Three cheers for JCB ( the real thing ...)

Dr Ferris writes: "Following on from all this manly posting about earth-moving machines, I don't think Crickley Hill Man is aware of my direct experience of working with JCB the company on an archaeological project in their home village of Rocester in Staffordshire many years ago. Between 1985 and 1987 JCB sponsored a dig on the so-called New Cemetery site there, smack in the corner of a three-phase Roman fort. They bought us a disused Methodist Chapel to act as our base, provided a yearly grant towards costs, of course laid on machines for us with expert drivers from their display team, and sponsored the eventual monograph publication. We got shown around the amazing factory complex there and on a few occasions I met with Sir Anthony Bamford to discuss the project. This all culminated in Sir Anthony getting nominated for, and presented with, an honorary degree from Birmingham University where I worked at the time. I have no Massey Ferguson tales to tell, though."