Lifelong Archaeology Passion Reignited
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Everyone at Oaktree Court Care Home is celebrating a truly special experience for resident Beryl, whose lifelong passion for archaeology recently came full circle with a visit to local excavations in Halberton.
For Beryl, archaeology has never been just a hobby, it has been a lifelong passion that has shaped much of her life and taken her on extraordinary adventures around the world.
In 1953, Beryl made the bold decision that if she could not study Archaeology at Oxford University, she would rather not study it anywhere else. 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, eventually 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. 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 also volunteered at Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, where she played an important role cataloguing artefacts and helping preserve local history for future generations.
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.
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 a recent visit to the archaeological excavations at Halberton was so meaningful. The excavation is being carried out by many of the same volunteers and archaeologists involved in the Knightshayes project, including several of Beryl’s former colleagues and friends.
The opportunity to revisit a world she has loved for decades and reconnect with familiar faces brought immense joy and excitement.
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.
Families looking for residential, nursing, respite, or dementia care can feel reassured that at Oaktree Court, we are committed to helping every resident continue living life on their own terms. Just as we supported Beryl in reconnecting with a passion that had brought her joy throughout her life, we work alongside each resident to create meaningful experiences, celebrate individual interests, and make every day special. Because at Oaktree Court, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience life as it should be, uniquely their own.
This is care. This is living. This is Oaktree Court.
