"Maintaining the best standards of independent archaeology."

16th Century Church Masonry

16th Century Church Masonry

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 about 130 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 2024-25

 

* = SOAG Officer  

  Role Contact
Hazel Williams SOAG President

Project Director of the Roman Villa Excavation
villa@soagarch.org.uk
Chris Pollard

Chairman
chairman@soagarch.org.uk

chrispollard@soagarch.org.uk
Bill Annan* Vice Chairman

Director Smokedown project
billannan@soagarch.org.uk
or
goringheath@soagarch.org.uk
or
smokedown@soagarch.org.uk
Nigel Peters* Secretary

Editor SOAG Messenger
secretary@soagarch.org.uk
or
messenger@soagarch.org.uk
John Hesketh* Treasurer
treasurer@soagarch.org.uk
Linda Annan
Membership Secretary 

membership@soagarch.org.uk
and
Sue Killoran
Events organiser events@soagarch.org.uk
Lindsey Bedford Co-Director of the
Blewbury Big Dig  
lindseybedford@soagarch.org.uk
or
blewbury@soagarch.org.uk
John Scarborough
Project Leader Smokedown Geophysical Survey
johnscarborough@soagarch.org.uk
or
smokedown@soagarch.org.uk
Jo Morris


jomorris@soagarch.org.uk
Liz Surrey

Director Landscape Archaeology Project

lizsurrey@soagarch.org.uk
or
landscape@soagarch.org.uk
Ian Clarke
Vice President,
Honorary Member (see below)
ianclarke@soagarch.org.uk
or
Mike Vincent
Vice President

mikevincent@soagarch.org.uk
Mike Green Vice President

Website Administrator

SOAG archives project administrator
mikegreen@soagarch.org.uk
or
website@soagarch.org.uk
 

Patron

Professor Malcolm Airs OBE
(Kellogg College ,Oxford)

Honorary Members 

Tim Allen
Senior project manager,
Oxford Archaeology
Tim Allen, was leader of a 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.
Ian Clarke
former SOAG Chairman and Secretary


Ian joined SOAG in 1999 and has made major contributions to the Group both administratively and as a project leader. He served as Secretary and then Chairman, during which time his major contribution was to put the organization of SOAG on a more secure footing. Ian also initiated and directed the Brightwell Baldwin Community History and Archaeology Project (BBCHAP), and later the Ascott Park project. He is currently our Honorary Vice President.
Alan Hall
former Director of SOAG's HighWood project


A member of SOAG since 2015 Alan took over leadership of SOAG's High Wood project in 2017. Alan brought to bear his extensive experience in Roman archaeology gained primarily in Surrey and in this role he developed and led an enthusiastic team, raising standards to a high amateur level with the project culminating in the finding a Romano British temple.  This discovery, which is of national importance, raised SOAG’s profile and reputation. Alan continues to offer support, advice and encouragement to other SOAG project leaders.

Late Honorary Members

Please click here for a list of SOAG Honorary Members who are now deceased.

 

Further Information

For any further information please contact us.