At the beginning of April, we opened our doors to a new team of volunteers to help us digitise and archive the HS1 collection. Here is an opportunity for you to meet our fabulous volunteers. They have given us their time and energy to make completing this project possible!
What inspired you to volunteer at CSI?
Lois: I recently took early retirement from a stressful job. I knew I wanted to do volunteering but didn’t want to be behind a counter. CSI needed volunteers when I was just retiring and as I watch most TV programmes relating to archaeology… I thought it was a good omen!
Sindy: I joined CSI a few years back but had to leave due to health issues. I re-joined a few months ago because I lost my best friend at the start of COVID, and with it all my confidence too, and being unable to go out and socialise I lost the ability to talk to people, I became very closed off and depressed, so I was over the moon when CSI re-opened and needed volunteers.
Anny: We recently received some Romano British finds from local digs at Drapers Windmill, where I also volunteer. I wanted to find out more about archaeological finds and how they are catalogued and conserved.
What have you been up to?
Sindy: We have been doing logging the finds information into the database. I used to work on the microscopes years back, so it’s nice to do something different and learn new skills.
What is your favourite object you’ve seen?
Lois: So many interesting objects. I particularly like the brooches and other jewellery.
Sindy: The best things I have seen are the beads and brooches, they look so modern, and there was glass on one brooch that was still shining after all that time buried, I find it fascinating.
Anny: The Bronze Anglo Saxon vessel was surprising in the crafting of such an everyday object.
What have you learnt whilst volunteering at CSI?
Lois: I have learnt so much more about what goes on behind the scenes of archaeology and what work is done. It has been such a welcome change to work alongside such interesting people and a real pleasure to know everyone. I have picked up on a lot of interesting things too.
Sindy: Mainly for me, I have learnt how to re-connect with people, being at CSI gives me a feeling of purpose, and being a volunteer means that if I can’t make it in that day due to my health, I won’t get fired. All the people are great there, and I love being a part of it.
Anny: I have a bit more of an understanding now of what needs to be recorded. Also, the importance of silica beads in keeping sound rusty iron objects!
Thank you!
We would like to say a massive thank you to our wonderful volunteers. We all enjoyed talking and learning on the project together. Small projects like these are not possible without the commitment of volunteers. Their time that they have given is invaluable. We are excited to welcome them back to CSI for our next project!
CSI: Sittingbourne 