FOREST archeaologist Alf Webb was looking forward to the launch of his new book, Dark Age Dean, on February 20, but sadly passed away on the sixth of that month.

But now his many friends, and especially members of the Dean Archaeology Group of which he was president, have brought the book out and will launch it on Sunday at an open tribute event to which all are welcome.

It takes place at Beechenhurst Lodge on Sunday (June 26, 10am-4pm) and as well as the book launch there will be a display of cuttings and memorabilia. Tributes will also be paid to others the group has lost: Bryan Walters and Alf's aide and illustrator Anna Nowosielski.

Alf led an extraordinary life with wartime adventures and brilliant fieldwork, particularly on English bows where he was an acknowledged expert. One of his friends summed him up: "His capacity for survival was equalled only by his unrelenting search for knowledge."

Negotiations are under way to have a display of some of Alf's finds, including an iron age sword, at the Dean Heritage Museum.