Merry Christmas!

We are now two-thirds of the way through our Access to Archaeology programme for 2013-2014, and we’ve had another great response - more than doubling last year’s A2A volunteer numbers. Our volunteers have been trained in the role of the HER and the planning process, and learnt how to search the records, identify existing sites and add new data to the system. They have also learnt to identify the different types of reports that exist and how to choose the relevant information to add to the record, and they have been trained in GIS software and digitisation. More than 90 reports have been digitised so far within this project, and they have been uploaded and are available to view on Archwilio now.

We’d like to thank our volunteers for all of their hard work, and I hope that they are enjoying the project as much as I am. Happy Holidays!

Leonora, Acting Historic Environment Record Manager

Volunteering in the HER by Richard Thomas

I started as a HER volunteer in October (2013) after a placement became available at the last minute. I decided to take part in the project because I wanted to get some work experience outside what I’ve been doing since I graduated in 2007.  

The project's flexible times were ideal for me, as I had already agreed to work as a volunteer at Swansea Egypt Centre and had other commitments which meant I could only take part on certain days.  Another factor was my passion for history. Helping to create records to help members of the public to have better access to the past was appealing to me. 

Despite my enthusiasm for the project I did feel nervous coming in for my first day, though.  Having only done a limited number of History modules for my degree in American Studies from Swansea University, and having no previous archaeological experience, I was concerned I wouldn’t last very long on the project. Thankfully, I needn’t have worried. Leonora, who is the project manager, is an excellent teacher, and if they awarded Olympic medals for patience and understanding she would win the gold every time, easy.  At no time did I ever feel like there was a question I couldn’t ask Leonora about, even if I had asked her the same question twice before already!

While the software went over my head initially, with the help of the easy to follow instructions Leonora typed up to help new volunteers, it wasn’t long before I knew what I was doing well enough to get on with using the HER alone without much help or oversight.

Now that I’m at ease with adding sites to the core, the most difficult part I’m told, I fully intend to finish the dates I have committed to and hope to come back next year if time permits or even perhaps participate in other GGAT projects.

Richard Thomas, A2A Volunteer

Volunteering in the HER by Richard Wilks

I started my placement in the HER in mid-end of July in order to gain some valuable work experience.  Charina and Leonora, staff members of the HER, were welcoming and supportive as I tried to learn the system.  The HER and Map info systems were daunting at first, but I eventually got the hang of them.  Feedback is given in a non-intimidating manner and this encourages you to try harder for the next report.

My initial placement was set to finish at the end of September, but this was voluntarily extended to the end of October and now to the end of November.

Have I been captured?

Richard Wilks, A2A Volunteer

Volunteering in the HER by Mark Chambers

I started volunteering with the GGAT towards the end of August 2013, as part of their ongoing Access to Archaeology Programme. On my first day I was welcomed in by Leonora who kindly gave me a tour of the building and introduced me to many of her co-workers. The first main task I was given was entering information from standard grey literature reports onto the new, accessible, electronic HER database. At first it seemed like a lot to take in and I was slow and hesitant in working my way through the reports. But thanks to the clear instructions provided and help from the GGAT staff I was eventually able to get to grips with HER software and the data entry process. My role as a volunteer at GGAT was not limited to entering reports however. Other responsibilities included filling, scanning and the use of a mapping programme.

During my voluntary placement I was supervised by GGAT staff members Charina and Leonora who were always willing to help, answering my many questions with remarkable patience. In fact all the GGAT staff members I met were welcoming and polite in what seemed to be a friendly, informal working environment. Because a job opportunity presented itself, I had to cut my voluntary placement short to 5 days, spread over 5 weeks. Nevertheless, I feel like I benefited from the experience, honing my office based skills and increasing my IT confidence. I would certainly recommend a voluntary placement at GGAT to anybody who wants to gain some hands on work experience to boost their employability or those who just want to learn more about local history and how archaeological sites are recorded.      

Mark Chambers, A2A Volunteer     

Volunteering in the HER by Megan Leppard

I have just finished volunteering at GGAT in the Access to Archaeology project. My main reason for participating in this project was in order to gain valuable work experience in the area of archaeology. Whilst volunteering I was given training on how to use the Historic Environment Record (HER) database and was  taught how to add and update archaeological sites and events. At first there was a lot of information to take in at once but with the continued support of Charina and Leonora I became confident enough to do it by myself very quickly.

I am very glad that I was part of this project as I was able to learn more about archaeology in my area and was able to provide and preserve this information for future generations.  All the staff and volunteers at the GGAT were extremely friendly and helpful and I enjoyed my time there. 

Megan Leppard, A2A Volunteer

Volunteers needed - apply now! ¦ Mae angen gwirfoddolwyr

Due to the success of our first year, recruitment is now in progress for our second year of the Access to Archaeology volunteer project.  If you or anyone you know may be interested in this project (between the ages of 18 to 30), just download a volunteer pack to apply.   You could help us by advertising the project, please download, circulate and display our leaflets or if you would like us to send printed copies then please contact us at her@ggat.org.uk. Closing date 5pm Monday 3rd June 2013.

O ganlyniad i lwyddiant ein blwyddyn gyntaf, recriwtio yn awr ar y gweill ar gyfer ein hail flwyddyn y prosiect Mynediad i wirfoddolwyr Archaeoleg.  Os oes gennych chi, neu unrhyw un rydych chi’n eu hadnabod, ddiddordeb yn y prosiect hwn (rhwng oed 18-30), llwythwch i lawr becyn gwirfoddolwyr er mwyn ymgeisio.  Gallech ein helpu ni drwy hysbysebu’r prosiect – llwythwch ein taflenni i lawr, rhannwch nhw ac arddangoswch nhw, neu os hoffech i ni anfon copïau wedi’u hargraffu atoch chi, cysylltwch â ni drwy her@ggat.org.uk. Dyddiad cau dydd Llun 3 Mehefin 2013, 5yp.

Thank you!

To all the volunteers in the Access to Archaeology Project,
Thank you so much for your hard work on the project. It has been a great success. Everyone can see the results of their work on Archwilio www.archwilio.org.uk.
Thanks to Cadw, we have secured extra funding for the work to continue this summer and we will be looking for new recruits to join those of you who have asked to continue with the work.
I'm so glad you all enjoyed the project and that some of you are going to come back to work on Stage 2!
We look forward to seeing you again soon, and once again thank you!

Charina Jones HER Manager

Volunteering in the HER

I have been part of a group of volunteers on the Access To Archaeology Project which has been updating the Historic Environment Record (HER) database.  We  were intially given training explaining how the HER worked and how to amend and update its records.  Since then we have been adding records of archaeological events such as excavations, in particular those caused by planning applications which had not previously been included in the HER. 

The work has been very interesting and although the software seemed quite complex in the beginning, but with the help of Charina and Rachel we are all getting more familiar and proficient when using it now.  I have enjoyed being part of the project which has  given me a better understanding of the archaeology of South Wales and of the working of the Trust.

Isobelle Davis, Volunteer