The first weekend of April, Cecilia and I met up in Chester with Meggen Gondek and Jo Kirton to discuss the next meeting of the Network. After a fruitful meeting, which generated many ideas for the conference and for the Network itself, we were treated to a fieldtrip. Despite going on holiday the next day, Prof. Howard Williams took us all on a guided tour to visit Offa’s Dyke, Wat’s Dyke and the Pillar of Eliseg. It was especially interesting to hear more about the archaeological research that Jo and Howard have undertaken there in recent years. Project Eliseg on Youtube

The next morning we got to see a bit more of Chester’s archaeological richness. We visited the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre and St Johns Church, which is right next to it and houses a collection of medieval decoration cross heads as well as grave slabs.

We can’t wait to return to Chester for the conference in April 20123, and look forward to more stimulating discussions, searching out the Roman mosaics and hypocaust that are hidden in cafés and shops, visiting more Medieval sculpture and churches, and the undoubtedly lovely places Meggen and Jo will take us to eat and drink, whether on the river bank in the sun or in a cosy pub. We hope to see you all there!