Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust and the Offa’s Dyke Collabatory invite you to a one day conference event, held at the Marches School, Oswestry, on Saturday September 15th. 

This exciting and informative symposium, organised by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, will feature perspectives from field archaeologists, academics, local history societies, enthusiasts, and many more. With talks on historical and archaeological aspects of these important border features, updates on recent excavation work, and discussions from conservation and heritage groups, this is a day not to be missed!

There are free tables or display spaces available for groups and societies who have interests in areas related to Offa’s and Wat’s Dyke, related medieval earthworks and sites, and areas surrounding them. Please contact Penelope Foreman, community archaeologist, to book a table.

The talks and discussions will be followed by an opportunity to have a guided tour of the excavation of a section of Offa’s Dyke at Chirk Castle, undertaken by the archaeologists of Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust. Please note delegates must have their own transport to Chirk Castle, and though access to the excavation site is free, delegates wishing to go on to visit Chirk Castle itself must pay the National Trust entrance fee.

The cost of this event is £5, free for Friends of CPAT, and free for speakers or stall holders. Tea and coffee, as well as a light buffet lunch, will be provided. Please note any dietary requirements when registering for your ticket.

Please reserve your tickets (including free ones) via Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/offas-dyke-day-school-tickets-49175018805

The venue for this event – The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, SY11 2AR – is accessible to all and has modern facilities, step free access, and plenty of free parking on site.

Draft Programme (TBC) 

 

09:00 – 09:35

Arrival and Registration – tea and coffee

 

09:35

Welcome and introduction from Dr Paul Belford, Director at Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust

 

09:45 – 11:15

Offa’s Dyke Collaboratory talks

 

Dave McGlade – Offa’s Dyke Association

Professor Howard Williams – University of Chester

Dr Paul Belford – Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust

Andrew Blake – Wye Valley AONB

Alan Brown – Caer Alyn Archaeology

 

11:15 -11:45

Tea and coffee break, society stalls and displays

 

11:45 – 13:00

Local societies and interest groups roundtable

 

With an introduction by Dr Keith Ray

Niall Heaton – Trefonen Rural Protection Group

Mel Roxby-Mackey and Ian Mackey – CoSMM (Community Stewardship for Mercian Monuments)

Ray Bailey – Offa’s Dyke Collabatory North

Dick Finch – Offa’s Dyke Collabatory Gloucestershire

 

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch and society stalls and displays

 

14:00

Travel onwards to Chirk Castle for a tour of the excavation

For further details, and to book free stall space for local interest groups, history societies, preservation and conservation groups and related organisations, please contact Penelope Foreman at Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust 01938 553670 or penelope.foreman@cpat.org.uk

 

Please share this email with any other individuals or groups who would be interested in this fascinating and educational day.