Sydney R. Harker 1912-1985

It is with very great sadness that we record the death of one of the County's most loved and respected amateur archaeologists, Syd Harker, on Friday 5th April. Syd had collapsed on the previous Saturday morning, whilst attending a meeting of the Council for Kentish Archaeology, of which he was Chairman. He was taken to Bromley Hospital, but never regained consciousness.

Syd will best be remembered for his unstinting work on the Romano-British site at Springhead, with which he had been associated for over 25 years, but he is also remembered for his considerable contributions to the local history of his birthplace, Gravesend: his 'Book of Gravesham' stands as a fitting memorial in this field, and it should be hoped that his dream of a Heritage Centre, for which he was campaigning, will be fulfilled.

Syd's constant enthusiasm and tireless energy were an example to us all, and certainly encouraged those of us who had the privilege of working with him to aspire to the highest standards: we will continue to maintain those standards.

Syd was not only a good friend, but also a patient and interested teacher, always willing to share his considerable knowledge on many subjects.

He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.

Deborah A. French.
Springhead Excavation Group