For a fifth year the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society will run a Training Dig in archaeological fieldwork at Blacklands, Upper Row Farm, near Frome in Somerset. The Director of Excavations will be Jayne Lawes, a professional field archaeologist researching Romano-British settlement in the area.

The five day course is for those interested in taking part in an archaeological excavation and in learning the basic methods and techniques applied in the field, including the use of geophysical equipment. The courses will run on weekdays from 8 August until 16 September. The cost of the five day course is £95 of which £25 is payable as a deposit at the time of booking. It may be possible to come to the Dig for a one day ‘taster’ course. The charge for this would be £25.

Students who need to fulfill course requirements and who have completed this course, either in this year or previous years, may be able to volunteer for further weeks free of charge. This is at the discretion of the Director of Excavations.

The site is 10 miles south of Bath and 6 miles north of Frome. It is a little off the beaten track and a detailed map showing Upper Row Farm and the location of the site will be sent on booking.

There is no public transport nearby; the nearest bus route is approximately 2 miles away. However arrangements can be made for collection and return to the nearest railway station. There is ample off-road parking.

The site to be worked on this year is the continuation of the Romano-British enclosure and buildings discovered by geophysical survey in 1999. The trench opened in 2001 will be extended and more detailed excavation of features, including ‘the gatehouse’ opened last year will be investigated.

For further information on the course, accommodation, camping or to book contact:

Mrs Margaret Nuth

59 Vallis Road, Frome, Somerset. BA11 3EG

01 373 463821

E-mail margaret&margaretnuth.freeserve.co.uk