At the meeting held on 3rd December, Chairman John Ilston reminded members to start thinking about nominations for next year's Committee (a Treasurer, Vice Chairman and two other committee members will be required). Members were also asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their preference for next year's Anniversary Lunch. Mary Smith, Group Co-ordinator, said she was seeking leaders for next year's groups. Neville Jennings, the Secretary, urged those members who wished to attend U3A's National Summer School at Cheltenham in July 2004 to apply early.

Rosemary Nicholls announced a number of outings: a visit to 'Milestone', Hampshire's Living History Museum at Basingstoke in January; in February, a tour behind the scenes at Salisbury Playhouse, and also a visit to the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, for a performance of Sweeny Todd; in March, a visit to the Welsh National Opera's production of 'Madame Butterfly' at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.

Roger Ayres then introduced the speaker, Rachel Seager-Smith, Deputy Finds Manager at Wessex Archaeology, who has worked with the Trust since 1986. Ms Seager-Smith explained that Wessex Archaeology, established in 1979, was a non-profit-making organisation funded by developers and heritage groups. It had expanded rapidly and had a £5.2 million turnover. It had an educational remit and any surplus was ploughed into outreach projects. It covered Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire and Berkshire, but also secured contracts nationwide and abroad. Planning applications were seen by the County Archaeologist, who prepared a brief and advised developers; he also monitors the quality of the work before planning permission is fully granted. The Trust also undertakes building surveys, underwater and coastal surveys, and investigations of human and animal remains. There is a drawing office and photographic department, and an information technology unit – important for outreach to the public.

Since 1979, some 3,000 projects have been studied, a quarter of which were in Wiltshire. Notable developments were Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport (1 100-acre site), Springhead, Kent, for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and Fenchurch Street in Central London. In May 2992 the 'Amesbury Archer' was excavated at Boscombe Down. This was the richest Early Bronze Age burial yet discovered, and of international importance. Later the 'Boscombe Bowman' was discovered and six other people, including two children.

Roger Ayres thanked Ms Seager-Smith for her fascinating talk, remarking that although Wessex Archaeology's work extends well outside Wessex, the most important fiends have been in the local area.