Archaeology Research Group meeting minutes
Date of Meeting: 27th April 2024
Location: Shooter’s Lodge, Stringman’s Farm, Lees Court Estate
Present: Keith Parfitt (KP, Chair), Andy Ward (AW, Secretary), Clive Drew (CD), Chris Blair-Myers (CBM), Kevin Fromings (KF), Alexander Read (AR, UKC Student Ambassador), Grace Conium-Parsonage (GCP, CCCU Student Ambassador, Via Teams), Anne Sassin (AS, Via Teams)
Meeting Time: 10:30am – 1pm.
Meeting started: 10:28am.
Meeting ended: 12:55pm
Apologies: Richard Taylor (RT)
1. Welcome
KP welcomed the ARG to the meeting. Thanks were extended to The Lees Court Estate and Lady Sondes for their use of the Shooter’s Lodge.
2. Acceptance of the Minutes of 20th January 2024
Minor correction of "Darrent" to "Darent". CD praised the accuracy and neatness of the minutes.
3. Conferences
A. Forum
i. 16th March 2024. Positive feedback from all attendees. Longer lunch break was fed back and considered for next year. CD raised that some feedback asked for separate days for separate topics. Forum has led to further talks by AW to Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society (IOTAS) and Cinque Port Detecting Club.
ii. CD also raised that members of Discover Roman Otford Project (DROP) asked whether the society could offer training sessions.
iii. AW asked AR & GCP what students would want from training sessions. There is interest, but difficulties in travel, logistics, classics orientated courses. CCCU better placed but again transport outside Canterbury is difficult. Dissemination of information also a challenge.
iv. Proposed title for 2025 forum: Current Challenges facing archaeology in Kent. Likely to be held again at The Priory, Aylesford. Speakers & Topics to be confirmed. Who are the upcoming subject specialists (Ceramics, metalwork, flints etc., what’s the pipeline for training & development).
B. Conference
i. 9th November 2024: Fieldwork Conference, Recent archaeological work in the Darent Valley.
ii. Ticket price to be decided, £20 / £15 proposed subject to total cost / capacity.
iii. Potential hybrid option to be discussed with Venue & Jacob Scott (Digital Officer).
C. Other Events
i. Metal Detecting conference proposed for 2025.
ii. Richborough talk suggested for September – subject to venue.
iii. KAS Zoom Talks to be re-instated.
iv. 13th July KAS attending LEGISE Metal Detecting Roadshow at Dover Museum.
4. Budgets
Budget approved.
5. Grant Applications and Payments
A. No update from Upchurch.
B. AW proposed re-circulating grants application process and via website & social media.
6. Sub-Research Groups Update
A. Pottery
Working model on reference collection detailing how the user will utilise the collection:
i. Simple details to be the focus; colour, site date, rim, base, body sherd etc.
ii. Reference Collection will be reliant on affiliate groups to provide suitable material.
iii. Ignoring pottery codes from MOLA/CAT/OX/CAMB.
iv. Free to use.
v. Demonstration of concept ready in due course.
vi. Storage challenges:
1. Access to collections
2. Storage of physical handling material
3. Organisation of material.
vii. Pilot of 10 items in a couple of months.
viii. Proof of concept: 100 items, April 2025.
B. Other
No other reference groups currently active.
7. Fieldwork Projects
A. Lympne Roman Fort; 12th – 24th August.
B. Lees Court Estate; Geophysical Surveys & Excavation undertaken from April – June.
C. East Wear Bay (Canterbury Archaeological Trust); August.
D. Trossley; September TBC.
8. Any Other Business
A. AW asked whether we want to invite members to the ARG.
B. Should we have a rep from Kent County Council?
C. AW also raised, supported by AS & GCP, the idea of holding these meetings online at least twice a year, with one in person.
9. Next Meeting Date
To be agreed.
Meeting ended.