The Friends of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust

by Marjorie Lyle Publicity Officer

When a more severe blizzard than usual hit the Trust's finances last December, the Friends organisation was set up with three aims. First, to ensure the survival of a professional team in a City of unique international importance, at least to the end of the current financial year. Second, to demonstrate to the Department of the Environment the need to review the Trust's operations in relation to other Units in historic cities. Lastly, to expand public awareness of the urgent need for urban archaeology in a rapidly re-developing city, increasingly dependent on explaining its past to our two million annual visitors.

With the active help of the Archbishop, the Mayor of the City and the Vice-Chancellor of U.K.C. and encouraged by an additional £1,000 from the Kent Archaeological Society, the first two objectives are almost achieved. Over £5,000 and 250 covenanted Friends were raised in the first six weeks. The Department of the Environment has set up two studies of aspects of the Trust's work which should improve matters from 1985 and have ensured projects up to April. 1984 will still remain a difficult year.

We need at least another 200 Friends. For £10.00, preferably covenanted over four years, subscribers are entitled to special guided tours, four private lectures, a newsletter, social occasions and excursions and additional reductions to those K.A.S. members receive on the Trust's publications. Please write to Mrs M. Fisher; 1 Arran Mews, Canterbury, if you want to help preserve Canterbury's past for the future.