News

We recovered a white metal medal during recent investigations in Gloucester. These medals, 39mm in diameter, were awarded to those who took a pledge of abstinence from alcohol. On one side the medal reads “Band of Hope Medal – Prevention is Better than Cure – I Promise to Abstain from All Alcoholic Drinks as Beverages”. The reverse has an image of hands shaking and an open Bible with the words “Wine is a Mockery – Strong Drink is Raging – Thy Word is Truth.”

The Band of Hope was first proposed by Rev. Jabez Tunnicliff, a Baptist minister in Leeds, following the death in June 1847 of a young man whose life was cut short by alcohol. While working in Leeds, Tunnicliff had become an advocate for total abstinence from alcohol. In the autumn of 1847, with the help of other temperance the Band of Hope was founded. Its objective was to teach children the importance and principles of sobriety and teetotalism. In 1855, a national organisation was formed amidst an explosion of Band of Hope work. Meetings were held in churches throughout the UK and included Christian teaching.

The Band of Hope and other temperance organisations of the period fought to counteract the influence of pubs and breweries with the specific intention of rescuing ‘unfortunates’ whose lives had been blighted by drink and teach complete abstinence.

by Sean Rice

Kickstart is a scheme implemented by the UK government to help create jobs for young people from the ages of 16-24. Historic England approached us with the scheme and with their assistance, we searched for potential applicants. We employed Lidia Kones via the scheme, who turned out to be such a helpful, quick learner, we offered her a role in the admin side of things for the London office, once the scheme had ended.

My time in Pre-Construct Archaeology has been one of the best experiences in my career. I joined the company as part of ‘Kickstart’. The programme offered six months working experience for young people. The first six months I was working in different departments of the company. The idea behind that, was that by doing that I would be able to gain knowledge about the company, what they do, and how the company runs. When the ‘Kickstart’ programme ended, PCA offered me a permanent part-time position. During this period, I was finishing my degree, therefore, I could not work full time. Throughout my studies, PCA offered me flexibility, as I needed to change my working days and hours.

Working with Pre-Construct Archaeology for the past 17 months allowed me to improve and gain new skills, as well as learning amazing facts about archaeology. Furthermore, the working experience that PCA offered me has enhanced my determination, and prioritisation abilities. Besides that, I had the opportunity to work with incredible and talented colleagues and managers.

Lidia Kones, London Office, PCA

Congratulations to Alistair who has been elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London!

This is an amazing honour and achievement as the election procedure is highly selective: nominations for fellowship of the society can come only from existing fellows, and must be signed by between five and twelve existing fellows. Elections then occur by ballot, and a prospective candidate must have twice as many ‘yes’ votes as ‘no’ votes.

Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries in London is a recognition of significant achievement in the fields of archaeology, antiquities, history and heritage, well done Alistair!

This is the title of a presentation by James Gerrard at the joint CBASE and KAS conference on 12 November, which this year explores the theme of Agriculture, Industry and Trade in the Roman South East.

Groundworks contractors in Plumstead have found an unexpected air raid shelter! Our evaluation trenches in different parts of the site had previously uncovered two phases of 19th century occupation.

We’ve made the news with our discovery of an Iron Age Farm on a large-scale excavation ahead of the Monksfield development in Cambridgeshire.

On Saturday Katie from PCA Durham went Ebchester, County Durham, to hold a finds display for a community group: The Friends of Vindomora.

Mark Hinman, as CAS conference secretary, has organised the first annual round-up on archaeology in the region since 2019. This event is open to all with no pre-booking required.

Christiane Meckseper will be giving a talk to the Haddenham Local History Group on Thursday 17^th November at 7.30pm at the Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham, Cambridgeshire.