Analysis of the questionnaire sent out to KAS Members

by Mike Clinch

Firstly, thank you to those members who took the time and trouble to complete and return the form. There were several offers of help in the running of the Society and many useful and helpful comments, all of which have been noted and discussed. It was a pity that some members who made useful suggestions did not give their name or contact details so they could be followed up. We had responses from about a third of the membership and although it can be argued that this is not a truly representative sample it is sufficiently large to provide a very useful snapshot of the Society as it stands at present.

When we look at the age distribution in isolation by far the largest age group is in the 65 to 74 age bracket and there is a lack of younger members. Unfortunately many disparate societies and organisations find a similar demographic split. To a considerable extent this is due to pressures of work and society generally on younger people. Those of us who are retired often have the time to indulge in interests and hobbies.

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE SOCIETY?

Looking at reasons for joining the Society, nearly 50% were for personal research, just over 40% for academic research, just over a third to meet like-minded people and a quarter to use the Library.

Within the KAS activities heading, a third go to conferences and lectures, a quarter use the Library, just over half use the website, 92% read Archaeologia Cantiana and 97% read the Newsletter. Several people indicated they would like to be able to opt out of receiving Archaeologia Cantiana and would not expect a reduction in subscription if they did. Several members welcomed the proposed change in format and binding whilst only one person felt strongly that the format should not change and would indeed cancel their membership.

Surprisingly, joining to use the Library was not high on the list. However, a third of those responding would like training in the use of the Library. Local history is a major reason for joining and this is reflected in the activities members would like the Society to provide.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE SOCIETY?

Regarding activities that Members would wish the Society to provide, the most popular request was for guided visits to locations not generally open to the public. For many years this task was carried out very successfully by the late Joy Gaynor. When she decided she could no longer continue unfortunately no one was willing to take her place. It looks as if we will have to reconsider reinstating that role, so if anyone does feel they would like to take it on please contact the Hon. General Secretary.

Surveying training 26%

Using the Library 32%

Field work training 34%

Identification of finds training 34%

Interpretation of documents 45%

Map and landscape interpretation 51%

Conducted visits 55%

Themed conferences 57%

Local history 65%

Guided visits to locations not generally open to the public 70%

It is interesting to note that interest in Local History is very high. Although Place Names was not included in the list it was added by half a dozen people and one person felt strongly that that particular study should have greater prominence in the Society than at present.

MEMBER'S INTERESTS - Main Interests

Local History 75%

Archaeology 68%

Buildings 65%

Landscape 65%

Using archives 53%

Political & social history 47%

Document Research 46%

Historic Settlement 45%

Industrial Archaeology 43%

Family history 38%

Field Work 24%

Biographical Research 24%

Metal Detecting 8%

Local History is at the top of Member’s main interests, with metal detecting at the bottom. There is considerable interest in armchair research, which may well reflect the demographic of the Society.

Although fieldwork is low down on the list this is an area that would attract the younger age group. One member suggested we should run a basic training system leading to a qualification. This would help people as an introduction to other digs and excavations. My introduction to archaeology and the KAS was working on the Cobham Hall Villa excavation which was funded to provide experience for young people.

There is more information that can be extracted from the returns and if you would like details of particular correlations please get in touch. There seem to be some anomalies which can be explained by comparing age with length of time as a member. For instance, the 14 to 24 age group disappears in the 11 to 20 years membership because by then they are in a different age cohort. The Membership Secretary’s recruitment efforts have been very successful in bringing in new members. However, we are short of younger members who are the future of the Society. This is an area that needs to be looked at in future recruitment campaigns.

Once again my thanks to all those who responded. The information gained will be used in planning the future activities and direction of the Society.