All new archaeogical society is the BEST!

The Bedfordshire East Schools Trust (BEST) Archaological Society held its first meeting at Samuel Whitbread Community College in Clifton on Tuesday last week (November 29).

Henlow Middle School and Etonbury Academy in Arlesey are two of the schools that are involved with the society, while students from Samuel Whitbread will act as mentors to the younger members.

Helen Lewis, head of food technology at Henlow Middle School who came up with the idea said: “The pupils will have a chance to take part in excavation digs which will help them to learn about the history of Central Bedfordshire and piece everything together.

“We have quite a strong link with the University of Cambridge which will mean that the students will get the chance to visit the university and learn from staff and students there.”

Next March members of the society will take part in a three-day dig at Etonbury Academy.

In the coming months students at Henlow Middle School will also be asking their families and friends for help in finding a site for Cambridge students to use for a dig next summer.

Mrs Lewis added: “The Cambridge students take part in digs in the region, sometimes in people’s gardens.

“It could be any patch of land or area though. In the past historic coins and other items have been excavated.”

Lee Livingston-Thomas, chairman of the society is pleased with the level of enthusiasm shown by students.

He said: “We have had a lot of interest at the schools and especially at Henlow Middle.

“I’m keen for the students to learn quickly so it won’t be me telling them where they should be digging and what they should be doing but them telling me.”

Mrs Lewis also has family connections in archaeology.

Her brother Dr Ian Morris is professor of classics and history at Stanford University, California. He regularly contributes to media coverage of archeaological subjects on the BBC and in national newspapers.