To experience the dig was the closest thing I shall probably experience to time-travel - thousands of years seemed to condense before my eyes as I saw the stones being uncovered. I wondered who were these people who lived and farmed here, what did they talk about on a July afternoon 3000 or so years ago, and were they really so very different to who we are now? Absolutely fascinating! .... Hollie Strawbridge Playful Chorus
Well done one and all! Fantastic discoveries and loads to see and do! Ian Rowe
'Wow' What an interesting evening …..the kids were truly fascinated. They started with digging through the old rubbish dump and found all sorts of old pottery pieces (which we were allowed to bring home so are now decorating our front room floor!). They took them to the expert from Truro Museum to identify and were told they were mainly from Victorian times. I think the children were a little disappointed by this as they wanted to find some Iron age pieces! We then had time to look at the dig site and Nick kindly explained the site and the age of some of the finds there. Again the children, particularly Harvey, were really interested. They would like to come back again and look for some 'properly old stuff'! I think they could have spent all day digging there. It has really engaged the children and they have come away wanting to know more about the different times this site was occupied and the history of the area. Harvey is now most looking forward to starting to learn History at secondary school. Thank you so much. …. Vicky Brown (Canoryon Lowen) Playful Chorus
It was a very special time - and lovely to be indirectly involved in the dig. It was really exciting to see what has been happening this week - including the artefacts that have been there for up to thousands of years. Also the really interesting talk about the developments of life-styles over the eras and how that affected the buildings. Totally fascinating. Having just been to Orkney and seen the archeology there it was great to come here and see such an exciting site so close by…. Gillie Hind Playful Chorus
Thank you for such a wonderful time together at our recent dig. I have never commenced a dig with tea, coffee and cream cakes, been saluted by a classic plane looping the loop, been hosed down fully dressed, been sung to in such a moving and joyous way by an all age choir and had such fun together. Thank you for the opportunity, the organisation, welcome, joyous inclusivity, interest, discussion, affirmation and fun.
Well, off hopefully, to Tintagel dig, but hopes are not too high for cream cakes, loop the loops or a melodious choir – but ....
Many thanks and good wishes to all who organised and participated. Anita Payne
Very interesting listening to ongoing discussion about the changing soil structure on either side of the boundary wall. The finds experts were impressive in interpreting our fines. Good fun with the green woodworking.
Very good afternoon. Sword casting wonderful and very quick. Hope the stove cooked food was okay
Very well organised. Excellent demonstrations. Very helpful and informative "staff". Thank you very much.
Fascinating insight into the life of this area in the Bronze Age. So much more to investigate-where funding for more work.
One of the most interesting events I've ever been to. Absolutely loved it all.
Fascinating to learn about the changing uses of the heart over the years… Exciting to see the artefacts too. Thank you very much for this lovely open day with all the demonstrations to illustrate the bronze age crafts. I didn't get to taste the food unfortunately!!
Thank you for your hard work in organising this day, wonderfully informative
One query- did you ask the Liskeard spinners to attend as they are local and could match ??
Excellent! Good introduction to site from Andy Jones and diggers on the bank. A five star day.!
Very interesting to visit a place that has been occupied for thousands of years.
Very interesting and very well organised. Thank you
A lot to see. Well signed. Very informative with different aspects. Well done all of you.
Wow! Fantastic site. Great to see evidence of how our ancestors lived and what has been left behind. Thank you.
Cooking and smelting very helpful to understand the Bronze Age. Open day well signposted and lovely to see so many children learning and enjoying themselves.
Very interesting visit. Plenty of info given. Exciting project. Local existence brought to life, glad we came. Preferable to Liskeard show. Thank you for opening it to us.
You have managed to get a great group of talented people to engage with people here and develop their interest in matters of great significance and importance in future management of the Cornish landscape. In particular Chris Carey did not hesitate to explain the significance of the side to all comers-again and again! And to work at the same time.
A really great day, learned a lot.
Lots of interesting things and activities for all ages. Knowledgeable people to ask and learn from.
Thank you .... Absolutely fascinating day out. Everyone is super friendly, you're my kind of people. If in the future you are going to be digging again I would love to be included in the digging, hopefully see you all again.
Very interesting visit. Great to see the excavation and meet old colleagues. Really enjoyed the bronze sword casting and other displays.
Thoroughly enjoyable and educational, particularly loved the excavations, the Woolpack bloom demo burning cardboard with concave mirror.
Brilliant project!!
There is clay in the cliff at Downderry - maybe a source for future pots?
An excellent afternoon spent. Lots learned. Particularly enjoyed the bronze casting and ancient days and ways. Lots for children to look at feel and experience. Thank you very much.
Wonderful and interesting day lovely site-envy the Bronze Age people. Good series of demonstrators. Fascinating dig.
I wanted to send you a quick email to thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the Big Dig at your wonderful home at West Northwood. Although I could only be at the dig for a couple of days this week, I have managed to fulfill an ambition I have held for 20 years to try my hand at field archaeology, and have been inspired to join the Archaeological Society and even to make my way to some of the Local Historian events! Not bad for a couple of days away from the office! The Open Day on Saturday was wonderful and my son is still intent on excavating most of our back garden as a result. I have been inspired to try some bronze age cooking once I have acquired a copy of Jacqui's book! I hope you are successful in your plans for the future of the roundhouse and the other remains at the farm. If you find you need an extra pair of hands at any time with whatever you finally decide to do with the site, feel free to drop me a line and if I can I would be happy to help out! Many thanks again - Richard Grant and family.
Thanks for letting us feel the past so intensely standing at the dig, while hearing much of the how and why from the experts. Brendan Moore Playful Chorus
The site was very impressive. What a lot of work has been done over the last two weeks. So much history of our own local area which was brought to life by the various demonstration areas as well as seeing the various finds. All very impressive. How our ancestors managed to live with such limited facilities is amazing. A beautiful area in which to live but as we know from experience some very harsh weather conditions to contend with. The making of the bronze sword alongside the explanations of its development was very interesting. Thank you to everyone involved. The Timms family
Hauntingly beautiful … Collen Fleming
We had a brilliant afternoon at your place Nick and Jenny. Fascinating excavations, displays and beautiful music. Thank you Kathryn Mort
Thank you for opening your garden and dig site yesterday. In addition to the excavated round house and associated finds I was interested to see the reconstructions and re-enactments: Rillaton Cup, bronze mirrors and massive Irish trumpet (could Ed play this?), very tasty cooking, the casting (after the smelting) of an axe head from bronze and also the green woodworking. Carlton Crouch
it was wonderful to have both friends and strangers say what an incredible venture the dig was, and how much they enjoyed the day, and I could only echo their sentiments…. Liz Neal
It really was an incredible experience there Friday and Saturday - what an amazing thing to have on your land! …..Roz Davis O’Leary Playful Chorus Canoryon Lowen
Visiting West Northwood Farm to witness the dig in progress and sing while history was in the making was a truly magical experience and one that will stay with me for ever. Thank you so much for this opportunity. … Sophie Bond Playful Chorus
Thank you so much for including us yesterday. We loved seeing and hearing about the Dig. You are fortunate to be living in such a beautiful place. It was a pleasure to view the other exhibitors work - so much talent! Regards Margaret and Edwin Deady - Ancient Days and Ways (Facebook)
Just wanted to say thanks for offering such a great opportunity to see the archeological dig! Friday's sing was really very special and to then be able to pop back on Saturday with the boys was brilliant - they were both intrigued to watch the bronze sword being cast and to see the dig in action (as was their dad)! It has inspired lots of deep thought and questions! Amazing. Alice Mitchell Playful Chorus
Well, that was a bit special! Singing out amongst … roundhouses to archaeologists who were uncovering artefacts as we sang - I think as we reached the 'allelujah' - or at least it felt like that! I think it’s going to take a while to actually process all that we’ve done this morning. Deeply moving to be singing in amongst the incredible living history, ancient history, incredible landscape - quite something. Thank you so much for having us round this morning to enjoy and take part in it all, especially when you have such a lot going on! Tia Tamblyn, Chair Playful Chorus
Being involved with the children both at school and on site was so rewarding. They had a genuine interest and knowledge, were so well behaved and will, I'm sure, always remember this wonderful experience learning about the ancient people who lived near their modern homes. A real sense of awe, wonder and spirituality I think. ..... Bridget King (willow worker) Canoryon Lowen
From St Neot School:-
Connor: My favourite part was learning about the roundhouse and seeing all the archaeologists. I couldn't believe how small the trowel was!
Evie: It was fantastic at West Northwood Farm. I liked digging for artefacts because it was interesting and fun.
Dotty: My favourite bit was eating lunch in a beautiful place, the special roundhouse.
James, Imogen, Harry, Ryan, Lachie, Morgan and Ellie: I enjoyed digging with James and Mr Hart.
Hudson: I loved walking around the partly dug up roundhouse because I learned so many things that I did not know about.
Jack: It was really hard to choose a best bit because it was all so great.
Emily: I loved the whole trip!
Ellie and Amy: my favourite part was finding pottery.
Kerenza: It was fantastic there!
Beatrice, Olivia, Alex, Summer: My favourite bit was learning how to weave with Bridget.
Keegan: My favourite bit was making bracelets.
Chinmayi: I loved every bit of the Big Dig-please can we go again!
Joseph: Weaving was hard but I made quite a few things and they were extremely cool!
To experience the dig was the closest thing I shall probably experience to time-travel - thousands of years seemed to condense before my eyes as I saw the stones being uncovered. I wondered who were these people who lived and farmed here, what did they talk about on a July afternoon 3000 or so years ago, and were they really so very different to who we are now? Absolutely fascinating! .... Hollie Strawbridge Playful Chorus
Well done one and all! Fantastic discoveries and loads to see and do! Ian Rowe
'Wow' What an interesting evening …..the kids were truly fascinated. They started with digging through the old rubbish dump and found all sorts of old pottery pieces (which we were allowed to bring home so are now decorating our front room floor!). They took them to the expert from Truro Museum to identify and were told they were mainly from Victorian times. I think the children were a little disappointed by this as they wanted to find some Iron age pieces! We then had time to look at the dig site and Nick kindly explained the site and the age of some of the finds there. Again the children, particularly Harvey, were really interested. They would like to come back again and look for some 'properly old stuff'! I think they could have spent all day digging there. It has really engaged the children and they have come away wanting to know more about the different times this site was occupied and the history of the area. Harvey is now most looking forward to starting to learn History at secondary school. Thank you so much. …. Vicky Brown (Canoryon Lowen) Playful Chorus
It was a very special time - and lovely to be indirectly involved in the dig. It was really exciting to see what has been happening this week - including the artefacts that have been there for up to thousands of years. Also the really interesting talk about the developments of life-styles over the eras and how that affected the buildings. Totally fascinating. Having just been to Orkney and seen the archeology there it was great to come here and see such an exciting site so close by…. Gillie Hind Playful Chorus
Thank you for such a wonderful time together at our recent dig. I have never commenced a dig with tea, coffee and cream cakes, been saluted by a classic plane looping the loop, been hosed down fully dressed, been sung to in such a moving and joyous way by an all age choir and had such fun together. Thank you for the opportunity, the organisation, welcome, joyous inclusivity, interest, discussion, affirmation and fun.
Well, off hopefully, to Tintagel dig, but hopes are not too high for cream cakes, loop the loops or a melodious choir – but ....
Many thanks and good wishes to all who organised and participated. Anita Payne
Very interesting listening to ongoing discussion about the changing soil structure on either side of the boundary wall. The finds experts were impressive in interpreting our fines. Good fun with the green woodworking.
Very good afternoon. Sword casting wonderful and very quick. Hope the stove cooked food was okay
Very well organised. Excellent demonstrations. Very helpful and informative "staff". Thank you very much.
Fascinating insight into the life of this area in the Bronze Age. So much more to investigate-where funding for more work.
One of the most interesting events I've ever been to. Absolutely loved it all.
Fascinating to learn about the changing uses of the heart over the years… Exciting to see the artefacts too. Thank you very much for this lovely open day with all the demonstrations to illustrate the bronze age crafts. I didn't get to taste the food unfortunately!!
Thank you for your hard work in organising this day, wonderfully informative
One query- did you ask the Liskeard spinners to attend as they are local and could match ??
Excellent! Good introduction to site from Andy Jones and diggers on the bank. A five star day.!
Very interesting to visit a place that has been occupied for thousands of years.
Very interesting and very well organised. Thank you
A lot to see. Well signed. Very informative with different aspects. Well done all of you.
Wow! Fantastic site. Great to see evidence of how our ancestors lived and what has been left behind. Thank you.
Cooking and smelting very helpful to understand the Bronze Age. Open day well signposted and lovely to see so many children learning and enjoying themselves.
Very interesting visit. Plenty of info given. Exciting project. Local existence brought to life, glad we came. Preferable to Liskeard show. Thank you for opening it to us.
You have managed to get a great group of talented people to engage with people here and develop their interest in matters of great significance and importance in future management of the Cornish landscape. In particular Chris Carey did not hesitate to explain the significance of the side to all comers-again and again! And to work at the same time.
A really great day, learned a lot.
Lots of interesting things and activities for all ages. Knowledgeable people to ask and learn from.
Thank you .... Absolutely fascinating day out. Everyone is super friendly, you're my kind of people. If in the future you are going to be digging again I would love to be included in the digging, hopefully see you all again.
Very interesting visit. Great to see the excavation and meet old colleagues. Really enjoyed the bronze sword casting and other displays.
Thoroughly enjoyable and educational, particularly loved the excavations, the Woolpack bloom demo burning cardboard with concave mirror.
Brilliant project!!
There is clay in the cliff at Downderry - maybe a source for future pots?
An excellent afternoon spent. Lots learned. Particularly enjoyed the bronze casting and ancient days and ways. Lots for children to look at feel and experience. Thank you very much.
Wonderful and interesting day lovely site-envy the Bronze Age people. Good series of demonstrators. Fascinating dig.
I wanted to send you a quick email to thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the Big Dig at your wonderful home at West Northwood. Although I could only be at the dig for a couple of days this week, I have managed to fulfill an ambition I have held for 20 years to try my hand at field archaeology, and have been inspired to join the Archaeological Society and even to make my way to some of the Local Historian events! Not bad for a couple of days away from the office! The Open Day on Saturday was wonderful and my son is still intent on excavating most of our back garden as a result. I have been inspired to try some bronze age cooking once I have acquired a copy of Jacqui's book! I hope you are successful in your plans for the future of the roundhouse and the other remains at the farm. If you find you need an extra pair of hands at any time with whatever you finally decide to do with the site, feel free to drop me a line and if I can I would be happy to help out! Many thanks again - Richard Grant and family.
Thanks for letting us feel the past so intensely standing at the dig, while hearing much of the how and why from the experts. Brendan Moore Playful Chorus
The site was very impressive. What a lot of work has been done over the last two weeks. So much history of our own local area which was brought to life by the various demonstration areas as well as seeing the various finds. All very impressive. How our ancestors managed to live with such limited facilities is amazing. A beautiful area in which to live but as we know from experience some very harsh weather conditions to contend with. The making of the bronze sword alongside the explanations of its development was very interesting. Thank you to everyone involved. The Timms family
Hauntingly beautiful … Collen Fleming
We had a brilliant afternoon at your place Nick and Jenny. Fascinating excavations, displays and beautiful music. Thank you Kathryn Mort
Thank you for opening your garden and dig site yesterday. In addition to the excavated round house and associated finds I was interested to see the reconstructions and re-enactments: Rillaton Cup, bronze mirrors and massive Irish trumpet (could Ed play this?), very tasty cooking, the casting (after the smelting) of an axe head from bronze and also the green woodworking. Carlton Crouch
it was wonderful to have both friends and strangers say what an incredible venture the dig was, and how much they enjoyed the day, and I could only echo their sentiments…. Liz Neal
It really was an incredible experience there Friday and Saturday - what an amazing thing to have on your land! …..Roz Davis O’Leary Playful Chorus Canoryon Lowen
Visiting West Northwood Farm to witness the dig in progress and sing while history was in the making was a truly magical experience and one that will stay with me for ever. Thank you so much for this opportunity. … Sophie Bond Playful Chorus
Thank you so much for including us yesterday. We loved seeing and hearing about the Dig. You are fortunate to be living in such a beautiful place. It was a pleasure to view the other exhibitors work - so much talent! Regards Margaret and Edwin Deady - Ancient Days and Ways (Facebook)
Just wanted to say thanks for offering such a great opportunity to see the archeological dig! Friday's sing was really very special and to then be able to pop back on Saturday with the boys was brilliant - they were both intrigued to watch the bronze sword being cast and to see the dig in action (as was their dad)! It has inspired lots of deep thought and questions! Amazing. Alice Mitchell Playful Chorus
Well, that was a bit special! Singing out amongst … roundhouses to archaeologists who were uncovering artefacts as we sang - I think as we reached the 'allelujah' - or at least it felt like that! I think it’s going to take a while to actually process all that we’ve done this morning. Deeply moving to be singing in amongst the incredible living history, ancient history, incredible landscape - quite something. Thank you so much for having us round this morning to enjoy and take part in it all, especially when you have such a lot going on! Tia Tamblyn, Chair Playful Chorus
Being involved with the children both at school and on site was so rewarding. They had a genuine interest and knowledge, were so well behaved and will, I'm sure, always remember this wonderful experience learning about the ancient people who lived near their modern homes. A real sense of awe, wonder and spirituality I think. ..... Bridget King (willow worker) Canoryon Lowen
From St Neot School:-
Connor: My favourite part was learning about the roundhouse and seeing all the archaeologists. I couldn't believe how small the trowel was!
Evie: It was fantastic at West Northwood Farm. I liked digging for artefacts because it was interesting and fun.
Dotty: My favourite bit was eating lunch in a beautiful place, the special roundhouse.
James, Imogen, Harry, Ryan, Lachie, Morgan and Ellie: I enjoyed digging with James and Mr Hart.
Hudson: I loved walking around the partly dug up roundhouse because I learned so many things that I did not know about.
Jack: It was really hard to choose a best bit because it was all so great.
Emily: I loved the whole trip!
Ellie and Amy: my favourite part was finding pottery.
Kerenza: It was fantastic there!
Beatrice, Olivia, Alex, Summer: My favourite bit was learning how to weave with Bridget.
Keegan: My favourite bit was making bracelets.
Chinmayi: I loved every bit of the Big Dig-please can we go again!
Joseph: Weaving was hard but I made quite a few things and they were extremely cool!