After Charles retired, they both became actively involved in Epsom & Ewell History and Archaeology Society (then the Nonsuch Antiquarian Society), going on many long walks (Box Hill was a firm favourite) and reconnaissance trips for Charles’s local history books and talks.  They explored the highways and byways of Surrey in search of material, and got stuck into the archaeological digs, including the Ice House on the Convent site in Epsom and in Ewell churchyard. They worked closely with Jeremy Harte at Bourne Hall Museum, hosted committee meetings, and attended symposia across the county.

Barbara was a staunch supporter of Charles but avoided the limelight herself. However she was far more than Charles’s typist, proof-reader, navigator and porter. She carried out much of the background research, and wrote several Occasional Papers in her own right.  While Charles was fascinated by the technological and political trends driving change, Barbara loved piecing together the human stories behind the records.  

When Charles finally stepped down as secretary of the committee in 2009, he and Barbara were awarded lifetime membership of EEHAS; a gesture that touched them both.