Richard, who grew up in Bradford on Avon and always wanted to be an archaeologist, is also the founder of Operation Nightingale. That supports veterans and serving military people injured in conflict. It allows them to take part in digs as part of their recovery and to aid their wellbeing.
So successful has this project been that Richard has recently released a book about it: ‘Broken Pots Mending Lives: The Archaeology of Operation Nightingale’.
It may seem strange that finding remains of people and artifacts could help people. Yet there is something magical that happens around these digs. Veterans and those who still serve can find solace and support in the experience and team work which goes into any dig.