Formed in 2005, the Essex Egyptology group now has a varied membership which enjoys a stimulating programme of talks and workshops.  Speakers have included Rosalind Janssen (who got the audience trying out different methods of pleating linen), Dr Aidan Dodson and Elena Pischikova speaking about her own excavations of a little known twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth dynasty tombs in the South Asasif. The Group places a definite emphasis on the practical and members have experimented with re-enacting the riverside market and legal cases as well as enjoying a senet tournament, a banquet and listening to Egyptian stories.  Members also have the opportunity to speak and write about their own interests in Egyptology and about visits to Egypt.

Our website,  which is updated regularly, contains information about recent developments in Egyptology.

Visits to museums have proved to be an important part of the Group’s programme.  We have visited the British Museum’s Stone Store where all the items not on display are kept and members have also enjoyed the Ashmolean Museum and the Griffith Institute in Oxford, the Louvre in Paris, museums in Berlin and Turin, the Manchester Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.  The group organizes holidays to Egypt.

The social side of the group’s activities is also important. Meetings feature raffles, delicious cakes and the opportunity to make contact with people who share a passion for Egypt.  We have fundraising activities each year and have recently contributed to the Egypt Exploration Society and the education work of the new Egyptian gallery in the Ipswich museum.

Membership is £33 for the year or £5 per meeting.  Meetings are mainly on the first Sunday of the month at 3.00pm at the Spring Lodge Community Centre, Powers Hall End, Witham CM8 2HE – close to the mainline railway station. Please click here for more information about membership and online membership application.