'PROJECT CASTLE': update September 2005

GEOPHYSICS: We have had a delay on getting going with the next phase of the geophysics survey since the magnetometer we need to loan has been away for repairs. We hope to get it back soon and start surveying the Dam meadow on the weekend of 10-11th September unless we can get the machine earlier. David and Jane Laing are now our team leaders for this part of the project and held a meeting recently to take this forward.

EARTHWORK SURVEY: Until that is completed we can't start work on the earthwork survey of the castle itself, which we had hoped might start in October, so will keep you posted - this involves training as before and of course the purchase of our own survey instrument (rather than borrowing it as we have to with the magnetometer).

GIFT 1: Adrian informs that Joan Gale (who did the sheep fleece work on her stall at the event) has very kindly donated to the group a fantastic felt roundel (approximately 270 mm diameter) of the Clavering Clover symbol for us to use as we wish. This seems like a rather special gift to the village, so we will have to think how best to make use of it - suggestions please!

VIDEO: The comments continue to come in, weeks after the event, we do seem to have struck a chord with that amazing day. We have about an hour or two of video footage to look at in the winter-time when it has been processed into film so we'll have some kind of get-together later on. Pete Upson's CD of about 80 event photos is currently with Malcolm Smither (Iona, Stortford Road) if anyone else wants to borrow it.

FINANCE: We have received a note of thanks from the church treasurer for the £240 donated from Binkie's cream teas towards the current appeal to provide disabled access and toilets in the vestry. The monies which came in from some other stalls will be very helpful for future costs not covered by our grant.