KAS Committee Round-Up

Publications Committee

The Committee last met on 26 July and will next meet on 6 December. Its membership is currently being looked at.

The Hon. Editor was congratulated on the timing and quality of Archaeologia Cantiana, Vol.123 (2003); likewise the Book Reviews Editor for seeing through fifteen Book Reviews.

Regarding future publications, work is still in hand on the Historical Atlas of Kent; Faversham Town Council have agreed a grant of £200 towards the publication of the Faversham Town Books c.1382 to 1581 and the Committee is giving thought to possible publications for 2007 to celebrate 150 years of the Society.

John Wightman (Chair)

Fieldwork Committee

Abbey Farm Excavation

This year's dig on the Roman Villa complex, which is done in conjunction with the Trust for Thanet Archaeology, began on the 24th August. Jack Clifton, the farmer, has kindly allowed us to excavate the site for seven seasons. The project began in 1996.

Four archaeologists led the dig: Keith Parfitt (Canterbury Archaeological Trust), Emma Boast (T.T.A.), Tim Allen (C.A.T.) and Ges Moody (T.T.A.). Around 40 people attended, there being a greater proportion of young people than in previous years.

The work was carried out on an area called building 6 and within 5 trenches sited on the southern side of the villa. The trenches revealed a possible Bronze Age enclosure, Iron Age features and a likely 4th century sunken building.

Brian and Carole McNaughton continued with the resistivity survey of the field and they also surveyed a portion of the field on the northern side of the Abbey.

A metal detecting survey was carried out by the following clubs: 'White Cliffs', 'Thanet & Wantsum' and 'Royal Phoenix'. Over the last two seasons the surveys have considerably increased the number of coins recovered from the site.

David Bacchus (Sec)

Churches Committee

On Monday 28th July, the KAS evening churches visit, by both members and non-members, commenced at the revised location of the Tilden Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel, Smarden. Norman Hopkins shared his detailed and extensive knowledge of the Wealden Baptist foundation, currently meeting in a plain nineteenth century brick chapel, but originally holding illegal non-conformist meetings in the nearby farmhouse. The influence of specific beliefs on both the form of worship and the building were explained.

The medieval parish church of Pluckley provided a contrast in scale, building materials, ornament and in its prominent location. Philip Lawrence outlined the development of the building, drawing attention to its various features, including adaptations associated with the local Dering family. Not least of these was the forgery of monumental brasses to substantiate a fictitious pedigree for Sir Edward Dering.

It was evident that the main benefactors of each of the churches visited had achieved markedly different effects in the existing church buildings.

Deborah Goacher

Membership & Publicity Committee

After 6 years as Lectures Secretary, Denis Anstey has given notice of his intention to stand down but will continue until a satisfactory replacement can be made. He was thanked for his outstanding devotion. A programme of Lectures in the Library is already prepared for the coming season (see page 6).

The Information Officer/Newsletter Editor reported that she has sent most senior schools in Kent, both private and state, a letter of introduction regarding the KAS together with 2 back copies of the Newsletter and application forms. A mobile KAS display has also been produced.

North Downs Young Archaeologist’s thanked the KAS for their generous financial support for the National Archaeology Day event.

Ted Connell reported ever-increasing use of www.kentarchaeology.org.uk from all over the world, with the Research section continuing to grow. The website now contains over 3,850 individual web pages.