Welcome from the Editor
Welcome to the Spring 2021 Magazine.
As the current national lockdown measures begin to ease, we can look forward to cautiously planning and resuming the fieldwork and activities we all miss so much. Moreover, given the restrictions under which we have been operating, I’m delighted with this issue’s content, which is as fascinating and informative as ever.
One positive side effect of the current restrictions is that most of us have become literate in platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. These platforms enable the Society to continue engaging with members and the public throughout lockdown. As the membership survey highlighted an appetite for conferences, seminars, and events, the Society launched its own online events series, which have proved a great success.
This issue contains a critical statement from the Society leadership regarding the 2021 AGM, which has been cancelled. Alternative measures are in place, outlined by The Hon General Secretary, with new technologies, again, coming to our aid to inform the membership of important decisions to keep the Society running.
We also say goodbye to two people with strong ties to the Society: Margaret Lawrence, former Membership
Secretary and Council Member, and Kate Holtham- Oakley, a founder member of the Folkestone Research and Archaeology Group (FRAG), amongst many other things. Tributes befitting both are included in this issue.
I also wish to draw your attention to the proposed funding cuts to the 43 UK universities that deliver archaeology degrees. The CBA’s Executive Director, Neil Redfern, was a co-signatory to the letter published in The Times on 6 February. I encourage you all to read this letter on the CBA website.
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Shiela Broomfield, who is standing down as Membership Secretary, for all the work she has provided the Society and the Magazine over the years. Shiela, and her husband Chris, are responsible for making sure you receive this Magazine: taking delivery from the printers, enveloping and making sure they are posted…all c.1,000 copies! I am so very grateful and wish Shiela well for the future.
Enjoy this issue, stay safe and let’s look forward to, once again, getting outside, engaging with and enjoying the history and archaeology of our county.
Best wishes
Richard
The editor wishes to draw attention to the fact that neither he nor the KAS Council are answerable for opinions which contributors may express in their signed articles; each author is alone responsible for the contents and substance of their work.