Why is it that most units have their own recording sheets for sites,when surely it would be better if their was one standard for the whole country,and why do so many counties have different size boxes for archiving finds and documents with different criteria for archiving!
It can be a nightmare when your unit works in different counties with different standards.
Any thoughts on the subject?
Dirty Dave.

This has just landed on my virtual desk... you can answer her directly.. not here

Are you planning to or currently excavating an Iron Age archaeological site?
Are there any heated features in situ?
If the answer is yes, then I wonder if you might be willing to help with my research.

I am a PhD student from the University of Bradford; you can find out more about me and my PhD project to improve archaeomagnetic dating in the British Iron Age
at: http://www.student.brad.ac.uk/sclella1/

I will be able to carry out fieldwork from now until September 2009. Suitable contexts are clay deposits that show evidence of heating and are undisturbed since last heating; for example: hearths, furnaces, kilns, ovens, corn drying kilns or salt drying tanks.

You will receive a summary report for all samples taken and any dates produced will be published in my PhD research. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah-Jane Clelland.

--
Sarah-Jane Clelland
Research student
S.Clelland1@Bradford.ac.uk
http://www.student.brad.ac.uk/sclella1/

Division of Archaeological, Geographical and Environmental Sciences
School of Life Sciences
University of Bradford
Tel: +44 1274 235 733


"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

http://www.englandspastforeveryone.org.uk/

a damn fine initiative to bring the past to people ... a definate clap for this one! (steady!!!)

Authors and researchers are working alongside volunteers in ten counties to produce 15 paperback publications, an interactive website and schools and learning resources.

History is not just about the dim and distant past, it's happening right now. This is your chance to get involved in the life story of your community.

lots of info

a bit like the every so popular

Scotland Rural Past

Adopt a Monument

SCAPE project
etc


this is more like it!


"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

Has any one come across one of these before??
What could have it been used for?






Website for responsible Metal Detecting
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording Our Heritage For Future Generations.

Once again in a bid to cut costs heritage is the first thing to go, and Gwynedd county council are planning on closing Wales oldest museum in a bid to save 60,000 a year.

This will mean that beatiful items of local and national importance will be placed into storage in bangor university or cardiff museum.

Your help is needed to reach as many people as possible and would you mind taking a few minutes to sign an e-petition or browse the web for more details - typing in save bangor museums brings up a number of good articles.

The link for the petition is

http://www.savegwyneddmuseum.org.uk

This is the transcript of a reply I made about an article published in British Arcaheology 98. There, certain refernces were made to the Water Newton rally. and how, the IFA should disciple any member who would do certain things... (such as add an archaeological umbrella) ... Now it won't take a brain surgeon to work out that er... Water Newton... er archaeologist ... er.... that'll be me then.

the article did not get published, as I am sure they did not have room so for your edification and delight - as I feel that as I wrote it... you should at least have the delight of finding grammatical errors and typos!

ps... the original photo in BA was actually by a person who was one of my friends and had volunteered to help record... so it was a bit of a shock to see it being used to illustrate an article attacking it! Thanks Corrinne.. and if BA won't print it ws your photo... I will. :face-huh:

Detecting A Bright Future

In the last issue of British Archaeology [BA98], it was heartening to see a more positive perspective on the perennial issue of archaeology and metal detecting, but it was with dismay, when I turned the page that I found myself back to the attitudes of the 1970s. While it is important to provide a balance when discussing these issues, it is imperative that these opinions are neither openly prejudiced nor naïve and ill-informed. Such was my feelings when I read the ‘Not for Private Gain’ article.

In an ongoing effort to understand the metal detecting community I have sought, as a responsible archaeologist, to engage at all levels, from internet forums, through clubs and individuals to Rallies themselves. Only by this type of interaction, can you be well enough informed to make honest and educated comment. The “view from the hedge” is very different from that gained by speaking face to face in the field.

In August 2007, a controversial Rally (due to its proximity to the Roman Town of Durobrivae) was due to take place at Water Newton, Cambridgeshire. This seemed like an ideal opportunity, at the invitation of the Rally Organisers, to put into practice a simple scheme that would satisfy the valid concerns of the archaeological community and also be relatively unobtrusive within the metal detecting event.

Over a period of months, I worked hard with the curatorial staff, to hammer out a project methodology that was both robust and workable. Although there was disagreement about the feasibility of what was proposed, and that the scheme was perhaps over optimistic, the final results were in excess of what had been expected. Most of the inevitable glitches were ironed out when taken to the next event that I was invited to attend at Corfe Castle. 100% success is an impossible goal, and mistakes are always made, the results however spoke for themselves at both Rallies.

We had achieved a “Preservation by Record” that did not compromise standards, but acknowledged the nature of the event. This resulted in one of the largest record of artefacts at a single event, combining the skills of detectorists, archaeologists and the FLOs to provide a valuable record of the area. This record will also be available in the Local HERs, the PAS database and also as a 150+ page report.

This Rally and other initiatives have done more to progress cooperation and understanding than any article complaining vehemently about what is wrong, without providing any realistic alternatives. Since Water Newton, a Rally Code is now a real possibility as a joint initiative between PAS and Metal Detectorists, with clear guidelines on responsibilities and outcomes. We are also working together to provide a training seminar in detecting as a tool fro use in an archaeological context, and will be contacting universities and colleges to discuss possible course structures.

As for Water Newton II, I will be unable to attend due to other commitments, which is a disappointment. However, the cooperation between the organisers, the PAS and the County Council Archaeology Service will ensure that the legacy of the first event is one of mutual respect and understanding.

The future of the Historic Environment concerns us all, and all of us must be involved, so let us act positively and instead of just opening doors we should step outside them once in a while into the real world.


living in the real world is hard and full of choices ... but if it means more archaeology recorded and a more positive dialogue on a 'past its sell by date' battle ... BAJR is not scared to do it.

If its wrong to step up and do something, when nobody else will ... then I will be guilty! :face-huh:

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

Just when you think you are getting somewhere!

http://www.cotswoldcanalsproject.org/gen...2&pgid=409

great opportunities and inclusion... a benefit for all...

BUT!

just when it is doing so well...

British Waterways Withdraws funding! (nice!)
http://www.cotswoldcanalsproject.org/gen...&pgid=1290



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

An interesting initiative that is inclusive, sympathetic and forward thinking!

Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeological Network

http://www.leics.gov.uk:80/index/communi...etwork.htm

The Objectives
To establish Archaeological Wardens in every parish in the two Counties, who will develop our understanding of the past in their parishes, promote sympathetic interest in archaeology, and improve communication between the general public, LCCHS and Rutland County Museum.


they are also looking for:

Quote:quote:The Work of Archaeological Wardens
One of the joys of archaeology is that it is such a diverse subject, the pursuit of which embraces a wide range of skills. Local knowledge and enthusiasm are invaluable assets for a Warden to have. Archaeology exists in every parish, sometimes patently obvious, sometimes hidden, and everyone can contribute to recovering and recording it.
The commitment of a Warden is open-ended, dependent upon the time and skills individuals can offer. Some may choose to actively seek out archaeological sites and finds, while others may prefer simply to be a recorder, reporting on information brought to them.
The former is more likely to bring rewards in discovery, leading to preservation or recording, of sites and features, but the importance of collecting records of finds and information received from others should not be understated.
The following are some suggestions of initiatives Wardens could take.
•Record local collections of objects, memories of past land use, and parish lore.
•Encourage people to look in their gardens for finds; garden ornaments can prove to be objects of some antiquity, unrecognised as such, and many finds have been made whilst digging the garden or allotment.
•Establish a field survey, with the co-operation of the farmers. Walking fields in a regular grid is an excellent way of finding objects on the surface, particularly pottery, tile and flint, and locating sites. Newly-ploughed fields are especially important, as many objects deteriorate over the course of a few years' exposure to the elements and to arable cultivation.
•Metal detecting on ploughed fields is a valuable complementary technique to field walking. LCCHS advises against detecting on permanent pasture where no imminent threat of destruction is present, as archaeological features may lie close to the surface and could be damaged by digging to recover detected objects.
•Examine “holes” in the ground such as drainage ditches, service trenches, and building foundation trenches, with due permission. Many fieldworkers have undertaken such “watching briefs” on behalf of LCCHS and the Archaeological Adviser to the local Diocese of the Church of England.
•Record local buildings and traditional building techniques, and "ridge and furrow" earthworks.
•Use of the SMR, and advancing local knowledge, will help Parish Councils in their role of local consultants. These Councils are empowered to draw the attention of planning authorities to the need for consultation with their specialist archaeologist advisers in Leicestershire County Council on particular sites when commenting upon planning applications.

http://bajrblog.wordpress.com/2008/02/10...sh-jordan/

getting the permissions together, the forms filled the flights booked... Whoooo Hoooo

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

Basic query..

Should an archaeologist have a geographic or temporal area of competence? or is the activity of field data collection universal.. where by applying archaeological methods it does not matter if you dig Assyrian, Mayan or Saxon.. you collect data the same way, it is up to the experts to interpret?

Field Archs deal with "this came from here", "this relates to that" .. a certain amount of field interpretation takes place, but the post ex puts what has been found into the final interpretation?

Thoughts? Can a British Archaeologist work abroad?

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu