"Dr James Dyer's contribution to the field of archaeology and local history has been suitably acknowledged at a national, as well as local, level. His enthusiasm took root while he was still a student at Luton Grammar School. James knew what he wanted to do with his life and he had the initiative to find ways to fulfil these aims.
Taking a journey across Bedfordshire with James was interesting to say the least. He would be saying: `you see that building over there` or `you see that mound or that track between the trees`. All would have a story attached to them that James had studied.
James' enthusiasm was passed on to many of his students. He spent his first month's salary as a teacher on buying books for his class and that same determination to help wherever he was able never left him. There are so many stories to be told of times when James saw the potential in young people and helped them to climb the ladder to important and differing academic roles.
This generosity of spirit was one of his greatest gifts. Working on a joint project could have its difficulties but the one which I undertook with him was altogether positive and I was pleased to be able to call him my friend."
He was a member of BHRS Council and I shall always remember one meeting when he went straight to the heart of an issue, that had been under discussion for some time, and instantly changed its course, for the better. I only knew him for a few years but that included a long correspondence on the effect of the terrain around Luton, which is filed safely away for future re-visiting. He was as generous with his knowledge to me as to long-term friends.
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