Plans are underway for an aviation archaeology seminar later this year, hopefully at a London location, and probably to be held either during June or October.
The event will involve speakers from the ‘established’ conflict archaeology sector as well as the ‘amateur’ sector. It is intended that MOD/JCCC will also take part, along with other national bodies, museums and organisations.
There has recently been an acceptance by many of those involved in aviation archaeology, both from the enthusiast position as well as that of the formal conflict archaeologists, that much is to be gained from working together more closely, sharing skills, data and enthusiasm for this exciting and fast changing field. Indeed, there have already been good examples of such work. This seminar looks to strengthen and foster such ties, as well as to look, generally, at the much wider picture of aviation archaeology in the 21st Century and at its place in formal Conflict Archaeology.
This is just advance notice to hopefully create interest and whet appetites for those interested in this area of work. It has certainly been the case that the Dornier 17, Saharan P40 and (dare I mention it?) the Burma Spitfire project have all raised the profile and public awareness of aviation archaeology. TV and the news media have also shown a considerable and increasing interest in topics related to aviation archaeology over the past couple of years and this, nationally, will be the first major seminar of its kind to be held.
Full details will be posted here as and when they become available, but at this stage no further information such as dates or venue can be confirmed. The detail of the seminar content, speakers etc will also be posted here once confirmed.
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th January 2014 at 12:18
Look forward to seeing you there. Please spread the word, Tony!
By: Rocketeer - 17th January 2014 at 11:48
Good idea. Hope to attend.
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th January 2014 at 08:21
Ross
As per our previous correspondence, we hope very much to ‘count you in’ on the day! :eagerness:
By: Ross_McNeill - 17th January 2014 at 08:16
Count me in for a seat for the day Andy and the bods from Wessex Arch have expressed interest as attending in the general audience.
Regards
Ross
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th January 2014 at 07:57
Hopefully, no sense of foreboding – but things, and times, have moved on and with Conflict Archaeology now becoming a firmly established and growing element of ‘traditional’ archaeology it was either a case of the two areas colliding or else coming together and working together. Hopefully, this event will be the first real stepping stone towards achieving that.
Thanks for your comments, Ian. I have little doubt that we’ll see you there, eagerly occupying a front row seat!
By: ian_ - 17th January 2014 at 00:27
Thanks Andy, very interesting. There was a similar event in Aberystwyth about five tears ago with MoD/JCCC Wessex Archaeology and others in attendance. At the time I felt a slight sense of foreboding for ‘digging’ but I think the disparate parties do need to pull together. Would be very interested in attending.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th January 2014 at 23:27
Thank you for that, Mike.
No ‘qualification’ needed to attend, but the event will be ticketed.
As soon as we have details they will be widely posted, you may be sure.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th January 2014 at 23:22
It is probably true to say, now, that Aviation Archaeology has finally come of age. From the earliest, shaky and dubious beginnings way back in the sixties to the regulated and organised approach of today, a seminar like this shows, at last, that AA can stand alongside other archaeological disciplines and hold its own.
I know there are a fair few aviation archaeologists amongst this forum’s members and it is they who represent the modern face of the discipline with their many years of experience. It is fitting that one of those people – our very own Tangmere1940 – who brings us this important message, who has been at the forefront of the movement since the earliest days.
I think this deserves a “well done Andy” from those of us who have watched your efforts (and occasional setbacks) over the last 30-odd years and to thank you for presenting such a respectable and determined approach to this interesting and rewarding facet of amateur aviation activity.
I also know there are one or two others with whom you are closely associated and with whom you could share this moment. I hope that the seminar is a success and will lead to ever greater achievements in the field. I only hope that now AA has such a standing that those in authority do not see this as an opportunity to heavily regulate the discipline and debar or alienate those who have brought it this far.
I would like to be able to attend this proposed seminar, if work and other commitments allow, and see at first hand what it is like. What will be the qualification(s) required to be able to attend?
Anon.
Sign In
January 16, 2014 at 8:38 pm