An Active Year
1983 was a very busy year for the Society, with many activities being organised for and on behalf of the members. There was a substantial increase in the membership during the year and it has now risen to over 1,600.
Volume 98 of Archaeologia Cantiana was published in July to its usual high standard and contained a great variety of interesting and informative articles. Plans are in hand for a special additional volume to celebrate the publication of Vol. 100.
The K.A.S. Council has authorised for the future the publication of Mr C. W. Chalklin's account of the building of Maidstone Gaol, and the late Dr Wood-Leigh's "Archbishop Warham's Visitation". These will add two more books to our already impressive record of publication.
The Society's Excursions and Summer Social evening were well attended and people obviously appreciated the opportunity to meet and talk to other members of the Society, as well as to visit places of historic interest.
During the year the various Committees of the Society were active in promoting the study of archaeology and history. Grant aid was given to many projects including archaeological excavation, building recording, historical research, and church preservation.
I would like to thank all members of the Society for their interest and support in the many and varied activities carried out by the Society during 1983. May 1984 be as successful.
1984 Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, 19th May, at the Ashford School for Girls, East Hill, Ashford. There will be the usual business meeting in the morning and an illustrated lecture in the afternoon by Mr Tim Tatton-Brown on the work done by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral.
Libel action against the Society by Brian Philp
Members will wish to know the further developments of this action.
Following Council's decision at their meeting in July, by 18 votes to 2, to defend this case, the Plaintiff's solicitors were asked to furnish a Statement of Claim, in reply to which they requested an extension of time, which was granted, up to August 31st.
On September 1st, the Plaintiff requested a further extension to September 28th, which was granted. On September 28th our solicitors were informed, firstly, that the Plaintiff had changed his solicitors and, secondly, that a further extension of twenty-eight days was requested.
This request came before a Master of the High Court, who after some consideration granted an extension of only 10 days with the proviso that if this date were not met the Writ would be struck out.
On October 14th the Statement of Claim was received omitting all references to Newsletter No. 3, and on October 19th the Plaintiff's solicitors sent a Notice of Discontinuance of the action as far as the Society was concerned. At their meeting on December 10th Council resolved by 23 votes to 2 that the Society's claim to recover their costs for which the Plaintiff is liable should be pursued.
The Society has at no time offered any apology to the Plaintiff in respect of Newsletter No. 3. Hon. Editor: Ted Connell.
