BAJR conference 2006 papers/sessions

[Troll]

I hope to gain some positive feedback here so bear with me...
What would you like to see as session topics at the forthcoming conference? To wet your whistle:
1. The treatment of Human remains under ppg 16
2. The unarmed curator-what`s the point?
3. Your heritage in their hands: commerce dictates standards
4. The IFA- just what do they do?
5. What would you do with Tony Robinson in just 3 days?
6. Archaeology-a career in ruins?
7. Towards an accountable profession for the 21st Century
8. Who needs a consultant?
9. An alternative to ppg 16
10. APPAG recommendations-whats the point?
11. Health and safety
12. Terms and conditions of employment
13. off for a fag-your turn.....

[Venutius]

Might I suggest the conference includes Ireland? The comparison would be very good. Also I think it should avoid too much finger pointing regarding the past - how about looking at some positive futures?

Save the Thornborough Henge Complex - http://www.timewatch.org

[troll]

No problems with that- I do find however that when re-decorating, a much better finish is achieved if one removes the wallpaper before painting the wall. Painting over cracks is pointless and temporary!

[drpeterwardle]

I think such a conference needs to be more focussed. 12 sessions 1 hour each this will be a long event.

There are other forums for discussing standards and timeteam. I would suggest concentrating on pay and conditions and why these have if anything got worse over the last 20 years.

How about an afternoon:

Pay and conditions can they ever be improved? Why are diggers so unhappy about their job.

Introduction David C
Digger 1 - What in reality the pay and conditions are and what are the worst things that should be changed.

Digger 2 as above

Employer large unit Why employers cannt pay more
Employer small unit as above
A Curator.
The Client & Consultants View - Would it be in the clients best interests to improve the working conditions of diggers.

IFA/Prospect - What have we tried.

This would of course be followed by going down to the pub to have a good moan.

Peter

[deepdigger]

I'd like to suggest a paper to reflect the widening gap between commercial archaeology and the highly regarded acedemia!
Probably entitled "Real archaeologists don't use string"!!
With thanks to Mike Anthony for the title!!

deep

[troll]

Many thanx to all. Of course, my prompts were just that. I agree with Dr Wardle, pay and conditions/structure and career prospects must be central to our first event. I do however, feel that it is equally imperative that we approach the issue of archaeology in a commercial environment/accountability/value for money and the cessation of hack and slash archaeology in favour of developers and, the issue of under-resourced and un-armed, hog-tied curators. I also agree that it is extremely important for us to get together soon to discuss detail and, set a time and a place for the conference. I envisage a conference spread over a number of days (weekend in September 06?) to facilitate the range of potential sessions and more importantly, to give all an opportunity to offer a view.

[troll]

The young Lady Lucy (came up with the conference idea) had another little gem of a thought today...hold small regionals in internet cafes....then get together with the agendas and paper offers afterwards=conference.....We really need participation from as wide a community as possible. Would this allow for the anonimity desired by some who wish to comment?

[deepdigger]

I have a half dozen friends who want to contribute, so in the ansence of an internet cafe could we contribute to this from my house?
Yet another good idea mate, tell Lucy I said "Iechyd da"!!

deep

[drpeterwardle]

An e conference works well but is actually very time consumming in many respects.

The IFA tried this last year on training - Britarch hosted it - they have a ready made facility

Peter

[Venutius]

I think you want a single conference. Use alternative speakers to ensure anon status. The conf shouyld be a signle day - this will ensure minimal outlay and organisation required.

An e-conference sounds interesting in terms of reaching a wider audience - if the veniew had the right facilities it could be broadcast on the web.

Save the Thornborough Henge Complex - http://www.timewatch.org