A message from the Editor

Wow… It is hard to believe it has only been six months since the last Kent Archaeological Society Magazine. It feels like a lifetime ago when I stepped into the editor role for both the magazine and newsletters.

I reflected on the excitement and pride I felt taking on the role, and my eagerness to take the magazine forward, with a particular focus on promoting the multitude of active heritage groups across the county.

As you venture through the pages of this magazine, you will witness 19th century maritime communities, Anglo Saxon treasures, Tudor seafarers, Roman industries and Jacobite intrigues. You will explore new technologies and ancient studies, public engagement, exciting discoveries, outreach and education, and most of all, a society with a strong sense of purpose and intent.

It has been a frantically busy six months. We have been pushing hard to steer the society towards achieving all of its main aims and meeting the approval of our dedicated membership. Our members are paramount to the success of the society. It is your knowledge, your enthusiasm and your interest that give the Kent Archaeological Society its purpose.

During recent internal conversations, our team have discussed the possibility of conducting a survey to document members aspirations for the society. This has been attempted at least twice in the past. We were able to retrieve the results of the previous surveys. Whilst it seems to have been a noble attempt to engage with the membership, the outcomes do not appear to have been followed up in a way that moved the society forward or reflected membership ambitions.

Should we distribute such surveys in the near future, we will only do so if we can ensure the results are reasonably actioned.

So, six busy months, what have we been up to? Well… lots! Community engagement has been key to most of our activities. We have ventured out across all corners of Kent to meet with local groups, explore hidden wonders and offer our assistance wherever we can. It has been an absolute delight to witness the hard work and determination of heritage enthusiasts across the county. There is such a wealth of expertise, interest and research in Kent. I have been blown away by just how much is on offer. There is clearly a demand and a passion for the study and enjoyment of the county’s heritage, and for the opportunity to share that heritage with others.

I am pleased to say that my goal to build a comprehensive calendar of Kent based heritage events and activities is beginning to bear fruit. It is a steady growth, and I hope that more groups will provide their events as the word spreads, but we are beginning to offer a place where anyone who wishes to get involved or learn about the county can access information on events occurring daily.

There have also been sombre moments. These have included the devastating loss of some prominent figures, the continued struggle for survival in academic departments, and pressure on the heritage sector to prove its relevance in a world of budget cuts and political indifference. We know the challenges, we share in the moments of sadness and we look forward to how we, as a society and a charity can continue to promote learning and well being whilst staying true to the core ethos of the Kent Archaeological Society, to promote advances in the knowledge of Kent’s past by fieldwork, documentary research and publication, and bringing the past to the present for everyone.

I hope you enjoy the Summer edition of the Kent Archaeological Society Magazine. We have been inundated with extraordinary content, I hope it is an engaging and thought provoking read.

If you would like to contribute to future editions of the magazine or newsletter, comment on any of the items in this edition or further engage with the society publications, then please do contact me at: craig.campbell@kentarchaeology.org.uk

With the very best of wishes

Craig Campbell

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