Obituary

OBITUARY 0. K. HALES, Esq. With the sudden death, on 14th May 1979, of Ormonde Hales, the Orpington & District Archaeological Society mourns the passing of a dear and valued friend. Ormonde was a founder member of both O.D.A.S., and the Orpington Museum Helpers Club. He was both a practical and a theoretical archaeologist, having attended the London University Certificate in Field Archaeology courses and participated in a number of excavations; notably at Boxley Abbey and Leeds Priory, the Roman villa at Eccles, the mesolithic ·site at Culver Well on Portland and at Rochester. Born in 1915, the only son of H. K. Hales, M.P. for Hanley 1931-1935 (Donor of the Blue Riband Trophy), Ormonde spent an eventful early life travelling the world. He lived in India during the 1930s managing his father's shipping office. At the outbreak of war he joined the Signal Corps and served in various campaigns. After the war he returned to his family business. Mr. Hales had always been very interested in archaeology, but business commitments prevented his active participation. Taking an early retirement, he was able to indulge his appreciation of archaeology. As a founder member of O.D.A.S., he was deeply committed to its objectives and always played an active role both in committee and in practical excavation. Chairman for 1976-1977, Mr. Hales will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity, coupled with his wonderful capacity for friendship. The Committee and members of O.D.A.S. would like to offer their deepest sympathy to Mr. Hales'' widow. O.D.A.S. 317