CBA West Midlands

Newsletter

Issue Number 19 Autumn 2014

In this Issue News From the Past 2015 The Coffin Works th Tours & Events Saturday 28 February Day Schools Carrs Lane Church Centre, Featured Museum Birmingham, B4 7SX Great War This annual event includes illustrated presentations Centenary Events about sites and objects from rural and urban parts and Exhibitions of the region, ranging in date from prehistory to Museum of Carpet modern times. Talks this year include excavations in West Midlands towns, cities and countryside. Committee Contact Details Fee: £20, CBA WM members may deduct £5. Light refreshments included (Please bring your own lunch).

The Send cheques payable to CBA West Midlands to Caroline Mosley CBA West Midlands c/o 84 biscuits are Grosvenor Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9AN back! Enquiries: 0778 694 1059 or email [email protected]

http://www.archaeologyuk.org/cbawm/ 7

On Saturday 12th August 2014 an exhibition open day was held at the Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2014. The exhibition detailed the results of the After over a decade of fundraising and a year of refurbishment, Heritage Lottery Funded community excavation known as 'Dig Birmingham Conservation Trust is delighted to be opening to the Minster' that was undertaken last year by Kidderminster Civic public the Newman Brothers Factory at the Coffin Works, Society and Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service at St Jewellery Quarter, on 28th October 2014. Mary's and All Saints Church with the aim of finding the 'Minster' of This fantastic grade II* listed factory which made coffin furniture for Kidderminster. over 100 years, will offer visitors the extraordinary opportunity to Along with display panels put together by volunteers detailing the “step back in time” and experience the factory as a “time-capsule” dig, a number of artefacts found during the dig were displayed and set in the 1960s, full of original stock and machinery and with may a volunteers were on site to talk to visitors about their experiences, tale to tell. artefacts and help with children's activities that including mini sand BCT are currently looking for volunteers to help visitors to Newman pit digs. One volunteer, Julian, also spent a huge amount of time Brothers make the most of their visit. putting together a slide show of photos which was extremely well A wide range of opportunities are available received. from tour guiding to demonstrating the With the help of the CBA the event was so well publicised that we original machinery. If you would estimate that we received over 100 visitors during the day and the like to be part of the team at museum we so pleased with the outcome that they arranged to keep Birmingham’s newest and most the exhibition for a further 2 weeks. We aim to build upon the unique heritage attraction, get success of the event and hold a similar exhibition over the coming involv ed at Newman Brothers! months. By Marie Dufaud By Caroline Norcott

For more information and role descriptions, please visit Get in touch if you think that CBAWM can help with your project! www.birminghamconservationtrust/volunteer-at-newman-brothers/

Birmingham Cathedral Tours Most Monday lunchtimes 1-2pm FREE contact Jane McArdle for more information 0121 262 1840 or email: [email protected]

Guided Walks around Ledbury, Herefordshire The Historic Walk and 8pm Thursday Evening Ghost Walk are available by booking only. Your guide will meet you under the Market House and take you around all of the historic parts of Warwick’s Victorian Christmas Ledbury Thurs 27th November Email or phone Elisabeth for more 5pm to 9pm information:- Traditional carousel, ferret racing, Elisabeth Galvin traction engines, fire spinners, Street Tel: 01531 650414 Magician, Victorain Market and craft Mobile: 07760 472186 stalls. Lantern procession from St e-Mail: [email protected] Mary’s Church before the lights switch-

on. Craft, charity and festive food stalls

will wind through Swan Street, Market The Trench Raiders st Street and the Market Place.Christmas 1 November Tree Festival at St. Mary's Church Bantock House 7pm to 10pm Sing-along entertainment of the Great Candlelit Christmas War with popular tunes British soldiers Sat 6th December put their own words to. The songs are Avoncroft Museum linked together by factual accounts of 7pm – 10pm what took place in the years 1914- Christmas comes to Bromsgrove at 1918. Cheese, rustic bread and a glass Avoncroft’s traditional annual of wine included .Admission: £17 per celebration. Craft stalls, bands, choirs ticket. Booking required. and mulled wine. The grounds and Bantock House,Finchfield Rd buildings will be decorated in authentic Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ. Christmas style and illuminated by 01902 552195 lanterns.

Tickets: Adults £7 & Children £5  (Members: Adults £3 & Children £2)

Twenty Years of Archaeology in Birmingham DAY SCHOOLS Archaeological excavations throughout Worcestershire Annual Archaeology Black Country History Day the city have transformed our view of Saturday 18 October Day School Contact Dr Malcolm Dick, Centre for University of Worcester. Birmingham’s past. West Midlands History University of Saturday 15 November Birmingham. Tel: 0121 415 8253 or Learn about discoveries and research In addition to excavation, timbers of email: [email protected] over the last year in the County. historic buildings have been dated by tree- Talks range from Redditch Local ring dating, and LiDAR has located History Society's work celebrating Our past Uncovered Archaeology Day earthworks in Sutton Park. Pollen and Anglo Saxon Warwickshire the 50th anniversary of the New

Saturday 25 October Town to recent excavations beetles have provided information on past Heritage and Culture Warwickshire revealing past inhabitants of the environmental conditions. present a day of talks, displays and County. Contact 01905 765560 or email interactive workshops related to local All periods of the city’s past have been discovered and investigated, including [email protected] history and archaeology. 10,000 years old remains near Curzon Street; Neolithic pottery in Bournville;

£15 per person (£5 for stallholders) Bronze Age burnt mounds throughout the city; Iron Age and Roman farms on Birmingham History Day Contact 01926 412132 to book your the M6 Toll motorway; a Roman livestock-collecting centre in King’s Norton; Saturday 22 November place. If you are a local history medieval industries in Bullring in the city centre; the medieval village of Aston; Contact Dr Malcolm Dick, Centre for society who would like a stall please and glassworks, brassworks, limekilns and other canalside industries. contact West Midlands History University of [email protected] Birmingham. Tel: 0121 415 8253 or Nationally important sites have been protected through designation as email: [email protected] scheduled monuments, such as Peddimore Hall, and extension of scheduled areas as at Sutton Park. Archaeological remains have been displayed and interpreted in new developments: landscaping in the new Queen Elizabeth RON WAITE Hospital includes grassed banks on the line of the ramparts of Metchley Roman fort. The results of excavations in the city centre have been included in It is with great sadness that we have to a display in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and several books and report the sudden death of Ron Waite. articles have been published about the results of archaeological work. Ron made an invaluable contribution to Dr Mike Hodder was Birmingham City early prehistoric studies in the Council’s Planning Archaeologist from Midlands, both Mesolithic and 1994 to 2014. He still gives talks about Palaeolithic by his lifelong fieldwalking the city’s archaeology and can be contacted at: for lithic surface finds. A full obituary RON (BARRY) WAITE: will be printed in the next edition of [email protected]

4 JULY 1949-23 JULY 2014 West Midlands Archaeology. Local Government Archaeology in the West Midlands

Local authorities (LAs) are required by the National Planning Policy Framework and legislation to take the Historic Environment into consideration when evaluating every planning application submitted to them or when designing strategic/forward plans for the long term development and management of the environment. This forms part of a suite of environmental considerations that LAs must satisfy in order to ensure sustainable development. Most LAs employ one or more archaeologists to provide this advice, or in the case of two tier authorities, the districts consult an archaeologist(s) employed at the county council level. These local government Historic Environment professionals do far more than simply evaluating planning applications. They provide support to people seeking to understand and conserve local heritage assets (from school children to academics); engage local communities planning for their area's future; and inform those seeking to more effectively manage distinctive environments and landscapes.

LAs in the West Midlands have a huge challenge ahead, with budget cuts of up to £150,000,000 from central Government. Historic Environment services are seeing increasing pressure with jobs and services being cut across the region. Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, for example, is seeing a 65% budget cut by 2016/17. Other councils are not so lucky, potentially seeing up to 100% cut; for instance Sandwell. CBAWM, along with National CBA, English Heritage and the Institute for Archaeologists, is very concerned about the continued provision of professional archaeological support in the region. We are doing all that we can to advocate the need for this support and highlighting the true economic and environmental impacts of cutting these services entirely.

We hope we have your support!

By Emma Hancox

Featured Museum

Staffordshire Hoard Gallery

Christmas Gift Making Birmingham Museum and Workshops Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge Art Gallery th th 13 -14 December In an informal session you’ll find out Green Wreath Workshops about the tile decorating technique The new Staffordshire Hoard Gallery opens in October in Gallery Weoley Castle Ruins, Bham known as ‘tube lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’, 32 at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. New displays will Sat 6th December and by the end of the experience uncover the secrets of the jewellery makers who crafted the We will provide all the materials and you’ll have produced a tile with your expert knowledge you need to make very own design on. The price is from exquisite pieces of the Hoard with little more than simple tools, and yourself a beautiful bespoke green £5.00 per tile plus admission (P&P is explore the trading routes between the UK and the East that carried wreath for the festive season! extra). the gold and garnets used in the pieces to our shores. Adults only - 10.30-12pm Family Session (up to 2 children) - Workshops open at 10am and last up Images of pieces of the hoard are also available for sale. To make 1pm-2.30pm to 1 ½ hrs. Places are limited and pre- booking is essential – call 01952 enquiries about buying prints please phone 0121 303 3155 or email: £10 per wreath/family - places must 884124 to book your spot. This is not [email protected]. be booked in advance - please phone a drop-in session. 0121 348 8120 to pay for your ticket. Historical Festive Craft Opening Times Blacksmithing Courses at Sat 6th December Monday 10am - 5pm Avoncroft Museum 10am-3pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm In the children’s library at The Hive. Wednesday 10am - 5pm Learn the ancient art of Worcs Archive & Archaeology Service Thursday 10am - 5pm blacksmithing in a 100 year old forge Friday 10:30am - 5pm with our resident blacksmith, Tim Christmas Craft Markets Saturday 10am - 5pm Goddard. Whether you are a Midland Arts Centre (MAC), Sunday 12:30pm - 5pm complete beginner or more Birmingham Contact experienced, there is a course to suit th th Sat 6 &Sun 7 December Birmingham Museum and Art you. Sat 13th and Sun 14th December Avoncroft Museum of Historic Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Buildings. Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, 11am onwards Birmingham, B3 3DH Worcestershire B60 4JR Website: www.bmag.org.uk Telephone: 01527 831363 Phone: 0121 348 8007 www.avoncroft.org.uk

Featured Museum

Staffordshire Hoard Gallery

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The new Staffordshire Hoard Gallery opens in October in Gallery 32 at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. New displays will uncover the secrets of the jewellery makers who crafted the exquisite pieces of the Hoard with little more than simple tools, and explore the trading routes between the UK and the East that carried the gold and garnets used in the pieces to our shores.

Images of pieces of the hoard are also available for sale. To make enquiries about buying prints please phone 0121 303 3155 or email: [email protected].

Opening Times Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10:30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12:30pm - 5pm Contact Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH Website: www.bmag.org.uk Phone: 0121 348 8007

Thanks John Haslam! Local Government Archaeology in the West Midlands Local authorities (LAs) are required by the National Planning Policy If there is anyone who could be regarded as Framework and legislation to take the Historic Environment into ‘the face’ of CBA West Midlands, it is John consideration when evaluating every planning application submitted to Haslam. Many of our members will have met them or when designing strategic/forward plans for the long term or corresponded with John over the years, as he has conscientiously led our efforts to development and management of the environment. This forms part of a keep in touch with our subscribers. suite of environmental considerations that LAs must satisfy in order to ensure sustainable development. Most LAs employ one or more I have been involved with the committee of CBAWM since the late 1980s and John was archaeologists to provide this advice, or in the case of two tier a part of the scene then, and from 1989 authorities, the districts consult an archaeologist(s) employed at the (I think) until very recently he served as our county council level. These local government Historic Environment Treasurer, to which role he later added that of membership secretary. It is a professionals do far more than simply evaluating planning applications. mark of his impact that not only is he so well known and respected in the world of West Midlands archaeology, he was also directly responsible for They provide support to people seeking to understand and conserve recruiting many of the current committee members. local heritage assets (from school children to academics); engage local communities planning for their area's future; and inform those seeking Not only did John remind us of the importance of focussing on our subscribers, he also represented another key aspect of what we aspired, and to more effectively manage distinctive environments and landscapes. still aspire to achieve – our links with the world of local societies around the region. CBA West Midlands would not be the kind of organisation that it LAs in the West Midlands have a huge challenge ahead, with budget cuts currently is without the continued influence and guidance of John Haslam. of up to £150,000,000 from central Government. Historic Environment services are seeing increasing pressure with jobs and services being cut It is a reflection of our affection, and in gratitude for his contribution to both CBAWM and local archaeological societies, that we offered him a small gift as across the region. Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, for a token to mark his many years of service at our recent AGM. example, is seeing a 65% budget cut by 2016/17. Other councils are not so lucky, potentially seeing up to 100% cut; for instance Sandwell. We are sure that you will join with us in thanking John for all his help down the years and we look forward to his continued support of the group for CBAWM, along with National CBA, English Heritage and the Institute for many years to come! Archaeologists, is very concerned about the continued provision of professional archaeological support in the region. We are doing all that By John Hunt (on behalf of the CBAWM Committee) we can to advocate the need for this support and highlighting the true Please note that Paul Collins is our new membership secretary, economic and environmental impacts of cutting these services entirely. and Emma Hancox has taken on being Treasurer of the group. Please refer all matters relating to either of these subjects to We hope we have your support! them from now on – their contact details can be found on the By Emma Hancox back of this newsletter. Twenty Years of Archaeology in Birmingham

Archaeological excavations throughout the city have transformed our view of Birmingham’s past.

In addition to excavation, timbers of historic buildings have been dated by tree- ring dating, and LiDAR has located earthworks in Sutton Park. Pollen and beetles have provided information on past environmental conditions.

All periods of the city’s past have been discovered and investigated, including 10,000 years old remains near Curzon Street; Neolithic pottery in Bournville; Bronze Age burnt mounds throughout the city; Iron Age and Roman farms on the M6 Toll motorway; a Roman livestock-collecting centre in King’s Norton; medieval industries in Bullring in the city centre; the medieval village of Aston; and glassworks, brassworks, limekilns and other canalside industries.

Nationally important sites have been protected through designation as scheduled monuments, such as Peddimore Hall, and extension of scheduled areas as at Sutton Park. Archaeological remains have been displayed and interpreted in new developments: landscaping in the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital includes grassed banks on the line of the RONramparts WAITE of Metchley Roman fort. The results of excavations in the city centre have been included in a display in Birmingham Museum andIt is Artwith Gallery, great andsadness several that books we andhave to articles have been published aboutreport the resul thets sudden of archaeological death of work.Ron Waite. Dr Mike Hodder was Birmingham City Council’s Planning Archaeologist from 1994 to 2014. He still gives talks about the city’s archaeology and can be contacted at:

[email protected] Ron made an invaluable contribution to early prehistoric studies in the Midlands, both Mesolithic and Palaeolithic by his

Great War Centenary Events and Exhibitions Birmingham Cathedral Tours Most Monday lunchtimes An Adaptable Trade: The Jewellery Uttoxeter Fallen Heroes: 1-2pm FREE contact Jane McArdle for Quarter at War. Redfern's Cottage more information 0121 262 1840 or email: Before the outbreak of the War in 1914, A free exhibition about the men of [email protected] Birmingham’s jewellery industry was Uttoxeter who fought and died in the vast, with an estimated 70,000 people Great War. Stories left untold until now Guided Walks around Ledbury, employed in manufacturing jewellery about the months leading up to the war Herefordshire and supplying the trade. By 1918 over and what happened to four Uttoxeter The Historic Walk and 8pm Thursday men when the worst happened and war 200 firms had closed, and employee Evening Ghost Walk are available by numbers halved - and yet Birmingham’s broke out. booking only. Your guide will meet you jewellery trade survived, retaining much under the Market House and take you Tuesday - Friday 1pm - 4pm of its former dominance. around all of the historic parts of Warwick’s Victorian Christmas Saturday 11am - 4pm Ledbury Thurs 27th November This exhibition explores how the Until 24 Dec 2014 Email or phone Elisabeth for more 5pm to 9pm industry adapted to wartime austerity, 34-36 Carter Street, Uttoxeter information:- Traditional carousel, ferret racing, the impact on local people, and the vital Staffordshire, ST14 8EU Elisabeth Galvin traction engines, fire spinners, Street role played by women. Looking in detail www.redfernscottage.org Tel: 01531 650414 Magician, Victorain Market and craft at three prominent Jewellery Quarter 01889 567176 Mobile: 07760 472186 stalls. Lantern procession from St firms, and illustrated with items loaned e-Mail: [email protected] Mary’s Church before the lights switch- from family collections, it reveals the on. Craft, charity and festive food stalls extraordinary sacrifices made by a The Great Estate and the Great War generation of Birmingham people. Granary Art Gallery, Weston Park will wind through Swan Street, Market The Trench Raiders Street and the Market Place.Christmas st 1 November Tree Festival at St. Mary's Church Open Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am- This exhibition focuses on the three sons Bantock House 5.00pm. Admission charge to museum of the 4th Earl of Bradford who all found 7pm to 10pm Until June 2015 themselves involved in the conflict. In Sing-along entertainment of the Great Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, 75- addition to the family at the big house, Candlelit Christmas War with popular tunes British soldiers 80 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, the lives of estate staff and tenants are Sat 6th December put their own words to. The songs are B18 6HA 0121 348 8140 considered, Photographs and medals Avoncroft Museum linked together by factual accounts of bring the stories vividly to life and bring a 7pm – 10pm what took place in the years 1914- very human and personal side to this Christmas comes to Bromsgrove at 1918. Cheese, rustic bread and a glass international conflict. Avoncroft’s traditional annual of wine included .Admission: £17 per celebration. Craft stalls, bands, choirs ticket. Booking required. Open Daily 10am - 4pm and mulled wine. The grounds and Bantock House,Finchfield Rd Free. Until 31 Dec 2014 buildings will be decorated in authentic Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ. Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard Christmas style and illuminated by 01902 552195 Nr Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8LE lanterns.

Tickets: Adults £7 & Children £5 www.weston-park.com  (Members: Adults £3 & Children £2)

7

On Saturday 12th August 2014 an exhibition open day was held at the Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster as part of the Festival of

Archaeology 2014. The exhibition detailed the results of the In this Issue Heritage Lottery Funded community excavation known as 'Dig News From the Past 2015 Minster' that was undertaken last year by Kidderminster Civic The Coffin Works Society and Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service at St th Tours & Events Saturday 28 February Mary's and All Saints Church with the aim of finding the 'Minster' of Day Schools Kidderminster. Carrs Lane Church Centre, Along with display panels put together by volunteers detailing the Featured Museum Birmingham, B4 7SX dig, a number of artefacts found during the dig were displayed and Great War This annual event includes illustrated presentations volunteers were on site to talk to visitors about their experiences, Centenary Events about sites and objects from rural and urban parts and Exhibitions artefacts and help with children's activities that including mini sand of the region, ranging in date from prehistory to pit digs. One volunteer, Julian, also spent a huge amount of time Museum of Carpet modern times. Talks this year include excavations in West Midlands towns, cities and countryside. putting together a slide show of photos which was extremely well Committee Fee: £20, CBA WM members may deduct £5. received. Contact Details Light refreshments included (Please bring your own With the help of the CBA the event was so well publicised that we lunch). estimate that we received over 100 visitors during the day and the Send cheques payable to CBA West Midlands to museum we so pleased with the outcome that they arranged to keep The Caroline Mosley CBA West Midlands c/o 84 the exhibition for a further 2 weeks. We aim to build upon the biscuits are Grosvenor Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9AN back! success of the event and hold a similar exhibition over the coming Enquiries: 0778 694 1059 or email months. [email protected]

By Caroline Norcott

www. http://www.archaeologyuk.org/cbawm/

Get in touch if you think that CBAWM can help with your project!

West Midlands Archaeology

GreatRegistered news! The latest Charity journal isNumber being prepared 512717 for its final edit – many thanks to all those that have contributed to (and edited CBA West Midlands chapters in) this volume. It will be going to the printers shortly!

We have also spent some money on digitising the whole back catalogue of this journal - which will be shortly available to view for Newsletter free on line – more details to follow in the next newsletter! Issue Number 19 Autumn 2014 Finally, we have a plea from John Haslam – if you have not received your copy of the last journal (which was orange in colour) then please contact him on 02476 672589 so that he can remedy this- all other membership queries should go to Paul Collins (see below)!

Name Role Contact Details Sheena Payne-Lunn Chair [email protected] Kirsty Nichol Vice-Chair [email protected] Newsletter Dr John Hunt Vice-Chair [email protected] Paul Collins Secretary & [email protected] Membership Tel. 07528 738374 Emma Hancox Treasurer [email protected] John Haslam [email protected] Deborah Fox WMA Editor [email protected] Dr Peter Crouch Website [email protected] Caroline Mosley Day School [email protected] Administrator Chris Patrick NFTP [email protected] Jan Pick Education [email protected] Liaison Emma Collins Social Media [email protected] Dr Mike Hodder [email protected] Mike Shaw [email protected] Esme Hookway [email protected] Richard Hughes [email protected]

Registered Charity Number 512717