A GROUNDBREAKING project – in every sense of the phrase - that linked volunteers from Herefordshire Mind with others interested in local history and archaeology – has had its story recorded in a new book.

Written by the Past in Mind historian Dr Kate Lack, the eponymous book details the work of the volunteers on an archaeological dig in the village of Studmarsh.

One of the volunteers Claire Rush, who not only took part in the actual digging and research, accompanied by her guide dog Trudie, but also wrote a comprehensive blog about the project said: “The book, launched on Saturday, offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of some of the inhabitants of Studmarsh and the surrounding area.

"Studmarsh saw the Roman occupation, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, famine, civil war, the Industrial Revolution and much more before the present day.

"Drawing from the shared experience of volunteers and paid professionals working on the Past In Mind project, the book is a human story, full of fascinating historical facts.”

At the launch event at Whitbourne village hall, contributors to the project enthusiastically told their stories and all highlighted the positive benefits of the experience, not only in uncovering the forgotten social history of a small corner of Herefordshire, but also the personal gains they made in working as part of this unique project.

The Past In Mind Project is written by Dr Katherine Lack and published by Orphans Press, priced £5.99.