'PROJECT CASTLE': Update February 2007

A STAR FOR CLAVERING
As part of the Heritage Star Award presented to Clavering Castle project member Rosemary Nash last summer, she received a ‘Star Naming’ gift set. In honour of the project, the star has now been named Claefre, the Anglo-Saxon word for ‘clover’ from which Clavering derives its name. The star is not visible with the naked eye and, being in the Equatorial Region, is probably not visible at all from Clavering! For any astronomy experts, its right ascension is 0H 19M 4S and its declination is -2.47897217. For the rest of us, it’s to the right of Orion, level with the middle of his belt, somewhere near Pisces!

FINAL SURVEY
Members of the group had another winter work party on 13 January, clearing undergrowth so that we can survey Bury Hills, the field that lies behind the orchard near The Bury. We hope to complete the geophysics and earthwork surveys during February-March and that will be the end of the surveys. Our surveys so far have found evidence of buildings on the castle site, and mapped out the water system on the Dam meadow. Bury meadow is surveyed but analysis is still in process and Bury Hills will complete the fourth area. The surveys were the second section of Project Castle (the first being the Medieval Event). Then we turn our attention to the third and final section, the outcomes which include a project CD, a castle interpretation board in the churchyard and perhaps some kind of finale such as a history exhibition.

WORK PARTY
Meanwhile we welcome more helpers at our next work party SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY - meet at 10 am on the old school site. If coming later, you will find us on the humps and bumps as this time we will be clearing the overgrowth adjoining the west end of the moat - this is one of the original channels into the moat constructed in medieval times so, as at Bury Hills, we are uncovering an archaeological feature. Wear suitable clothing and footwear - all tools and protective gear are provided.

MEDIEVAL EVENT VIDEO
We hope to see lots of people to enjoy the footage of the wonderful Medieval Event held in July 2005. The other half of the evening, we will be looking at the village video which Joy Barrow made in 1990 - quite a period piece now! you will see lots of people you recognise, so do come along. FRIDAY 23 MARCH, 7.30 pm at Clavering Village Hall.