South Oxfordshire Archaeological Group

maintaining the best standards of independent archaeology

About SOAG

What is SOAG?

South Oxfordshire Archaeological Group (SOAG) brings together individuals who are interested in archaeology, to inform, encourage research, stimulate further interest and enthusiasm, and generally act as a forum for archaeology in Oxfordshire.

Founded in 1969 by Cynthia Graham Kerr (1920 – 2011), SOAG now has over 130 members. It works in close co-operation with the Oxfordshire County Archaeology and Oxford Archaeology, is a member of the Council for Independent Archaeology and is affiliated to the Council for British Archaeology South Midlands Group.

What does SOAG do?

  • It holds monthly meetings from September to April at Sonning Common Village Hall and by Zoom. Lectures by professional speakers and members are given on a wide range of topics in an informal atmosphere. Visits are made to places of interest during the summer – sometimes to sites not open to the public.
  • It provides opportunities for members to take part in archaeological excavations, fieldwalking, geophysical surveys, other fieldwork and post-excavation work.
  • It publishes an annual journal, the SOAG Bulletin, which contains reports of the Group’s activities and original articles by members. The journal is available at standard deposit libraries and local libraries (see list). There is also a regular newsletter, the SOAG Messenger, carrying news of SOAGs activities, details of forthcoming events and topical comment.

How can I get involved

If you are interested in any of SOAG’s activities, why not become a member? Experts and complete beginners of all ages are warmly welcomed as new members. To become a member see the membership details.

Organisation

  • SOAG was founded in 1969 and a brief history of the organisation and its many projects, members and activities over the years may be found here.
  • SOAG is managed by a committee whose names and contact details may be found here. (Descriptions of the roles and functions of committee officers may be found here – available to SOAG members only).
  • SOAG has charitable status and our Constitution may be found here.
  • SOAG has specific policies which govern how it operates, and these policies may be found here.
  • Minutes of our AGMs and Annual Accounts may be found here (available to SOAG Members only).