pollen from the other tree species suggest that it is also due to clearance for charcoal production. A magnetic susceptibility peak and corresponding high charcoal counts also seem to have derived from the ironworking activity. It has been suggested that the oak-dominated woodland may have been pollarded, thus resulting in re-fruiting on a relatively rapid time-scale.

Less than a quarter of the charcoal processing area has been excavated, so it is very likely that further evidence will be forthcoming to refine these interpretations. Excavation will continue in 2002 from June 23rd to July 12th and visitors are welcome. Please contact Plas Tan y Bwlch for guidance as to how to find the site (01766 590 324).

Bibliography

Crew, P., 1997. Geophysical survey and furnace location at ironworking sites. In Early Ironworking in Europe: archaeology and experiment. Abstracts of International Conference, Sept. 1977. Occasional Paper No 3, Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog.

Esling, J., 1996. Tree-ring dating of Medieval and early post-Medieval buildings in North Wales. Studia Celtica 30, 223-253.

Smith, K. E. S., 1995. Iron-working in north-west Wales in the late fourteenth century. Archaeological Journal 152, 246-290.

Projects and Events

FIELDWORK

Ardudwy Early Landscapes Project

The first field season of a research and teaching project set up by Robert Johnson, University of Wales, Bangor and John Griffith Roberts, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, and funded by the University of Wales, Board of Celtic Studies. Fieldwork runs between 14th and 23rd September. The project is focussed in the Mynydd Egryn area, Ardudwy (between Harlech and Barmouth) and aims to gain an understanding of later prehistoric human occupation of the area through a study of the agricultural and environmental context of settlement. This year there will be a particular emphasis on assessment of the potential of a series of sampling techniques, test pitting, geophysics and targeted survey. Visitors are welcome and should contact Bob Johnson (01248 382156) or John Roberts (01248 352535) for further details.

Burry Holms Early Mesolithic Site, Llangennith, Gower

The final season of the National Museums & Galleries of Walesís excavations on the tidal island of Burry Holms takes place between12th September ñ 10th October. The project is undertaking excavation of the early Mesolithic site on the SW of the island where lithic artefacts were first recorded in 1923 by H E David and T C Lethbridge. Two trenches will be opened this year to investigate further the Mesolithic deposits and to retrieve organic remains for dating purposes. Previous seasons at the site have identified a well-stratified Mesolithic assemblage of lithic artefacts, including microliths (mostly of obliquely backed forms), scrapers, microdenticulate saws and knapping debitage. Work on the site takes place between tides with the project team maintaining regular contact with HM Coastguard ñ it is hoped that as in previous years the rescue services will not be required.
Elizabeth Walker, NMGW

St Maryís Church, Beddgelert, Gwynedd

This site, said to date to the 7th century, housed two inscribed stones (now lost), was reformed as an Augustinian priory in the early 13th century, and subsequently became a parish church. Archaeological evaluation and recording was carried out during major restoration and external drainage work, through close collaboration between local volunteers, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust 2000, and students from the University of Wales Bangor who planned the present church. 4,456 finds were recovered from the drainage trenches. Of particular interest: were: 17 pieces of flint, three being retouched later mesolithic/early neolithic tools; 7 sherds of medieval pottery, two being Raeren stoneware; 18 small glazed pebbles; 8 shards of medieval glass; clay pipe fragments of the 17th century; and a 1699 William III halfpenny. Additional medieval stone features and a lower internal floor level were recorded. A full report is lodged with the Sites and Monuments Record of Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.
Margaret Griffith

Post-Medieval Lime Kilns at Carmel, Carmarthenshire

In June students and staff of Trinity College, Carmarthen excavated 3 post-medieval lime kilns near to the village of Carmel in Carmarthenshire. The kilns probably date to the early-mid 19th century and are typical ëflareí kilns having a charging chamber at the front and the large kiln pot (4m high, 3m wide at the top) to the rear, with a small flue between the two parts of the structure. All the kilns were exceptionally well preserved and discussions are on-going with the landowner and the Countryside Council for Wales over their future presentation.
Gareth Longden

Llanbedr Goch, Isle of Anglesey

The National Museum and Galleries Wales are conducting the final season of excavation on the early medieval/Viking period site at Llanbedr Goch, Anglesey. The focus of this season will be the complete excavation of the early medieval spring discovered in 2000 and the investigation of an early medieval oven and associated features. One area of the enclosure ditch will be examined to establish whether it is the position of a second entrance as suggested by magnetometer survey. Work took place in the last week of August and the first two weeks of September.
Dr Mark Redknap, NMGW

Llandeilo Fawr Churchyard Survey, Carmarthenshire

With support from Cambria Archaeology and Llandeilo Fawr Church a new survey project is being established in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. The Survey will record memorials and their inscriptions as a starting point for a broader study of Llandeiloís past. The project is currently in its infancy but it is hoped also to incorporate a study of the churchyardís ecology. Participation is welcomed from interested groups and individuals. For further information contact Eleanor Breen: evenings 01558 822231 (email Eleanor.Breen@tesco.net) or through Cambria Archaeology on 01558 823131 (email eleanor@acadat.com).
Eleanor Breen,
Cambria Archaeology

Trelech, Excavation Programme

Despite the disruption caused by the foot and mouth outbreak, careful co-ordination with all relevant agencies made it possible for the Trelech excavation programme to continue this year. Work in the field west of St. Nicholasís church investigated apparently large and regular structures which had been suggested by a geophysical survey conducted in 1999. The excavations, conducted as a University of Wales Newport training excavation, confirmed large stone built medieval buildings facing onto a well-defined cobbled medieval road. The central building in this range was particularly large with meter thick walls in places surviving to eight and nine courses. In addition to a large ceramic assemblage, important small finds recovered include an intricately decorated lead ampulla.
Dr Ray Howell,
University of Wales Newport

Young Archaeology Club Excavation, Loggerheads Country Park, Denbighshire

Twenty Young Archaeologists took part in this week long project. In the 19th century the Park was a busy industrial area where lead was extracted. Excavations were carried out in a small ruined building in the area of the lead extraction. The main aim was to give participants an idea of archaeological techniques and methods including excavation, recording, finds processing and background research. The week was a success despite very little except rubble being excavated from inside the building. We did not reach the floor of the structure nor did we identify what it was used for except we could say that it is not a domestic building. There is plenty of scope for further projects at the site and we hope to return (and maybe even be able to work out what the building was for) in future.
Fiona Gale,
Denbighshire County Council

CONTRACT AND RESCUE ARCHAEOLOGY

Cambria Archaeology (Dyfed Archaeological Trust)

Park Hall, Priory Street, Carmarthen

An archaeological evaluation carried out on land at Park Hall, Carmarthen in March and April 2001 uncovered the first proven burial from Roman Carmarthen. The burial consisted of a Romano-British greyware vessel containing a cremation deposit, and the rim from a small glass bottle. The cremation, which is awaiting detailed analysis, is likely to part of a cemetery located between the town of Moridunum to the west and the amphitheatre to the east, north of modern Priory Street.

A477(T) Sageston ñ Redberth Bypass, Pembrokeshire

A small, apparently undefended, settlement was uncovered during bypass construction works at Redberth, Pembrokeshire. The site included at least one hut circle and two semi-circular structures, and may be Romano-British in date. Post-excavation analysis including radiocarbon dating is on-going. Pontiets ñ Bancyfelin, Carmarthenshire A watching brief carried out on a new gas pipeline has revealed two unrecorded burnt mounds and a previously unknown Bronze Age ring ditch. It is hoped to obtain a radiocarbon date from at least one of the burnt mounds.

Ty-canol, Newport, Pembrokeshire

A previously unrecorded Bronze Age standing stone was discovered during an evaluation on the construction works for a Sewage Treatment Works, Waste Water Treatment Works and an associated pipeline at Newport, Pembrokeshire. The stone, which was recumbent and lay within a trackway, lies in an important Neolithic and Bronze Age ritual landscape, and originally it is possible that it formed a stone pair with the nearby Carreg Hir standing stone.

Museum of the Welsh Woollen Industry, Dre-fach Felindre, Carmarthenshire

Cambria Archaeology has recently carried out a survey of the buildings of the Museum of the Welsh Woollen Industry for the National Museums and Galleries of Wales. One of the most interesting discoveries during the survey was a wealth of graffiti within the buildings. It is intended to record the graffiti in the near future.

Engineering Archaeological Services Ltd

Yenomon, Hen Walia, Caernarfon

An evaluation and subsequent watching brief were carried out in November 2000 and May 2001 in the front garden of a property known as Yenomon which lies within the walled Roman enclosure known as Hen Walia. A stone structural phase was sealed by an agricultural soil of Roman date which was subsequently cut by a timber structural phase. Evidence of post-medieval garden features were also recorded. Pottery recovered suggested the stone structural phase was constructed prior to the 3rd century AD.

Hen Walia, Caernarfon

Archaeological recording of the southernmost wall of the Hen Walia Roman enclosure began in November 2000 in advance of Cadw-funded consolidation works. Removal of the vegetation revealed surviving Roman walls to a height of 5m in places, with areas of original facing and some interesting architectural details evident. Modern and 19th century repairs have been identified and detailed photographic and EDM work is ongoing in step with consolidation works.

Dinorwig Quarry

Two small evaluations were carried out in August 2000 and April 2001 in advance of maintenance works to the quarry access track. The remains of a number of 19th and 20th century AD structures and features were recorded and evaluated including dressing sheds, stacking yards, an engine shed, cabans and tramways.

Ty-mawr West, Nantlle

CURATORIAL ARCHAEOLOGY and HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

Cambria Archaeology (Dyfed Archaeological Trust)

Sites and Monuments Record

South Pembrokeshire Army Training Estates Integrated Land Management Plan

The Welsh Archaeological Trustsí Websites

The Offaís Dyke Initiative

The Offaís Dyke Initiative, managed by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust with joint funding from English Heritage and Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments, aims to carry out practical management of Offaís Dyke, and also to develop a long term conservation strategy for this nationally important 80 mile long ancient monument. During 2001, core project work has been badly disrupted by Foot and Mouth disease. One scheme which was able to go forward has been stabilization of the fine length of dyke at Pinnerís Hole, Knighton, which had suffered from the effects of vigorous tree and scrub growth in recent years.

As an alternative to cancelled Offaís Dyke projects, the opportunity has been taken to develop management of the equally important and vulnerable Watís Dyke, significant lengths of which exist in the urban areas of Bwcle, Wrexham and Oswestry. Work to this end has included vegetation clearance and repair (in tandem with Wrexham Council) on a well preserved length of the Dyke, and development of leaflets and other public information aimed at improving awareness and care of the dyke in the urban context.

At the time of writing, the recession of Foot and Mouth and lifting of many restrictions means work on Offaís Dyke projects can be resumed, and a series of delayed schemes in Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire and Wrexham are planned to commence as soon as possible.

Denbighshire County Council

Castell Dinas Bran, Llangollen

Owain Glyndwrís Motte, Glyndyfrdwy

The Portable Antiquities Recording Scheme in Wales, National Museum and Galleries of Wales and partners

Like so many other aspects of archaeology, the Foot and Mouth crisis has had an impact on the Portable Antiquities Recording Scheme in Wales. The current restrictions on access to the countryside, and agricultural land in particular, have limited the opportunities for Welsh metal detectorists to search for antiquities. Consequently, there has been a significant reduction in the numbers of metal detector finds being reported to the National Museums & Galleries of Wales and other reporting centres participating in the Scheme. It is gratifying that a number of metal detectorists have chosen to respond to this lull by making available finds which they had discovered prior to the Schemeís inception. As a consequence a number of interesting, but hitherto unknown, finds have been recorded for the first time. The temporary reduction in reporting has also been used as an opportunity to record a number of large lithic assemblages collected over a number of years by field-walkers working in the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire.

Despite the temporary drop in reported finds, the Welsh pilot scheme has been extended for a further twelve months. The pilot, which was planned to run until April of this year, has with the assistance of a grant made by the Heritage Lottery Fund been extended until April 2002. This extension of the Scheme in Wales provides an opportunity to build upon the successes of its first two years. A further funding application is currently being considered by the Heritage Lottery Fund, partly to extend the Scheme in Wales for a further three years. A decision by the Trustees of the Heritage Lottery Fund is expected in November.

Conferences, Study days and Open days

Llandeilo Festival ñ Cambria Archaeology (Dyfed Archaeological Trust) Offices Open

300 Years Of Buckley Pottery 1650-1950

The next meeting of the North West Region Medieval Pottery Research Group will be held on Saturday 6th October 2001at Liverpool Museumís new store in Liverpool. The day will provide an opportunity to find out a bit more about the blackwares, slipwares and other types of pottery made at Buckley, North Wales and widely distributed in NW England, N Wales and beyond. Material from kilns excavated in the town will be on display and participants are encouraged to bring along pottery which they think may have been made in Buckley. The Venue is open from 10am. The programme, which runs from 10.30am to 4pm includes practical sessions and talks.

There will be small charge (£2 - £2.50 depending on numbers) payable on the day, to cover the cost of opening up the building. The store is about 10 minutes drive from the centre of Liverpool and the nearest railway station is Sandhills on the Merseyrail Northern Line (Southport direction). Maps will be sent out to those who wish to attend.

If you would like to attend please reply to Julie Edwards c/o 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2DD or email j.edwards@chestercc.gov.uk by 24th September 2001. It may be necessary to limit numbers for this meeting so places will be allocated on a first-come basis.

The Land of the Dobunni

The Territory of the Cornovii

Once perceived as a cultural backwater by scholars, the north-west Midlands can now be shown to be as highly productive and wealthy a zone as the rest of the country. This day school will present the evidence for this new appreciation of the Cornovii, assessing past and present knowledge as well as examining future research programmes.

University of Birmingham School for Professional and Continuing Education, Saturday 3rd November 2001, 10.00am to 5.30pm. Fee £17 (£12) CBA members £12 (£7).

Advance enrolment is essential (no later than 10 days before programme although late bookings may be possible, tel. 0121 414 5606 to check availability). Further details and enrolment: Mrs L Chugg, School for Professional and Continuing Education, The University of Birmingham, The Gateway Education and Arts Centre, Chester Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB. Tel. 01743 355137

Interpreting the Anglesey Landscape

Stone in Wales: materials, heritage and conservation

The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for all those who are involved in the past, present and future use of natural building materials, particularly building stones, in Wales. It is aimed at, archaeologists, quarry workers, historians, stone-masons, architects, conservation geologists, monumental masons, geographers, planners, drystone wallers, and many others, both professional and amateur. The conference is expected to include presentation sessions, exhibitions and field excursions. It is hoped that the proceedings will be published. The conference is jointly organised and financed by the National Museums & Galleries of Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and Cadw and is to be held at the National Museums & Galleries of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff on 3rd-5th April 2002.

If you are interested in hearing more, please contact: Dr John H. Davies, Countryside Council for Wales, Y Gelli, Stryd Fawr, Llandysul, Ceredigion, Cymru, SA44 4DP, FfÙn-ffacs / phone-fax: (01559) 362429, Í-bost / email: sion_cwm_hir@hotmail.com

Summer Academy Consortium courses, Bangor 2002 ñ advance notice

People and Places

Lucy Rowley Williams started at Cambria Archaeology in April as Development Control Officer and Anwen Cooper left Cambria in August to take up a Development Control post in Essex.

Jenny Mitcham, former SMR Officer at Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust has moved to Bristol and Abigail Kennedy has been appointed as Heritage Management Archaeologist at CPAT, working on Tir Gofal and other initiatives.

Neil Johnstone, Development Control Officer at Gwynedd Archaeological Trust is on a yearís secondment to Menter MÙn co-ordinating an economic development project based around Llys Rhosyr and the history of medieval Anglesey. Emily La Trobe-Bateman, formerly carrying out English Heritage funded research and publication project on the archaeology of Bath, has been appointed to the Development Control post.

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust has moved to: Heathfield House, Heathfield, Swansea SA1 6EL. Telephone (01792 655208) and fax (01792 474469) remain unchanged.

Archaeology Cymru have moved their registered office from Pen y groes to: 2 Whitewell cottages, Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6TQ. New telephone number: 01446 781 585/ 0906 802 0224 E-mail: archaeologycymru@hotmail . com Website: www.archaeology-cymru.co.uk

The IFA Wales/Cymru Group held its first ever conference over the first weekend of September. The theme, A Research Agenda for Wales, was taken up by a total of 26 speakers over three separate sessions dealing with current policy, organisational structure and research priorities for the future. After two days of wide-ranging, lively debate, the following conclusions were reached:

1. There was general consensus in favour of developing a research agenda for Wales
2. It was recognised that ëownershipí of such an agenda needed to be broad based and should be inclusive of, although not limited to, the different aspects of the Welsh archaeological community represented at the conference.
3. It was agreed that there was a need to develop partnerships to take such an initiative forward and to recognise that there were funding implications in so doing.

It was suggested that IFA Cymru Wales, in partnership with CBA Wales, should take the process forward by convening a steering group based on, but again not limited to, the organisations represented at the conference. Watch this space for regular progress reports!