Kentish Express Ashford & District
Group specialises in digging up the past
As part of our My Club feature, we share details about an Ashford borough-based team, club, charity or group, what they do, and how to join.
This week we look at the Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society, which is introduced by Marion Pont, the honorary secretary. Name of club? Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society Number of members Around 45 Who is the chairman? Our president is John Hammon from Stowting who has been involved with the club for many years and our chairman is Brian McNaughton. Where and when do you meet? The society meets in the Quaker Meeting House in Albert Road, Ashford on the third Monday of each month, September to May inclusive, with visits dur- ing the summer months. There are speakers at most meetings except the annual meeting in May when members bring in things of interest to talk about. When was the club first formed and why? The Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society has been a part of Ashford life since 1922. Apart from a few years during the Second World War it has continued to meet, in various venues, until now.
Originally known as the Ashford Archaeological Society it took on the extra wording when an historical group joined with it. Over the years it has done quite a lot of excavation work in the area.
Some of the members still take part in ‘digs’ often with Canterbury Archaeological Trust members. What plans does the club have for the future? Recently we have joined with the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) to organise an Industrial Archaeology Study Day at Willesborough Windmill.
This year it is on Saturday, March 5, and the subject is rail transport. Speakers will include Brian McNaughton, Andy Wood, Nick Kelly and Brian Stephenson who has a vast archive of old railway pictures. Are you looking for new members? The cost of membership is £10 and new members are always welcome as are visitors at £3 a time.
For more information go to www.ashfordarchhist.org or facebook.com/ashfordarchhist, or call Marion Pont on 01233 820679 or email trayton. wspont@btopenworld.com