Summer Excursion: Wye Valley & Kilber Country, June 16-20 2003

This year the Society will follow the five-day pattern for our Summer Excursion that we tried with great success last year, leaving a valuable autumn weekend free. Members and friends who have not joined us on previous holidays will be warmly welcomed on this 5 day tour. As usual, our coach will have 4 pick-up points in Kent and will provide our transport throughout the holiday.

Our base is The Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, a Georgian building set in 11 acres of grounds and landscaped gardens and retaining many of its original Georgian features. All 36 rooms have en-suite facilities.

Ross overlooks a beautiful sweep of the River Wye

The historic market town of Ross overlooks a wide expanse of the River Wye with local walks and a Heritage Trail to explore. The whole area has been described as 'the blood-soaked seam of England and Wales', close to the border and Offa's Dyke.

Among other sites we hope to visit:

• The 2 border castles of GOODRICH and CHEPSTOW.
• HEREFORD CATHEDRAL, including the famous MAPPA MUNDI.
• Several Cistercian foundations, including ABBEY DORE and TINTERN ABBEY, beautifully situated further down the Wye Valley.
• KILPECK, a unique twelfth-century parish church (cf Bexfartstone), with exceptionally fine carvings.
• BERRINGTON HALL, a Henry Holland georgian house.

One of Kilpeck's finely carved doorways

Can all this be accomplished in 5 days? We will try!

Total cost: £268 per person, half board (including some entrance fees and gratuities). Modest single room supplement.

Please contact Joy Saynor, Excursions Secretary, Friars, Shoreham, Sevenoaks TN14 7TD or tel: 01959 522713 for further details or a booking form.

The beautiful ruins of Tintern Abbey

Canterbury Whitefriars Excavations

This is what one young visitor thought of THE BIG DIG. He also said 'It was different to see lots of women digging' - well noticed Sean.

Four trenches were quickly built, each with a replica set of walls and mosaic floor. Genuine finds, play sand to bury them, a reference collection and equipment for excavating and recording completed the kit. With guidance, groups of mini-archaeologists tackled each trench, identifying and interpreting their discoveries. The Little Dig was a great success and all the more appealing as it took place at the excavation site, set against a backdrop of the real thing. Well done Jo - a fun way to end the latest phase of the Canterbury Whitefriars excavations.

Whitefriars, Gravel Walk site (aerial walkway to left)

A nest of medieval jugs

Roman human remains, a surprise discovery

For more about THE BIG DIG, the Whitefriars excavations and Citizenship, visit www.canterburytrust.co.uk