One of the main aims of the Association is to support archaeological or associated research, particularly into Roman Britain. Grants vary between £350 and £1000, depending upon circumstances. All are funded from the Graham Webster Research Fund, established in memory of our late President. If you, or your organisation, would like to learn more about our funding principles, please contact our Director, Bryn Walters, on 01793 534008 or e-mail us on ara.enquiry@hotmail.com ARA grants and gifts given over the past six months Grosvenor Museum, Chester - £1000 was provided for the conservation of antiquities and towards the refurbishment of the galleries. There are two Roman galleries. The first tells the story of Chester's legions and fortress. The second houses a nationally important collection of Roman tombstones, found in the 19th century, re-used in the city walls. The stones hold important evidence about the lives of soldiers, slaves, women and children who lived there during the Roman period. Colchester Archaeological Trust - £1500 was given towards the Roman Circus Appeal http://www.romancircus.org/ The campaign eventually raised the required £200 000, by the end of February, in order to save Britain’s only Roman chariot horse racing track Wessex Archaeology - £1000 was awarded after a successful grant for the continuation of the Truckle Hill Roman Baths Project http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/county/wiltshire/truckle-hill-roman-bath-house In 2004, the remains of a small Roman building were uncovered on the side of a narrow, steep-sided valley near North Wraxall in Wiltshire. The building, a bath-house, is a short distance from an imposing Roman villa, excavated in the mid 19th century. The discovery has lead to a series of community excavations which continue into a 2010 season this year. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford -£350 was donated for improvements to the Roman Gallery, which was the subject of a recent group visit by members of the ARA. The museum has undergone a transformation in recent years and the new approach and displays are well worth a visit. Friends of the Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester ,BR>- £250 was given towards administration and educational expenses. The Friends of Jewry Wall Museum was formed in September 2004 in response to drastic cuts in opening hours of the archaeology museum. Recent changes in council policy have improved the opening hours to Saturday, Sunday and school holidays (except December). The main aim of the Friends is to keep the museum open to the public and to hold events for the public, particularly for families, to promote interest in the archaeology of Leicester The Frilford Roman Temple Project, University of Oxford. Post Excavation research at the Gresham Street Wells, Museum of London. General support to the Vindolanda Project. Conservation of artefacts from the South Farm Villa, DART Excavation Team, Swindon. The Vine Street Excavations, Leicester University Archaeology Services. Friends of Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester.

A Roman gate post from the A.R.A. funded project at Alchester. Photo © E. Sauer