Origins
HADAS was founded in 1961 by Themistocles Constantinides with one
aim: to find and prove, on the ground, the Saxon origins of Hendon.
Since that time the Society has expanded in area, today encompassing
the whole of the London Borough of Barnet and excavation and research
now covers all archaeological periods.
HADAS has been one of the most active local societies within
the Greater London area. Major excavations have included the West Heath
Mesolithic camp site at Hampstead; the Roman site of Sulloniacis at
Brockley Hill, a centre of pottery production, to which we have
returned as recently as 1999; Roman Hendon as well as medieval Chipping
Barnet, where many sites around the High Street have been investigated.
With a membership from Kent to the Orkneys (not to mention the
hidden depths of Hendon!) HADAS is a strong and active local society
dedicated to investigating our archaeological heritage.
The objects of HADAS are the advancement of archaeological and
historical research and education for the public benefit, with
particular reference to the archaeology and history of the London
Borough of Barnet.
Benefits of membership include: programme of lectures and
outings, a monthly Newsletter, use of our extensive library,
opportunities for fieldwork.
Lectures and Outings
The HADAS year usually starts with outings during the months of June
to August, a "long weekend" in September to an area of archaeological
interest, monthly lectures from October to May with the Annual General
Meeting in June. The December slot is reserved for the Society's
Christmas dinner which often incorporates a visit to a place of
historic interest.
Excavation
Our past work in the Borough has uncovered much of its history,
details of which are available in our many publications. The "digging
team" regularly meets at the Garden Room at Avenue House usually on
Sundays when finds processing, writing-up and general discussion on
future excavation takes place. Members are invited to drop in on these
sessions.
Research
Research is actively encouraged and, where appropriate, small teams
set up to investigate themes and areas which might lead to excavation
and publication. The following ongoing subject areas
Site Watching
HADAS is actively involved in the planning process. Planning
Applications within the Borough are routinely monitored and
observations are submitted when necessary. Site watching on development
sites is often undertaken and liaison with English Heritage on these
matters has always been maintained. Additional team members are always
required.
Publication
The results of the Society's work are published as specific reports,
in our Newsletter or in book form. A book stall is usually a feature of
our display at archaeological conferences.
Newsletter
A rota of twelve editors produces the monthly Newsletter,
our main means of communication. It contains details of forthcoming
lectures and outings as well as reports of the same, news items, a
regular "sales and wants" sheet and booking forms for outings. Those
wishing to edit an edition need to contact the Newsletter Co-ordinator,
those with articles and other contributions should submit these to the
relevant monthly editor. Correspondence and queries for publication are
also welcome.
Library
As a registered charity, the aim of HADAS is to educate and inform.
To this end we have built up a library of over two thousand books,
pamphlets, journals and periodicals all of which are available for loan
to our members. The library has proved invaluable to our many members
who have studied part-time for an archaeological qualification (usually
the certificate or diploma in archaeology from Birkbeck College).