Monthly Archives: July 2014
The Last First Day!
I did it! I got through the first day of the final season! Day 1 is always a huge challenge, and today was no exception. Last night 74 people arrived to camp on site…..fortunately the weather was perfect, no-one got … Continue reading
Day 5, Set Up 2: Silchester 2014 is GO
We are ready. Just about. Today’s excellent news: we had a visit from Jon Crabbe of the University’s Health and Safety Services. He inspected our food provision and awarded us the highest mark available: a 5! Well done Jean! great … Continue reading
Day 4, Set Up 2: tools and tantrums
Today was all about making our infrastructure beautiful and fit for purpose. We fetched and carried, titivated and tidied. Tidy offices, tidy minds. MOST EXCITING thing of the day…..the week…..the year……? We are trialling the use of mini iPads on … Continue reading
Day 3, Set Up 2: Staff Training day
The week before the excavation begins, I always gather my staff for a day on campus.It’s a chance to shake our boots free of bugs, dust down our best togs and head for the Sorby room. Here, Mike and I … Continue reading
Day 2: Set Up 2: my wonderful team
A few candid shots of those I work with. Let’s start with Site Manager Jon (you already know him!) and Science Technician Rory – enjoying the relaxed site atmosphere! How about Nick? My second-in-command on site – and very familiar … Continue reading
Day 1, Set Up Week 2: Walkways and Whimsy
It has been a feature of the last week on site: we are already getting nostalgic! our conversations are peppered with: do you remember when…do you remember who….this is the last time we do this…..! If you want to share … Continue reading
Day 5, Set Up 1: infrastructure complete
A successful week! We have toilets, kabins, a small team, water, marquees, equipment and furniture. Silchester 2014 is GO! Are you ready?
Day 4, Set Up 1: Alan arrives
It is the most perfect of perfect days…..a cloudless, blameless day. And Alan, our beloved tail lift driver arrives. Alan – retired now from the University of Reading – helps me each year to set up and set down the … Continue reading
Day 3, Set Up 1: Tent City!
Today our 3 marquees arrived – one for each Insula and 1 for our Exhibition Centre (more on this later!). I enjoyed chatting to Ernie, who is a University of Reading Archaeology graduate who now has his own marquee business. … Continue reading
Day 2, Set Up Week :location, location, location
Ever designed your own town……? I do so…every single season. Predominant colour scheme: green (although the A-Planters did offer to paint my HQ kabin pink……too much of a sexual stereotype methinks!). The A-Planters are used to me now – they … Continue reading