Newsletter 217

Aerial Photography

The dry conditions over the summer months, has resulted in many new archaeological sites being discovered all across the country. To take advantage of these conditions, we discussed the possibility of buying a drone for the Society at our last committee meeting. However, having agreed to buy one, it wasn't until our normal meeting in October, when we had enough members, before the decision could be ratified. The model we chose was the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, which, although not the latest in drone technology, does everything we need it to at an acceptable price (i.e. £499 including controller). Height, in archaeological photography, is always an advantage (if not essential) and over the years we have tried various techniques.

These have included kites (a precarious method at best), a 15m long monopole and the use of any convenient tree (perhaps less said about that the better). Anyway, now we have the equipment to replace all of that and, although we've missed the boat with this summer's hot spell, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities when we can take advantage of the prevailing conditions. Last month we took our new toy up to Toddingtons (our 2017 excavation site) for a test flight. Despite the windy conditions, we found it remarkably easy to fly (albeit always in beginner mode). Regulations presently restrict drone flying height to 120m and not within 50m of built up areas or 150m from crowds. However this gives us plenty of scope for our purposes.

Roman Merseyside

Last month I attended a talk on this subject at the new Liverpool Museum. This is particularly relevant to us at the moment with the breaking news of the Roman fort at Burscough (see last month's Newsletter). The talk was arranged by Vanessa Oakden and competently given by Luke Daly Groves, a PhD student from Liverpool University. There were also a range of fascinating artefacts on display but, as I suspected, most of theses were from Meols on the Wirral (thought to have been a Roman settlement). Surprisingly very little comes from the Liverpool area itself, the exception being in the Tarbock, area where evidence of pottery & tile manufacture has recently turned up. Another surprise for me in the collection was this Roman brooch from the Wigan area (PAS No. LVPL 1B0623).

According to the PAS report, it was found by a metal detectorist in 2007 in an area to the southwest of Tyldesley. Made of bronze, it is the fibula type - specifically a kräftig-profilierte (which means high profile). The pin is missing but the spring is still in place. The report goes on to say that brooches of this type were brought to England in the 1st century with the 9th Legion, who were drafted from Pannonia, an area on the Danube-Rhine frontier. In general, metal detectorists are not regarded too highly in archaeological circles but this find and the presentation at Liverpool in general, shows that, when carried out responsibly, this activity can prove very useful in identifying new sites.

Kom el-Hetan

In the New Year there will be a special screening of an incredible new film which gives an insight into the rediscovery of the funerary temple of Amenhotep III. Excavation and conservation of the huge site on the west bank at Luxor (which includes the Colossi of Memnon) has been going on since 2003, and Wigan's Horus Society have supported the project from the start. The screening will take place at the Picture House in Parbold on Saturday 19th January, preceded by a talk by TV presenter Prof. Joann Fletcher. The session starts at 1.00pm and finishes at 5.00pm. Tickets are available at £15 and will include afternoon tea. (all proceeds go to the project fund). For more information please email horusegyptology@yahoo.com or contact John Johnson on 07889 189 162

Next Meeting

Wednesday 5th December. As has become the norm for this time of year, this month it's our Christmas Meal and Quiz. If you intend coming and not already told us, please let us know asap so we can book you in. Please note the meal is booked for 7.00pm in the restaurant area at the Brocket. If you don't want the meal, you can still come to the quiz afterwards which will be in the usual Standish Suite starting around 8.00pm. This year I'm setting the quiz and it will be a new format based on BBC's quiz show called Pointless. Now I know what you're thinking - how's that going to work? Well trust me, I have a plan - in any event I'm sure it will be entertaining.

Hope to see you there - B.A.