A RESIDENT from Oaktree Court care home in Wellington saw a lifelong passion for archaeology reignited after a visit to local excavations in Halberton, Devon.

For care home resident, Beryl, archaeology was never just a hobby but an interest that shaped her life and taken her on many adventures around the world.

The excavation being carried out in Halberton involves many of the same volunteers and former colleagues and friends of Beryl’s from the Knightshayes project she was involved with in the mid-80s.

The opportunity to revisit a world she has loved for decades and reconnect with familiar faces brought immense joy and excitement, a spokesperson for the care home said.

Beryl’s archaeological journey began in 1953 when she made the bold decision that if she could not study Archaeology at Oxford University, she would rather not study it anywhere at all.

Instead she attended secretarial college, but her determination to pursue her passion never faded.

Seeking opportunities to explore archaeological sites abroad, Beryl secured a position with the Royal Iranian Oil Company, allowing her to travel extensively throughout the Middle East, including visits to historic sites in Isfahan.

After completing her contract, she travelled home via Cairo and Athens with plans to begin a new role in Aden. However, fate had other ideas, and meeting her future husband led to a new chapter of life bringing her to Tiverton in 1964.

Once settled in the South West, Beryl immersed herself in amateur archaeology.

In 1966, she was part of a team that unearthed the complete skeleton of a Roman horse in Dorset and following the birth of her two children, she became a founding member of the Tiverton Archaeological Group (TAG) and joined the Devon Archaeological Society.

Through her involvement with the society and an Exeter University archaeological group, Beryl travelled widely to excavation sites and historical landmarks across France, Sweden, Italy and Libya, deepening her knowledge and love of archaeology.

For more than 35 years, Beryl volunteered at Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, where she played an important role cataloguing artefacts and helping preserve local history for future generations.

One of the highlights of her archaeological journey came in the mid-1980s when she joined the volunteer team excavating the Roman villa discovered near Knightshayes, Tiverton.

That is why the recent visit to the archaeological excavations at Halberton were so meaningful with her archaeology journey coming full circle.

A spokesperson for Oaktree Court said; “Those who know Beryl best say she was never happier than when she was standing in a muddy trench with a trowel in hand, carefully uncovering fragments of Samian ware or ancient flint tools.

“For the team at Oaktree Court, experiences like this demonstrate the importance of recognising the individual behind every resident and ensuring their lifelong interests continue to be explored and enjoyed.

“Whether revisiting treasured memories, reconnecting with old friends, or pursuing lifelong passions, Oaktree Court is dedicated to helping residents continue living fulfilling lives filled with purpose, opportunity, and joy.”