 
Some thoughts on the needs of Training and Support for independent archaeologistsBackground.The 1960s and 70s were a highlight for archaeology and extra mural education. Numerous societies were founded as a result of following extra-mural classes and a lot of practical work was done. Subsequently this seems to have foundered. There is little connection between extra mural departments and archaeological societies in their area, and though numerous classes are held on an introduction to archaeology, these rarely seem to result in the formation of new societies, or in practical work being done. Yet there is a widespread belief that ‘more training is needed’: we must therefore ask why the present training is so ineffective, and how there can be better co-operation between the education authorities and local archaeologists. ProposalsWhenever a course is being planned, the Education authorities should liaise with local societies as to the dates and timing of the course, to ensure that courses do not clash with local society activities. Education authorities should consult with local society as to what sort of course they would like them to run. In particular they should tactfully enquire whether there are any outstanding excavations or other projects where help is needed in writing up and publishing. The writing up of excavations should be considered as a suitable, and indeed desirable subject for a course, and education authorities should actively seek out opportunities for for such work, both in writing up 'dead' excavations (of which there are many lurking in the basements of every museum) and in dealing with the vast quantities of 'gray literature' produced by the professional units which languish unseen and unstudied. Universities should be prepared to accept the writing up of excavations and similar work as a suitable topic for dissertations, and doctorial theses. Indeed they should be prepare to award doctorates to those who successfully complete the publication of major excavation report. The HADAS experienceThere are a number of cases where education authorities are doing good original work. But the experiences of a local society - HADAS - the Hendon and District Archaeological Society may perhaps be useful. One of the most important excavations undertaken by the society was in 1973, when a site next door to Hendon Parish church was excavated. Recently the Excavator, Ted Sammes, died, leaving leaving the society the sum of £70,000 - and his unpublished excavations. . We decided that the first call on his money should be for writing up these unpublished excavations. We approached Harvey Sheldon at Birkbeck College, University of London, who has arranged for a course to write up this excavation. He has recruited a very enthusiastic tutor from the Museum of London Specialist Services - an authority on post-Roman finds, who lives locally and the course is now progressing very successfully. A 60-page report forming the first part of the work is now ready for publication in the society's Journal.
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