Newsletter, 16 December 2008

Dear All,
 
So we have reached the end of our site visits for this year. Our thanks to everyone who has joined us digging and surveying out on the hill and on our Training Days, Feature Digs, talks, walks or through this newsletter - in fact our thanks to those who have supported us in any way whatsoever: we hope you've enjoyed it as all as much as we have. It has been a truly wonderful start to the Project - we look forward to a great 2009. We've lots of features to explore, and plenty of fascinating mysteries to unravel. And who knows what else we may find ...
 
And what a story we've uncovered so far! From the Bronze Age (or maybe even Neolithic), right through the Iron Age to the medieval and beyond - this site has it all. We've found paved areas, a structure with small hearths, ancient carved stones and a dropped flint from who-knows-when and even a discarded (but definitely not new) horseshoe. And we've explored an Iron Age hut circle and numerous intriguing lumps and bumps with enigmatic clues in them (which are marked down for further investigation). Every one of these has a story to tell about this site. And we're only just beginning to scratch the surface.
 
Our special thanks go to Norman for letting us play on his land and to Kevin for training us so ably and with such good humour. We look forward to more days with you next year - and may the sun shine on every one of them! (Although even the "iffy" days we've experienced on the site have been atmospheric and enjoyable). Do don the thermals and waterproofs and come and join us!
 
So, on to 2009. We start our site days again at 10am on Tuesday 13th January and you are all welcome to join us. We shall then have a couple of Feature Digs with Kevin (dates to be advised). We also have four talks to various societies booked for the first three months of the year - if any members want to come along, just let us know.
 
In the meantime, may we wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and all the very best for the New Year.
 
Gill
 
Gillian Hovell
Secretary, Iron-Age (Nidderdale) Project
 
As ever, may we remind you all that the site is on an exposed hillside and waterproofs/suncream and stout footwear are definitely required.
May we stress that the site is on private property with no public right of way - access must be accompanied by a group leader at all times.