We are met today to do honour to the memory of Dame Joan Evans, Gold Medallist and former President of the Society of Antiquaries, President also of the Royal Archaeological Institute and the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society; Honorary Fellow of St. Hugh's College, Oxford, and Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur; a distinguished scholar and author; a very notable collector of jewels and gems; a generous benefactor of many good causes, of many individual students and scholars; to many of us above all a loyal and generous friend.