ARCHAEOLOGIST Chris Tripp is looking for people to help set up an archaeology group unlike any other in the county.

He sees the group as being active in excavation, research and surveying, working to help local communities all over Dorset to unearth the stories behind the history of their villages.

All are invited to take part and children would also be welcome to take part and then go into school and tell their classmates about their findings.

Chris said: “Whether you are a professional, skilled or unskilled, or just plain interested in arch- aeology and want to be active in the community, this is the group for you.

“It’s about trying to find people with similar interests who don’t just want to be part of a society, but who want to do something more hands-on. “I believe that with the right help and support archaeology can be done by anyone who wishes to find out about their past. Unlike a society, this group will be active in Dorset communities and working on projects producing original research hand in hand with local people.

“Also it will organise walks and talks on archaeology and heritage around the county and going out into community spaces, showing the results of the work done and promoting the heritage of Dorset.”

He added: “In other parts of the country there are heritage and archaeology groups who are active in the community and organise research into their area, but up until now we haven’t had that sort of thing here in Dorset.

“I am an ‘ex-digger’ myself and I would like to see something like this here.”

Chris moved to Dorset five years ago and since then has been leading walks and giving talks across the county.

He said: “It would be great to see people getting together and being proactive, not just for themselves but also for their communities. If there is a field where someone walks and keeps finding bits of pottery, we can ask the landowner if we can go there and find out more about it.

“It doesn’t have to be complex, we can just walk the area and record where we find things. There might be an ancient settlement there that you can no longer see.”

Anyone interested in being part of this new and exciting heritage group can contact Chris at tripp.chris@gmail.com or call him on 07768 695162 or 01300 321715.

You can also find out more about his work via his blog at xcavate.blogspot.com Chris is also giving a series of weekly talks about his job as a community archaeologist in Bridport and Dorchester.

Called I’ve Found It!, these personal memories of digging up old London will take place on Wednesdays between 7pm and 9pm until June 6 in the United Church, Charles Street, Dorchester.

Admission is £8 to include refreshments and two site visits.

The Bridport meetings are in the Quaker meeting hall from 7pm until 9pm on Sundays until June 17.

Admission rates are the same as the Dorchester dates. Places can be booked by calling Chris.