THE DORSET DIGGER
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DORSET DIGGERS COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP
No 23 February 2015 Roman coins
Dorset Diggers member Rachel Mowbray showed a group of us how to classify and record Roman coins at a workshop in Dorchester. We found it difficult to work out what was depicted even with a magnifying glass. We discovered that there were many different designs of coins produced but nothing to denote what a coin was worth (no “ten pence” equivalent). The coins from Nether Compton are the type known as “nummi” -essentially small change. They date from 317-339AD and are from different mints all over the Empire. Weighing about 3g each, the whole hoard with its pot would be over 70kg. Here are a couple of examples; No. 1 dated 317 minted in London, No. 10 dated 330-335 minted in Trier
Rachel volunteers with the Portable Antiquities Scheme to record and identify finds brought in by members of the public. They need more volunteers and provide training.
Thanks to Ciorstaidh, Dorset’s Finds Liaison Officer for lending a selection of coins and reference books
AGM
On Saturday 24th January in Dorchester we held our second AGM. Chris Tripp said he wished to step down as chairman role but continue as technical advisor to the group and director of the Nether Compton project. David Northam was elected as the new chairman of the group.
and with Chris Tripp represented Dorset Diggers at the Dorset History Network.
He is also a member of the South Somerset Archaeological Research Group. Over the last 4 years he has worked as a volunteer on the Ham Hill Fort dig, Sutton Montis 'Cadbury Environs' dig, Druce Farm 'Roman Villa' dig and the Sturminster Newton back gardens dig.
When asked to be Chairman David said he was honoured to be involved with a local group who had achieved so much in such a short time. He 's looking forward to working with Chris Tripp, Our new Chairman, David Northam, has who remains our Archaeological Projects lived and worked in Weymouth since Officer, and the Committee to generate 1976, he is married to Christine and they a full programme of events, training, and have two adult children who work engagement with the wider community. abroad. He joined Dorset Diggers in 2014 and helped with both phases of the David's contact details are Nether Compton dig, organised a walk [email protected] or 07801 for us above Portesham taking in the 714648. neolithic and bronze age monuments,
The rest of the committee continue as before:
Alison Williams( Secretary), David Hill (Treasurer), Chris Tripp (Archaeolgical Projexts Officer), Angela Carman (Membership Secretary), Ann Fudger, Ania Driver, Pat Marler.
If anyone can help the committee by organising a walk, sharing their expertise ina workshop or raising funds please contact David or Alison. Thanks to Dave Wicken for a walk, Barry Grayson for updating facebook and Judith Young for organising trips.
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Training
One of the things discussed at the AGM was how to increase theskills-base of the group. Therefore we are planning to arrange a workshop in geophysical survey, probably in April at Nether Compton. We are also looking at day-schools offered by WAFA Stonehenge
On Sunday 8th March we are visiting Stonehenge. A coach will save us a long drive and we will also fit in a visit to Avebury. Details and booking arrangements to follow in a separate email.
Dorchester
We all know that Dorchester was an important Roman town. West Dorset District Council are planning to ignore English Heritage advice and develop a site inside the Roamn walls without proper investigation. If you want to sign a petition to stop them go to
Nether Compton
It is important that our investigations in 2014 are properlyrecorded. Chris is very busy consulting with experts and writing the report. The volunteers at Sherborne museum are working on an exhibition to show-case our finds.
We would like to do some further work in 2015 to follow-up last year’s discoveries and the committee are currently seeking permission for a nearby location. Over in Somerset
There is an interesting archaeology day in Yeovil on Saturday 28th March focussing on the work that South Somerset Archaeological Research Group and Newcastle University have been carrying out around Lufton Villa over the past five years. More details from http://www.sanhs.org/ or call 01823 272429.