In December 2023, representatives of The Bishop Big Dig project and Durham University attended the annual THE Awards Dinner, dubbed the 'Oscars of higher education'. Congratulations once again to The Bishop Big Dig project, shortlisted for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community'.
In the featured image above, from left to right: John Castling - The Auckland Project Archaeology Curator, Dr. Caroline Smith - Bishop Big Dig Project Officer, Professor Chris Gerrard - Professor in Archaeology, Megan Olshefski - Durham University and Bishop Big Dig Documentary Director and Producer, Debra Willison - The Auckland Project Volunteer, Maisie Robinson - The Auckland Project Volunteer, Professor Tom Moore - Head of Archaeology, Xavier Carter-Roberts - Durham University Student Volunteer, Annabelle Scullion - Durham University Student Volunteer, and Professor Janet Stewart - Executive Dean (Arts and Humanities).
Over 2022, The Bishop Big Dig project dug 107 test pits throughout the community of Bishop Auckland, forming a fascinating picture of local history. Over 10,000 artefacts were uncovered, ranging from Roman pottery to modern vapes, showing how the people in this community, ancient or modern, went about their lives.
A collaboration between the Department of Archaeology and the School of Education at Durham University, this community archaeology project brought together Durham University, The Auckland Project, and King James I Academy in Bishop Auckland. We had over 25 local volunteers, and 15 Year 9 pupils from King James I Academy dug with us every Thursday for a year. Over 100 Durham University students also pitched in with the project.
In further good news, the young people from King James I Academy won Team of The Year at the 2023 Bishop Auckland Town Council Youth Awards.
The project results have now been collected in a report, 'The Bishop Big Dig : Test pitting in Bishop Auckland 2022', which is freely available to read or download.
Megan Olshefski, one of our PhD students as well as a filmmaker, has also produced a documentary on the project. This short film (free to watch) tells the story of those involved with the Bishop Big Dig and tracks their experiences over the course of the year.
Still from the Bishop Big Dig documentary, produced by Megan Olshefski.
The Project is embarking upon its second phase, for which members of the public are warmly invited to contribute. The artefacts uncovered from the community digs will be presented in a series of free exhibitions. Please visit the Bishop Big Dig website to learn more and sign up to take part.
Thank you to all involved, and congratulations once again to The Bishop Big Dig and the other nominees. To keep up with project updates, please follow The Bishop Big Dig on Twitter.
