In brief

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has launched its 2013 Festival of Archaeology with a warning that cuts to funding have meant a drastic reduction in the number of heritage professionals involved in protecting the historic environment. The CBA said a 27% cut in real terms to funding for local authority environment services over three years had led to a 25% fall in the number of posts.


Black Cultural Archives held a site dedication ceremony for its new heritage centre last month. Raleigh Hall, a Grade II-listed building in Brixton, will become the UK’s first national black heritage centre and plans to open its doors to the public in 2014. The £7m project will include an exhibition gallery, research centre, library, cafe and community and education spaces.


The Association of Independent Museums (AIM) has published a guide to international work for museums. Successfully Working Internationally follows a conference on the same subject earlier this year and was written by British Council museums adviser Jane Weeks. It is available on the AIM website.


A hoard of gold Roman coins found in Hertfordshire has been declared treasure. The hoard, which was found by a metal detectorists near St Albans, is believed to be one of the largest discovered in the UK and dates from the fourth century. The decision means that Verulamium Museum in St Albans now has the chance to buy it. The hoard is being valued by the British Museum.