Detectingwales Rally 50 - Thats fifty and not out!

[Neil]

Who would have thought that when we held our first rally in February 2009, that a few years later we would be notching up number 50! Well done to all members old and new on making this happen.

On that note a special thanks to Roman Ray today, without whom todays rally wouldn't have taken place. The weathers been against all detectorists of late and Ray managed to pull a farm out of his bag in our time of need - well done Ray.

The day started early for Jaydogg and I heading to Hereford at 7am. Our jouney was full of the usual banter, along with Jaydogg ranting on all manner of subjects.

Following the normal go here, go there, and don't fall down the well talk, we had an outstanding overview by qualified archaeologist WBM. Paul had previously attended a Archi dig on this farm many moons ago, and proved to be a wealth of knowledge on the area. Nice one Paul.

The first find I got to see was from Dave Ha who had managd to winkle from the long grass a William III sixpence. This immediately set up a theme for the day, with the total King Billy sixpences amounting to five by the end of play.

Next to get the willies (so to speak) was Tom Cloude with a lovely flat example dating to 1696, much to the good natured annoyance of his detecting partner.

Over my shoulder a beaming Frenchman appeared, which could only mean once thing. It could be no once else but Nordine, holding a groat of Queen Mary in his hands. This made his total detecting hammered count up to ten, and he was rightfully over the moon. I know that at least four of these he has found on previous DW rallies.

ShunGav who for once was not selling any spare detectors (but was busy battling his hangover) did so admirably with a pair of crotal bells and later on a scarce Royal Flying Corp cap badge. These tend to be older than the RAF ones and I believe date to around the first World War and are pretty collectable.

I next joined the finders with my second "snake buckle" in recent outings. These are incredibly hard to date and go back to Roman times, where they can be seen illustrated as military fitments. I showed the find to a couple of lads hanging by the fence, popped to my car a few meters away, turned round and walked back to my machine. In that space John had managed to winkle out a Edward hammered coin about 10 steps away from my machine! Well done John - its normally me that does that to others!

The Edward joined a Roman Fibula he had already found. The Roman theme immediately increased with anothe chap arriving with what I believe to be a Roman bronze key. This was than joined by a tiny nummin by Radnor Bandit (who also had a snake buckle). It looked like DW were rewriting history once again, as no previous Roman occupation was known in this area.

As the extra fields were opened up, a beaming GI Jan added to the Roman theory with a Dupondis she found amongst the mud. To say she was happy would be an understatement. The reverse shows a fine pair of legs and the SC centre motto. I am sure if anyone can help date it she would appreciate it (thanks for the sweets as well).

Shortly after this, one of the nicest DW finds to date appeared in the hands of Digger's mate Jeff. Thankfully he cleaned the mud off the bottom as he almost hedged it thinking it was a bolt. It appears to be a 15/16th century personal seal and he will be easily able to trace the owner thanks to its coat of arms and legend. A lovely find for a real nice person - well done mate.

Not to be outdone Digger aka Stan found a hefty lump of silver in the shapoe of an immaculate George III shilling in great condition.

Next in line was Avalon, who has been recently taking Polish lessons, and was now the owner of a 1844 Vicky shilling and a pewter Fleur De Lys mount type thing.

Final find of the day appeared as I was leaving with Brewster dragging a tired Debbie by the lead - one of them had found a cracking sixpence of the Virgin Queen herslf. Well done Debs - you deserved it for battling the grass length.

That was it, we headed home and promptly got lost as the satnav had a hissy fit, and decided we needed to see every lane in Hereford! It popped us out on the Heads of the Valleys road! Not the quickest way to Cardiff!

Thanks to everyone for coming today and to Geoff, Rob, Ray, Paul and the usual suspects. It was a lovely day out with a great bunch of people.

Weather permitting we should be on for next Sunday - more news on that to follow.

Keep the faith
Neil
 

[Neil]

Get comfy . . .

[Neil]

More

[Neil]

They keep coming

[Neil]

More

[Neil]

Again

[Neil]

Again

[Neil]

Still going . . .

[Neil]

More

[Neil]

Getting close to the end . . .

[Neil]

A stunning find!

[Chef Geoff]

A cracking report for a great rally. I felt as if I was almost there.
Well done to all those who attended and congratulations to the finders and for discovering a Roman presence.
A personal plea to those who did find the Roman bits.....Please Please record them or the discovery will be for nothing

[Tafflaff (Rob)]

Cracking report as always Neil, I'd like to add that I was  more than a little pleased at how many new members commented at how approachable and friendly DW are as a group. "They felt welcome" was how one newbie put it.

My first time out for 3 months and now I am paying for it cant move today...lol

[waltonbasinman]

Sods law I had to leave early but as Chef has said please could the Roman finders especially record these with the FLO. As I said before we started yesterday I had found Roman period Pot on numerous occasions and these metal finds are quite important in understanding the area. Saying this I saw at least one more Fibula and at least another two Roman coins. Did anyone not get some pics taken by Neil Rob or Ray. Anyway good write up Neil and WELL DONE DW on fifty not out. Heres to the next fifty. It was good to see faces old and new and well done Ray on the farm. Here are a few pics taken in the morning.

[waltonbasinman]

A couple of old pro,s. Casa Dos, Melonhead and Ianjohn.