Happy Birthday, Time Team! Time Team is celebrating its 30th birthday with new dig investigating an Iron Age complex near Corfe Castle, Dorset

Time Team is celebrating its 30th birthday with new dig investigating an Iron Age complex near Corfe Castle, Dorset.

The British archaeology programme, Time Team is heading out into the field again for another of its ever-popular traditional three-day dig this weekend (15th to 17th September). 

The incredible site, absolutely brimming with archaeology, was put forward by Time Team’s own Dr Derek Pitman and Dr Lawrence Shaw. Working together with Harry Manley of Bournemouth University, a single test trench uncovered over 1,000 years of history, bridging the transition from the Iron Age into Roman Britain.

During the Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago, the area was home to the Durotriges tribe, and this site offers excellent opportunities to investigate how they lived and how they died. 

Early evidence indicates industrial activity, several phases of settlement and even burials, which is an extremely rare find for this period in British history.

The site is a stone’s throw from Poole’s ancient industrial harbour at Green Island, the subject of a previous investigation by Time Team, nearly 20 years ago. This new excavation seeks to explore possible links between the harbour, and this site, which sits just inland and is in a strategic position within the landscape.

Dr Derek Pitman says: “As a Dorset boy, I’m thrilled to welcome Time Team to my turf, for what looks to be an incredible weekend. I’ve honestly never seen so much archaeology in a single trench before, and we think this is just the tip of something even bigger. I believe we’re all in for a real treat!”

The excavation coincides with the 30th anniversary of filming Time Team’s first episode, back in 1993, which aired the following year. 

Time Team’s creator and Series Producer, Tim Taylor, says: “We couldn’t hope for a better site to celebrate three decades of Time Team. I still can’t believe it’s been that long, but here’s to the next 30 years!”

Many familiar faces are returning, including presenter Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Prof Carenza Lewis, Dr John Gater, Prof Stewart Ainsworth and Dr Helen Geake. Guests for the weekend include old Time Team friends, Dr Philippa Walton and Dr Miles Russell.

Throughout the dig, subscribers to the Patreon account will enjoy exclusive daily updates, direct from the site via ‘Dig Watch’. These include site tours, Q&As with the team and production insights from the crew. The completed episode will premiere worldwide on YouTube at a later date (to be confirmed).

Tim Taylor says: “It’s thanks to our wonderful Patreon members across the globe that Time Team can investigate fascinating sites like this. I can’t wait to see what comes up in Dig Watch!”

Join Time Team on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TimeTeamOfficial

Time Team Classics: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimeTeamClassics

Time Team Official: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimeTeamOfficial

(EDITOR: If you are looking for the ideal Christmas present for the Time Team lover in your life, why not gift them a subscription?)

That's Business: The Royal Navy's First Serving Mother Publishes a ...

That's Business: The Royal Navy's First Serving Mother Publishes a ...: The Mindful Command framework simplifies the journey for leaders treading the path to developing real leadership skills. Sally-Anne-Airey, w...

Laugh ‘Til You Drop - an unmissable charity comedy night

Babatunde Aleshe, British actor, comedian and writer is set to host as they welcome a brilliant bill of comedians on Thursday, October 26th, at 7pm. It takes place at the iconic Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, London. 

An evening of laughter and raising funds for Age UK Lambeth in support of their invaluable work supporting older people within the Borough of Lambeth.

Comedy fans and Age UK Lambeth supporters alike are invited to join them for an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment. With highly anticipated comedians scheduled to perform, attendees can expect an uproarious night filled with hilarious punchlines and memorable moments. Confirmed already is one of the UK's biggest stand-up stars and the undisputed king of the Black British comedy circuit, Slim! More amazing acts are to be announced soon, so do keep an eye open!

Laugh ‘Til You Drop is dedicated to raising funds for Age UK Lambeth, a local charity that focuses on empowering and supporting older adults in Lambeth. Age UK Lambeth tirelessly works to combat loneliness, enhance wellbeing, and support positive ageing for older residents in Lambeth.

By attending this event, guests will not only have a fantastic time but also directly contribute to the life-changing initiatives undertaken by Age UK Lambeth. The organisation's wide range of services includes befriending programmes, dementia support, digital help classes, exercise classes, cost of living support, essential information and advice and an array of engaging social activities.

"Our charity comedy night is an opportunity to come together, have a great time, and support an incredible cause," says Paul Coles, Age UK Lambeth’s CEO.

"Age UK Lambeth does vital work within our community, and I'm thrilled that our team are able to host this event that will help raise funds for our invaluable initiatives. Let's laugh together and make a difference in the lives of older residents in Lambeth."

Details of the Charity Comedy Night:

Date: Thursday 26th October, Doors at 7:00pm

Venue: Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG

Tickets for the charity comedy night are available to purchase through their website. All profits from the ticket sales will go directly to Age UK Lambeth, enabling them to continue their impactful work and provide much-needed support to older adults in the community.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth

Autism superstar joins Head2Head Sensory Theatre as Ambassador

Head2Head Sensory Theatre, which is a disability charity dedicated to making theatre and film accessible for all, is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of Georgia de Gidlow (pictured) as its newest Ambassador.

At just 22, Georgia has already made a name for herself in the entertainments industry, recently rising to fame with her TV debut on BBC's hit series A Kind of Spark.

A Kind of Spark captivated audiences with its inclusive nature, featuring autistic characters played by actors who are autistic themselves. Georgia's involvement in the show further solidified her status as not only  prodigious talent, but also an autism advocate.

As an Ambassador for Head2Head Sensory Theatre, Georgia will lend her support to the charity's mission of enriching the lives of young people who aspire to experience the joys of theatre and performing arts.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Georgia said, "I'm so pleased to be Head2Head Sensory Theatre's new ambassador! The work of this charity is so important and meaningful, and I feel honoured to help raise awareness for it and to be able to play a part in the amazing work H2H does."

Anni Rhodes-Steere, who is the founder of Head2Head Sensory Theatre, is said to be delighted at having Georgia on board. Anni said: "We're obviously really pleased ad utterly thrilled to have a superstar like Georgia on board. 

"She's enthusiastic and a real inspiration to young autistic people. The goal of an ambassador is to reach out to more people, inspiring them to support us via fundraising, volunteering, or donating. We're very much a volunteer-led charity, so people such as Georgia are a huge asset to us and are really fundamental to our growth."

In addition to her acting career, Georgia recently completed her final year in Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham. Her involvement in A Kind of Spark, a TV adaptation of Elle McNicoll's incredible book about the adventures of an autistic girl, showcases the series' commitment to inclusivity. 

Not only is the author autistic, but the actors playing the autistic main characters are also autistic too, and a significant portion of the cast and crew are all neurodivergent.

Head2Head Sensory Theatre continues to grow as a brand in the special needs community internationally, with its shows accessible through its YouTube learning channel. 

The charity is currently seeking Trustees with a genuine passion for theatre, the arts, or who are connected to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities community.

For more information about Head2Head Sensory Theatre and its initiatives, please visit them here www.h2hsensorytheatre.com

Bringing the magic of the theatre to schools and families across the SEND community for over 15 years, Head2Head uses imagination to discover new lands, reimagined classics and bring new stories. Shows are inclusive, immersive and interactive and suitable for all physical, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities.

Based in Oxted, Surrey, this volunteer led disabilities charity works closely with a wide range of disabilities: wheelchair users, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, autism, complex health needs, visual/hearing impairments. All activities are custom-made to help audiences to benefit from participation in an inclusive and accessible event, gain confidence and widen social opportunities

Darling Jake, Love, discovery and sequins – one man’s journey from farm to stage

A sequel to Keith Bond’s first book, Jake, this warm and optimistic story follows the protagonist as he continues his journey into adulthood and discovers his on-stage persona as a drag artiste.

When Jake leaves his rural homeland for a new life in 1960’s London, nothing could have prepared him for the turn of events that would change the course of his life. Accepting a rented room in a shared house leads him to meet a wonderful new friendship group, one that encourages and steers his life onto a new path.

With the support of his friends and the adoration of his fans, Jake’s new life as a drag artiste, Rusty L’amour, propels him into a new world – one of performance, glamour and big wigs. And all alongside his devoted partner Jim.

But it’s not all sequins and bling. Things go wrong. Disasters occur. But with the help of his friends and family, Jake persists in living his dream … and supporting those who have helped him get there.

Darling Jake reveals the ups and downs of performing as a drag artiste, as well as offering an insight into the supportive and rigorous life on stage.

About the author

Keith Bond was born in Warwickshire and over his career has lived in London and Brighton. He now lives in Hampshire with his partner, John, where he enjoys writing, photography, graphic design and cooking. Darling Jake is his third book.

https://www.tricornbooks.co.uk

A New Book Reveals How to Live in a Flow All of the Time

The Power of the Dao, by best-selling author Max Landsberg, reveals how to live in a state of flow all of the time.

The Power of the Dao: Seven Essential Habits for Living in Flow, Fulfillment and Resilience reveals how we can live in a state of flow all of the time. From best-selling author Max Landsberg, whose books have sold more than a million copies in fifteen languages, this book is based on the enduring wisdom of Daoist principles and practice.

Being in flow is when you are ‘in the zone’, ‘on your game’, or even ‘on fire’ as some people put it.

This is both a mental state and a physical one, too. You have a feeling of complete focus, full involvement and deep enjoyment in whatever you are doing. You feel the activity takes no energy from you – indeed you feel that it is giving you energy. You barely notice the passage of time. You feel calm but almost ecstatic. You are resourceful and resilient.

Max Landsberg comments: “I wanted to offer a comprehensive guide to living ‘in flow’. Most existing teachings explain how to achieve this flow state when conducting specific tasks. I wanted to show how to extend those ideas, through tweaks to mindset and habits, so you can live your whole life in flow. This also enhances mindfulness and resilience in our turbulent times.”

In The Power of the Dao, Landsberg uncovers seven of the ancient principles of Daoism which help us to see the unvarnished truth of our surroundings in a clear, open and unblinkered way. 

The first three principles are about the way a person and their environment work (Energies, Patterns, Self-so-ness). The following three are about how one chooses to interact with their environment (Simplicity, Effortless Action, Potency). Attaining Dao, or Mastery, is the final principle in the book, which allows one to live in a constant state of flow.

Dr Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There says about The Power of the Dao: “Insightful and engaging!... This book hits the mark with powerful techniques for living a more fulfilled life."

Max Landsberg is an internationally recognised authority on personal development, leadership, motivation and executive coaching. His books draw on expertise in strategy from his time as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, and his insights into leadership gained as a Senior Partner at two global head-hunting firms. He most recently led McKinsey’s SeniorPartners Office for seven years.

The Power of the Dao is published on 14 September 2023 by LID Publishing, available as hardback and e-book.

The Audiobook is coming out in December 2023. 

Please visit www.lidpublishing.com

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner: Once or twice a month I visit the offices of my main employer in Liverpool. In the staff kitchen there is an airfryer. I have never used it ...