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), Victor Blunden from Ancient Egypt Magazine and Chris Naunton speaking about his own excavations of a little known twenty-fifth dynasty tomb near Der el-Bahari. The Group places a definite emphasis on the practical and members have made Egyptian medicine and created Egyptian art 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.

There is a monthly newsletter which contains information about recent developments in Egyptology, reviews by members of books and websites and accounts of visits to Egypt

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, 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 where nearly everyone wins a prize, delicious cakes and the opportunity to make contact with people who share a passion for Egypt.  Our Christmas party involves games, including that staple of all Nile cruises:  wrapping a mummy in loo paper. The proceeds of the Christmas party go to a different Egyptology cause each year.

Membership is £30 for the year or £5 per meeting. All meetings are 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 the membership forms.