Local ‘Time Team’ digs up the past in Plaister's Lane (From Dorset Echo)

Local ‘Time Team’ digs up the past in Plaister's Lane

10:12am Monday 13th February 2012 in Community

“Recent excavations in Sutton Poyntz” was the subject of the Sutton Poyntz History Group Winter talk held in the Mission Hall recently.

A capacity audience heard Richard Breward and Allan Prentice from the South Dorset Community Archaeological Society give a fascinating description of the work carried out over a six year period in and around Wyndings, Dorothy and Simon Emblen’s home in Plaister’s Lane.

Describing themselves as enthusiastic amateurs, Richard started with a general overview of the archaeology of Preston and Sutton Poyntz, including the well known Roman Temple above Bowleaze Cove, the much less known Roman Villa in the Haven Holiday Park and the many barrows, bumps and other evidence of life in the area so many years ago.

Allan then gave an account of the excavations at Wyndings which had resulted in the unearthing of a kiln and a rich haul of artefacts; so many in fact that cataloguing is still going on. The work led to interest in the field adjacent to Wyndings, and permission was granted by the farmer and Wessex Water for further exploration. Richard described how, after extensive magnetic detection and geo-physics activity, a number of trenches were dug. Again items were found, but none of the major structure that had been hoped for. However more work is planned, including another round of geo-physics so, as they say, watch that space.

On behalf of the History Group Caroline Crisp thanked Richard and Allan for their hard work and for sharing the results. Then, over a glass of wine, came the opportunity to view the interesting artefacts which had been brought along to the Mission Hall, and it was fascinating to be able to handle a jug that might last have been used over 2,000 years ago.

Preston Pre-school children have held their own Chinese New Year celebrations.

In a week of sampling Chinese culture they used chop sticks, tasted a range of Chinese foods and learned stories and songs from various parts of that great country. They also made a dragon, dragon masks and, playing musical instruments, took part in a Chinese dragon dance which is said to invite in good luck for the coming year. The Pre-School is busy making the outside space much more inviting for the children to play and they are looking forward to showing off all the hard work to the parents at a cream tea afternoon on Friday 2 March.

There are still places available at the Pre-School for children between 2½ and school entry age, so give them a ring on 07826018677 or just pop along to Preston Village Hall any term time weekday 9am to noon, or up to 3.30pm on Friday. You are sure of a warm welcome and they would love to show you around.