Trevor you have picked up on one part of my post and decided that it relates
to the type of project that you are involved with. From what i have heard
from you on various lists your project is a long way from most village
history projects. Perhaps i should have used the term "village heritage"
earlier rather than village history. Take a look at the type of projects
happening in the coalfields and you will see why i am critical.
Projects tackling a specialist subject such as mining history need
specialist guidance. Enthusiasm and passion are not enough. Would you rather
see the subject move forward or waste lots of energy running around in
circles. Community involvement is a good idea and one that needs both
support and guidance otherwise projects can easily fall short of their
potential due to a lack of knowledge, experience and skills.
I don't have the time to get into your discussion about the current state of
british archaeology which i agree is indeed dire with a big gulf between
academic research and contract archaeology. One result is that a lot of very
poor interpretation finding its way into local HERs.
Just for information i don't think that i have had any income from lottery
sources, although i am always open to offers.
Martin Roe
Meerstone Archaeological Consultancy
http://www.martinroe.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/meerstone.htm
Lead Mining in the Yorkshire Dales,
http://www.martinroe.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
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