Welcome from the Editor

It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the new Editor of the KAS Newsletter. I have spent many happy hours reading through previous issues over the years and, indeed, contributing on occasions. So, despite a busy triple professional life as field archaeologist, author and teacher, being father of two children and husband of one wife, the opportunity to become Editor of the Newsletter is one I could not resist and I’m very pleased to be here.

I’m pleased primarily because the Newsletter is held in such high regard. This seems an appropriate place to thank my predecessor, Lyn Palmer, for setting the bar so high by continually producing a Newsletter of such high standards. It is only after editing my first edition do I now realise the sheer volume of collective work and co-ordination that goes into this publication, from contributors to the designer. It is my intention to maintain these high standards in future issues and ensure KAS members both communicate and enjoy the historical and archaeological work going on in the county.

I also wish to express my gratitude to all the Newsletter’s contributors. I realise you do this for no financial gain, it takes up a considerable amount of time but, without your articles and notices, the Newsletter would not exist and the collective knowledge of what is happening throughout Kent would be compromised. I therefore encourage as many members as possible to think about writing articles and help inform the wider historical and archaeological community of what is taking place in our heritage-rich and diverse county. Forward your articles or notices to newsletter@kentarchaeology.org.uk.

On more official business, we welcome our new President, Dr Gerald Cramp and new Hon. General Secretary, Clive Drew. Both Gerald and Clive are working extremely hard to raise the profile of KAS by building on Ian Coulson’s legacy of cooperation and modernisation and working with colleagues, affiliate societies and other stakeholders to develop innovative ways to take the society forward. You can read more about Gerald on Page 23.

Enjoy this issue of the Newsletter and look out for the Spring issue which will carry all KAS and affiliated groups’ events for the next 12 months, together with updates on existing projects and excavations throughout Kent.

Best wishes

Richard Taylor