Agenda item

The application was for £5,000 to engage two archaeologists to investigate an Iron Age site near Cawood, to hire a digger and surveying equipment; and to hold an archaeological excavation.  The applicants were in attendance to present a summary of the application and answer questions from the Partnership Board.

The applicants explained that Historic England had produced maps of the area which showed clear crop marks on the ground, proving evidence of earlier habitation.  In the summer of 2018 a drone had been flown over the fields in question, the aerial results from the drone flight matched earlier ones completed by English Heritage, which demonstrated that streets and round houses could be identified on the site.  It was confirmed that the farmer who owned the fields where the excavation would take place was keen for it to be explored.

The Board were informed that the excavation would be done with the help of community volunteers, three local primary schools; Thorpe Willoughby, Wistow and Cawood, Selby High School, a group of home schooled children, local residents and students from the local Universities.  It would help to illustrate history lessons in the local schools and give the children a chance to experience the past, and also give a sense of pride and ownership in the local community.

In response to a query regarding the amount of time the archaeologists would spend on the project, the applicant explained that the first archaeologist would provide four weeks of activity on the site of the dig, following this visits would be made to local schools, nursing homes and Selby AVS Friendship Friday to explain about the dig and the findings; documentation would also be provided for the future.  It was also confirmed that once the dig has been completed a geo-archaeologist would attend to do further work on the site. 

A query was raised regarding how long access to the fields would be available to the group, it was confirmed that the farmer had given permission for the fields to be available from July 2019 to February 2020. 

The Partnership Board thanked the applicants for attending, and highlighted that consideration of the application would take place later in the meeting and they would be notified of the decision by post.

At this point in the meeting, the applicants left the room and did not return.

The Board were supportive of the project and agreed that there was a need for the lead archaeologist to set the project off on the right footing, but felt that the group should also contribute by fundraising, which in turn would help with the community engagement.  It was confirmed that the application met the aims and objectives of the Community Development Plan.  The Board also confirmed that the application was in accordance with the Allocation of Funding Framework.

The Partnership Board agreed that in light of the above, they were willing to offer half of the £5,000 that the applicants had applied for.

RESOLVED:

To approve funding of £2,500.00 to be awarded to Cawood Castle Garth Group, as outlined in the application.