My partner Linda and I live in Filey on the East Coast of Yorkshire. I’m a jeweller by trade and we both work in our shop in the town. We are generally interested in all aspects of archaeology, but have a specific interest in Aviation Archaeology. We have two Siamese cats, Monte & Sam, whose manic antics in the wee small hours drive us out of the house to seek the peace and tranquillity of the Moors and Uplands. We have two small children, Ann (5) and John (3),who occasionally get dragged away from the “square box” and out into the fresh air for miles of walking!
I have always had more than a passing interest in aviation, and in recent years had been involved in restoring WWII aircraft. To this end we had to visit crash sites to recover (under MoD Licence) parts to help in these restorations.
We have excavated a number of aircraft crash sites (also under MoD Licence) and have always endeavoured to employ some traditional archaeological techniques.
We recently took the decision to stop excavating such sites because of a minority of people who don’t obtain the necessary permission before a dig. We have however opted to survey crash sites in order to pass essential information to the MoD, National Parks Authorities, the National Trust, and the County Archaeologists. The information we provide is being used to put each site on the Sites and Monuments Records. We hope that this will provide added protection for such sites and back up the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
In recent years the increase in collecting and trading in wreckage from crash sites has tainted Aviation Archaeology and many people find the pastime distasteful for the right reasons.
We are currently surveying sites on the North Yorkshire Moors, although we have looked at sites in the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District.
I failed to join the RAF aged 17 as aircrew, but recently started training to fly helicopters. Great for building on your self confidence but very financially draining – cheaper to have another kid?
Special Interest Areas
Aviation Archaeology, Egyptology