This means that several have built up a substantial expertise, and are able to do some 'real' archaeology. They have also discovered a series of propped-up stones on the Moor, believed to be Neolithic and aligned with other Neolithic monuments, which Mr Blackman believes comprise a previously unknown category of monuments. Similar stories can be heard elsewhere. Andrew Jones, Head of Education at the York Archaeological Trust, and the branch leader, says that, as in Cornwall, he too has a small, dedicated group of youngsters who attend meetings year in, year out. The children are not all archetypal school swots.
Archaeology is like owning an exotic car or motorbike.
The Club, for all its success, also has its weaknesses. Locally, it is so heavily dependent on the enthusiasms and abilities of individual branch leaders, who are volunteers, that there is an inevitable patchiness and instability across the whole network. Branches, moreover, are run on tiny budgets, with few helpers and often minimal local back-up, and can therefore cater for only a limited number of members. Although the club attracts sponsorship, it could be that without a better-resourced network and more volunteers, its abilities to reach and satisfy its full potential membership are limited. Meanwhile, children's delight in archaeology continues.