TIMBER-framed homes in Wychbold are to be scientifically dated as part of an historical project in the village.

The Dodderhill Parish Survey Project wants to accurately date buildings using dendrochronology, which involves a small bore of wood being taken from old timbers, and the pattern of tree rings being matched with those of known dates.

The group, which has been researching the history of the village for some time, is hoping to gain an accurate timetable of when timber-framed buildings were built, and is inviting local householders to register so a dendrochronology survey of their own home may be undertaken.

Delving

It is part of a project called Delving Deeper into Wychbold's Past, which is being supported by a Local Heritage Initiative grant.

The survey on residents' homes will be free of charge, as the costs will be met from the grant. For more information or to register your interest, telephone Cheryl on 01527 861712 (evenings only).

The next meeting of the research group will be on Thursday, November 18, at 7.30pm at Elmbridge Village Hall.

The annual meeting of the group will be held at Wychbold Village Hall on Saturday, December 4, at 10am, and will be followed by an illustrated talk by Neil Lockett on the Tithe Map Project.

This project enables members of the public to use the internet to check out details of the 1845 parish tithe maps through computer- generated images.

The parish of Dodderhill was one of the first to be included in the project.