What is SOAG?
SOAG brings together individuals who are interested in archaeology, to inform, encourage research, stimulate further interest and enthusiasm, and generally act as a forum for archaeology in South Oxfordshire. Founded in 1969 by Cynthia Graham Kerr (1920 - 2011), SOAG now has over 150 members. It works in close co-operation with Oxford Archaeology, is a member of the Council for Independent Archaeology and is affiliated to the Council for British Archaeology South Midlands Group.
What does SOAG do?
- It holds monthly meetings from September to April at the Goring Heath Parish Hall, Whitchurch Hill. Lectures by professional speakers and members are given on a wide range of topics in an informal atmosphere. Visits are made to places of interest during the summer - sometimes to sites not open to the public.
- It provides opportunities for members to take part in archaeological excavations, fieldwalking, surveys and post-excavation work.
- It publishes an annual journal, the SOAG Bulletin, which contains reports of the Group's activities and original articles by members. The journal is available at standard deposit libraries and local libraries (see list). There is also a regular newsletter, the SOAG Messenger, carrying news of SOAGs activities, details of forthcoming events and topical comment.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in any of SOAG's activities, why not become a member? Experts and complete beginners of all ages are warmly welcomed as new members. To become a member see the membership details.
SOAG Committee (and other key people)
| Committee member | Role | Contact |
Hazell Williams |
SOAG President Project Leader - Roman Villa Excavation |
villa@soagarch.org.uk |
Ian Clarke | Vice President Project Leader - BBCHAP | bbchap@soagarch.org.uk |
David Oliver | Chairman | chairman@soagarch.org.uk |
Nancy Nichols  |
Vice Chairman Events organiser | events@soagarch.org.uk |
Mike Vincent | Secretary | secretary@soagarch.org.uk |
John Gibbs | Treasurer | treasurer@soagarch.org.uk |
Mike Green | Editor
SOAG Messenger Website Administrator | messenger@soagarch.org.uk |
Keith Lowndes | SOAG publicity |
publicity@soagarch.org.uk |
John Hefferan | Editor SOAG Bulletin |
bulletin@soagarch.org.uk |
Dave Jobling |
jobling@soagarch.org.uk |
|
| David Nicholls (not on c'ttee)  | Project leader: Greys Mound project | mound@soagarch.org.uk |
Patron
| Professor Malcolm Airs (Kellogg college ,Oxford)  |
Honorary Members
| Tim Allen Senior project manager, Oxford Archaeology  | Tim Allen was leader of the major archaeology project in the 1980s which gave rise to SOAG's long running excavation of a Roman villa complex. Tim has been a supporter and good friend of SOAG ever since. |
| Paul Smith retired County archaeologist for Oxfordshire  | From his appointment as county archaeologist in 1991 until his retirement from the position in 2010 Paul actively supported and encouraged all SOAG activities. |
| Robin Cloke Landowner, Roman Villa Site  | Ever since SOAG's excavation of the Roman Villa commenced on his land in the early 1990s Robin has been an excellent host, generously allowing SOAG the use of his utilities, providing space for storage, and land for parking. Without this practical support, not to mention Robin's regular good humoured welcome, SOAG's longest running project would not be the success that it is. |
| Margaret Westwood, former SOAG committee member  | Margaret joined SOAG in the early 1980s and took part in all the key excavations of that period including the original work with Oxford Archeology that lead to SOAG's long term project at the Roman Villa. But perhaps Margaret’s most important contribution to SOAG has been her 12 years as Hon Secretary from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s, and after stepping down from this role, continuing to help organise tea and coffee at lectures for several years. |
| Pat Preece, former SOAG chairman  | Pat, joined SOAG in the mid seventies, served on the committee for nearly 30 years and was for five years its chairman. But her major contribution to SOAG has been through her research. For nearly 40 years, Pat has been investigating the history of South Oxfordshire using as her primary sources the landscape itself, the memories of local people, and historical maps and documents, and has been responsible for establishing Landscape Archaeology as an essential and integral part of field research in the SOAG |
Further Information
For any further information please contact us.