Gemma Ward, BA (Hons.), MA, PCIfA 🏛

New blog starting up …rchaeologypastandpresent.blogspot.com

Best way to end a working week!

Observing the disingenuous behaviour of someone who promotes equality whilst not respecting others relationships... a learning curve I guess

Fabulous evening with Mozart!

How all work mornings should begin!

Hoping I match the wisteria!

Pelicans in St James!

Whilst working full-time what was I thinking?!

One Pot Prosciutto & Tarragon Spring Mac 'N' Cheese

Farewell champagne with a lovely friend headed of to Nantes to reconnect with her family and set up her jewellery business ❤️

Tonight's recreation is Isicia with wild greens, sadly these are store bought carrots instead of mine which I have just sown hence orange not purple! And we have decided on the book title! "Let food be thy medicine" Exciting times! #historicalrecipes #archaeology

I had the best day! And what a venue!!!

I am incredibly proud to announce that our Bevendean Farm Green Dig poster won the competition at yesterday’s Sussex Archaeology Symposium! ​ ​#CommunityArchaeology #SocialImpact #SussexHeritage #ChangingChalk #DiversityInHeritage #MentalWellbeing #NationalTrust

Had a wonderful evening engaging in the Sussex Archaeological Forum, and then a fascinating talk on the shipwrecks of Brighton!

I adore my former stepdaughter, always will, but that little toad doesn't half know how to ruin my mascara!

To honor the pioneers, we have to fix the system. I’ve combined my research on women pioneers and current workforce trends. ​Let's talk about how we move from reflection to real change. 🧱✨ ​ ​#IWD2026 #WomenInArchaeology #ArchySky #Science

The data for UK commercial archaeology shows we have parity at entry level, but huge drop-off between ages 28–42. ​We’re losing our most experienced women to a rigid industry that still struggles with flexible working and caregiving. We need action, not just "inspiration." (3/4)

Today is #IWD2026. ⚒️ As a field archaeologist, I’m looking at the line between our pioneering past and our messy present. ​Why did we go from women like Tessa Verney Wheeler leading the field in the 1930s to a "leaky pipeline" in 2026? 🧵 (1/4)

Seeing the sheer scale of what’s been achieved across the South Downs—from nature recovery to heritage mapping—is mind-blowing. 🗺️ ​So good to catch up with colleagues from BHCC, BHFP, and the SDNPA. ​#ChangingChalk #SouthDowns #NatureRecovery #Brighton #Lewe

Incredible evening at Pelham House in Lewes for the Changing Chalk "From Vision to Legacy" reception. 🌿 ​It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the "insularity" of your own project delivery, but tonight was a massive reminder of the bigger picture.