Newsletter, May/June 2010

 
 Dear All,
 
Welcome to our latest newsletter. Our apologies for the delay - the combined forces of a certain volcano and a major computer failure caused a brief hiccup ...
But onto the archaeology, which has been substantial and fascinating.
 
The DIAS (Dacre Iron Age Smithy) has been further explored, revealing a packed and complex feature. The Iron-Age roundhouse has been re-used in medieval times as a workshop, complete with iron roasting hearth. There is plenty more to be done here!
 
But May began with a two-day Big Dig that re-visited the Triple Furnaces feature. We'd been here before, last autumn, under professional archaeologist Kev Cale's supervision and we were delighted to have Kev back with us as we reopened the trench. The three original grassy hollows are now three large structures - who'd have thought all that was under the grass. The surprise has been that each of the three features are distinctly different from each other. One had a fantastic burnt crisp base within it, the middle one had a different feel entirely being untouched by any real signs of burning. The third seemed to have had more than one life? Some intriguing shale and even some possible baked clay lingered within it and a 'false base' of stones hid a thick blackened coating above a wonderful orange-red base layer. A wonderful white crumbly edging crept up this base up the south side of the furnace.
 
Finds were few and fragmentary - bits of coal (we were remarkably near the coal mines), scraps of charcoal, and what's probably clay lining. But a real discovery was that all three features had been built with their bases deliberately dug into the hillside. Our photos here on the right are just one of each of the furnaces during the digs. As ever, there is more work to be done in the future - we shall return!
AND ONWARDS, to our future events:

Prehistoric Dacre - A Guided Walk.  This will be on Tuesday 20th July 10am-1pm. Booking essential - as are good boots and waterproofs or suncream. We have evidence of possible Neolithic life, very real Bronze Age remains and a wealth of Iron Age settlement features. Come and see what life was like on your doorstep just two thousand years ago.

Tuesday 27th July: Prehistoric Dacre - A presentation at the Schoolroom, Dacre Top. A virtual tour (mud and rain free!) with refreshments too. Do come and discover more about the prehistoric settlement that's on your doorstep.
 All events are free, thanks to our Heritage Lottery Fund grant, and new members are always welcome.

We are always happy to receive invitations to give talks and presentations.
 
Our earlier computer glitch means that we have had to 'rebuild' our newsletter mailout list so I invite you, if you know of anyone who is wondering where their copy is, please let me know on gill@iron-age.org. Likewise, if you have received this newsletter in error, then just let me know on the same address.
 
Just a final word if you'll indulge me: I have just committed myself to a challenging 9-day charity trek through the archaeology-strewn stony Jordanian desert to Petra next March to raise a massive £2,900 (!) by Dec 2010 for Classic FM's Music Makers: they provide live music therapy and education projects across Britain. My own daughter benefitted from something similar when she was five years old in Great Ormond Street Hospital and, believe me, they make a huge difference - changing lives through the power of music, as they put it. Any donations gratefully received. Find out more and please dig deep and donate on www.justgiving.com/GillianHovell. Thank you.
 
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.