Annual Report of the Council for 1999

KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR 1999 The Council of the Society presents its one hundred and forty-first report and statement of accounts for the year ending the 31st December 1999. AIMS AND ORGANIZATION The Society is established to promote the study and publication of archaeology and history in all their branches, especially within the ancient county of Kent. The Society's activities are carried out throughout the ancient county of Kent. It has no staff and its officers are only paid out-ofpocket expenses. It co-operates with its affiliated societies and the organizations to which it is affiliated or of which it is a member. In particular it co-operates with the Canterbury Archaeological Trust in promotion of education and the Council for the Protection of Rural England (Kent Branch) in the protection of historic buildings through a joint committee. Its activities are carried out by the committees of the Council and its officers. REVIEW OF THE YEAR Sadly, we have to record the deaths and resignation of several members who have served as Officers and committee chairmen for many years. They have made significant contributions to the achievements of the Society and will be missed. Inevitably this is resulting in changes in leadership of the Society and re-examination of the roles of some committees. In last year's report the death of Mr M.D. Nightingale of Cromarty was recorded. He had been chairman of the Churches Committee since its formation and its work reflected his interests and concerns. Mr P. Lawrence was appointed its chairman during the year under review. Mr K.W.E. Gravett died unexpectedly in November; he had served as 441 ANNUAL REPORT President for ten years and was also chairman of the Historic Buildings Committee from 1987 until his death. His great knowledge and love of the historic buildings of Kent will be greatly missed. Dr A.P. Detsicas retired in May after 30 years as Hon. Editor and was chairman of the Publications Committee; sadly, he died in December. He was succeeded as Hon. Editor by Mr T.G. Lawson and Dr J. Whyman was elected chairman of the Publications Committee. Dr P.H.G. Draper resigned in May after 20 years as Hon. Librarian and was chairman of the Library Committee. Dr F.H. Panton was coopted to that office in September and Mr L.E. Ilott was elected chairman of the Library Committee. The Society's annual general meeting was held at Deal on Saturday the 15th May 1999 when the Council's annual report and the accounts for 1998 were accepted. Messrs. Reeves and Neylan were re-appointed auditors. The officers and members of the Council were elected; details are set out below under Legal and Administrative Information. The training excavation at Minster-in-Thanet continued with a fourth season of two weeks in the summer. Twenty-eight people took part. The Society is grateful to the Trust for Thanet Archaeology, Canterbury Archaeological Trust, Thanet Archaeological Society and Dover Archaeological Group for their assistance. A major achievement was the co-operation with Kent County Council and others at the excavation of a major Roman settlement at West Hawk Farm near Ashford ahead of residential development. Following acceptance by K.C.C. that volunteers should take part in such excavations where possible the Society had already compiled a list of volunteers. As a result of this and a grant by the Society of £2,500 there was a three week training excavation attended by 19 people and over 50 volunteers took part in the excavations. Open days for the public were also organised. This contrasted with the exclusion of volunteers from important excavations along the Channel Tunnel Rail route. The Society's resistivity meter was in demand and used by the Society and other groups for several surveys around the County. Four more grants totaling £3,770 were made to other groups for fieldwork and post excavation costs. Volume CXVIII (1998) of Archaeologia Cantiana was published. It was the last to be prepared by Dr A.P. Detsicas and reflected his usual high standard. Mr T.G. Lawson was elected Hon. Editor at the A.G.M; a book reviews editor and a panel of academic advisers have been appointed to assist him. Religious Worship in Kent -The Census of 1851 (edited by Miss M. Roake) was published. Parts 1 and 2 of the third volume of the New Records Series were published and contain sixteenth-century accounts of a Tenterden tailor edited by Dr F. Hull. 442 ANNUAL REPORT The Kent History Fund was established in conjunction with the Kent History Federation. It will be making grants for research and publication of local history twice a year. The Churches Committee undertook a review of its role which included open meetings for those with an interest in churches. Following this and the election of Mr. P. Lawrence as its chairman, it will be concentrating on the study of church communities of all denominations and religions as well as church buildings and their archaeology. This work will include encouraging an interest in these subjects and publication. The Kent Historic Buildings Committee (sponsored jointly by the Society and the C.P.R.E.) continued to keep a watchful eye, and make representations, on proposals affecting listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas. Further sections of the Kent Historic Buildings Index were published and the 36th annual Conference of Building Recorders took place at Charing in October. Dr P.H.G Draper resigned after 20 years as Hon. Librarian during which time he devoted a great deal of time and energy to development of the Society's library. Dr F.H. Panton was appointed Hon. Librarian and Mr L.E. Ilott elected Chairman of the Library Committee. Work continued with cataloguing on computer the books and visual records. The Committee is also tackling the problems created by shortage of shelf and storage space, exacerbated by the welcome receipt of the working papers of the late Mr. A.C. Harrison. The Hon. Curator, Dr M. Still, continued to deal with enquiries from members. The Society's Education Committee continued to support (mainly by a substantial grant) and monitor the work of the Archaeological Education Service of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust. This included work on the preparation of a resource book Medieval Canterbury. Work was also started in partnership with the K.C.C. on a project to establish a web site to provide educational resources for teachers and their pupils. The Society welcomed 145 new members during the year, but lost slightly more leaving a membership of 1,605 at the end of the year. It remains indebted to its Hon. Membership Secretary, Mrs M. Lawrence, not only for the effort she puts into collecting members' subscriptions and recruiting new members but also for taking a personal interest in keeping in touch with our members. The winter series of lectures arranged by Mr T.G. Lawson was completed and the 1999-2000 series organised by Mr D.G. Anstey, the new Lectures Secretary, started with lectures taking place only at Canterbury and Rochester. A further innovation was the provision of a public lecture on Canterbury Cathedral by Mr T. Tatton-Brown as part of K.C.C's Kentweek festival. The Hon. Excursions Secretary 443 ANNUAL REPORT arranged an excursion to north Yorkshire and one subject studied was the disputes between the Roman Christianity of Canterbury and the Celtic beliefs of the north. Visits were also made to Canterbury, where members re-traced 'Becket's last walk' guided by our member Marjorie Lyle, the Rose Theatre in London and Otford Palace. Three editions of the Newsletter kept members in touch with the activities and concerns of the Society. Mrs M. Lawrence organised a successful barbecue at Shoreham and Christmas lunch at Beltring Hop Farm. The Society appoints members or representatives to a number of other organisations. In particular, it has received regular reports from C.B.A. South East and the Standing Conference on London Archaeology. There was a further meeting of representatives of the county archaeological societies in southern England which provides a useful forum to discuss matters of common interest and learn about what other societies are doing. The Society has regularly been represented at meetings of the Kent History Federation and received reports from representatives on the County Archives Advisory Committee and Canterbury Archaeological Trust. The Society's role: The working party established to review the role and structure of the Society continued its work and concentrated on consulting not only members but also organisations and individuals within and beyond Kent. It plans to produce a report in 2000 and to give members an opportunity to comment on it and make further suggestions. REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND AFFAIRS The accompanying financial statements show the current state of the Society's finances which its Council considers to be sound. They comply with the Council's understanding of the current statutory requirements and the requirements of the Society's rules. The Society relies on its officers and other members giving their time freely to organise its activities. Without those contributions it would have to spend a substantial sum on salaries. The Society administers the Allen Grove Local History Fund which was given in the will of the late Allen Grove. Its objects are to promote research, preservation and enjoyment of local history. These objects are consistent with those of the Society. It is a restricted fund and is invested separately from the Society's other investments. In accordance with the terms of the legacy, decisions on how the fund is to be spent are taken by the Society's officers. During the year eight grants totalling £2,350 were made towards the costs of producing publications on local history and displays at exhibitions and museums. 444 ANNUAL REPORT LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The Society is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under number 223382. It is an unincorporated association governed by its rules which are published in Archaeologia Cantiana from time to time and copies of which can be obtained from the Hon. General Secretary. It is also registered as a charity with the Inland Revenue which has made a direction under section 201 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 which permits certain members (generally those whose employment is related to the Society's activities) to obtain income tax relief on their subscriptions to the Society; further details can be obtained from the Hon. General Secretary. The principal address of the Society is The Museum, St Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent, MEM 1LH. However, correspondence should be addressed to the relevant officer. The governing body of the Society is the Council whose members are its charity trustees and are elected by the members of the Society at its annual general meeting in May each year. During the period covered by this report they were: P.E. Oldham A. I. Moffat R.G. Thomas M. Lawrence P. H. G. Draper*** T. G. Lawson** J. Saynor M. C. W. Still C W. Chalklin* A. P. Detsicas R. H. Hiscock D. Ingram Hill L. D. Lyle E. Melling* J. Whyman* N. R. Aldridge D. G. Anstey D. Bacchus* S. Broomfield* President Hon. General Secretary Hon. Treasurer Hon. Membership Secretary Hon. Librarian Hon. Editor Hon. Excursions Secretary Hon. Curator Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President N. D. Caiger D. A. H. Cleggett E. P. Connell B. T. Cousins P. Cullen A. J. Daniels P. A. Harlow D. W. Harrington L. E. Ilott P. E. Leach R. F. Le Gear* A. Miles* M. A. Ocock J. W. Page F. H. Panton** R. N. Rolinson* R. J. Spain A.F. Ward C.P. Ward* * denotes re-elected at the annual general meeting on the 15th May 1999. ** T.G. Lawson (previously an elected member of the Council) was elected Hon. Editor at the A.G.M. in place of Dr. A.P. Detsicas who remained a Vice-President until his death in December 1999. ***Dr P.H.G. Draper resigned as Hon. Librarian in May 1999 and ceased to be a member of the Council. Dr F.H. Panton (previously an elected member of the Council) was co-opted as Hon. Librarian on 18 September 1999. 445 ANNUAL REPORT The officers (other than the Vice Presidents) hold office for one year, the Vice Presidents for seven years and the other members for four years. The Society's main agents and advisers are: Bankers: National Westminster Bank pic, 4 High Street, Maidstone, Kent, MEM 1XU Auditors: Reeves & Neylan, 37 St Margaret's Street, Canterbury, Kent, CTl 2TU Solicitors: Martin Tolhurst Partnership, 7 Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Kent, DAll OPD Stockbrokers: Laing & Cruickshank Investment Management Ltd, 5 Appold Street, London, WC2A 2DA Stockbrokers' nominee company holding the Society's investments: Productive Nominees Ltd, 5 Appold Street, London, WC2A 2DA. The Society's activities are restricted by the terms of its objects set out elsewhere in this report. In particular its area of benefit is mainly (but not exclusively) the ancient county of Kent which is considered to be the administrative County of Kent, Medway district and the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and part of Lewisham. The Society's investment powers are those contained in the Trustee Investments Act 1961 as amended. Its rules do not give it any special investment powers. The Council has delegated some of its investment powers to Laing & Cruickshank Investment Management Ltd in accordance with a scheme made by the Charity Commissioners on the 18th April 1994. A. I. Moffat, Hon. General Secretary on behalf of the Council 26th February 2000 446 ANNUAL REPORT ABRIDGED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 1998 Income Resources Subscriptions Donations and gifts Legacies Grants Investment income Other income Transfers between funds Total incoming resources Resources Expended Direct charitable expenditure: Archaeologia Cantiana expenses Committees' Expenditure Newsletter Grants Management and administration Total expenditure Net (outgoing)/incoming Resources for the Year Gains on investments Net movement in funds Funds brought forward At 1 January 1998 Funds carried forward At31 December 1998 General Fund £ 20,729 25 1,000 2,950 9,737 26,206 33,634 94,281 20,613 53,574 4,558 4,300 14,766 97,811 (3,530) 15,156 11,626 148,528 160,154 Designated Fund f 134 --- 33,224 - (33,634) (276) -- -- - - (276) 148,699 148,423 878,371 1,026,794 Restricted Fund £ - -- - 1,669 - • 1,669 -- - 1,000 - 1,000 669 4,981 5,650 43,531 49,181 1998 Total f 20,863 25 1,000 2,950 44,630 26,206 " 95,674 20,613 53,574 4,558 5,300 14,766 98,811 (3,137) 168336 165,699 1,070,430 1,236,129 1997 Total £ 22,249 15 - 8,882 43,573 39,555 " 114,274 20,708 51,260 2,281 8,606 9,852 92,707 21,567 165,803 187370 883,060 1,070,430 447 ANNUAL REPORT Balance sheet at 31 December 1998 Fixed Assets Tangible assets Investments 1998 £ 1,271,811 1997 £ 1,735 1,075,591 CurrentAssets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors, amounts falling Within one year Net Current Assets Net Assets Funds General Fund Designated Funds Restricted Funds 1,271,811 7378 4,905 12383 47,965 (35,682) 1336,129 160,154 1,026,794 49,181 1336,129 1,077326 13,835 15310 29,045 35,941 (6,896) 1,070,430 148,528 148,528 43,531 1,070,430 The above figures are extracted from the full Trustees' report and financial statements which have been audited by Reeves and Neylan who gave an unqualified audit report on 17 May 1999. The auditors have confirmed to the Trustees that the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31 December 1998. The Trustees' report and financial statements were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 15 May 1999. These summarised financial Statements may not contain sufficient information to gain a complete understanding of the financial affairs of The Kent Archaeological Society. The full Trustees' report, audit report and financial statements may be obtained from The Kent Archaeological Society, Three Elms, Woodlands Lane, Shorne, Gravesend, KentDA12 3HH. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: P E Oldham (President) R G Thomas (Honorary Treasurer) The annual report and accounts were submitted to the Charity Commission on 7 August 1999. P E Oldham (President) 448