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A large number of individuals over the years have freely given their time
toward the recovery and recording of archaeology from the Lofts Farm
Project. I am also very pleased to acknowledge the support of several
professionals - be they archaeologists, farmers or quarry staff.
The following are extracts from the previously published Interim Reports.
1978-79 Interim
We are grateful to the gravel company, Contractors Aggregates, and the
farmers, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Rees, for their permission to carry out our work on
the site.
The Essex County Council archaeological section have provided invaluable help
in all aspects of the work. This included finance for machine stripping on the
moat excavation, the loan of tools and equipment, and useful advice during the
fieldwork and post-excavation work.
Moat Site Interim
A special thanks is due to M.A.G. members who put in more than one day on the
site, Dave and Jackie Gustard, Tony Froom, Malcolm and Frances Billinge, Pauline
and Geoffrey Clark, Susan Matten, Betty Parker, Brian Semmonds (Wickford) Janet
and David Eacersall, Pauline and David Neild, and to John Bailey (Photographs)
Richard Hansen (Finds) and Patricia Ryan for the documentary research.
1979-80 Interim
The Group wishes to thank Contractors
Aggregates for their co-operation and permission to work on the land and also
their donation towards the costs of the Project. We are also indebted to Mr. Rees
of Little Braxted Hall for allowing us to keep the excavation trench open
throughout the year and available at weekends. The author would also like to
thank Mr. and Mrs. Hughes of Lofts Farm for allowing easy access for tools and
equipment to the excavation. A grant to pay for topsoil stripping was awarded by
Maldon District Council, who also assisted by loaning us surveying equipment.
Through the period Essex County Council - Archaeological Section have given
invaluable advice and practical help, particularly the assistance of six
full-time archaeologists made possible by a County Council grant.
1981-83 Interim
Again we are indebted to Mr. Rees who allowed us to excavated at the centre
of a cultivated field prior to the gravel extraction, and also to Contractors
Aggregates who have provided assistance to us wherever possible. The Increase In
discoveries has meant a greater need for expert assistance and advice. This has
been freely provided by The Essex County Council Archaeological Section,
Colchester & Essex Museum, and Stephen Greep of Verulamium Museum. We are
grateful for the financial help given to us, during this period, by the
following:
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Maldon District Council, Essex County Council and Lloyds Bank plc.
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None of these discoveries would have been made had it not been for the hours
or toil put in by many members and friends of the Group. These Include: David
& Richard Jennings, Gillea Crossley, Elaine Brown, Stephen Nunn, Brian
Chinnery, Geof and Pauline Clark, W.J.R. Clark, Anna Cronin, Betty Watts, Philip
Brown, Lesley Bermingham, Pat Ryan, Betty Andrews, Mark Harvey, Allen Wyatt, Len
Sargent, Colin Langmead, Bob Adams, Kelvin Adkins, Rowland Flook. David Hurd,
Mike Stitchbury, Mark Billage, Dave Gustard, Brian Milton, Tony Doe.
Doug Renton, worked full time on the site for several weeks. He is
responsible for the clarification of important features which would otherwise
have been lost. The metal detecting, site observation, recording and excavation
carried out by Pat Adkins also made a significant contribution to our knowledge.
Those who have played important parts in the post excavation work include: Garth
Groombridge, Tony Froom, Mike Crellin, Martin O'Connor, Eric Doherty.
1984-85 Interim
The involvement of Essex County Council in the Project is a very welcome
advantage and I am indebted to director Nigel Brown for providing the basis of
this Interim Report. Thanks are again due to Contractors Aggregates whose
continued co-operation has been vital to our success. Members and friends who
have assisted on site during the past two years include:- Pat and Kelvin Adkins,
Elaine Brown, Garth Groombridge, Len Sargent, Tony Doe, Allen Wyatt, Lyn
Everett, Stephen Nunn, W.J.R.Clark, Doug Renton, David Philpot, David Jennings,
Anna Cronin, Phil Gollin, Patricia Ryan, Ted Meriden, Rachel and Lois Dawson, Mel
Kingsley, Brian Chinnery, Helen Blackshaw, Benoit Touffu and Geoff Clark. It is
with much sadness that I record the death, on site, of dear friend and M.A.G.
member, Doug Renton. Doug took his interest seriously and put himself out to
become a better archaeologist by both study and practical experience alongside
the professionals. He will long be missed as a friend and helper and his
dedication and example will always be remembered by those who knew him.
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