HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND GRANT FOR ABINGDON ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT
The Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society
The AAAHS was 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 AAAHS Constitution can be viewed here.
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. Members are encouraged to write for the Society's bi-annual newsletter, which is published on the website.
The society encourages its members to pursue their own research interests, either independently or within its special interest groups, and supports these financially so far as its means allow. Its archaeological group, the longest established, has carried out numerous excavations in and about Abingdon; many of these have been published while others are currently being prepared for publication. The local history group was established in 2000 and since then has taken a number of initiatives, notably including the Ock Street Heritage project of 2006-8 and the 'Abingdon Buildings and People' history website . The society provides guides and lecturers, and cooperates with other local organisations on projects of civic importance.
If you want to join the AAAHS, there's a Membership Form on this website, or you can contact any of the committee members. Visitors are very welcome to attend meetings at a cost of £3.
Next Talk:
The first of the 2019/20 programme of talks will take place on Thursday 19 September at 7.45pm in the Northcourt Centre, Abingdon OX14 1NS.
Eddie Marsh: The 16th Century Pole Lathe: a Practical Demonstration
The pole lathe, also known as the springpole lathe is a woodturning machine that predates the Vikings. Usually unseasoned or green wood is turned to make plates and bowls as well and other items. Typically chair bodgers around High Wycombe used this lathe. For practical reasons in this demonstration the pole will be absent and a modern bungee substituted.
Eddie Marsh is a re-enactor and practical demonstrator of some of the craft skills dating from the 16th century. He has had a varied career from being a ceramics, art and sculpture technician at Oxford Brookes to teaching Design Technology at a school in Botswana. He started with old craft skills around 2000 with stools and hand carved spoons. In 2008 he started using a pole lathe making bowls and platters.
Next Local History Group Meeting:
The next meeting will be on Thursday 24 October 2019 starting at 7.45pm in the Pendarvis Room at 35 Ock Street, Abingdon OX14 5AG.
For security reasons the front door is kept locked, so ring the bell and you will be let in. Go up the stairs and the Pendarvis Room is on your left.
For more information contact John Foreman, at local@aaahs.org.uk
AAAHS Local History Group Convenor
Please find further details in the Current Activities - Local History Group section on this site.