I have been fascinated by History since I was five years old. My Dad took me to see the Roman Painted House in Dover and actively encouraged me to imagine what these pretty pieces of silent stone could tell me, if only it could speak. That was it. Imagination took over. 

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During holidays as an undergraduate, I worked for Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT) to gain experience in fieldwork. I graduated from The Institute of Archaeology (University College London) in 2001 and immediately started full-time work for CAT on the Canterbury Whitefriars Excavation, now the site of Fenwicks. Ever wondered why the ground has those funny drawings and etchings in? Drop me a line and I'll happily explain.

 

Site assistant, finds assistant, conservator, UAD (Urban Archaeological Database) Project Administrator are just some of the many roles I have held. Among many interesting locations (urban, rural, big and small), I have been fortunate enough to have worked on two Anglo Saxon cemetery sites here in Kent; one as part of the Channel Tunnel Rail-link project in 1999.

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I strayed away from Archaeology for a while to teach adults how to use MapInfo GIS as a supply lecturer at Canterbury College, then retrained as a primary school teacher. I have been teaching (adults and children) in the county for 14 years. I hold a current and up to date DBS enhanced disclosure certificate.

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Now the Education Officer and trustee at The Trust for Thanet Archaeology and leader with the Canterbury Young Archaeologists Club, I am combining my teaching skills with my love of History and Archaeology. I firmly believe there are people who would love to learn more about our shared past in an interactive, friendly, informal way. People who would relish holding ancient artifacts and using their own imagination to consider the tales such artifacts could tell, regardless of their age or experience.

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Look at the workshops and talks listed above. If one grabs your attention, great; I'll look forward to seeing you there. If you have an area of History or Archaeology you would like to know more about, get in touch.

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I look forward to meeting you.

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Diana 

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Diana Holmes BSc (Hons),  PGCE, PCIfA

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