16th January 2008, 12:31 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by gumbo
I haven't thought about the answers in detail too much. But to start thinking about my point 1. I think the 'trust' issue that we have been talking about needs to be worked on, and secondly perhaps there could be incentives for responsible detectorists. Perhaps grants for handheld GPS' could be made available to prolific finders (I'm aware that this also enters a whole new problem in that the PAS is feeling a financial pich at the moment and evrything comes down to if there is money available).
1. I think the trust issue is the one of the main keys to the problem on both sides. And it will take a lot of hard work and "recording evangelism". PAS has worked very hard in this area with the FLO's and also prominent detectorists have taken their message on board.
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Peter WardlePeter can you please be more specific,in the term H&S Training???
OK here is why I will not use "volunteers" even if they are free.
1. H&S issues but mainly in terms of training, accountability and control.
2. PPE
3. Quality control - it is easy to maintain quality control with somebody who is hired.
4. Confidentiality
5. Data consistency
6. Hours of work
7. Understanding of ecological requirements
8. Supervision
9. Administration.
10. Control.
11. Management and supervision time.
1.I assume you mean a site safety induction, which takes 15 - 20 minutes?
2.PPE that would be supplied by the project contractor,in short basic requirements
:,pair of steel toe capped boots,hi-vis waistcoat ,hardhat & gloves
3.NO TRUST
4.SITE ACCESS WILL BE LIMITED / NO TRUST
5.ALL DATA CAN BE LOGGED / NO TRUST
6. AS AND WHEN TIME IS FREE/ VOLUNTEER
7.PART OF METHOD STATEMENT & RISK ASSESMENT
8. NO TRUST
9.???????????????
10. NO TRUST
11. NO TRUST
The Internet to be honest works both ways but helps spread "negative propaganda" and scare mongering on both sides. H0w to counter act that I think it very difficult.
What would be good would be a FAQ to counter act the myths that exists. The BAJR conference is also a great way to break these down and I see the BAJR TV service that will be launched in the near future as a very good tool to foster relationships.
I would really like to film a "role swap" were an archaeologist goes out with a detectorist for the day and see his skills and visa versa.
Its getting both sides to appreciate one another.
I know to some to work around in a field swinging a circle and listening to a beep beep is not the most thrilling of days
You must also realise the fear that exists in the mind set of a detectorist is that the greatest fear is legislation and banning.
Archaeology will never be banned!
While various leeks and other info on find spots (because some of the governmental organisations want to have their own independence and set their own standards and resent others trying to take central control) have caused fields and other land to be removed from the detectorist. Various stories of wrongful seizure and arrest don't help the situation and again fly around the Internet like a plague with those entrenched in the different camps look for the mistakes of the odd few.
How many detectorists are posting on this thread?
How many members of this forum view me as a radical and against archaeologists because I swing a circle on a stick and fight for the recognition of a hobby that contributes so much to the historical record. Granted their are always bad apples in every bucket but I am not trying to score points at the expense of another as some seem to suggest.
2. Grants for GPS systems.
I dont personally think this is need as many detectorist have this equipment. You could maybe encourage detector dealers to add a GPS to their sales package. I also think an information pack to educate those who are buying a new metal detector on the benefits of recording and what it can do for the heritage record. Maybe grants for publication in this area would be a good thing and to start educating the newcomers to the hobby.
I had arranged a deal with a major manufacturer to put in PAS leaflets in the detector boxes that were sold in the UK but it was never really followed through by the BM and I backed out once I was branded as a trouble causer and irresponsible. Sometimes you can run out of olive branches.
While I agree a lot this stuff is also very political but Im not a polotician and could never be one as I dont know when to keep my mouth shut. But we are all different.
Website for responsible Metal Detecting
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording Our Heritage For Future Generations.