Northampton’s Operation Phoenix

Image: Operation Phoenix

Archaeology: it’s not all Indiana Jones and hidden treasures. In Northamptonshire, it’s a tool for healing, self-discovery, and mental health support. Meet Gary Noble, a 57-year-old firefighter from Wellingborough, who found solace in the gentle, non-confrontational world of archaeology through Operation Phoenix.

Operation Phoenix, a pioneering scheme by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, uses archaeology to support the wellbeing of its current and retired staff. Inspired by the Ministry of Defence’s Operation Nightingale, the project offers a unique approach to mental health support.

Gary Noble, initially sceptical and admittedly “not the slightest bit interested” in archaeology, has since discovered a newfound passion and therapeutic outlet in the subject. Over the past six months, he has participated in digs, experimental archaeology projects, and even helped build an Iron Age-style roundhouse.

The project has not only provided Noble with a distraction from his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also a sense of connection and purpose. “There is no pressure and by getting hands-on, you’re not thinking about anything other than what you’re doing,” he said.

The project, primarily aimed at serving and retired fire service staff, was conceived by Aidan Phillips, a watch manager with 37 years of experience and a keen amateur archaeologist. He saw the potential in archaeology as a means to address the internalised pain often experienced by emergency service personnel.

Operation Phoenix, which began in 2022, is supervised by Leicester University’s archaeology department and supported by several local heritage and archaeological organisations. It offers participants a year-long exploration of the history of the Nene Valley and its inhabitants over the last 10,000 years.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rob Porter, who has supported the project since its inception, praised the positive impact of Operation Phoenix, particularly in building confidence and providing a sense of purpose for the participants.

In Northamptonshire, archaeology is more than just a study of the past. It’s a lifeline, a source of healing, and a testament to the power of community. And for Gary Noble, it’s a journey of self-discovery and recovery, one archaeological dig at a time.