Guest Blog

Check out the guest blog post I wrote for the British Geological Survey!
http://britgeopeople.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/laser-scanning-hell-fire-caves-by.html

First 3D laser scan image of Hell-Fire Caves and Berkeley Archaeology

The first glimpse of the Hell-Fire Caves 3D laser scanning results are here! Lots more to come in the following weeks and months.

Hell-Fire Caves 3D Laser Scan BGS / A Tierney

The recent testing of the REACT Reflector went really well, the students responded with enthusiasm. Mark Horton coming along probably helped with that as he got the secondary school students leaping with excitement before taking them on a whirlwind tour of Berkeley Castle and the excavation trenches.

Key words that students used to describe the Reflector

And our work with Berkeley still isn't done. As part of the Green Apple Scheme-funded Community Engagement project, I am putting a temporary exhibition in place at the Jenner Museum, Berkeley Castle, St Mary's Churchyard and the Community Library. The posters produced have been designed by University of Bristol students and reflect topics that arose from our community engagement outreach efforts back in May/June. Posters go up on Saturday, just in time for the Festival of Archaeology.

#Awesome

June is for winning and scanning

Last week I conducted a 3D laser scan of the Hell-Fire Caves at West Wycombe. We took millions upon millions of data points and the full extent is so epic it deserves proper reflection and a proper write up - so expect that soon. And again, a super huge thanks to the British Geological Survey for making my laser scanning dreams come true! They are absolute legends and a pleasure to work with. And to the cave owners and staff - a massive thanks for allowing me unfettered access and for being so welcoming.Here's a teaser behind the scenes shot:

Lee from the BGS using the Faro 3D laser scanner at the Hell-Fire Caves

June was also a good month for awards - my supervisor and I were just awarded a University Teaching Development Grant for my projects involving social media embedded within the annual Berkeley Castle Project. This follows an award from the University's Green Apple Scheme for a community engagement and ethics project (also embedded within the BCP) - I'm in the process of drafting the evaluation for this and the second part of the award will see me set up a temporary exhibition around the town of Berkeley.

Plus, (yes, even more!), I was shortlisted for a University Award for Enhancing the Student Learning Experience - and received a commendation. Quote from Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education):

"...you clearly have excelled in your role and the contribution you have made in promoting the University theme of Education for Sustainable Development, in both transformative and innovative capacity, is very much appreciated. On behalf of the University I would like to formally commend and convey our gratitude to you."

I've also joined the REACT team and will be testing a multimedia object box in a school next week. Read more about the project here: http://www.react-hub.org.uk/objects-sandbox/projects/2014/reflector/

Mid May to mid June update

It's been a heady mix of archaeology on site at Berkeley Castle and work on my sustainability life!

First though, my utter edge of seat excitement that I'll be away later this week at the Hell-Fire Caves with the British Geological Survey - they have kindly offered a team of experts to work with me to 3D laser scan the entire cave system. More updates on that soon.

Onto Berkeley, where I've been training students in how to engage the public with the University's dig around the town. We've had some cracking ideas come up - you might want to try one of our quizzes:

What archaeological site are you?

What kind of archaeologist are you?

Along with videos (my favourite), Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Back on campus, I signed up to the be an academic assignment tutor as part of the Access to Bristol scheme. And it was full steam ahead for developments with sustainability and enterprise education plans.

I even made room for some semblance of a social life and saw the Fun Lovin' Criminals at Grillstock.

Mid-April-mid-May Update

A whirlwind month of productive meetings have passed and it feels great to see some real progress with the University's approach and consideration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

I hopped up to Nottingham for the annual EAUC conference, where I presented on two sessions, one on where Enterprise and Sustainability meet, and the other a joint session with Edinburgh on students and sustainability. The feedback was very positive and the day was followed by a super swish gala dinner and questionable dancing.

The following weekend Graham took part in the 10k Bristol run, raising money for charity - over £1300 so far for Kidney Research - you can donate here: http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Tratt

Then the ESD team ran a HEA-funded workshop on ESD and institutional change, again I presented on two sessions and even got a chance to film some reflections from attendees and speakers.

In between all these bits and pieces, I've been preparing for the upcoming Berkeley excavation season! If you haven't already, check out our feeds @digberkeley or facebook.com/digberkeley.

yay! digging!

And, let's not forget the awesomeness that was the Eurovision #beardedladiesforever !

IfA Conference Scotland 2014 including adventures

WORKSHOPS!

The Institute for Archaeologist's 2014 national conference at Scotland was a resounding success: well attended, creating lots of useful discussion, and bang on good fun!

Myself and my supervisor ran a 3-hour CPD workshop session on Social Media, tailored for those working in archaeology. I will put all the outputs from this online for anyone to view. If you have any ideas get in touch and I can add them to the resources page here:
https://wikis.bris.ac.uk/display/UoBArch/Social+Media+and+Archaeology+-+resources

IfA CPD workshop - Social Media

And the HEA-funded workshop on Health and Safety midweek was fantastic too - lots of decisions and ideas for work to be undertaken - and, best of all, engaging in useful dialogue across sectors.

Students and professionals in dialogue at Health and Safety session (HEA-funded)

ADVENTURES!

We also went on a few rambling walking adventures around the city, discovering the necropolis and the Russian kinetic theatre.

Glasgow Airport security deny my civil liberties and intimidate me into complying

Report on security at Glasgow Airport (warning: your civil liberties may be challenged and dismissed) ---

Beeped as I went through security, asked to step aside. Told to go through scanner machine. Paused and stated: "I would prefer not to do the scanner, is there a frisk option". "I need to ask my manager", stated the lady. He walked over, asked what the problem was, I restated. He said "I need to hear a legitimate reason", I repeated my preference. He restated his stance. I then said, "I will comply if that is what I have to do, but is there another option" to which he replied "Comply is a strong word" and directed me again into the machine.The tone I was spoken to was dismissive, authoritarian and intimidating. I didn't appreciate that.

Comply is a strong word

It felt like when a child doesn't want to eat their broccoli and the parent makes them. Except I'm not a child and the broccoli is, I feel, against my civil liberties if I decline.

A note on the official regulations, now that I have had a chance to check them, from http://www.glasgowairport.com/glasgow-airport-guide/airport-security/body-scanners --- You will note that the option I requested and that they officially offer was not provided to me despite me asking numerous times. I am not impressed.

If I'm asked to pass through the security scanner, can I choose to be screened by an alternative method?
The Department for Transport considers that there are no known health effects from the scanners in use at Glasgow Airport. The only alternative that can be offered to a scanner is a private search which allows for a more extensive hand-search than usual. Passengers will be escorted to a different location in the airport from the main search area (e.g. a private search room). The private search may involve the loosening and/or removal of clothing. A person undergoing a private search may ask to be accompanied by a witness. This alternative screening method will take significantly more time than passing through a security scanner.

Update: November 2013 - March 2014

The last few months have been a haze of activity and have kept me out of trouble.

First up - I successfully completed the upgrade process, moving me from MLitt to official PhD student status.

Parliament - I made my debut at the House of Commons, speaking as the representative for ESD in Higher Education. Surprised to find that entering the hallowed halls was a bit like going through airport security.

Awards - the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) team, including yours truely, were commended for our education efforts at the Green Gown Awards (courses category - see more here: http://www.sustainabilityexchange.ac.uk/13-courses/1728-green-gown-awards-2013-courses-university-of-bristol-highly-commended-case-study)

Me centre holding our commendation from the Green Gown Awards

Research - I did some more survey work at the Hell-Fire Caves; and took a trip to LAARC to conduct x-ray fluorescence analysis of some bits of glassware related to the Hell-Fire Clubs (pew pew)

A sample of the glassware I sampled at LAARC

This is what a sensible academic looks like (#LearningIsFun)

Conference - attended the Shipwreck Archaeology conference in Plymouth: great chats, papers, and new friends.

One of my new friends in Plymouth

Abby - and stopped by Buckfastleigh Abby on the way back.

Blast from the past - found a bunch of golden oldie childhood toys while at home for Christmas.

Pogs! Who remembers pogs!

Presentations - workshops, posters...too many for any sensible person, but at least one of them had cake.

The University understands that its students need cake

New Brighton - it's a place near Liverpool which is guarded by a demented clown. Be afraid.

BAARS - my home away from home, the #LearningIsFun capital of the world: BAARS (Bristol Archaeology & Anthropology Research Seminar Series).

It's all about the post-talk drinks and bonding

New Years - a fantastic get together of friends. Totally civilised. All photos were burned.

Lecture - with limited teaching this term (good for time contraints) I only had to give a few lectures, one to the visiting Access students on Maritime Archaeology, and the other on the material culture of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Social - saw Steel Panther (oh dear, they are a lot to handle), went to a delightful Bristol Real Ale Festival; took a scenic trip to Henley-on-Thames, survived Ragnorak, etc.

Press - I did some more BBC 5Live cover for Win Scutt on Archaeology (Giles Dilnott's "Up All Night"); and was interviewed about the Hell-Fire Cave survey plans by BBC 3Counties, which was also covered by the Bucks Free Press and the University in a press release.

Funding - started a crowdfunding project to help get a 3D laser scan of the Hell-Fire Caves done, check it out and support here: http://wefund.com/project/hell-fire-cave-mapping/p59473/

Phew. Need to get back to my PhD by resolve (again) to update more frequently.

Hell-Fire Cave Survey

The Hell-Fire Caves at West Wycombe are a complicated series of tunnels and chambers, hewn by human hand in the mid 18th century. Sir Francis Dashwood commissioned the creation of the caves to serve as a meeting place for his friends who formed a club known as the Monks of Medmenham or the Knights of St Francis.

To date, very little archaeological evidence from the caves has surfaced. As part of my research on the Hell-Fire Clubs, I would like to undertake a 3D laser scan of the whole complex. This is an enormous task as the caves stretch for over a quarter mile underground, twisting and turning all the way. My previous attempts to hand survey have been moderately successful, but the laser scanning would offer the opportunity to record the site in full 3D, including detailed imaging of the wall surfaces. My intention is to make this 3D plan available online for anyone to access, and I will use the information collected to inform my archaeological PhD studies.

I have received a very low price to conduct the scanning, but it is still far outside my student budget. The scanning itself will cost c.£1500-£1750.

Please help me achieve my goal to scan the caves and share my findings widely - you can do this by donating as much or as little as you like here: http://wefund.com/project/hell-fire-cave-mapping/p59473/

Many Thanks! Ash

UPDATE: Great news - the BGS have offered to step in and support my research by providing the scanning for me! Wow! Really looking forward to working with them and sharing the results in the next couple of months.

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL PRESS RELEASE

Student undertakes landmark 3D scan of Hell-Fire Caves


Press release issued: 28 March 2014

Phallic find of the day

Sometimes archaeology is just hilarious. I just stumbled across this gem while doing some reading.

Source: Taverns and other entertainments in the City of London? Seventeenth- and 18th-century finds from excavations at Paternoster Square By SADIE WATSON and JACQUELINE PEARCE with ANNE DAVIS, GEOFF EGAN and ALAN PIPE / Post-Medieval Archaeology 44/1 (2010), 172–208

My life in pictures from the last month and a half

Fantastic fieldtrip to survey the Hell-Fire Caves

Had fun making a wordle of two chapters of my dissertation, on the Irish Hell-Fire Clubs

Hoped across the sea to visit the folks and survey the Hell-Fire Club of Dublin, Montpelier

Quote of the day: on the men and women of Ireland

Looks mattered in the past. Quoting from Thomas Dineley's tour of Ireland in 1797, this paragraph details the look of men and women in Ireland:

He paid more attention to the women...well-bottomed, ever growing, strangely proportion and with enormous legs... Thanks Dineley!

Quote of the day: on the value of the past and on different cultures

From Speech of Mr. Gladstone at Mold, 1873:

There is no greater folly circulating upon the earth at this moment, or at any other time, than the disposition to undervalue the Past, and to break those links which unite human beings of the present day with the generations that have passed away and been called to their account.

The above is taken from Selections from Old Kerry Records 1874 (Hickson, M. 2nd ed.), which contains a dedication poem by Thomas Davis:

What matter that at different shrines
We pray unto one God,
What matter that at different times
Our fathers won the sod,
In fortune and in name we're bound
By stronger links than steel,
And neither can be safe nor sound
But in the other's weal.

35,000 years old archaeology kicks ass...

Xzibit helps archaeology keep it real

.

Photo: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.150023071682921.30804.149716745046887&type=1 Source: Probably © Universität Tübingen

[Source] and find out more here: http://donsmaps.com/vogelherd.html

Science or supernatural possession? The case of the moving statue

Archaeologists tend not to believe in ghosts or superstitions on the whole, but now and then eyebrows and questions are raised when the inexplicable presents itself. The case of the independently moving Egyptian statue is a case in point. And this story comes with time-lapse video proof!

Recent activity: from Mexico to Anglo-Saxons and a media bonanza

The last month has been a hectic jumble of archaeological wonderment, and I have yet again let my blog suffer as a result. But, it has all been for the greater good (of archaeology).

First up - a terrific trip around the Yucatan, Mexico

I discovered that I am very good at pointing at archaeology enthusiastically, while trying to hide from the sun. Chichén-Itzá was utterly amazing. The complex is dotted with stunning stepped pyramids, other religious buildings and detailed relief sculpture. Archaeologists are hard at work restoring the structures and no one is allowed climb the steps anymore. Trenches have also been opened, showing earlier occupation phases on the site - this work has been postponed until the drainage is sorted.

Exhibit A: Pointing at archaeology (extra 'points' as it includes both a pyramid and a trench)

The greatest book of all time?

As far as fabulous books go, this one is high on the list. It's title summons visions of Bette Midler as a wicked witch. It draws you in with promises of how to get rich quick, how to play with the animals (including cats). For the adventurous types, it dazzles with promises of balancing two knives on the brim of a glass (useful as a new parlour trick). Even parents get a look in as they can teach their children to read by using dice. You can become immune to the rascalous pick pockets, make fireworks and booze, and fix up the house with some plastering.

How is this not the greatest selling book of all time? Well, it's free. Download it now!

Why coffee is better than wine or ale

Stumbled across a great poem from the late 17th century, all about the virtues of coffee over the detrimental effects of boozing:

Coffee

When the sweet Poison of the Treacherous Grape

Had acted on the world a general rape; 

Drowning our Reason and our souls 

In such deep seas of large o'erflowing bowls, 

When foggy Ale, leavying up mighty trains

Of muddy vapours, had besieg'd our Brains,

Then Heaven in Pity

First sent amongst us this All-Healing Berry,

Coffee arrives, that grave and wholesome Liquor,

That heals the stomach, makes the genius quicker,

Relieves the memory, revives the sad, 

And cheers the Spirits, without making mad. 

-- Anon. (1674)

The story of ESD at Bristol so far - my perspective

This is a short report of my reflections on my internship with the University of Bristol - looking at Education for Sustainable Development. I wrote this storify as part of the online course E-learning and Digital Cultures (Coursera), it's my digital artefact assignment - hope you enjoy it!

Tutankhamun, his mum and the curvy king

Why the ever so informal title for something I should be treating academically? 
Because this is a personal story, one of mother and son.

News broke today that King Tutankhamun's mother was the legendary beauty, Queen Nefertiti. Looking at the bust of the queen and the death mask of the king, both share decidedly good facial features with marked symmetry (a hallmark of goodlooking-ness).

Image from i09's article on the subject

What's the evidence?