MDS Metal Detecting Day
Sun, Aug 23rd 2009 at 12:00 am - 2:00 am
MDS Metal Detecting Day
Metal Detecting Day 2009
On Sunday 9th August The Rotary Club of Nantwich assisted by The Crewe and Nantwich Metal Detecting Society hosted a metal detecting rally at New Farm, Hurleston.
New Farm, Hurleston is owned by Mr Rob Darlington who kindly gave permission for the event to take place on his property. The area involved was 100 acres with no specific historical provenance but which was close to the Battle of Nantwich site and a Roman Road. Having been largely undetected previously it offered a great opportunity to confirm or possibly rewrite the historical map of the area. Archivists from Liverpool University and Hereford, were in attendance to record in detail any finds that were unearthed
The weather was good and at 10:00 170 detectorists, some of whom had travelled from as far away as St Andrews and Cornwall took to the fields in search of treasure. Many items of interest were found. Coins from various eras in history, musket and pistol balls, buttons, buckles etc. came to light, then after lunch a buzz went around the site. A beautiful gold brooch had been discovered. Gold as you will know does not deteriorate and after a minimal amount of cleaning a superb intact item of jewellery was revealed. Discovered by Mike Tonge from the Blackpool and Fylde Metal Detecting Club the 'Hurleston Brooch' was thought to come from the 14th or 15th century. All gold items that are found are declared as treasure trove and have to go to a coroners court and be valued. Once the formalities and sale are complete the finder and the landowner get an equal share of the proceeds.
The event raised £1,619 for the Club's PlayPump fund which was a great result.
Thanks was given to all the members who helped with the day at the Rotary meeting on Tuesday 11th August. The ladies who helped have been telephoned or thanked personally for their contribution and letters of thanks have been sent to Rob Darlington and his family and the Coop who donated some of the food items.
It was an enjoyable day that met the International Committees objective of raising a significant sum of money for PlayPumps and showed what Rotary can do to the general public.
Rod Stokes
