News
C.A.F.G. Announce The Val Whittacker Memorial Archaeology Prize
Poster announcing Prize.
Why a Memorial Prize ? Valerie Whittaker was a founding member of the Cambridge Archaeology Field Group in 1979. She and others had attended local evening classes in archaeology where they were encouraged to undertake practical projects. From this they formed what is now the Cambridge Archaeology Field Group (CAFG), and started a programme of field walking at sites around the Gog Magog Hills. Over the subsequent years the work was extended into other areas of south west Cambridgeshire. Valerie started various projects for the Group and also was keen to join excavations by local organisations. Throughout this time she always encouraged new members, particularly young people interested in archaeology. Sadly Valerie died in 2005 at a relatively young age. Valerie left a bequest to Cambridge Archaeology Field Group, which agreed that the money should be used to encourage people of all ages studying archaeology. The best way seemed to be to help with the cost of a training excavation or similar training, or the purchase of relevant books or equipment. The Prize CAFG is offering a prize or prizes up to a total of £150 each year towards the cost of a training excavation, other archaeological course or the purchase of relevant books or equipment to help you in your interest. The total prize money for the year may go to one person or may be divided among worthy applicants. Who is Eligible? You must be studying archaeology in a school or college and must either be studying or live in Cambridgeshire and be at least 16 years of age. You may be at school studying for ‘A’ level or following a course of further education part time at a local college or university. You do not have to be proposing a career in archaeology. Applications • You must submit to the Chairman of CAFG an essay or project report on an aspect of archaeology, (this can include landscape archaeology). This essay or report may be one that you have submitted or are going to submit to satisfy the course you are following. • The essay or report may be submitted in paper or digital format. • In addition you must submit a statement showing evidence of an existing interest in archaeology, outlining proposals for taking your interest in archaeology further, and explaining how the money will help to take this interest forward. • You must complete the application form giving details of name, age, address etc, and parental acceptance for those under 18. • The name and address of a referee must be given. This will normally be a course tutor. • Applications must be submitted by the 31st January 2009. Assessment • The essay and statement will be assessed by the President, Chairman and two others appointed by agreement of the Committee of CAFG • The referees will take into account the level of the course being studied • The criteria for the assessment of the essay or project on archaeology will include evidence of the use of written sources. • You will be informed of the decision prior to the presentation. Presentation The award will be made at the annual general meeting of CAFG in April. Training Course If you choose to apply to help with course fees, whether a training excavation or, for example, landscape surveying, the course must be organised by a recognised body, such as an Archaeological Unit or educational establishment and must include an agreement to provide suitable training. Cambridge Archaeology Field Group Val Whittaker Memorial Prize Application Form First name Surname Address School, College or University Title of Essay Brief summary of essay Statement of your interest in archaeology. This should include how your interest in archaeology began, what you have gained from your studies, where you expect to go next in archaeology, how you would use the prize money and what value you expect to gain from the award. Please expand on a separate sheet Proposed excavation site or training course if you choose this option Name and address of excavation Director Cost of one week of training (the bursary will not exceed £150) Referee’s name and address Parents’ names and address (if the applicant is under 18 years of age) Parent’s signature Students signature Date Please send your application and essay or report to: Mr Barrie Fuller Chairman, CAFG 47 Queen Edith’s Way Cambridge CB1 8PJ By 31st January 2009 If you have any queries, please email: cafg.may@ntlworld.com
Barton Fieldwalking
The Cambridge Archaelogical Field Group have been fieldwalking at Barton South of Cambridge. The normal method of fieldwalking in strips separated by 10 metres has shown a small concentration of Shelly ware in one corner of the field. This pottery may be late Saxon or medieval. Therefore a more detailed search in 10 metre squares has been made, which has revealed more pottery of the same type. This is currently being analysed. So watch this space for more updates.
Latest News from Barton Field walking
A rare find of a Bronze Age arrowhead was made by new member Liz Tomkins on her first field walking last week.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
A find of a fragment of a vitreous glazed bottle a few weeks ago, prompted member Colin Coates do some research, and he found that this was a fragment of an ink stone bottle by P & J Arnold London made by J Bourne & Sons, Denby Pottery, near Derby about 1910. Size. Height 228 mm, diameter 90mm, capacity 16 ounce.
Click on picture to enlarge.