The Wreningham Community Archaeology Project got underway last night (August 7) with the digging of a test pit on the village playing field, led by local archaeologist Steve Hickling.

Old bricks fragments, pantiles, an iron nail and a fossil were among the items uncovered during the short dig.

A number of villagers took part in the digging and sifting training for the main event which is this coming Saturday, August 11, and it is still not too late for anyone to take part.

Villagers are invited to dig a 1m square pit in their garden, sift the soil layer by layer and pick out anything of interest for experts who will be on hand in the village hall to identify finds. You will then get a fascinating insight into the history of your house and land. Pits will be filled in afterwards.

The weekend will start at 10am when everyone will gather at the Village Hall for instructions and anyone who is interested in digging a pit or simply lending a hand (the more the merrier) to those who have already volunteered their gardens.

All the information gathered will be looked at by experts and form part of an official archaeological report. Becky Sillwood, a freelance finds (artefacts) expert will be on hand in the village hall on Saturday if anyone wants to show her anything they have found for identification.

There will be a barbecue for participants from 6pm onwards at the Village Hall social club, so please bring something to barbecue, and the bar will hopefully be open.

If you are interested you can simply turn up at 10am but if possible please contact steve.hickling@norfolk.gov.uk beforehand.

The Step-by-Step guide to digging an archaeological pit is here:
ACA field academy handbook 2011 final
and the test pit record booklet is here:
ACA test pit record b&w 2014

Pictured above are villagers during the test pit dig on Wreningham playing field last night.


South Norfolk Council are running free information sessions to help residents make the most of skills  available within the community.  They call them “Pick ‘N’ Mix Bitesize Learning” and will be held on the last Thursday of every month, in different pubs across the district. There are 20 bookable places on each; contact volunteering@s-norfolk.gov.uk to book a place.

The first three sessions have been confirmed:

  1. How to get more volunteers, and keep them! – Thursday 28th September:  6:30pm – 9pm, The Old Feathers, Framingham Pigot
  2. How to set up a community group – Thursday 26th October:  6:30pm – 9pm, The Artichoke, Broome
  3. Funding options for community groups – Thursday 30th November:  6:30pm – 9pm, The Swan Hotel, Harleston

More information available from Jessica Ransome, Integrated Marketing Officer.
t 01508 533654 e jransome@s-norfolk.gov.uk  www.south-norfolk.gov.uk

Pick ‘n Mix_bitesize learning


The centre is looking for volunteers to commit to 2 – 3 hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis to support the clinicians and staff:

Administration Volunteer – to assist with tasks such as monitoring and maintaining the supply of patient booklets, and collating patient information packs.

Volunteer Driver – to provide transport for patients who find it difficult to access the centre for appointments at the Thursday leg clinic.

Pool Car Assistant Volunteer – to monitor the service history of three vehicles, take them for checks as required, monitor and maintain stock levels of the vehicle equipment and ensure a good level of cleanliness.

Volunteering can be very rewarding, whether it be a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change or the personal satisfaction of knowing you are helping patients.

You will be supported as a volunteer by staff at the Centre and the volunteer coordinator. Full training is provided and all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

For more information call Jules on 01603 272336, or email volunteering@nchc.nhs.uk or visit the web site here.