Breakfast at Burlington House with Dr David Starkey

On Tuesday 7 December APPAG members were welcomed to the Society of Antiquaries of London by Professor Geoffrey Wainwright, MBE, (Treasurer, Society of Antiquaries) and Lord Redesdale (Secretary, APPAG) before being treated to an entertaining and enlightening assessment of the role of parliament in the turbulent history of the monarchy by Dr David Starkey.

After which APPAG members were invited to tour the Societies’ Library and see its hidden collections, including original drawings and plans of the Palace of Westminster by Pugin and Barry.

To ensure people didn’t go away on an empty stomach an assortment of pastries, including muffins, were on offer, as well as a glass or two of bucks fizz to help it all down.

Special thanks should be given to our hosts, especially Jayne Phenton (Head of Communications) and Dr David Gaimster (General Secretary), who did a splendid job organising such a terrific event.

Events

Shoreditch Park Community Archaeology Dig Tour and press photo shoot

Yesterday (5 July 2005) members of APPAG visited a community archaeology dig in Shoreditch Park, in London’s East End and dug (!) alongside local school children.

The excavation of houses ‘blitzed’ during World War II (organised by the Museum of London and funded by the Big Lottery Fund) is being held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the War. The aim of the dig is to learn more about London’s wartime past and the lives of Londoners during the war. Community participation, including that of local school children, has been an important part of the ongoing excavations - which end on 24 July.

The event was will attended by the press, including The Telegraph, The East End Advertiser, The Hackney Gazette and the 24 Hour Museum.

Lord Redesdale (Secretary APPAG) excavating alongside local school children.	Meg Hillier MP (Shoreditch & Hackney South) examining finds.