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News
Dean Archaeological Group Library: DAG has
a fairly large library that is available to group members on request.
It is based at the Pludds Village Hall. At the moment we are still in
the process of setting it up, but watch this space... Any spare
bookcases that could be donated would be very gratefully received.
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Dr Alf Webb
2nd August 1924 – 6th February 2011
It is with great sadness that Dean Archaeological
Group announces the passing of our President, Dr. Alf Webb, on 6th
February 2011 at the age of 86.
He had led an extraordinary life, from his amazing war time career when
he was badly wounded in Albania to his unbelievably full early
retirement years which he described as ‘the best employment around’.
He had been so looking forward to the official launch of his latest book
Dark Age Dean on the 20th February but as a mark of respect
this date was cancelled.
The Group decided that they would hold a Tribute Day to this remarkable
man on 26th June 2011 at Beechenhurst Lodge, near Speech
House when they could celebrate his life and his contribution to
discovering and writing about the archaeology of the Forest of Dean and
release his book on that day. Not only was he our President but he was
a mentor to so many and was truly valued friend. His knowledge was vast
and we all miss saying “Oh, Alf will know!”.
Through his previous employment with G.P.O. Telephones, he found himself
on overseas contracts, which allowed him to meet first-hand many native
groups. This developed into a serious study of ‘Hunter-Gatherers’
communities and he gained the Fellowship of the Royal Anthropological
Institute of London. With his dry sense of humour he always found it
amusing to be able to add FRAIL after his name.
His one abiding passion was archery and he was a long standing and
valuable member of the Committee of the Society of Archer Antiquaries
and a quote from a friend summed him perfectly up with the words “His
capacity for survival was equalled only by his unrelenting search for
knowledge”
The Group would also wish to remember Alf’s great friend, Anna
Nowolsielski who died on 17th September 2010. She always
worked quietly in the background but her contribution was immense, she
was the driver to sites, the proof reader and the talented illustrator
for Dr Webb’s publications.
Dean Archaeology have lost two talented and irreplaceable friends, they
will be greatly missed!.
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Dean Archaeological Group