The Oakwell Conference went ahead in July and in the event we had an audience of over sixty who enjoyed a full days programme covering a wide ranging look at different aspects of community based archaeology.
Neil Redfern got the day off to a brilliant start with a somewhat unorthodox approach to how we might consider the role of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Ancient Monuments and also his secret passion for historic bricks and drain covers. Our own member, Rebecca Ellis, provided thought provoking suggestions as to the different ways community archaeology is addressed. From the ‘top down’ to the ‘bottom up’ models, examples of which we can all relate to. It was interesting to note how many of the following speakers referred to Reb’s ideas within their talks. Overall we were extremely grateful to all those who provided the talks and indeed to all who came along and participated in a final thought provoking discussion.
South Leeds Archaeology were also very grateful to the staff at Oakwell Hall for providing such a good venue and the support we were given.
Thanks are also due to all those members of South Leeds Archaeology who contributed towards the conference in so many ways. No doubt when we have all recovered, we will be contemplating another conference in the not too distant future.
