New visitor centre opens at SHARP dig site in Sedgeford in time for this year's excavations
"Most visitors that come are astounded by how much we've found in this small village," Director of Excavation Dr Ellie Blakelock tells me. Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project (SHARP) is now open for the season, with a new visitor centre for people to enjoy.
The old building, dating from 2021, is no more as Ellie cuts the ribbon. And inside it's impressive - lit up display cabinets showcase relics and remains unearthed during previous digs. There are drawers full of interesting finds, from the Bronze Age to modern day.
"Last summer we started to think we really need to do something with it, revamp it - and with the 30th anniversary coming along, it just seemed the perfect opportunity," continues Ellie.
"It has taken us pretty much the full year to get the funding in place, and then to strip it all out and start again. What this has allowed us to do it not only organise the space, so we can have more storage, but also allows us to put so much more of our objects out of the archives and on display."
One of the volunteers, Richard Northcott, is (luckily) a retired cabinet maker by trade.
"Ellie asked me last year if I could do it, so we drew up the plans. It's been an amazing thing to be involved in.
"I had to learn new skills, I've never built display cabinets before. I started making the first cabinet door in January, so basically this has been my full time job for the last 6 months!"
"I've had lots of sleepless nights trying to work out how to do specific things, it's all made out of oak - so I couldn't afford to get too many things wrong. You only get one shot at it.
I asked if he's pleased with the end result, "I was down here doing the final fit 2 or 3 weeks ago with another volunteer, and we turned all the display lights on - and I was speechless, you get a dream about how you want something to look - and when it comes together, it's great."
Richard Northcott (left) chatting to visitors
Finds co-ordinator Ann Smith, is taking a look through the artefacts.
"For me it's a dream come true," she tells me, "I believe everything that we've found should be on display for people to enjoy, if we keep them in boxes, in the dark, in the archives - nobody sees them.
"A huge amount can now be enjoyed as it should be. I can't wait to see people's reaction, I hope it will be the wow factor, I hope they will be impressed with how much has been found around Sedgeford."
Ann Smith (left) with a volunteer
The 30th anniversary excavation season runs until August the 7th, with more than a hundred volunteers arriving this weekend - from as far afield as Japan.
It's set to be an exciting month ahead, with the prospect of any new finds being proudly put on display in the new visitor centre.
SHARP is open from the 12th of July until the 7th of August - Sundays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm.