Archaeological Societies

'Founded in 1968, and since then it has been the principal meeting point for all who have an interest in the past of Abingdon and its region ... The Society organises monthly lectures by acknowledged authorities on topics related to history and archaeology and to those of Abingdon in particular. There is also, during each summer, a programme of visits to sites of particular significance ...  The Local History Group provides a forum and meeting point for members with a particular interest in the local history of Abingdon and its region.' The Lambrick Lecture is an Annual Lecture for the Society held in memory of Gabrielle Lambrick.

'The Society was founded in 1962 to assist the public in the study of archaeology and local history ... Meetings are held every month through the winter with guest speakers covering a wide range of topics, also an annual Celebrity Lunch with a special speaker ... Visitors are very welcome.'

Our Society was formed in 1991 by the union of two much older societies - Andover Archaeology Society founded in 1965 and Andover Local History Society founded in 1979. We continue the traditions of those societies, promoting an interest in local history and working to preserve and protect features and items of historic and archaeological interest ... Our annual Dacre Lecture is a public event and is given by an archaeologist or historian of national standing.'

'Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH) runs exciting heritage projects for people across the Highlands. Our courses are welcoming and open to all, and our experienced tutors make sure that everyone can get involved no matter what level of archaeological knowledge and ability they have.' The ARCH Website describes ARCH courses and projects as well as Events run by ARCH and other groups throughout the Highlands.

'The Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland was founded in 1861 and has, since that time, pursued an active programme of lectures, field trips and publication. Based in Durham, but with interests throughout the region, it aims to provide an opportunity for all those interested in archaeology and architectural history to find out more, visit places of interest and experience hands on activities. There are monthly meetings from September to June, with public lectures covering areas of local, regional and international interest. Most lectures take place in Durham, but the AGM in May is generally held elsewhere in the region and is combined with a trip to a site of particular interest to the Society.'

'The Society’s origins go back to 1877. The AANHS was founded in 1947 to promote the study of Ayrshire history and natural history ... The Society has over 170 members, mainly resident in Ayrshire but there are many members throughout Britain and the world. The membership also includes library and university bodies. The Society is one of the few which publishes regularly. At least one Monograph is usually issued each year, free to members, and on sale to the general public. Meetings are held during the winter months ... Members of the public are freely welcome to attend these meetings to see if they would like to become a Member of the Society.'

'Founded in 1871 ... The Society exists to explore, care and promote the Historic Environment of the past and present county of Berkshire. This will therefore also include those parts of Berkshire which became parts of other counties in 1974. The Historic Environment includes the archaeology, culture, history, and architecture of the county ... Everybody with an interest in archaeology is welcome to attend our meetings and join the Society. It does not matter whether your interest in archaeology is new found or long standing. The Society offers activities from regular lectures and outings to field projects and research.'

'Bexley Archaeological Group was first set up in 1979 by a small group of dedicated students and has grown to the group we are today. It is still run by a dedicated team that has Archaeology, History, and the wider community at its heart. We are an all-inclusive group that welcomes people from all ages and abilities. We offer you the chance to take part in excavations, geophysics, finds processing and other activities mostly during weekends. We have our own dig site in Bexley which is open to members at weekends, weather permitting. We also have monthly talks and run workshops during the year.'

'The Society focuses on all aspects of the historic county, working to protect and record our heritage and historic environment. Historic buildings and ancient churches, documentary research and the landscapes of the past, local history – as well as archaeology and fieldwork – all are within our remit ... We run a Winter Lecture programme every year, one Saturday each month from November to March starting at 2.30pm.'

Founded 1846: 'Its charitable objects are "to examine, preserve and illustrate the ancient monuments and remains of the history, language, manners, customs, arts and industries of Wales and the Marches and to educate the public in such matters" ... The Association holds two meetings each year, a week in mid-summer and an autumn weekend, visiting sites and monuments in all parts of Wales and, on occasions, in England, Ireland and abroad ... The Association takes an active role in supporting and disseminating research on the archaeology and history of Wales and the Marches'.

Founded 1964: 'The Archaeology Field Group carries out practical archaeology in the Chess and Misbourne valleys. The Chess valley runs from Chesham to Rickmansworth, passing Latimer and Chenies on the way. The Misbourne rises in a field on the outskirts of Great Missenden and passes through Little Misenden, Old Amersham, Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter, before joining the Colne near the A40 ... The Records Group is concerned with historical documents of the Chess Valley area ...  A monthly programme of talks is held every winter, open to members and non-members'.

Founded 1991: Its aims are to increase public awareness of and support for archaeology and to encourage volunteers’ assistance with local activities ... New members are very welcome and experience is not necessary. There is no requirement to become actively involved and many of our members focus on the talks and study days ... From September to May we offer a programme of talks ... given by leading archaeologists, authors and academics. Local courses and events are publicised and magazines are available for members to borrow'.

'The Group organizes a series of archaeological digs throughout the year to help members develop and practice their skills in excavation. There is also an annual series of lectures during the winter months, study visits and other fieldwork designed to promote knowledge and interest in archaeology.'

'ERAS leads and organises activities for those interested in archaeology in our area. Experts are on hand at our monthly field studies meetings to guide members through hands-on activities. During the summer months our experts on occasion offer walks or visits to local sites of archaeological interest. During the winter months, local and visiting speakers give talks as part of our winter lecture series.'

'The objects of HADAS are the advancement of archaeological and historical research and education for the public benefit, with particular reference to the archaeology and history of the London Borough of Barnet. Benefits of membership include: programme of lectures and outings, a monthly Newsletter, use of our extensive library, opportunities for fieldwork and research.'

Founded 1976: 'Meetings are on the third Friday of every month January to May and September to November at 7.30pm'.

'The Society was founded in 1955 to encourage the study of the archaeology of the Loughborough area. Since then it has expanded its interests to include all aspects of the area’s history. We are a group of people interested in learning about local history and preserving it for future generations. Our members - interested amateurs and academic historians alike - have been collecting and sharing the history of the area for more than 6o years, publishing books, creating a history trail and putting together resources which schools and community groups can borrow. We stage talks and guided walks over the year, many on local topics.'

'Marlow Archaeology Group (MAG) was formed by the amalgamation of Archaeology in Marlow and Marlow Archaeological Society to provide a clearer focus and stronger voice for archaeology in the local area around Marlow and for the benefit of members ... Our focus is on Marlow and the neighbouring areas of the Thames Valley and the Chilterns. We aim to increase our knowledge of the use and occupation of our area through research, talks from experts and practical investigation on the ground; and to share and encourage interest in our findings with the community.'

'Throughout its history, the NNAS has attracted people who are interested in the archaeology and history of Norfolk. Our membership includes amateur and professional archaeologists, but the vast majority of members are simply those who are fascinated by the history, archaeology, buildings and ancient sites in the area in which they live ... We offer a programme of monthly lectures every autumn and winter. In the warmer months, we organise excursions to sites, houses and churches in various parts of Norfolk and further afield.'

'An active local volunteer archaeology group and registered charity with a field headquarters at Scadbury Park, Chislehurst, in the London Borough of Bromley ... The Society promotes the study of archaeology in the local area by undertaking excavations, carrying out research and encouraging public interest through meetings and visits.'

'Open to anyone interested in archaeology and the wider study of our heritage particularly with regard to Ulster. Our members come from all walks of life and from all sections of the community, encompassing all ages from students to retirees; amateurs and professionals.  We warmly welcome new members from Ireland and further afield ... Monthly lectures are held at Queen's University Belfast and cover a wide range of archaeological and related topics.'

'Founded in 1973, initially in response to an appeal by Oxfordshire archaeologists for local people to keep a watching brief on development in the town, there being no statutory protection for archaeological access in those days. A well-attended public meeting decided to broaden the new Society's brief to include history and the desire to link documentary research with archaeological investigation has always been, and continues to be, a fundamental concept in our approach to research. The backbone of the Society's activities is the yearly series of monthly of talks.'