Dorset

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/19050920

Archaeologists have unearthed an exceptionally rare wooden spade dating back approximately 3,500 years.

Experts from Wessex Archaeology discovered the treasure during a project aimed at creating coastal habitats in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

The find is considered one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools found in the UK, with preliminary analysis confirming its Bronze Age origins.

Experts believe the waterlogged conditions of the excavation site contributed to the spade’s preservation, providing insights into how ancient communities interacted with the environment.

The spade’s preservation is unusual, as organic materials like wood typically do not survive for millennia.

Only one other Bronze Age wooden tool, the Brynlow Shovel, found in an ancient mine in Cheshire, has been discovered in the UK, the team said.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/15262714

A shoplifting bird dubbed "Steven Seagull" has been banned from a convenience store for flying off with packets of crisps over a six-year stealing spree.

Staff at the Lyndale Central store in Wyke Regis, Dorset, have put up posters urging customers to "close the door" behind them in a bid to stop Steven.

The manager of the store, Stuart Harmer, said the crafty seagull had made off with about 30 packets of crisps in the past two months alone.

He said: "Trying to explain to the powers that be that I've got stock loss because of a seagull - they think its a joke."

Mr Harmer said Steven "comes in the shop when the doors open, puts his head around the corner of the door, nicks a packet of crisps and flies off with it".

According to Mr Harmer, Steven is particularly fond of BBQ beef flavoured crisps.

This morning Aaron Bastani was attacked by a man near to his office at Novara Media. Aaron took to social media to reveal the nature of the incident:

‘I can’t quite believe what happened a few hours ago, but on my way to the train station, to head into the Novara media office, a man I’ve never seen before screamed my name while passing by and assaulted me. I was punched multiple times.

Fortunately I was able to pacify him, with subsequent assistance from a passer-by, until the police arrived. This is someone who knew my name. Fortunately there were multiple independent witnesses, and the man is now being questioned by police.

This was a completely unprovoked attack, near my home, in broad daylight. My suspicion is this was a politically motivated physical attack on a journalist.

The background to this is that I’ve been targeted by the far right before. It is a very real risk I live with.

Finally, my thanks to the police officers who arrived promptly, and behaved with the upmost professionalism and courtesy.’