This Blog is Relocating
Due to Gremlins (of a technical or censorship nature, possibly both !) this and my other blogs (see below) are relocating for a time to www.witchofworcester.wordpress.com.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Green Woman
This is the first of a series of blogs on the theme of the "The Green Woman", but first I would like to say something about a green man, Professor David Bellamy.
Some years ago, I attended a series of "Master Classes" on environmental issues run by The Conservation Foundation, a charitable organisation set up 25 years ago by Davids Bellamy and Shreeve. At one of these - I think the theme was biodiversity - I had the opportunity to speak to Professor Bellamy and during our conversation he mentioned the importance of human population management. Now I haven't a great deal of personal experience - although I have some - of less developed countries, but David Bellamy has worked throughout the world. He told me that the issue most frequently raised by women during his work in in less developed countries was that of family planning, and their ability to choose how many children they had.
Recently, BBC Radio 4 broadcast a very moving programme about illegal abortion in Ghana. Many - if not most - abortions there are illegal because there is something of a taboo about the termination of pregnancy not only in Ghana, but throughout most of Africa. Consequently many women die or suffer serious health problems as a result of abortions which are improperly carried out. The programme included interviews with a number of Ghanaian women who had endured such "back street" terminations. All these women spoke of their need to postpone pregnancy or a to limit the size of the families for economic reasons. Marie Stopes International is currently in the process of developing family planning facilities in Ghana.
The above radio programme made me revisit the subject of human population management, a theme which has been somewhat "off the air" in recent years is now, I think, returning to the mainstream environmental agenda. Some excellent work is indeed being done for individual women by organisations like Marie Stopes, as well as in the wider context by the "Population and Sustainability Network", for instance. This work has often been undertaken in spite of major political and religious power blocks, such as the United States and the Catholic Church. However, "liberals" have also fought shy on this issue, not wanting to tell people what to do, and thereby failing to support those who desperately need family planning services for individual and social, as well as economic and environmental reasons.
I was delighted, therefore, when Sian Berry, the Principal Female Speaker of the UK Green Party, responded constructively to the matter of family size and population on the radio last weekend, in the context of our own planning for the "management" of climate change.
This is the first of a series of blogs on the theme of the "The Green Woman", but first I would like to say something about a green man, Professor David Bellamy.
Some years ago, I attended a series of "Master Classes" on environmental issues run by The Conservation Foundation, a charitable organisation set up 25 years ago by Davids Bellamy and Shreeve. At one of these - I think the theme was biodiversity - I had the opportunity to speak to Professor Bellamy and during our conversation he mentioned the importance of human population management. Now I haven't a great deal of personal experience - although I have some - of less developed countries, but David Bellamy has worked throughout the world. He told me that the issue most frequently raised by women during his work in in less developed countries was that of family planning, and their ability to choose how many children they had.
Recently, BBC Radio 4 broadcast a very moving programme about illegal abortion in Ghana. Many - if not most - abortions there are illegal because there is something of a taboo about the termination of pregnancy not only in Ghana, but throughout most of Africa. Consequently many women die or suffer serious health problems as a result of abortions which are improperly carried out. The programme included interviews with a number of Ghanaian women who had endured such "back street" terminations. All these women spoke of their need to postpone pregnancy or a to limit the size of the families for economic reasons. Marie Stopes International is currently in the process of developing family planning facilities in Ghana.
The above radio programme made me revisit the subject of human population management, a theme which has been somewhat "off the air" in recent years is now, I think, returning to the mainstream environmental agenda. Some excellent work is indeed being done for individual women by organisations like Marie Stopes, as well as in the wider context by the "Population and Sustainability Network", for instance. This work has often been undertaken in spite of major political and religious power blocks, such as the United States and the Catholic Church. However, "liberals" have also fought shy on this issue, not wanting to tell people what to do, and thereby failing to support those who desperately need family planning services for individual and social, as well as economic and environmental reasons.
I was delighted, therefore, when Sian Berry, the Principal Female Speaker of the UK Green Party, responded constructively to the matter of family size and population on the radio last weekend, in the context of our own planning for the "management" of climate change.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Stonehenge : Settlement Found
The discovery of an ancient settlement near Stonehenge is a timely reminder of the importance of archaeological conservation :
Neolithic site found near Stonehenge
31/01/2007 06:11
By Patricia Reaney
LONDON (Reuters) - Evidence of a large settlement full of houses dating back to 2,600 BC has been discovered near the ancient stone monument of Stonehenge, scientists said on Tuesday.
They suspect inhabitants of the houses, forming the largest Neolithic village ever found in Britain, built the stone circle at Stonehenge -- generally thought to have been a temple, burial ground or an astronomy site -- between 3,000 and 1,600 BC.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Proper Scope and Role of Local Studies
"Local Studies" is usually taken to mean "Local History". However, this definition is too narrow, in my view, and, I would argue, has hindered development of a more broadly based and dynamic approach to the study of localities which can be practically applied to different situations and requirements eg interventions in the planning system. As consequence, the take up of "Local Studies" in some places - but by no means all - tends to be limited to those with a professional or amateur interest in historical research either for publication or, perhaps, a family or community archive. Whilst these are worthy enough ends, I would propose that a much greater opportunity exists to develop "Local Studies" in both the academic and non-academic contexts and to significantly broaden participation in what can be a professionally, personally and collectively an immensely worthwhile and fulfilling intellectual and practical pursuit for diverse people and communities.
Before exploring an expanded concept of "Local Studies", I would like to compare and contrast my experience of resources for the study of localities and associated local projects in different places. My own professional background is in area regeneration, and I would propose that some of the most successful regeneration initiatives are closely associated with local studies "communities", such as those with an interest in conservation of the built and natural environment. In London, my experience suggests that, in the recent past anyway, opportunities for linking conservation and "development" have been good, although most recent contact suggests that conservation is losing out to development again. Elsewhere, opportunities for a more holistic and applied approach to local studies seem, with some notable exceptions, to be more limited. Worcester/shire has excellent archive and library resources, but their user communities seem fragmented, and there appears to be a lack of appreciation of the value of conservation to sustainable regeneration, notwithstanding the good work of English Heritage.
Moving on the scope of "Local Studies", Worcester's "History Centre and Library" and the "Local Studies" section in the City's Main Library (Art Gallery and Museum) have a fine and wideranging collection of publications. Indeed, these excellent collections probably circumscribe the proper scope and role of "Local Studies", ranging as they do from miscellaneous local history publications, to historical (as well as more recent) plans and associated documents for Worcestershire and the West Midlands Region. The latter cover subjects from economic and transport planning, and housing development, to conservation of the natural and built environments. In addition, there is a wealth of cultural material linked to both locality and wider region, all contributing to a veritable treasure trove of knowledge and recollection. Nevertheless, the focus of "Local Studies" remains rather narrowly defined in the naming of the "History Centre and Library", and, although this facility, and the City Library, both provide an excellent service, the full extent of their collections goes unappreciated, in my opinion, by the
wider community, and their "collective wisdom" is mostly unapplied in the present day context.
A proposal by the University of Worcester, the City Council and Worcestershire County Council to co-locate existing " Local Studies" resouces in a new "Mega-Library", attached to the University, on the site of the former Royal Infirmary may go some way to tackling the concerns which I have raised. In principle, the co-location of local studies resources with the County Council's archaeology service seems a good idea. On the other hand, I have some reservations about the value of mega-projects, having been involved in quite a few. These can consume large amounts of resouces, not least money, without creating a better service for user communities.
However, I will give the Worcester proposal the benefit of my doubt for the time being. Instead, I would suggest the organisations involved with project consider the possibility of developing a broad "Local Studies" curriculum, which might be adapted to the requirements of different stakeholders, such as schools, higher and further education students, the voluntary sector, researchers etc. This curriculum should be linked to a range of accreditations and qualifications, as well as encouraging those who wish to engage in informal study and research.
The "World Heritage Sites" division of UNESCO (United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organisation) sponsors two Masters degree programmes in "World Heritage Site Management". The syllabus for the course in Dublin (for links see the UNESCO website), could actually be adapted for a more local context, possibly in conjunction with an organisation such as English Heritage. The University of Worcester might offer a Masters programme with a "Local Studies/Heritage Management" focus at some point : now would seem to be a good time to be thinking about this. The UNESCO experience of managing World Heritage Sites is certainly relevant to Worcester. Development pressures continually threaten conservation. Indeed, had conservation played a stronger role in the post-war development of Worcester, it is possible that the city might have been eligible for "world heritage" status itself. The 1940s "Civic Survey for the Planning of Worcester", copies of which are available from Worcester City Libary and in the History Centre, emphasises the fine City's fine architectural and landscape heritage. Much of this - alas ! - has now been developed and even more is currently under threat.
To be continued....
"Local Studies" is usually taken to mean "Local History". However, this definition is too narrow, in my view, and, I would argue, has hindered development of a more broadly based and dynamic approach to the study of localities which can be practically applied to different situations and requirements eg interventions in the planning system. As consequence, the take up of "Local Studies" in some places - but by no means all - tends to be limited to those with a professional or amateur interest in historical research either for publication or, perhaps, a family or community archive. Whilst these are worthy enough ends, I would propose that a much greater opportunity exists to develop "Local Studies" in both the academic and non-academic contexts and to significantly broaden participation in what can be a professionally, personally and collectively an immensely worthwhile and fulfilling intellectual and practical pursuit for diverse people and communities.
Before exploring an expanded concept of "Local Studies", I would like to compare and contrast my experience of resources for the study of localities and associated local projects in different places. My own professional background is in area regeneration, and I would propose that some of the most successful regeneration initiatives are closely associated with local studies "communities", such as those with an interest in conservation of the built and natural environment. In London, my experience suggests that, in the recent past anyway, opportunities for linking conservation and "development" have been good, although most recent contact suggests that conservation is losing out to development again. Elsewhere, opportunities for a more holistic and applied approach to local studies seem, with some notable exceptions, to be more limited. Worcester/shire has excellent archive and library resources, but their user communities seem fragmented, and there appears to be a lack of appreciation of the value of conservation to sustainable regeneration, notwithstanding the good work of English Heritage.
Moving on the scope of "Local Studies", Worcester's "History Centre and Library" and the "Local Studies" section in the City's Main Library (Art Gallery and Museum) have a fine and wideranging collection of publications. Indeed, these excellent collections probably circumscribe the proper scope and role of "Local Studies", ranging as they do from miscellaneous local history publications, to historical (as well as more recent) plans and associated documents for Worcestershire and the West Midlands Region. The latter cover subjects from economic and transport planning, and housing development, to conservation of the natural and built environments. In addition, there is a wealth of cultural material linked to both locality and wider region, all contributing to a veritable treasure trove of knowledge and recollection. Nevertheless, the focus of "Local Studies" remains rather narrowly defined in the naming of the "History Centre and Library", and, although this facility, and the City Library, both provide an excellent service, the full extent of their collections goes unappreciated, in my opinion, by the
wider community, and their "collective wisdom" is mostly unapplied in the present day context.
A proposal by the University of Worcester, the City Council and Worcestershire County Council to co-locate existing " Local Studies" resouces in a new "Mega-Library", attached to the University, on the site of the former Royal Infirmary may go some way to tackling the concerns which I have raised. In principle, the co-location of local studies resources with the County Council's archaeology service seems a good idea. On the other hand, I have some reservations about the value of mega-projects, having been involved in quite a few. These can consume large amounts of resouces, not least money, without creating a better service for user communities.
However, I will give the Worcester proposal the benefit of my doubt for the time being. Instead, I would suggest the organisations involved with project consider the possibility of developing a broad "Local Studies" curriculum, which might be adapted to the requirements of different stakeholders, such as schools, higher and further education students, the voluntary sector, researchers etc. This curriculum should be linked to a range of accreditations and qualifications, as well as encouraging those who wish to engage in informal study and research.
The "World Heritage Sites" division of UNESCO (United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organisation) sponsors two Masters degree programmes in "World Heritage Site Management". The syllabus for the course in Dublin (for links see the UNESCO website), could actually be adapted for a more local context, possibly in conjunction with an organisation such as English Heritage. The University of Worcester might offer a Masters programme with a "Local Studies/Heritage Management" focus at some point : now would seem to be a good time to be thinking about this. The UNESCO experience of managing World Heritage Sites is certainly relevant to Worcester. Development pressures continually threaten conservation. Indeed, had conservation played a stronger role in the post-war development of Worcester, it is possible that the city might have been eligible for "world heritage" status itself. The 1940s "Civic Survey for the Planning of Worcester", copies of which are available from Worcester City Libary and in the History Centre, emphasises the fine City's fine architectural and landscape heritage. Much of this - alas ! - has now been developed and even more is currently under threat.
To be continued....
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