11th February 2008, 07:40 PM
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
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
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he
Thomas Rainborough 1647
Thomas Rainborough 1647
