Barry Mead, who set up the Cresswell Pele Tower community archaeology project, was recently named winner of the Council for British Archaeology’s Marsh Award for Community Archaeologist of the Year 2018. Barry was presented with the award at the ceremony in York after making it through to the final three nominees. On winning the award Barry told us that:
“There can’t be many days when I’m not doing something to do with the Pele Tower but the key to this sort of project is the number of committed volunteers without whom none of this would be possible. I feel incredibly proud that I have been able to inspire so many other people to share my love of archaeology.”
Barry’s passion for archaeology extends back many years as shown by the photo below which was taken in the mid-1980’s at Bordesley Abbey in Worcestershire.
Indeed, Barry has been a longstanding volunteer with Archaeological Research Services and has taken part in a number of projects including our Rescued from the Sea project at Low Hauxley in 2013. Barry’s commitment to archaeology and his love for digging has been an inspiration to us all. Barry also told us that:
“I’m addicted to digging, I love it it’s my passion but, equally important, I love raising the funds to help preserve our fabulous heritage, particularly in south-east Northumberland.“