Our SWAG Christmas feast (and AGM) was held today at the Rose and Crown in Shorne. Thank-you to the staff for a delicious dinner.
We wish you, your family and friends, a Merry Christmas and hope to welcome you to more archaeological shenanigans in 2025.
From Andrew:
Our Shorne Woods KMTV film is now online at Kent Tonight Special: Beneath Shorne Woods.
This came about after the two Johns spoke to a KMTV reporter at the Medway History Showcase and he asked if he could visit us at the park and make a short documentary about the park’s archaeology and history. What I really like is the range of voices you hear from, rather than just listen to me drone on about things!
Speaking of me droning on about things, I am giving an online talk next week about Randall Manor: Randall Manor revealed: community archaeology excavations in Shorne Woods Country Park.
Some of the bits and piece from the old Shorne clayworks have been included in a fabulous sculpture standing outside the cafe at Shorne Woods Country Park. It is the ‘Shorne Pony’ by Steve Portchmouth. A number of Steve’s other creations can also be found around the Park.
Thank-you to the the nearly 2,000 people who joined us in our excavations and activities for 2024! It was great to have so many involved in out activities.
Look out for our diary of event for 2025 which will be published in the New Year. Go to the calendar on the home page of the website for updates.
We hope to see you all again next year.
The Council is excited to announce the start of a new project to create a Heritage Strategy for the Borough and everyone is invited to get involved.
This will provide an opportunity for organisations, individuals and the Council to work together to highlight what is valued, encourage participation in heritage and promote the huge wealth of heritage that exists in the Borough which is often hidden. The Strategy will also be used to help support future project funding bids.
Heritage provides us with a sense of place and links to the past. Heritage is not just physical buildings, but can include anything from museum collections, public art, parks and historic gardens to archaeology and cultural activities, events and festivals.
The aim of the strategy will be to create a shared vision about the borough’s heritage, drawing on the thoughts of organisations, businesses and the people of Maidstone. Please help shape the new strategy by giving your views on the heritage that is important to you.
The consultation opens at 9am 8th November 2024 and closes at 5pm 28th November 2024. Local organisations and individuals over the age of 16 are invited to share their thoughts (go to the above link).
