Something special for 2023 - to me anyway

As a lover of the outdoors, ancient history, and having close links to farming throughout my life,  it really wasn't long before I discovered to pleasure of metal detecting.  I got my first detector in 1982 a C-Scope 1220 B.  This served me faithfully for the best part of 36 years, although I must confess there were long periods when family and career commitments meant that my hobby had to take a back seat to more pressing needs.

Nearly 40 years on the opportunity of early retirement and friendly local land owners, rejuvenated the spark., leading to the learning of 100's of hours of exploration armed with an Equinox 800 from Minelab.

I've taken the history of our village back to roman times, where previously there had been little evidence of occupation and although those big headline finds continue to bypass me, the sheer pleasure of holding history in my hand drives further exploration.

I'm constantly saddened by the damage to ancient sites or farm land by camouflage clad trespassers whose one goal is financial gain, caring little for the damage they leave in their wake. Yes it is nice to turn up a hammered silver coin occasionally but a full day in the fields with hares and buzzards and a pocket of medieval buttons and buckles is just as rewarding.

I occasionally get a phone call from a friend of a friend find a lost ring or jewellery item. Where I can and as long as there is good idea of where the item was lost, I can offer a reasonable chance of finding it. There is no charge for this service in and around my home town of Startford-upon-Avon.  If I'm available, I'm happy to help.  I do ask that if the item is not lost on your own property, that the necessary access permissions are obtained.

I like to have a close relationship with Landowners and can offer unique mutually beneficial arrangement.  My agreement with you is: 

• Access will not be shared, although I may occasionally ask permission for it o be extended for me to be joined by one other on a day.  I will not access cropped fields without prior permission and will abide by any no-go areas. 
• Any “trash”(scrap iron, lead etc) will be removed. Many land owners have their own scrap metal collections that I am more than happy to add to.
•  I will give you notice of when and where I am on your property via SMS/email 
• You can rescind permission at any point.  
• I'll advise by SMS of any finds of interest made during each session. 
• In the unlikely event of finding anything of significant value (>£100)  they will be properly reported to the authorities and any financial gain shared 50/50.  This can be formalised into a standard metal detecting contract if preferred.
• With over 25 years of experienceI I  carry spare equipment and are more than happy to be joined by landowner family or friends when I am on the property.
• I would like this to be a mutually beneficial arrangement beyond the sharing of possible valuable finds.  By combining hobbies I am able to offer landowners a little more than just a promise of treasure shared.
• Contact me using the contact form above and I'll pop around to discuss access and bring a tasty beer with me.