I think I mentioned the society a few posts ago. We were in Dorchester as I usually do, I went into every book shop I could find. This one particular shop had a pile of books that were “The Proceedings” of the society. These are published every year. I bought the 1984 proceedings.
It was the article about the smugglers that I read and found most interesting. This morning I sat down and went through the book, I started reading page by page. The first article was about the excavation of a barrow.
What got me was the level of detail. Details of measurements within the barrow, down to fractions of an inch in the excavations. I don’t need that, in the sense that I’m not bothered about that kind of detail.
What did disturb me was the findings. Descriptions of the positioning of the bones they found, including those of children, young children. The finding of bell beakers, so a fairly close dating over three thousand years ago. A fact of life, distressing nonetheless.
I suppose part of the name being archeological you would expect nothing less. But there is also the natural history side of things. I don’t know anything about the authors of the articles, but I get the impression that they are professional, possibly academically qualified or have received some training.
I’ve looked at the membership details. £60 a year buys unlimited entry into the museum, access to an extensive library, complimentary tickets, and a few other things as well as a copy of the latest proceedings. I am asking myself, is it worth it – oh, I nearly forgot, there is a magazine published twice a year. I’d like to see one of those. It might influence my decision.
Bills Posts 