Showcase of the past by students (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Artefacts on display in Basingstoke museum

4:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Local By Simon Moss

ARTEFACTS including Roman pottery and a 17th century cannonball have gone on display in a Basingstoke museum as part of an exhibition organised by students at The University of Winchester.

Using items from the university’s archaeological collection, the students have created a series of displays at Milestones Museum, at Basingstoke Leisure Park, looking at the effects of trade on Winchester and the wider Hampshire area from the Roman to medieval periods.

The exhibition also gives younger visitors the chance for some “hands-on” archaeology experience with a number of activities, including sifting through dirt to find valuable items, available to try.

One of the students who helped put the exhibition together was Jo Pennycook, who is working towards a Masters in cultural heritage and resource management.

She told The Gazette: “It was interesting to learn how a lump of something becomes a more interesting, illustrated piece in a museum. It was a great experience for us to get some experience of putting an exhibition together, and to see what goes on behind the scenes.”

The project was organised by Jade Poulton, a youth development manager at Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust.

She said: “Generally speaking, students don’t get the chance to put on exhibitions like this that are available to the public, so we are delighted to be able to put something like this on.

“Milestones is an excellent space and the displays look fantastic.”

Among those enjoying the displays was Basingstoke and Deane borough councillor Terri Reid.

She said: “The students have done a fantastic job.

“I have certainly learned things I didn’t know about the area by coming here.”

The exhibition will run until March 26. For more information visit hants.gov.uk/milestones.