TO HUDDINGTON AND HIMBLETON.

July 11th, 1903.

Mr. John Humphreys again kindly conducted this excursion, the attendance at which was small. By the kindness of the Rev. Gordon Poole the churches at Himbleton and Huddington were visited and carefully explained, tea being served in the rectory grounds. The connection of Huddington with the Gunpowder Plot was made clear in a brief paper read by Mr. Humphreys.

At this, the last excursion of the season, the attendance was 10. By the courtesy of the Dean, the Cathedral at Hereford was very carefully and thoroughly examined, the ancient and interesting cathedral library being also thrown open to inspection.

At Ledbury the church, which has many features of importance, was visited. The whole town may be said to be picturesque and attractive, and its connection with the early life of Mrs. Browning gives it an added charm.

Report of the Committee for the year 1903,

TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, JAN. 20th, 1904.

The Committee record with satisfaction the success of all the work of the Society during the past year, and are glad to be able to say with confidence that, both in instructiveness and in interest, the excursions and the papers read have fully maintained the high standard already reached.

During the year the following Papers have been read:

Jan. 21-Annual Meeting, and paper on "Excursions of 1902." J. A. COSSINS. Feb. 18-"The Antiquity of Iron." COLONEL HART.

March 18" Old Birmingham Silversmiths." ARTHUR WESTWOOD.

Nov. 11

Ancient Carvings at Alkerton Church." HOWARD S. PEARSON. Dec. 9—“ Chaddesley Corbett," JOHN HUMPHREYS, F.L.S.

And the following Excursions have been held :—

May 23 (half-day)—To Purshall Hall, Badgecourt, and Chaddesley Corbett.
June 17 (whole-day)-To Overbury, Conderton Camp, Beckford, &c.

July 11 (half-day)—To Huddington and Himbleton.

July 22 (whole-day)—To Hereford and Ledbury.

The excursions have all been well attended and very enjoyable, and the papers have in every instance attracted large audiences.

The annual volume of Transactions has been duly issued to the members.

During the year the Society has lost by death its old and valued member, Mr. C. T. Saunders. Other losses have been incurred by removal or illness, and the membership at present stands at 168, as compared with 163 in 1902.

The Committee has with great regret to announce that Mr. W. H. Lord has found it impossible to continue in office as Honorary Excursions Secretary. The loss of Mr. Lord's services to the Society will be the more felt because of the perfection of the arrangements under his care, which so greatly added to the enjoyment of the excursions.

In the autumn of 1903 several letters appeared in the local press expressing anxiety to develop the study of local archæology, but representing that the necessity of becoming a member of the Midland Institute was a hindrance to many who would otherwise gladly join the Society. The Committee, very anxious to obtain a cordial union among all in the district who are interested in archæological work, at once laid the matter before the Council of the Institute, who most generously waived their own claims and consented to the admission of outside subscribers to all the privileges of membership of the Archæological Society at a payment of half-a-guinea per annum.

The Committee desire to express their warm appreciation of the liberal concession made by the Council. They trust that the Society may now unite for common work all local archæologists, and that its utility and importance, now placed upon the widest possible basis, may proportionately and constantly increase. They now present the proposed alteration in the constitution of the Society for confirmation by the members.

The Committee also propose that in future the Annual Meeting shall be held at the beginning of the session. This is so obviously the natural and most convenient plan that it will probably meet with general acceptance.

In conclusion, the Committee gratefully record their indebtedness to all who have assisted in carrying out the engagements of the year, and to the authorities concerned who have so courteously accorded every facility upon the excursions. They trust that with altered and less restrained conditions the Society may enter upon an enlarged and lasting sphere of usefulness and prosperity.

Dec. 31-Balance of Copying Fund, Income Account

(Signed), C. A. HARRISON, BARRATT, WEST & CO.,