Malmesbury’s Big Athelstan Dig
CDMDC ran a stand at the St Aldheim’s Mead on the 6th July 2024
The Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury recently reached out to our club with an invitation to participate in their two-day public event at St Aldhelm’s Mead. They requested that we set up a stand to serve as an additional attraction for the attendees. This event was a comprehensive archaeological endeavour, featuring twelve test pits supervised by Cotswold Archaeology. These pits were excavated by an enthusiastic group of participants, including students from Malmesbury School, members of the Young Archaeologists' Group, the 1st Kings Athelstan Scouts, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Our club members, Andrew and Jon, were given special permission to search through the spoil heaps, hoping to uncover hidden treasures missed during the initial excavation. The day started off on a promising note, although our volunteers Terry, Mimzy, and Jon faced an unexpected challenge upon their early arrival—they discovered that the park gate was locked. Despite this minor setback, they managed to start setting up for the event. Andrew arrived a bit later, possibly due to a navigation error or an overreliance on his sat nav.
With the possibility of rain looming, the team’s first priority was to erect a gazebo to protect against the anticipated downpour. This precaution proved wise as rain eventually did arrive, somewhat dampening the festivities but not the spirits of those involved. Mimzy played a crucial role throughout the day by engaging the public with an impressive display of his previous finds. His exhibit drew considerable interest and served as an educational experience for visitors.
Meanwhile, Terry took charge of providing metal detecting lessons, attracting both adults eager to learn and children who delighted in searching for hidden treasures in a sand pit. The first noteworthy find in the park was a 1931 penny, a discovery that added to the excitement of the day. The sand for the children's pit was generously donated by Malmesbury Garden Centre, whose contribution was greatly appreciated.
Andrew and Jon devoted a significant part of their day to exploring the spoil heaps. Their efforts were rewarded when Jon discovered a buckle and a bead, adding to the event's list of notable finds. Despite their enthusiasm and dedication, the adverse weather conditions led the team to decide against continuing the event on the second day, Sunday.
The sand pit activity, a highlight for many children, managed to raise £7.50, which was subsequently donated to the Athelstan Museum. This contribution, though modest, was a testament to the collaborative spirit and community engagement that the event fostered.
Overall, the event, while hampered by weather, was a rewarding experience that highlighted the importance of archaeology and community involvement. Our club's participation not only provided an engaging activity for the public but also supported the museum's educational mission. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with the Athelstan Museum and contribute to similar community events.
