The Hon Phil Gawne BSc., MHK “This and That.”2.11.11..John Slater

Having asked Phil Gawne, some months previously, if he would care to make a return visit to Peel Heritage Trust, I was particularly sorry to be off Island for the chosen date.

It was apparent, I’m told, that Phil’s passion for the island, the language and its people were evident all evening.

Before the break, Phil showed his Youtube videos. Having missed these, I’ve just taken the opportunity of looking at some. Just type in Youtube and then Phil Gawne and all (well some!) will be revealed. They are, apparently, intended for his constituents to see what he works for on their behalf. The clips are, in fact, of much wider interest and are to be applauded. They seek to show a vision for the ongoing development of the Island. It might be worth checking to see if any other MHKs have similar sites.

After the break, there was a question and answer session on a range of topics on his involvement with agriculture, fisheries and forestry and his more obvious work with the DOI. Obviously, our roads and the now (in)famous roundabout were hot topics!

Phil was far from insular, dealing knowledgeably with Overseas Aid and other broader subjects. Avery big Thank You from the Trust to a very busy man.

In a previous article I said that we were looking for someone to lead the team for the 2012 Secret Gardens. Jenny Alford has answered the call, supported by Myra Glitheroe and my wife, Helen. This experienced team will be very happy to recruit others and you can now volunteer your garden to Jenny on 845827. The dates are 14^th and 15^th July. We have a goodly list, already, but there’s room for more.

Secret Gardens is totally non-competitive and has developed into a lovely social occasion. Some gardens are newly emerging from bare earth, others are old friends but all change over time and provide increasing interest over the years. If you miss this chance, you’ll have to wait until 2014!

Not for the first time, we’re looking for someone to replace Vic Bates to lead the editorial team for the Peel City Guardian. If you have experience, knowledge or enthusiasm in this area, please ring Vic on 844113. He has done a splendid job over many editions but is overdue a change of activity. He will, of course, help with the change over. Thank you Vic for your loyal service.

Our Christmas party brings a wonderful year to a close with thanks to all our speakers and supporters. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 18^th January at 7.30 pm in the Centenary Centre with John ‘Dog’ Collister. He will introduce us to the art of making objects from rushes. Given the state of our boat service, perhaps we might construct some rush rafts! This evening will be really good, so come early.

Have a very happy Christmas and splendid New Year!  

Pam Kerruish….Tajikistan’s Children

The scene was set by our Chairman, Bill Quine when he opened the meeting by reminding us of the important work done by so many Manx people, worldwide, for the needy. He pointed out that one of the co-founders of Oxfam was Manx as was a co-founder of War on Want. As a much-travelled people, this compassion is understandable. Pam had recently returned from V.S.O. in Tajikstan.

Pam opened by pointing out the fabrics from the region. She was wearing a sample dress and had her own male model to show what a young man would be wearing. There were more than hints of Cossack about this. 

Pam showed us a teapot explaining that the brew was drunk by sucking it through a large sugar crystal. This is part of the travel experience.  The tea ceremony is an important social event, as it can be, here.

Just in case you’re not too certain where Tajikistan is, look at the N.E. border of Afghanistan and there it sits, a mountainous region with China on its eastern boundary. This probably sets the scene in your mind

Pam had long been interested in VSO and was accepted and sent to this remote region to work in an institution for children with mental and emotional problems. She found that staff was warm and welcoming outside but cold to children inside. They were obsessed by cleanliness and orderliness. So much so that there were no toys, children just sat on the floor or, in the case of some handicapped ones, roped to their beds so that there were red wheals cut into their skin. Blind children were kept in bed and no one talked to them.

Food was spooned into children so that they would not make a mess feeding themselves. Apparently, this was not some deliberate act but an inherited culture. Needless to say, she worked to change this but it had to be done with care, as there is always a risk of VSO being asked to leave.

Pam was assisted by a young translator. He went far beyond this role, helping with the children. Between them, they got children untied and started to improve stimulation and human contact. Another guardian angel was Eddie Lowey, administrator of the Cockfield Trust. This paid for mobiles over beds and pushchairs so that the children could be taken outside. The photographs she took of smiling faces experiencing fresh air and sunshine for the first time were so moving.

Before too long, Pam had them playing with toys and even organised sports that all could delight in, even if being pushed in a wheel chair. Eddie’s money also paid for a playground and, additionally, a university place in England for her translator. Do arrange to hear Pam and give thanks for warm hearts as hers and Eddie’s. Naturally, we made a collection for the children. Donations may be sent to her – address in phonebook.

Next meeting - 7.30pm Wednesday 2^nd November in Centenary Centre. Phil Gawne MHK  is to be unleashed.

Dr David Moore - Confessions of a Faded Politician

David Moore’s urbane charm and gentle wit had the audience charmed from the start. Many knew him as a former MHK and highly regarded author and had come along specially to meet him.

This meeting was perfectly timed, given that we are in the throes of a general election. David’s opening remarks gave edge to this. He felt that the next ten years could be ‘the most significant in our history’. Given Viking invasions and a couple of world wars, this had to be serious. His concern was whether or not we would import more and more UK and European legislation out of a laziness to develop our own legislation appropriate to our nation’s needs.

Interestingly, David read extracts from an election address he made in the same hall thirty years ago. These had a striking resonance with current worries. In the meantime, though, GDP has steadily risen from a miserable two-thirds of the UK and a 10% unemployment rate had fallen to a mere 2%. Banks now held £50 billion compared to just £2billion pounds when he came into office. This is a huge improvement, even allowing for inflation.

Who should take credit for the improved economy? Surprisingly, it was the collapse of a bank – S.I.B. This forced government to get a grip of the banking sector and drew world attention to the Island and approval for the steps that were taken as a consequence. It’s an ill wind…………

M.H.K’s should make use of fine professionals in their own fields of expertise and keep their own meddling fingers out. David emphasised that it was treasury officials who set up the very generous terms of the common purse – not politicians.

Less successful areas included fishing, where we were dwarfed by the much more powerful U.K. and Ireland. When pushing for more housing for the population he did not envisage the saturation of any bit of flat land that speculators could overwhelm. David was still conscious of the lack of work opportunities in Peel, despite all the intervening years. However, the marina has been a much bigger success than he expected.

Why do people vote for a particular candidate? He gained one vote when a woman discovered that his middle name was Lancelot. “Ooh, I’ll have to vote for you, that’s the name of my cat!” He still feels that a candidate is successful just by chance - a compound of masses of whims.

The most remarkable result was in 1903 when a blacksmith, Cormode, beat a High Bailiff, in Peel. He and his team issued a free daily paper, entitled the City Star, delivered to every house. This was seen as a success for the working class and Methodism. It set the scene for a fairer representation in politics.

Amusing tales followed, aplenty. ‘Faded’ – David positively sparkled, outshining some present members!

Next meeting, 7.30pm Wednesday, 5^th October in the Centenary Centre. Pam Kerruish will talk about her work with children in Tajikestan.

Visit to Ronaldsway

In January, Andrew Johnson, Field Archaeologist for Manx National Heritage, gave us a talk entitled, Flight into Pre-history. This dealt with the remarkable effort made by Andrew and his team to monitor the runway extension. It is an important requirement for all works involving digging, to call in M.N.H. to check for archaeology before and during works.

Even before the construction of the airfield and its rapid growth as a WW2 operational station, many finds had been made. Unfortunately, partly due to the unavoidable haste of the times and previous efforts, knowledge of the site was rather haphazard. The science and methodology we now enjoy was not available.

Amongst the finds Andrew referred to was a Viking longhouse, 1000 years old, a 700 year-old lead smelting site for the monks of Rushen Abbey and incredibly, given the wartime airfield, help from a German archaeologist internee identifying a 4000year-old Neolithic house, possibly the first found in Britain. Evidence of 8000 year- old flint tools had been found along with supporting evidence of human occupation.

Armed with this evidence and splendid co-operation from the airport and runway contractors, the stage was set for another mass of exciting finds. These included a Bronze Age murder victim, a tricky one even for New tricks and the unsolved crimes squad!

Andrew’s illustrated talk was so well received and aroused so much interest that he kindly agreed to lead a walk around the site bringing maps, pictures and descriptions to life. This he did, most ably in increasingly brisk conditions. Such was the continuing interest that the large group of more than thirty hardy souls loved every minute, winding up on the promontory fort. Our ancient ancestors would have approved, even if a little puzzled by the arrival and departure of aircraft!  

After two bravura performances, Andrew will certainly be on the ‘most wanted ‘ list for future speakers.

Next year should be a ‘ Peel’s Secret Gardens’ year. This has grown into such a popular event that we are already being asked by tour groups, from across, for the dates. Now, this is where you can help. We are looking for someone to lead the organising team. They do not have to be a wondrous gardener any more than the twenty odd gardeners poised to take part in this strictly non-competitive social event.

If anyone, member or not, lurking in a potting shed somewhere can be enticed out, this will help to save this hugely enjoyable feast of gardens and exploration of the secret byways of this ancient city. To find out more, just telephone our chairman, Bill Quine on 844938 or me on 842541. There’s loads of willing help available, so please don’t hesitate.

Our next meeting is in the Centenary Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21^st September. Dr David Moore’s talk is entitled, Confessions of a Faded Politician.  Good grief, who could miss this one! 

Visit to Milntown

Forty members of Peel Heritage Trust descended on Milntown on a pre-arranged evening visit. As a group of about twenty is ideal for the house, half of us visited the house first, whilst the rest of the party toured the grounds. We changed over after an all-too quickly passing hour. Further visits are a must.

As we strode towards the house, we were met by the ever-congenial Paul Ogden, curator, hand outstretched, in a lovely personal welcome. I’d last seen him when I visited the house when a member of the Planning Committee, so I was particularly keen to see how the dreams had come to fruition.

Our volunteer guides were first class – very affable and well informed. Heaven knows, the history of the house is exceedingly complex as are the histories of the families who have lived there. I must confess to refreshing my memory by looking at a couple of the excellent internet sites, including some lovely photographs of the interior. I can only indicate some points of interest.

The Christian family, long associated with the house, are thought to be descendants of Gillochrist, an associate of the Viking king, Godred Crovan. The family held various positions of power for the next 400 years. They also had important property in Cumbria. Notable members included the Manx patriot, Illiam Dhone and Fletcher Christian, forever associated with the mutiny on H.M.S. Bounty.

Having rented out Milntown, the Christians returned to refurbish the house in 1830. Unfortunately, by 1886, the family was bankrupt and the bank rented the house back to them, the last member of the family dying there in 1915.

Much of the surrounding land had been sold off, including Sky Hill, the golf club and Ramsey Grammar School sites.

There followed a succession of owners and uses until 1963, when the house and remaining 15 acres of grounds were bought by Lady Kathleen Edwards. They were left to the nation by her son, Sir Clive, in 1998. This included a fine collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and extensive motoring library built up by Sir Clive and his long-time friend, Bob Thomas.

Paul Ogden kindly opened the car collection for a few of us transport enthusiasts to photograph and drool over. They are on display and even on the road from time to time. The workshops are fascinating, being water powered.

The house is open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in June, July and August but telephone 812 321 to ensure a place. The grounds are open separately and are a delight – matching the pleasures of the house and surrounding grounds. The restaurant is excellent and is operated as a separate franchise.

Our next meeting will be another treat. We meet at Ronaldsway, near the Manx Flying Club, on Sunday, 4th September, when Andrew Johnson, Manx National Heritage, will show us the sites of the excavations featured in his talk to us.

Traditional Supper and Sunset Concert……..6.7.11

The Centenary Centre was filled to capacity for this very special joint event with Ballaugh Heritage Trust. The stage set was very striking, a 3 – D silhouette of our ancient castle and cathedral with a large orange sun and sky projected on a backdrop. This was so effective that it must be used again. Sam Knight was the multi-talented craftsman.

Bill Quine, chairman, made the welcome and introduced Marilyn Cannel, in costume, setting the scene for 1911. She was a brilliant compere, setting the scene for one hundred years ago - the date that was being recreated. This was helped by reading various news items between acts, starting with the information that the Steam Packet had carried one million passengers to the Island in that year!

The opening act raised a great aaagh as a line of beautifully uniformed year 3 children processed onto the stage to sing and accompany themselves on percussion instruments. This was a great credit to them and their staff. For many, it was their first time on a theatre stage and should encourage them in further performances. We look forward to seeing them back in some of the many musical, dance and theatrical events that we hold. It is so important to involve children in this way. It often leads to life-long love of the arts.

Mike Durber, suitably attired, used his fine bass voice to great effect, singing I’m a Native of Peel and Asleep on the Deep, reflecting the terrible loss of life at sea a century ago. Marilyn played the accompaniment.

Sarah Christian recited a poem about King George V’s visit to Peel, followed by Andrew Williamson’s fine singing of two sea songs. Fenella Bazin was his accompanist.

The news of the launch of the Titanic was followed by Bill Quine’s dialect recitations. The delightful chanteuse, Doona Lambden, sang two songs, most sweetly. A promising young performer.

More news. Graham White made the first flight in the Isle of Man.

Karen Elliott sang Come to the Fair and the Deemster’s Daughter. Another fine performance. Then Andrew Williamson’s fine voice gave us two more sea songs.

Edgar Cowin, Captain of Ballaugh parish, recited some passages from T.E. Brown, the poet having died a couple of years earlier.

A further news item recorded the death of an 8 year old killed by a car when they jumped out of a cart in front of it. A freak accident in 1911.

The great excitement was the TT races run over the mountain course for the first time.

Tony Quirk then did a recitation dedicated to his late father, Harrison, a favourite in his repertoire. This was a poignant moment, Harrison having been such a key figure in both Peel and its Trust.

Karen Elliott, radiantly costumed, sang Linden Lea and the Manx folk song, Home - one of her favourites.

All too soon came the raffle and supper. What a marvellous evening. Here’s to a repeat!

Queen Victoria’s Royal Visits…Hampton Creer…15th June 2011

Hampton Creer just stood at the front of the Centenary Centre theatre, no props, no slides, just a very gentle, quietly spoken Manxman, the whole audience entranced. More than this, Hampton’s humorous presentation of the articles in the Manx Sun newspaper of the two visits of the queen and Prince Albert in 1847 had the audience laughing from the outset.

Queen Victoria was travelling in the Royal Yacht to holiday in Scotland, accompanied by a squadron of naval vessels. The only information was that the monarch and party would ‘touch in’ to the island on Friday, August 13th. All the principal towns painted themselves up, hastily gathered choirs of children were rehearsed, speeches prepared and dignitaries poised for this great honour.

Ships were readied to sail out and meet the yacht, without any knowledge of where! All were roused early in the morning, lookouts posted and horses and carriages poised to rush to wherever. The day came and went. Nothing – they had been delayed by a great welcome in Wales! Disappointed, frustrated islanders went home, only to be told that she would be here on the16th. Once more, everything was made ready.

The Steam Packet had a ship poised off the Calf to intercept the Royal Squadron, spotting them seven miles off Douglas. A pilot was requested to complete the entry safely through the then dangerous rocky approaches. Captain Gill was transferred to the Royal Yacht and all went well with her anchoring just off shore.

The crowd went wild as the queen and family waved to them, before she sketched the scene, still acknowledging them.

Lt. Governor Hope raced up from Castletown, eventually being rowed out to the ship. However, when nearly there, the paddles started, churned up the sea leaving him disgraced! Bewildered Peel children were taken home, as were others, Island wide.

The process was repeated but in Ramsey, six weeks later at the end of the Scottish holiday. Once again, confusion! Messages were sent to Castletown to inform Governor Hope. His awaiting carriage and horses had been hi-jacked by a group of young bloods who galloped wildly to Ramsey.

Meanwhile, deemsters, the bishop and other worthies were rowed out to and received on the Royal yacht. They were there for several hours with a moored barge alongside plus band playing Manx music.

Only Prince Albert came ashore and conducted by a couple of locals up to where the Albert Tower now stands for a picnic. At their suggestion, then went for a royal walkabout, possibly the first in history.

Governor Hope arrived, flustered in a borrowed carriage. He was hastily rowed towards the yacht and, as Hampton said, “You’ve guessed it,” - the Queen commanded the paddles to turn, leaving him stranded for a second time – disgraced. He was nick named, ‘ Folorn Hope’. What a hilarious evening!

Next event - Manx Concert and Supper, 7.30pm, 6th July, Centenary Centre. Tickets from ‘Celtic Gold’ or ring 843502 or 844938

Motorcycle Racing and the Manx Line – Peter Duke……18.5.11

Peter Duke began his illustrated talk to the crowded theatre by sketching in the background to his illustrious, world-famous father. Now 88, with failing eyesight, Geoff remains in good spirits, forever linked to his remarkable achievements.

Geoff Duke’s career appears to have been set when he joined the Royal Signals as a motorcycle rider in WW2. He and a number of his group became very accomplished and made names for themselves as off-road competitors. The army bikes were challenging to ride, with their rigid back ends and girder forks.

As Peter spoke, whole screen pictures appeared behind him. This was cunningly low-tech in the capable hands of Sam knight.

The secret of Geoff’s success lay in meticulous preparation, walking and then cycling the course before mounting his bike. Even this didn’t save him on one early practice session at Milntown when he hit a fresh cowpat in the gutter. The marshal apologised, later, after the ensuing ‘tank slapper’ and recovery. He said that it never occurred to him that anyone would ride so close to the kerb! From then on, the course has been meticulously cleared.

He was offered but declined to attempt 300 mph on water at Lake Coniston, in Bluebird. Sadly, of course, Donald Campbell was killed in the attempt.

Geoff invented one-piece leathers, proved to improve lap speeds by 1mph. This was in 1950 and these soon became standard wear. Many awards followed, including a TT win on Norton in 1952 – I remember it well! This was my first year of motor- cycling, so I was madly impressed. I’m still impressed and still riding.

As Norton wouldn’t produce a multi-cylindered bike, Geoff went to Gilera. He introduced great improvements in handling so that by ’54, ’55 the handling was as good as a Norton. Who can forget that unmistakeable sound as the Gilera screamed round – unassailable! At this time he was earning from national advertising – Brylcreem, he didn’t use and for Senior Service cigarettes. The ad. was modified for him, as a non-smoker. He opened a case and said that he always offered his friends Senior Service!

Experiments with fairings took him from 130 to 155mph. The statistics are amazing, including winning 52% of all races.

Peter then moved onto the Manx Line, a shipping company that Geoff helped to found. It was more comfortable and cheaper than the Steam Packet and earned a dedicated following. Clearly, the Packet fought this, backed, says Peter, by politicians of the day. Peter has provided material for Stan Basnett’s recent book, Manx Line. Many of the illustrations were used from this book. Given still current concerns about links with adjacent isles, this book is well worth a read and sharing.

Where did it all go wrong? The book should make some people feel very uncomfortable.

Peter, a splendid presentation - thank you!

Glens of the West…Gordon (Scottie) Keith

This event was billed as ‘A Picture Journey’. It proved to be so much more. This was due to a mix of Scottie’s obvious love of the natural world, his eye and skill as a photographer and his outstanding power point presentation using a mix of fade and transition shots. The outcome was a seamless presentation accompanied by appropriate music. The technical wizardry was clearly beyond most of us, judging by the appreciative comments.

We started with Glen Mooar with a dazzling array of light, shade, form and colour as we proceeded through not just the glen but also the seasons. The wide screen at the Centenary Centre gave us the impression of actually being in the picture, getting our feet wet and muddy, feeling the spray of waterfalls on our faces. Well, this was the illusion but I suppose that appropriately mounted jets will do the job in the not too distant future.

Swathes of Bluebells alternated with detailed close-ups were especially welcome as we emerge from a harsh winter.

The detailed shots of a wide variety of fungi, moss and lichens were particularly interesting and very beautiful.

After refreshments, Sam Knight paid a tribute to the late Harrison Quirk, an invaluable member of the Trust since its inception with years of service on the committee. His packed funeral service earlier in the week was a testimony to the love and affection that endeared him to us all.

As a special memorial, we were shown a tremendous DVD made by Manx National Heritage of the Peel Home Guard from WW2. It was composed of photo’s belonging to Harrison, only in his teens, at the start, as he gazed at us proudly, in the familiar uniform. It was moving hearing his voice as the presenter. The accompanying music from Dad’s Army added to the atmosphere.

The Home Guard was first entitled the Local Defence Volunteers or LDV. This earned the nickname of Look, Duck and Vanish, the title given to this remarkable film. Harrison’s passing emphasises the need to record as much as we can of the older generation and their, (our), memories! Luckily, we are building up a series of recorded interviews but it should be a full-time job to capture the past at first hand.

We then returned to the billed programme only in Glen Helen - once again, a delight. The audience watched in appreciative silence before a great burst of applause at the end.

We have a bonus meeting on 7th April to a secret defence bunker. Meet at Barford’s Engineering at 6.30pm. It’s only a short walk over the fields but wear stout shoes and appropriate clothing for coping with a vertical, metal ladder! Our next indoor meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th April. Michael Hoy MBE will give us a presentation on King William’s College.

I‘m sorry to have to omit the February AGM. Perhaps enough to say that the new programme and membership cards will soon be with you and that we continue to thrive!

‘Of Course you Can’t Print this!’…Jennifer Leece…A.G.M….16.2.11

‘Of Course you Can’t Print this!’…Jennifer Leece…A.G.M….16.2.11

Bill Quine, Chairman, opened the crowded meeting with a warm welcome and then allowed me a few moments to hold up a section of floorboard that the Cathedral Carpenter had uncovered whilst working on the pews. Several people had written on the underside, in pencil. I can’t guarantee the accuracy but as far as I can decipher it this is what is recorded – H.Corlett Joe Good 13 Aug 1883
W.Caine J. Boyd Jan 26 1902
W.Keown (Bible Class January 16th 1902) 13 August 1804
J.Watterson Sailed to America January 18th 1902
J.Boyd Dec 1887
W.S. Caine 1887

It’s all a bit disjointed but if you think there’s a relative there, just ring me on 842541. I guess that the best home for it will be the Leece Museum. It aroused a good bit of interest during the evening.

Bill then introduced Jennifer Leece, seated at a small table complete with a tasselled table lamp in a very homely manner. She reminisced about her years working on various newspaper titles on the Island and how vulnerable this can make you. On one occasion she described a journey made by a lady on the Orient Express. Goodness knows how, she hadn’t enjoyed the experience. Jennifer quoted her to be greeted by a furious ‘phone call saying that this passenger would be sued by the company. Jennifer suggested that this was unlikely as they were unlikely to read the West page in the Examiner!

Jennifer contrasted this anxiety with a leading figure in the church who re-assured her about his controversial remarks by saying, “I spoke it – you print it!” If only more people had this attitude how much easier reporting would be and just think of the racy articles editors could publish.

Computers have never been popular with Jennifer, although she has made a start and finds that they don’t bite. She used to send her copy through to I.O.M. Newspapers, by bus, in a box, three times a week. Buses weren’t allowed to carry envelopes to avoid competition with the Post Office.

From 1979, Jennifer loved visiting events all over her area, welcomed and highly regarded. Her natural sympathy made her ideal for obituaries - that fascinating part of a paper where one has to attempt to compress a life into a few hundred words. Indeed, we’ve nicknamed her, the Obituary Queen for our own, Peel City Guardian!

Jennifer spoke fondly of her late husband Eddie and his wonderful support.

Sam Knight then served refreshments at the back of the theatre. Another event in the Atholl Room precluded access to the kitchen now that it has been walled off from the corridor. This explains the plastic mugs – sorry!

Bravely, everyone stayed for the 22nd AGM. We have had a wonderful year and next year’s programme looks superb. I’ll have to hold over the details until next month.

Note the date, Wednesday, March 2nd 7.30pm, Centenary Centre when Scottie Keith presents ‘A Magical Slide Show.’

Flight Into Pre-history - Andrew Johnson

To nearly fill the theatre in the Centenary Centre for a talk on archaeology might seem a tall order but Andrew Johnson succeeded, holding the attention of the audience throughout with just the traditional refreshment break. All returned to their seats for the second half and that’s the touchstone of a good talk!

Andrew is Field Archaeologist for Manx National Heritage. His illustrated talk concentrated on finds on and adjacent to Ronaldsway Airport. These works were planning-led because of the runway extensions, setting off a whole chain of exciting, significant finds.

Care was taken to set the discoveries in physical context by the use of maps from 1860 onwards and in historical sequence by reference to earlier digs and finds. These did enough to set templates for future work, showing what an incredible area this is for study.

We were shown a 700 year-old lead smelting site for the Cistercian monks of Rushen Abbey, a Viking longhouse c.1000 years old and one of their balances, for weighing small quantities of silver. This is still usable and of such interest that it is ‘on tour’ to other collections. A fine, 98% gold ring was also found.

A 3000 year old stone grave had been discovered together with a fine, inscribed cross. Amusingly, a famous German archaeologist internee was enlisted to assist with one dig but because it was a wartime airfield had to view the dig from a protected area through binoculars. A 4000 years old Neolithic house was found, probably the first discovered in Britain. Oh the crass stupidity of war! Mind you, masses of Stone Age defence and hunting weapons were also found in abundance.

Clay storage pots for keeping food fresh for extended periods by sealing and burying were also displayed. Evidence from 8000 years ago of worked flints with indications of a mixed diet of molluscs, crustacea, eggs, nuts and birds were discovered. It has been calculated that the food source was so abundant that an hour’s hunting/gathering would provide one day’s food. It also sounds a good, organic diet!

Close co-ordination between the contractors, continuing aircraft movements and M.N.H. was critical. Design amendments such as slightly raising the runways rather than scalping down the adjacent land protected many potential finds.

Bronze Age remains have survived on this site because of its alkalinity –bones and shells gradually dissolve in acidic soil. This has left us with the remains of round houses with hearths and sleeping platforms and drains to keep the houses dry. A burial was found of a male, in the foetal position. A careful examination showed that the poor chap had been attacked, with a deep, unhealed cut to a kneecap and ribs cut by a deep, penetrating wound. It is rare to find a surviving Bronze Age skeleton and even rarer to discover a murder victim!

Andrew sets us up for our brief AGM and a talk by the incomparable Jennifer Leece on Wednesday, 16th February, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre.