Just before our U3A summer recession we went on a visit to Parys mountain, Amlwch. Our guide for the day was Alan Kelly, a good friend of mine since a few years now. It was great meeting up again, although we’ve been keeping in touch frequently by e-mail. Alan gave us an interesting insight into the history of Parys mountain followed by a visit to Amlwch Port Heritage Centre. Everyone enjoyed the humorous anecdotes that Alan introduced frequently to enhance the facts. As you can see from the picture we share the same sense of humour.
Our final visit was up Snowdon by train. The visibility was excellent at the summit and everyone admired the new café, Hafod Eryri. It really has blended well into the surrounding vista. It reminded me very much of the one I’d been to at Cape Point in South Africa during the time I stayed with my cousin Eric. The view is of the famous Crib Goch and with my friend Shirley on the summit.
For the last three weeks there has been an exciting archaeological excavation been happening on Anglesey, led by Dave Hopewell and George Smith from GAT. An earlier geophysical survey made revealed an extensive Roman settlement on Tai Cochion land near the Menai Straits. This would probably have had connection with the Roman Fort of Segontium over by Caernarfon. A team of volunteers, including my son in law Dominic helped each day. Boundary walls and a ditch were excavated Amongst the finds they unearthed were coins, and an accumulation of different parts of pottery, including a dated one from AD 140 – 160. Also various animal bones and part of a Roman broach. A filming crew from S4C came on site to make a documentary which will be shown in the Autumn.
On their final day last Saturday, they held a public open day. Alan and myself took my cousin Ken with us. ( Dr.Ken ) He is a very highly respected local historian and having been an orthopaedic consultant, is able to identify any bones brought up on various sites over the years. It was very pleasing to see such a large attendance of interested people in our history and heritage.
View also Tai Cochion dig blog
