DigNation 18 celebrated Britain's most beloved TV archaeologist, Mick Aston. In his opening talk, Tony shared some of his best memories of Mick Aston, and the 20 years they spent together on Time Team.
Even now, looking back, losing Mick feels like losing an uncle... I was an utter Time Team junkie, and it forever changed the way I view my environment - regardless of where I may be. Thank you...
_"forever changed the way I view my environment"_ I can't think of anything better to take into ones own heart from archeology. Well said, and well done. ^-^
I watch Time Team episodes almost daily, and watch many over and over. I prefer the older episodes. Everyone is important, but Mick, Tony, and Phil are the reasons I love watching these episodes. It was good to hear Phil's voice from the audience in this video. Losing Mick too soon was a terrible loss. Thank you, all.
31:03 "Mick had the courage to let his mistakes be seen" - this is where Time Team's importance went way beyond the field of archaeology. It's what all good science is all about: You make assumptions, test them and if they turn out to be wrong (they usually are), you re-examine the evidence over and over again until you reach the best possible answer. (And then of course, shortly afterwards, more evidence turns up and you have to redo from start ;-) The only thing you never ever assume, is that you know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Time Team more than any other science program I know of demonstrated and popularised not only the end result but also the process in a way that people could relate to.
I hope your comment gets lots of likes because it makes an important point. Science is a human endeavour. Mistakes are made, but the process demands that we recognize those mistakes and try to make better sense of things as we gather more knowledge of the world we are investigating.
Indeed. Mistakes are *intrinsic* to learning. They are in fact an extremely important part of evolution. It's easy to see by even just both of your comments alone that _Time Team_ was a true success, having nothing to do with the acquisition of monetary wealth. True wealth is one of the personality, and _Time Team_ was far more successful by far than most shows at multiplying the wealth of individuals personalities.
You are so right, and this couldnt be more relevant during these times. When you have a man claiming he is science and that questioning him is an afront to the whole of science. Sickening to see people treating him as omnipotent. And to see nothing being done differently from pretty much day one even though there is a ton of data that indicates different actions to be taken. The mask studies, the studies on generic medicines treatments, on lock downs and on vitamins and general health. All these studies, yet it seems the only thing you here about is the vaccines, and the shocking lack of efficacy with them yet the science is being refused to be followed. It shiuld make you wonder what really is the underlying factor for this. Nevermind the censorship surrounding even credible voices that may go slightly against the orthodoxy.. its sad that people care more about the politics of it all then actually doing the right things.
Guess what, Time Team IS coming back! Thanks to the tireless efforts of Tim Taylor and all his patrons from Time Team Official/Time Team Classics. I'm pumped, even if Tony or Phil won't be back, it's still exiting.
29:00 - I always though Stuart's input was so vital. He shifted the focus away from just the micro-world of the trench (interesting though they are), and gave us superb context as to why sites were where they were, what had influenced them in the past. I loved the fact that he could give us some idea of the thought processes of the historic people who'd built these farms or Roman villas where they did, and I found that that brought the viewer closer to those people and made them less mysterious and distant. It really was a superb team.
More than that. He often just put them all on the right track when they were straying off course. I always had a private saying “Stuart will sort it out!”, when the archaeologists were impersonating headless chickens and arguing.
Tony is my favorite presenter and mad lad person of all time. Yet that entire cast was made up of the most intelligent special and unique people I’ve ever seen.
I had the great pleasure of working with Mick and the Time Team when they came to our village. It was some of the best 3 days of my life and it was a joy to meet and spend time with Mick, Stewart, Carenza, Phil and Tony and all the others who were so friendly and welcoming.
I just ran across this. Mick was a great part of the team. He had a way about him that just bridged to us lay people explaining things. His interactions with Phil and Sir Tony were something I always looked forward to.
When Tony spoke, and we all learned of his serendipitous meeting with Mick, the universe was set in motion for the unique gift of TT. I know millions love this show. The camradery of all the archaeologists and support staff, soon felt like we were seeing our best friends in for a visit and sharing home movies. I found Mick and Tony the proverbial "Odd Couple ", each saying their views. Tony, mercurial and single minded and Mick, the older, wiser big brother to explain his reasons for decisions. This is a great idea for a man, whose only desire was to educate his fellow Britons on their very rich history, its complexities, separating myth and facts and showing all to respect their heritage. I've been watching TT, for only a few months. Tho I'm not from the UK,( I'm an American) I've learned so much. I'm a rock hound, and Phil explaining neolithic and mesolithic tools, had me realize the stones I picked up due to their unusual shape are actually hammers. My prize posession is a flint scraper I found on my property. It fits my hand as if it was made for me. Thanks TT and good luck with this years event. Cheers!!!
Oh gosh, I'm tearing up. I've never met any of these two men but that description of their banter... Through Time Team I felt I got to know them just a tiny bit. Their passion for teaching anf learning, their grumpiness toward one another hiding what seemed a deep, warm friendship. I miss Time Team, and Aston, and the rest of the crew. I miss tiny shards of ancient pottery. I miss failures to find anything archeological in a trench. I miss their absolute joy even under terrible weather conditions. Sir Tony, thank you for sharing your impression of Mick with this stranger who grew up with your tv show. I love you to bits, all of you.
Time Team recorded a programme very near where I live about 12 years ago in October. I was an avid fan. Never missed a Sunday evening prog. I booked my last three days holiday, the weather was stunning and I basically joined in. I had an old battered landrover defender and on the first morning I turned up and mingled with the crew and archaeologists. For three days nobody even noticed I was there as I was so unobtrusive. I spoke to all the "stars" and they were graciously polite and never questioned who I was. It was bliss. Mick even shouted at me! As he walked past, I said, "Good morning Professor Aston". He growled back, "Don't call me Professor!! Lovely gentle days, I will always remember.
"Time Team is not coming back". (smiles) As Tony notes in paraphrasing Mick: "It's as important to get things wrong, as it is to get things right". Great video, thank you for sharing!
I've gone off Tony a bit due to some views that don't match mine, but he was really good on time team, I liked the way he kind of pretended he didn't know much about the archaeology and history and asked the questions we might ask. I'm sure he knows more than he made out he did,
Fortunately, Time Team is coming back! They are already on a new dig. [July 2021] Looking forward to the new series, though Mick, Robin, and Victor will be sorely missed.
Time Team was more than a TV show. It was an idea, an inspiration. Some programmes like Time Team and Top Gear can never be recreated. It is irreversibly gone.
From its initial concept to its sad finale. Time Team has given us all a education, insight with views of discovery and rediscovery. Mick was the main man, his passion and knowledge led the team and viewers to new ways of thinking about our past. Over 20 years, he opened a very deep archaeological hole that many have had the privelidge to dig into on a Sunday afternoon from the comfort of our own home. Thanks Mick.
It's a crime against our intelligence that Time Team came to an end. Especially when you take a look at some of the prime time Saturday evening singing and dancing shows recently commissioned in the UK. Rest well, Mick.
sandra johnson Restart at the beginning again....always something that pops up new.....have you tried the 4 episodes of Time Signs?....To see a (very) much younger Mick and Phil.....well....about takes you aback a bit!!
Thank you, Dig Ventures, for providing this amazing series. I caught a random Time Team on youtube years ago, and became obsessed. Went back to the beginning and watched the whole series. Rest well, Mick, you wonderful, wonderful man.
How marvelous this is. I just sort of tripped over the DigVentures site today as I was wrapping up yet another round of watching 20 seasons of Time Team. And Tony's reminiscences of Mick were golden. I found myself laughing and crying right along with everyone in the audience. I think I'll be downloading this series rather quickly. :)
Tony's sharing memories of Mick, I heard Phil, and that's Stewart. What a wonderful sharing for those of us who love Time Team. I only found the show about 3 years ago, thanks to RU-vid, and it will always be very high on my short list of well done, educational programming that introduced working academics who shared their knowledge in a way everyone could understand and appreciate. Thank you.
A wonderful talk. I’ve been re-watching Time Team over lockdown and it’s fantastic television, I have such fond memories of watching it with my dad on Sunday evenings - they just don’t make them like this anymore! Mick was a brilliant educator and the very definition of the phrase ‘keeping it real’ - no BS, no nonsense, just clear, interesting and illuminating discussion of the sites and the archaeology, and very supportive and inclusive of interested amateurs and those with a passion for the discipline
I worked with both Mick and Phil when I was a conservation manager for The Churches Conservation Trust, and they were fantastic blokes. I used to go round to Mick's house (he lived just down the road) for coffee and then go off to look at some Somerset churches. With Mick's name attached, we managed to get an archaeological survey and excavation funded at Old Holcombe Church in 2012. His death was such a bad shock. This is a lovely tribute from Tony Robinson.
What a nice tribute. I only discovered TT a couple of weeks ago and am admittedly binge watching AMAP. I would say that Mick lived his best life and not only did something interesting with his life, but sparked an interest in archaeology in millions of people. Well done Mr. Aston. RIP
O.m.g..!!!! This is the first I knew!! A TRUE English icon and Patriot. Bless you Mick, and a BIG THANKYOU for all your work, humour and knowledge. .Rest in peace mick, you earned it..
I found Time Team through RU-vid, I can't get enough of it. Now that I learn of the passing of Mick it sadens me he was my favorite on the show. My heart gose out to his famaly and friends. The great thing is we have this wounderful show to watch and visit with Mick when ever we want.
This show was such a delight,I'm really into archeology and he'd high regard for Mick, and Phil Tony also. It had a great run run RIP Mick you will be missed.. cA
I'm here from the future (2023) to let you know that despite all you've said, Time Team is BACK! Only on RU-vid for now, but at least it's back! Mick's influence is still there, and every time I hear the music my memories of him, Phil, Tony, Helen, Carenza and all the rest of the team come flooding back!
Thank you so much for posting this. I discovered _Time Team_ very late, only two years ago in fact, but it quickly became my favorite show and I am now a fan for life. Even so, I miss Mick and although they are alive still the rest of _Time Team_ as well. A few days ago I found _Digging for Britain_ and it has Phil in the beginning, but I still have yet to find the episode he's on. His quip at Tony about picking up but not actually using the trowel had me rolling, lols.
Digging for Britain Season 5 Ep 1 ... West In this episode, we're in the West of Britain. Finds include the lost WWI training trenches on Salisbury Plain, Britain's first double henge, and luxury foreign goods discovered at Tintagel, the legendary childhood home of King Arthur.
Season 5, ep 1 West - 59:22 ... Phil Harding In this episode, we're in the West of Britain. Finds include the lost WWI training trenches on Salisbury Plain, Britain's first double henge, and luxury foreign goods discovered at Tintagel, the legendary childhood home of King Arthur.
Tony’s presentation was so articulate and emotional, revealing his respect and love for Mick, not to mention, funny. I’m so glad that there’s a new Time Team on RU-vid! Not the same without Mick, Tony, and Phil, though.
Good Night professor Aston we never knew each other, I only can find repeats on the web and I am from America Acrost The Pond, however you have given me a great pleasure of starting a fire in my heart about Archaeology, You, Tony, Phill and the team brighten my morning every day. thank you Sir for Enriching my life and expanding my Knowledge
'Time Team' was the first show I ever binge-watched. i love the way Mick would end every sentence with 'Look!' whenever he got excited. The banter between Tony, Mick, Phil, and the rest (especially Matt and Raksha) made them feel like family. I thank my parents's love of history and archaeology, which gave me the ability to appreciate 'TT' and subsequent programs.
Thank you, Tony, for simultaneously making my eyes sting with tears for a show I (and my late wife) loved so much and smile with warmth at the unassuming man who was the hub on which it all turned. The people on Time Time were as important to we viewers as the fascinating subject matter. You, being the representative of 'us' in the field, Phil for his enthusiasm and exasperation and Mick, the calm, somewhat grumpy, centre of it all ... a wonderful show (as an ex-museum curator and historian I had a professional interest in it but that wasn't why I watched it) that I have watched again and again over the decades and wished there were more of.
In the 1960s I had two friends living in Birmingham who were doing postgraduate work in Edgbaston. I often stayed with them, so went to the postgrad canteen there for coffee. We often saw Mick Aston there; he was doing excavating, often on sites that were soon to be built on. Time passed, and my friends left Birmingham. I began working as a Primary school teacher. Years later, I came across TT and started watching it. After a few episodes, I realised I recognised Mick, and that I had actually MET someone who was on TV! What's more he was a really interesting bloke! Well done, Mick.
I used to watch time team in 2005 . I could only find it sparingly in California at the time. Now I have so many episodes at my fingertips. I feel like I know each of the team personally. Truly all amazing human beings
Thank you so much Dig Ventures.....Mick was someone very special....obviously to his team and friends....however we as viewers also took him to heart....he is so missed.....but his work carries on in the opening up the field of archaeology from one that was the preserve of academics to one that could fire the young and be discussed by anyone Also it gave me a deeper understanding of the past and respect for our ancestors.
Thank you so much for roasting our friend Mike. My brother and I have been Time Team junkies since day one. Looking forward to seeing the rest of his and our friends.
Thanks so much for sharing this DigVentures! Watched Time Team when it first came out and was very sad to hear of Mick's passing. Great to see both their spirits live on in this way.
hi from Canada big Time Team fan here, i never caught this on television but found out about the program on youtube a year or so ago. I love anything to do with history and archeology. Mick seemed like really cool guy with his colorful shirts he really looks like a hippy teacher that would have listened to Uriah Heep 8 tracks but he probably prefered mellow jazz or prog bands like Yes. nice way to remember the man! RIP Mick
I grew up watching Time Team every Sunday, thinking about School the next morning it would put a big downer on my Sundays. Except Time Team would brighten it, Mick Aston was like a relation to me, I felt I would be able to walk right up to him and be instantly at ease with him. Such a lovely Man. Hes greatly missed.
A wonderful talk by Tony, brilliant recollections about Mick. I loved Time Team; everyone was passionate about their areas of expertise and brought it all together in an engaging and exciting way.
Looking forward to this ! :)......Really enjoyed this..so interesting and such a nice tribute to dear Mick . Thankyou for all the nice things you said about him .
I grew up with rave, dance music, football going out on a weekend drinking. ..... And time team still had place for me future generations are going to miss out
Just discovered TimeTeam awhile ago... just fell I love with it all. Tony, Phil, Mick, Rajshahi, ALL who were there participating in this amazing production, stay in my heart. Even now, watching this tribute to dear Mick, my eyes are welling up... my love and best wishes to you all who carry on the legacy of memories, laughs, and invaluable education of this wonderful study called archaeology... Bravo❤️loved always for brightening my life❣️🙋💕, love, Sue... Santa Barbara, Ca. USA
Gday ,a much missed programme , much loved by my family ,Mick was such a great guy, I used to like watching his hair getting wispier and wispier every season ,sadly no more , my son in law used to be an archaeologist , mainly around Jordan, and a mention of Phil and his Philosophy! Thank you also Tony! from Expat Brit!
"Something that the whole family could watch and at the end there would be something warm and cozy for them to go away with." I could never explain the feeling of watching timeteam before this. This is exactly what it feel like. Nowaday TV shows, at least where I live, are full of competition, gossip, trash talks, winner and losers... It's like a bunches of middle and high school dramas. Hundreds of channels on cable yet nothing to watch.
I only found Time Team a few weeks ago. An episode was suggested on my home page. I was hooked within the first 15 minutes and drawn to Mick from the beginning. I googled him a few days later and discovered that he had passed away. :(
I have loved time team from years after it was off the air and many many miles away. I cannot get enough, to this day!! I watch all day off and on when I have a moment or when I am doing something where I can listen and watch at the same time.
Just now listening to Tony Robinson's talk, and I am so glad to hear that he was not chosen to be the host of TT just because he was an actor with availability. LOL I haven't even finished Tony Robinson's talk , and I paused play to buy his audiobook.
So grateful for this playlist!! I remember reading about this event on Twitter, but living half-way around the world, alas.... So happy to see it surface on RU-vid. Wish Time Team was still around and love seeing the continued work of Tony and the others.
I deal with insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety. I found TT on Reijer Zaaijer yrs ago, and it just held me. Soul food, a safe place. I have always been interested in archeology, anthropology, paleontology...I even have a BA in Classical Studies. So TT fills a whole. I keep watching Reijer Zaaijer on YT, except for the last season. I can't bear the last season. I keep watching archeology shows on YT. TT opened a world for me.
It is great to hear from speakers who have touched the hearts of so many and introduced history and archeological investigation to so many. After all what are we but the sum of our parts and the biggest of those parts is where we come from, our ancestry and the experiences of those who came before us.
I do enjoy the world of Time Team. I think truly this may be Mick Aston's legacy. He has a huge following of ordinary people, and yet that following is so inspired and interested in Micks' Passion that being Science, History, and Archaeology. Accurately deducted recorded and shared. By now I wonder how many young and not so young people have become involved in this fascinating history of ourselves? To me, that is in itself a social societal memory that will endure for many years. And for all that this was done so calmly with a chat a laugh a cup of tea in hand, gently encouraging and guiding ... I wax lyrical for hours but will settle for a huge thank you to all who have given me so much to learn from and think of Thank you
