September 2014 Newsletter No: 8 Chedworth Roman Villa newsletter A seasonal round-up of what is going on for schools Learning with the National Trust What we can offer your school We are on schedule to welcome over 8500 pupils this year - a fantastic achievement. One of the first school visits was in 1926, when Cheltenham Ladies’ College had a special train to convey 200 girls to Chedworth station. The teenage son of the custodian had to meet the train and guide the girls through the woods to the Villa. We are still meeting and greeting 88 years later - but structuring the day slightly differently: Primary source material handling sessions  Dedicated classroom for 32 pupils  New woodland classroom with seating for 27  Extensive collection of Roman replica objects  Conservation tours  Hands on craft activities  Tours of the site with expert guides To arrange a visit, please call: Jane Lewis on 01242 890905 or e-mail [email protected] Chedworth Revealed It is rather symbolic that during our 150th anniversary year a team of National Trust archaeologists, whilst digging at Chedworth this summer, have unearthed Roman mosaics which haven’t been viewed for at least 150 years. The new excavations of the North Wing have surprised and delighted not only visitors but the archaeologists too. This new mosaic of a grand Roman reception room has just been discovered - no one, until this summer, knew of its existence. 2014 is the second year of a five year archaeological plan and gives great impetus for future fundraising in order to cover the North Wing. More details can be found at http://www.ntsouthwest.co.uk/?s=chedworth Excavation of North Wing What the North Wing mosaic may have looked like My name is Rosalind Marsden and I am the new Education Assistant. I am a fully qualified teacher and taught English in secondary schools right up until I started here in July. I hope to work closely with Jane Lewis to provide a great experience for groups visiting the Villa. My own first experience of the site was as an eight year old. The memory of seeing the most vibrant and fantastic mosaics in situ, where Romans would have walked on them, has stayed with me. I have regularly visited the site with my family and we enjoy not only the history but also the natural environment - and the goodies on offer in the café. Your feedback Museum piece Fragments of amphorae found at the Villa indicate that the inhabitants were rich enough to import foodstuffs from Europe, such as olive oil, wine and garum ( fermented fish sauce). The picture shows part of a handle of an amphora, stamped with the maker’s initials MIG - which means it came from Spain. Annual Education Group Membership This will give your school free entry for group visits to any NT property, pre-booked planning and preparation visits for group leaders, a membership pack with the annual handbook, information on making the most of your visit and also membership mailings three times per year, together with the NT magazine. For further details and costs, ask at any NT site or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership © National Trust Registered charity no 205846 National Trust, Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ Tel: 01242 890256 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth