The Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society (CWAAS)

Opportunities

The Federation is developing its relationship with the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, and during 2007/8 formal links were established with a view to identifying common interests and projects. This page brings to members’ attention the CWAAS grants that can be made available for research and the opportunities to publish work. CWAAS aims to promote, encourage, foster and co-ordinate the study of archaeology, history, genealogy, customs and traditions with special reference to the county of Cumbria. The objects and the practice clearly embrace studies relating to history and heritage. Click the logo to enter the CWAAS site.

Research and Grants

Each year the Research and Grants Committee of CWAAS awards grants from a few hundreds to a thousand pounds or more, in a programme that is set to grow. Applications are welcomed from individuals and societies for projects that fall within the objects. Clearly these should have a Cumbrian content, but they need not be pure research. Projects may relate to the teaching and understanding of heritage subjects, and the recording of artefacts, buildings or landscape features. Costs covered can include travel, materials and other directly related project costs. Projects that may feature in CWAAS publications are particularly welcome. For information on qualifying projects, for an application form or a referee form, which must be submitted with the application, please contact the Secretary to the Committee, Jane Laskey at jlaskey263@aol.com.

The Transactions

The annual Transactions of CWAAS are well known to members, and represent the premier journal of record for specifically Cumbrian archaeology and history. The Transactions welcomes contributions covering a wide time frame from pre-history to the twentieth century. While articles for this journal should meet normal academic standards and are subject to peer review, there is always a welcome and assistance for new authors who wish to have significant pieces of work placed on the record. Shorter items of interest that need formal recording can be accommodated in the notes. Sets of Transactions are held by local universities and libraries, and the index can now be searched on the CWAAS site. For information and advice on entering work for Transactionss please contact the joint editor, Patricia Garside on plgarside@fsmail.net or 01931 713294, or write to: Bryham House, Low Knipe, Askham, Penrith CA10 2PU.

The Newsletter

CWAAS also has a Newsletter which is, like the Bulletin, sent to its members three times a year. This publication takes a particular interest in heritage issues and the recording of artefacts, but is also keen to provide an informal platform for the activities and projects of individuals and groups around the county. The Newsletter is published at the start of March. July and November and copy is required at least one month before. For information and to provide material please contact the editors, Mike and Kate Lea, at: Eden View Farm, Little Musgrave, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4PQ or 017683 42353 or newsletter@cumbriapast.com