PREPARATIONS are well under way at Brading Roman Villa for the start of this year’s Big Dig tomorrow (Sunday) — but volunteers to help with the excavation are still being sought.
The third phase of the historical attraction’s biggest archaeological undertaking since 1880 will be launched by the Isle of Wight High Sheriff Peter Kingston during the Just Jazz concert at the villa this evening.
The concert will feature music from the popular Unity Stompers.
Preparations for Big Dig 3 are well under way, with topsoil on the excavation site in a field near the main building removed on Thursday and yesterday (Friday).
It has ensured the dig team, led by Prof Sir Barry Cunliffe, can have a good start when they begin work on Sunday.
The dig will run until August 21.
While the selection of the team to work with him on the dig was down to Sir Barry, the Friends of Brading Roman Villa, the villa’s support group, has been recruiting volunteers for ancillary positions, from stewarding to helping with the catering.
Wendy Gannon, who organises the volunteer rota, said: "Despite the buzz of anticipation, there is still a need for more volunteers to help with tasks that are key to the successful operating of the dig.
"About 2,500 volunteer hours go into the project. Wherever possible, we’ll rotate the tasks to offer more variety.
"The more volunteers we can call on, the greater the chances of achieving this," she added.
"All volunteers share one advantage — they'll be among the first to know if and when the dig throws up anything exciting."
Anyone interested in volunteering should telephone Wendy Gannon on 01983 811408 for more information.
jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk