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Detecting A Bright Future - BAJR Host - 11th February 2008
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 âNot for Private Gainâ 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 âview from the hedgeâ 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 âPreservation by Recordâ 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
Detecting A Bright Future - garybrun - 12th February 2008
Quote:quote: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.
I have been visiting quite a few archaeological forums throughout the years and there are not many where one man puts his head above the parapet and practises what he preaches. Where to be honest... puts his career on the line for something he believes in and is not afraid to be different.
We invited David (minelabowners.com) to help in the recording of finds and to participate in the TV programme that was being broadcast live from near Corfe castle. This was a great opportunity for detectorists to see first hand the work that was being done by âpioneering archaeologistsâ with a down to earth approach and not the âIâm better than you and you have no right to this information because your not professionalâ brigade. Before some of you go for my jugular vein it does exist.
People were able to discuss the misconceptions that existed between the two disciplines and some agreed to differ and others made friendships that will last for many years.
David spends many hours on various detecting forums answering questions and getting a real hard time from the old timers in the hobby. I personally wasnât detecting in the 70âs & 80âs so never got to see the rivalry that went on between both camps. What I do see is the residue of those conflicts which must have been very harsh and bitter and an arrogance that I personally have never seen before in interests I have been involved in.
Education is what is needed in the colleges while the old school are still spreading their ânegativeâ propagandaâ and also the same goes for the detectorists too. Donât get me wrong... I do understand the archaeologists point of view but I m glad to see the âtimes they are a changingâ and co-operation is leading the way to adding more knowledge to the historical record.
When an article hangs one man out to dry because he dares to be different and challenges the views of people within the archaeological profession is wrong. Where the power of the media is used to pick a man apart and gives no right of reply shows British Archaeology for what it really is and leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Where people within various circles use their contacts and influence in the "old boys network" to try and discredit a person is a disgrace.
David... I take my hat of to you and you know I hold you in high esteem for your efforts.
The historical record will show the work that was done and the future generations following will in the end get to see the true picture. Are there any others like you David... I havenât really seen any?
Well there not banging at the doors to make them selves known anyway.
RESPECT!
Gary
Website for responsible Metal Detecting
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording Our Heritage For Future Generations.
Detecting A Bright Future - BAJR Host - 12th February 2008
To quote the Scottish phrase " damn few an their a' deid...!!"
we are there though...
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Detecting A Bright Future - Steven - 12th February 2008
Hi Chaps
The problem I find is that things get very mixed up. For example, I have never been a supporter of the PAS as I believe that it is not the best way to spend public money. That does not mean I am anti metal detectorists or one of the "old boy network" merely that I believe local archaeological curators may be the best people to decide how to allocate community archaeology funds rather then somebody in London. Instead of having a centralised London based scheme I think it would be far better to allocate each county/region funding which is ring-fenced for projects involving metal detectorists and local communities. I also believe that all information relating to archaeology and the historic environment should be placed on the local SMR or HER because heritage is a community asset. Therefore, I am bound to have a problem with a scheme which does not require locational data as that is key to the usefulness of the data.
Every time I say this sort of thing on-line etc I am instantly attacked for being either anti-MD or short sighted as the PAS is "the best community archaeology project in the country".
Over the last two years my colleagues and I have (without using public funds) organised excavation open days and public talks which have involved over 9,000 local people, including using local metal detectorists (volunteering with a professional unit) to survey a battlefield site in advance of a pipeline to ensure proper mitigation. I stress again "at no cost to the public purse". This is over and above the day to day planning/HER work we do. There ain't no glossy expensive annual report about that despite the fact that it was clearly best practice! If we had a Community Archaeology budget of say 15,000 pounds (while a FLO costs c.30,000 pounds) think what I could achieve. Also before the PAS we used to get metal detectorist coming into the HER (well it was the SMR then) so that we could identify finds and they would tell us where they found them! No problems, no hassle so its not like this wasn't happening before the PAS we just didn't have the PR resources (that PAS wastes on spin which should be spent directly on community archaeology) to show off with.
Hope this ain't a rant and I can't wait for the normal barrage of abuse I normally get for disagreeing with a very expensive flawed scheme that requires reviews which make it impossible to say the scheme has failed in order to validate its own existence.
Steven
Detecting A Bright Future - garybrun - 12th February 2008
That was a good and honest post Steven.
For the record I personally haven't judged you as anti- detecting (I don't think so anyway).
With a project I was working on not so long ago the HER wasn't interested in the data we could provide. They couldn't process it with the resources they had.
I think with the amount of "spin" that's going around at the moment its very easy for people to classify you as "anti PAS" if you don't agree 100% with their scheme. Believe me I know and work to clarify the situation nearly every day on various projects.
A review of any department is a good thing if it can save public money and the scheme is held accountable for the way it uses its funds... but saying that doesn't make me anti-PAS or an irresponsible metal detectorist as some within its system try and make out.
Website for responsible Metal Detecting
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording Our Heritage For Future Generations.
Detecting A Bright Future - BAJR Host - 12th February 2008
feel free to rant... though the article poitns at broad cooperation... with all parties.. remember it is not one FLO per county.. so the maths may not work there .. and spread across the 125 (ish) county archaeology services, it would not go far... PLUS the central command PLUS the outreach PLUS etc etc... It may be beter to say not EITHER / OR... but BOTH... yes both... why not? I, like you am only too aware of the 'over and above' duties and help we offer.. at no extra cost... we need more outreach.. and funded as well.. not swapping one for another.
You are obviously not anti-MD.. or anti PAS.. but another stressed HER ... think what could be achieved with FLOs, Community Projects (fully funded) etc... Look to Perth and Kinross.. which has built a service that meets that very need and provides a whole month of events based around archaeology... it has even been able to employ someone specifically for that.. I don't want a choice between... but a complementary and expanded service.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Detecting A Bright Future - 1man1desk - 12th February 2008
Posted by garybrun
Quote:quote:Education is what is needed in the colleges while the old school are still spreading their ânegativeâ propagandaâ and also the same goes for the detectorists too. Donât get me wrong... I do understand the archaeologists point of view but I m glad to see the âtimes they are a changingâ and co-operation is leading the way to adding more knowledge to the historical record.I think that the real view of David in the archaeological profession is reflected in his recent election to the Council of the IFA. I wouldn't take an individual article in a magazine as being representative.
When an article hangs one man out to dry because he dares to be different and challenges the views of people within the archaeological profession is wrong. Where the power of the media is used to pick a man apart and gives no right of reply shows British Archaeology for what it really is and leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Where people within various circles use their contacts and influence in the "old boys network" to try and discredit a person is a disgrace.
David... I take my hat of to you and you know I hold you in high esteem for your efforts
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Detecting A Bright Future - BAJR Host - 12th February 2008
Lets hope so.. it would be terrible if that was the prevailing thought, and that anyone would consider what happened at Water Newton as being seriously valid as a disciplinary action.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Detecting A Bright Future - BAJR Host - 13th February 2008
Just finished the report... 125 pages... 800 photos, maps, GIS and SHP files and a database of the finds..
sending off to HERs in the next week ... plus a big box of finds for Peterborough Museum.
hope they like it - and all done for non-commercial - <sigh> but sometimes you have to put your money where your mouth is and do positive things rather than handwring!
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Detecting A Bright Future - Corinne Mills - 14th February 2008
are you popping it on scribd David?