COMMERCIAL SERVICES

TESTIMONIALS

“Essex Housing have been working with Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) for a number of years on the former Essex County Hospital site in Colchester. CAT have been superb to work with and really take pride in the work they do. CAT have consistently conducted themselves in a professional and positive manner. CAT are particularly committed to their public outreach and have been a real positive to us when arranging public engagement events. CAT have a great team of people that work well together and demonstrate passion for the work they provide. We would not hesitate to recommend them to other organisations needing to undertake archaeological work.” Gwyn Owen, Managing Director – Essex Housing

“I have personally worked with Phil Crummy and the team at CAT for well over 25 years, 18 of those years whilst working with Mersea Homes. They understand the needs of the Developer and the requirement for timely investigations to be undertaken within quite often tight time scales. We have full confidence in their ability to undertake the surveys, write the reports and liaise with Local Authorities on what can be very historic and challenging sites within the Colchester area. They have extensive knowledge of both Archaeological and Heritage matters. We would have no hesitation in recommending them for future projects.” Brad Davies, Technical Director – Mersea Homes

“Granville wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the team at CAT. We have worked with them for many years and the service they offer is second to none. CAT understands the competing time and financial pressures faced by developers and can always be relied upon to use their extensive knowledge and strong working relationships with both Councils and private developers alike to ensure a pragmatic approach when delivering development in sensitive and historically important locations.”  Sophie Gittins, Planning Manager – Granville Developments

“Colchester Archaeological Trust have worked on a large number of Colchester City Council projects, from trial pits through to full excavation and are consistently a safe pair of hands, taking a pragmatic and enthusiastic approach and working flexibly around project requirements. CAT’s community engagement skills ensure fantastic public support for the works and provide a great overview into an essential aspect of scheme development in Colchester.”  Alison Fogg, Development Manager (Colchester Amphora Trading Limited) – Colchester City Council

“I’ve worked closely with CAT for many years and would be more than happy to recommend them. They clearly have the respect of the Local Authorities in the area and continue to provide us with a very efficient service. They understand the requirements of the developer and act with a pragmatic approach, enabling us to plan our sequence of works and programme with the confidence that they will be able to cover any issues encountered with both the digs and the liaison with the Local Authorities.” Stephen Williams, Director – Hills Building Group

ARCHIVING

TESTIMONIALS

“A big thank you to CAT, who have made great strides in depositing their digital data with us and produced some really fascinating archives” Archaeology Data Service (ADS Blog), 2023

COMMUNITY EVENTS

TESTIMONIALS

“The Washathon was great for me as I have been a member of the Friends of Colchester Archaeological Trust for many many years but, this is the first time I have got ‘hands on’, met people with similar interests and had the opportunity to ask the experts questions.” Matthew, Volunteer

“A dip, a scrub and I get to see, touch, uncover fragments of the lives of the people who were here long before us. What a privilege to handle them and feel we’re helping record our past at the same time. Finally we survey the trays of fascinating objects, and we all agree that the morning was time well spent revealing the past.” Julia, Volunteer

“The thrill of discovering something that hasn’t seen the light of day for centuries is amazing…even if it’s just oyster shells.” Jean, Volunteer

“We have increased our knowledge of Roman artefacts and the skills required to clean them. Most memorable finds were part of a Roman pot with solider and bird on and pieces of Roman glass.” Caroline and Robert, Volunteers

“I have been hugely grateful for the oppoortunity to participate in washing these Roman artefacts and experiencing the thrill of uncovering objects 2000 years old… especially if pieces fit together! The bonus is, after these very sociable sessions an archaeologist identifies some of the best pieces, so we learn too!” Gillian, Volunteer

“Who doesn’t like learning when you are holding history in your hand, for me there is always a pang of excitement when tipping out a finds bag on a Washathon day; excitement is in the air everyone feels the same. No one knows who in the marquee will wash the 2000 year old find of the day. Brilliant.” Sue, Volunteer

“There has been a great sense of shared purpose doing the 3-hour sessions and it has been really useful and informative to discuss things with the helpful and extremely well-informed on-site archaeologists.” Cherry, Volunteer

“What more could you get from helping, learning and a great social day out too!” Shirley, Volunteer

“The well organised set up and relaxed and friendly atmosphere made chatting over a mundane task a pleasure. There was always the chance of finding some really significant piece with experts on hand to explain if you did. Even finding two fragments that joined was exciting.” Brian, Volunteer

“There was a great atmosphere with everyone chatting away, asking questions and showing off peices of particular interest. The roundup at the end was good too, as it was nice to see what others had found and have them explained. For us it’s a privilege to handle this material, and when our table found 3 pieces of a small pot which fitted together it was quite a team moment!” Dave and Fiona, Volunteer

“Personally taking part in these Washathon’s, has provided an opportunity for social interaction with many people across a wide spectrum of backgrounds. This has been an invaluable experience to me, who as a carer/person with mental health issues, finds it difficult to do so normally.” Neal, Volunteer