In reply ,many Archaeological Societys are involved in National Archaeology Days,and are working hard to make it a  successful weekend for the whole family!!,we are at Bignor Roman Villa in west sussex,it is being filmed by the BBC,and there will be lots to do,including geophsics,excavating,surveying,find washing ,etc,all ages are welcome,also tours of Stane Street,and the Villa.
Rodney Gunner Worthing Archaeological Society.
>
> From: "Clark, John" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 2003/06/30 Mon PM 04:29:37 GMT
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Time Team Big Dig - programme versus digging
>
> Mark Adams wrote:
> >South East Essex Archaeological & Historical
> Society<
> <snip>
> >Suspect there's a N. east, S. west & N. west as well.<
>
> I don't know about the other points of the compass, but the West Essex
> Archaeological Group is very active.
>
> However - in terms of 'community archaeology' it pays to define 'active'.
>
> Many of these local archaeological groups have around 100 or 150 members, of
> whom about 30 or 40 may be 'active'.  And many societies' main function
> seems to be to provide lectures, training and interesting projects for their
> members.  This is laudable as far as it goes, and many are involved in
> excavation, research and survey work, but I'm not sure how many societies
> are actively promoting archaeology to the wider community.  For example, how
> many local societies are participating in National Archaeology Days at the
> end of this month?  I know of one or two, but a look at the listings
> suggests that most events are sponsored by museums.  Perhaps more local
> societies should join forces with the local museum for the occasion - and
> make sure their involvement is publicised.
>
> Certainly, I don't think the societies themselves represent the wider
> community - their membership seems to be overwhelmingly white, middle class
> and reasonably well educated.  Not a good advertisement for the
> accessibility and inclusiveness of archaeology.
>
> Rodney Gunner wrote:
> >How do we keep up the interest which has been generated in community
> Archaeology!.
> One way is to promote local archaeological societies<
>
> One won't build on the enthusiasm that Big Dig may have generated simply by
> giving people the address of the local archaeological society.  Not everyone
> wants to join a society.  Much of the enthusiasm over the weekend seems to
> be have been shared by families - and how many societies currently offer
> family membership (I don't mean just husband-and-wife joint membership) and
> events for the whole family?
>
> But perhaps we need a Young Archaeologists' Club for adults?
>
> John Clark
>