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slumpystones S
slumpystones Jul 2, 2007 13:04:49
Replying to nigelswift

nigelswift wrote:
I thought a number of us had, but I'm reluctant to reiterate it as voicing it seems to be taken as an unfriendly act and I can do without further upset.
I can do that, I've calmed down a bit now ;)

There are three main reasons:

It sets a precedent, one that could be used by any number of groups with a greater affiliation to another site. For instance, Pagans may choose to bury their cremated fellowship in a site they feel particularly close to, or Trottiscliffe school, itself in danger of being closed, could decide that Coldrum needs a time capsule. Who could then deny them that right?

It is pointless. The media coverage and recording of the contents mean there will never be a point to digging it up. Archaeologists will probably not be interested in something they can click on and view online, or view photos and scans of in a local museum.

It goes against everything English Heritage stand for - to protect and conserve - and therefore undermines their position.

If I've missed one out, or offended anyone, I apologise.

N nigelswift
nigelswift Jul 2, 2007 13:37:37
Replying to slumpystones

If I've missed one out...

I'd add -

Internationally agreed conservation norms say no.

EH's statutory position dictates they, above anyone, ought to keep to the above.

Britain's special status with UNESCO as having conservation and management practices of such high standards that it is being appointed in a beacon role to developing nations is made to look daft by this.

From the start, EH's Silbury Project Aims included "minimum intervention"

R Robert Carr
Robert Carr Jul 2, 2007 13:59:10
Replying to slumpystones

slumpystones wrote:
There are three main reasons:

It sets a precedent, one that could be used by any number of groups with a greater affiliation to another site. For instance, Pagans may choose to bury their cremated fellowship in a site they feel particularly close to, or Trottiscliffe school, itself in danger of being closed, could decide that Coldrum needs a time capsule. Who could then deny them that right?

It is pointless. The media coverage and recording of the contents mean there will never be a point to digging it up. Archaeologists will probably not be interested in something they can click on and view online, or view photos and scans of in a local museum.

It goes against everything English Heritage stand for - to protect and conserve - and therefore undermines their position.

Nicely put slumpystones. Stay calm now :-).

On point three.

English Heritage may (or may not) have made a boo boo over the time capsule but does that totally undermine their position. Surely the main objective of the current work is to protect and conserve Silbury Hill and to stop it collapsing.

Isn't that what everyone wants and will this project not achieve that objective?

M Mustard
Mustard Jul 2, 2007 14:42:21
Replying to slumpystones

slumpystones wrote:
nigelswift wrote:
I thought a number of us had, but I'm reluctant to reiterate it as voicing it seems to be taken as an unfriendly act and I can do without further upset.
I can do that, I've calmed down a bit now ;)

There are three main reasons:

It sets a precedent, one that could be used by any number of groups with a greater affiliation to another site. For instance, Pagans may choose to bury their cremated fellowship in a site they feel particularly close to, or Trottiscliffe school, itself in danger of being closed, could decide that Coldrum needs a time capsule. Who could then deny them that right?

It is pointless. The media coverage and recording of the contents mean there will never be a point to digging it up. Archaeologists will probably not be interested in something they can click on and view online, or view photos and scans of in a local museum.

It goes against everything English Heritage stand for - to protect and conserve - and therefore undermines their position.

If I've missed one out, or offended anyone, I apologise.

Cheers for clearing that up, Slumps.