Upcoming Events calendar
To sign up to any of our events please Contact us with your name and the event you will be attending.
The calendar above shows scheduled events from the Worthing Archaeological Society and associated local organisations. Click event on calendar for further information. To filter the type of the events shown, use the drop-down arrow on the top-right of the calendar. N.B. dates, times and locations of events not organised by WAS should be confirmed with the organizers.
The WAS Lecture Programme for Winter-Spring 2026 is available and can be downloaded as a printable pdf
Please note, lectures could change subject to unforeseen issues.
Please note, lectures could change subject to unforeseen issues.
Next 'WAS' events
For lectures, members have free entry and visitors are asked to make a donation of £4 to the society.
For excavations, a day membership can be purchased for £5.
For excavations, a day membership can be purchased for £5.
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10 February
2026 |
John Pull Lecture: Highdown Big Dig 2025: an overview of the Big Dig and update on post ex work
Presented by James Sainsbury Archaeologist and Archaeology Curator at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery The Highdown Big Dig 2025 was a resounding success, both in terms of the archaeology and the levels of interest from the general public. Worthing Archaeological Society played a pivotal role in the excavation, some 80 years after Dr Wilson last led the Society to investigate this famous local landmark. Post-excavation results are beginning to come in, and this lecture will look at the Big Dig itself alongside exciting new narratives that are emerging around the history of Highdown Hill. |
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14 February
2026 |
WAS Day School: Animal Bones Part II
Presented by Sarah Green Director of Sussex Archaeology and History, a Practitioner of the Chartered Institute for Archaeology and co-founder of the University of Sussex Archaeological Society. Sarah has a Master’s Degree in Osteoarchaeology and has taught Animal Bones and Human Remains on a number of Adult Education courses and Day Schools. Animal bones and teeth are recovered from the majority of archaeological sites and can provide rich insights into past economies, lifeways, and the complex relationships between humans and animals. This course builds on the Introduction to Animal Bones in Archaeology one-day course, introducing new topics while further developing key identification skills. Although attendance at the previous course is not required, a basic understanding of the mammalian skeleton will be beneficial. The course begins with a recap of mammalian skeletal anatomy and identification techniques. A practical session will allow everyone to re-familiarise themselves with skeletal elements and the mammal species most commonly encountered on British archaeological sites. We will then explore methods for distinguishing between human and non-human animal bones. While complete bones are often straightforward to identify, fragmentary remains can be surprisingly challenging. A hands-on session will reinforce learning and include short case studies examining what can be inferred from small assemblages containing both human and non-human material. The course will also cover the identification of animal teeth and skulls, alongside techniques for estimating age at death in animals using tooth wear. As with the introductory course, teaching will follow a strongly practical, hands-on approach. Alongside lectures, we will work directly with archaeological bone material and are welcome to bring their own samples for discussion and identification. 10.00 am - 4.30 pm, Worthing College, Sanditon Way, Worthing BN14 9FD Tea and Coffee will be available from 9.45 am. There is no restaurant facilities open at the College on a Saturday so please bring any food and drink you will need for the day Free on-site parking - Costs for the day: Members £25.00, Non-Members £30.00. Please contact Donna Wiltshire, or use the form below. |
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10 March
2026 |
Lecture: Vikings: their History, Social Interaction and Artifacts
Presented by Bob Turner Worthing Archaeological Society member and author The Viking era only lasted for a short period from the sacking of Lindesfarne to the defeat of Harald Hardrada in 1066 but in that time History under went many changes. This lecture tries to give a full account of lives of how Britain fared as well as How the Viking lived and their beliefs. |
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14 April
2026 |
Lecture: Fifth and sixth century burial grounds along the Sussex coast; comparisons and differences
Presented by Sue Harrington Details to follow. |
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