Vol 55

So, what have you done for us lately ? 7advances. In 1997, thanks to Francis Grew,our website went live. In the same year theArchaeological Research Committee (nowArchaeological Committee — since its brief isfar wider than research) introduced the RalphMerrifield Award, named in honour of our Past-President, to reward contributions to the studyor popularisation of London archaeology. TheLocal History Committee has since taken up theidea of an annual award, by the introduction of aprize for publications by local societies or societymembers.The Society's finances are in a good state— the work of our last Honorary TreasurerRupert Morris has put them on a firm footing.A feature of the Society's activities in recentyears has been the selective use of those funds tosupport external bodies and projects that accordwith our objectives and our charitable status. In1998, like many other groups and individuals,LAMAS contributed towards the costs of theestablishment by the Museum of London of theLondon Archaeological Archive and ResearchCentre. Recognising the impracticability ofreviving our own 'Young LAMAS' organisationwe have made a grant towards the YoungArchaeologists Club, Central London Branch.We have made grants towards publications— on the Neolithic in South-East England, onLondon tin-glazed wares, on London coinage(not all yet published). And Council has nowdecided to reserve funds to support researchprojects undertaken by LAMAS members on thearchaeology or history of our area.CONCLUSIONIn 1955 the then Chairman looked back ona century of fluctuating fortunes and hugechanges in the climate within which LAMASfunctioned; I look back similarly on 50 yearsof fluctuating fortunes and climate changes(although my own membership of LAMAS andpersonal involvement goes back only to 1968!).In the course of this short report I have nameda number of individuals — no slight is intendedto the work of so many others. The Societyhas depended and continues to depend onall its officers, its committees, and the unsungcontributions of its members at large — notjust their subscriptions (though they are vital!)but their presence at our meetings and theirwholehearted support for our objectives and ouractivities.When LAMAS was founded it was, except forthe national archaeological societies based inLondon and the neighbouring county societiesin Surrey and Essex (and later, Kent), the solesociety with an interest in the archaeology andlocal history of the London area. The originalconstitution set out its interests:the Ancient Arts and Monuments of theCities of London and Westminster, andof the County of Middlesex: includingPrimeval Antiquities; Architecture, Civil,Ecclesiastical, and Military; Sculpture;Works of Art in Metal and Wood; Paintingson Walls, Wood, or Glass; Civil History andAntiquities, comprising Manors, ManorialRights, Privileges and Customs; Heraldryand Genealogy; Costume; Numismatics;Ecclesiastical History and Endowments, andCharitable Foundations, Records, and allother matters usually comprised under thehead of Archaeology.Now, for Londoners interested in any one ormore of these topics (or any embraced by thatuseful catch-all at the end) there are dozensof national, local, and regional societies, mostof them with publications and programmes oflectures, visits, and social activities. There isthe CBA and its regional groups. The BritishAssociation for Local History. Easily accessiblemuseums, libraries, and record offices. Eveningclasses and opportunities for on-line study. YoungArchaeologists Clubs. The London Archaeologistand Current Archaeology. Historical and archaeologicalmagazines in the local newsagent. TVprogrammes for the armchair-bound.Does LAMAS still serve a useful purpose?Our Victorian founders defined the Society'sobjectives (here abbreviated):1. To collect and publish the best possibleinformation...2. To procure the careful observation andpreservation of antiquities discovered inthe progress of works...3. To make, and to encourage individualsand public bodies in making, researchesand excavations...4. To oppose and prevent, so far as maybe practicable, any injuries with whichMonuments and Ancient Remains ... maybe threatened...5. To found a Museum and Library...6. To arrange periodical Meetings...Well, in the words of the song, 'we're still here'— and with changes in style and now recognising