Detectingwales.com Rally 64 - There's something about Mary!

[Neil]

For the first day of September, the Detectingwales clan headed towards the VOG for Rally number 64 bathed in glorious late summer rays.

There had been a horrendous accident within spitting distance of St Athens that saw two cars smash into each other head on at about 8.20am. Thankfully all involved seemed to be okay, and the emergency services were promptly on the scene. It resulted in most having to find our way to the farm via a quick diversion, but everyone arrived for the kick off.

Today we were detecting in stubble on a farm that annually presents us with a multitude of finds across centuries and periods. Once again we were not to be disappointed.

The first find of the day fell to myself in the shape of a decorated spindle whorl. Over the years I have found numerous examples of these, but probably only five or so that are decorated, so it was a nice addition to my collection of whorls.

Many of the members had headed to a proven “Roman Hotspot” from previous years and were not disappointed, as throughout the day at least eight Roman coins were saved from rotting in the ground to once again see daylight, and help add to our understanding of the area. A particularly nice minim was found by Ancient Pat and a slightly larger example by Nobby.

During a chat with Nobby and Wayno,  I asked if anyone had a stick shaped object so I could push the mud out of the whorl I had previously found. Whilst searching in his junk pocket, Wayno produced a piece of scrap that was definitely not scrap, and was in fact a not far from being complete example of a candlestick. Anyone date it out there?

One of the standout Roman coins was a silver washed radiate example found by Colin, who went on to have a cracking cross section of finds throughout the day.
Whilst discussing his Roman find we were joined firstly by Mr and Mrs Handyman. It could be argues that Mrs Handyman was leading the day for this pair with a HenryVIII sovereign penny, although she was in competition with Mr Handyman’s cut short cross penny. Both found in the parking field.

Next came along Martin with a cracker of a silver hallmarked thimble that he later added an Edward penny, a Roman coin and a part of a fibula to. He was certainly on fire, and was aided in the knowledge that he had a very patient girlfriend and several dogs in their van waiting to be impressed by his finds!

A few more Romans popped out along with the normal pre decimals and the odd milled silver. A particular fine example of which had first fallen to Wayno in the shape of a George III Bullhead Shilling dated 1816. Not to be out done Colin produced an even scarcer shilling example belonging to George IV dating to the early 1820’s.

Back at the cars, the biggest smile of the day was being worn my Baden as he had unearthed a fantastic condition Phillip & Mary groat – a much sought after prize amongst the hammered hunters. Baden was so happy that he promptly went home – in fairness how do you top that?

In the same field " The master of the Lights" detecting buddy turned up a Medieval Heraldic pendent hanger/dangler (easy Chef). I look forward to seeing a photo of it when cleaned up and trace the heraldry.

Towards the end of the day I spoke once again to the farmer and the field he was planning on lifting earlier in the day he was now happy for us to go in. This field had been particularly productive on previous rallies, but today the stubble was just that little bit too tough. It did however reward Arizona with a coin of the Edwards
In this field I bumped into Muckman who apart from a part of a fibula, had one of the nicest toy petronnel that I have seen found. I would have personally loved to have found that – well done mate.

Steven King who had taken a break from the writing to join us (he must be sick of this by now) had a seal matrix that will need some fine toothpick work to reveal its legend. Really pleased for you mate - great find.

The last hole of the day was being cultivated by Staterchaser and was almost deep enough to bury him but turned out despite a good signal to be deep iron. We have all dug them mate – you would only been left wondering what it was for days after if you hadn’t!

That was pretty much it – I headed home tired but happy at 5pm. It was good to see plenty of the old faces that have supported DW for many years, and also quite a few new ones. I spoke to plenty of you regarding the cancelled two day rally, and it really was out of our control. Certainly was not an archaeological matter or a case of someone contacting the farmer, which make the conspiracy theories of our vexatious blogger even more amusing.

Until next time – keep the faith

Neil

[Neil]

More photos

[Neil]

Photos again

[Neil]

Still more

[Neil]

Last ones

[colin]

great report as always neil would like to thank the organisers for a great days detecting,heres my George 1v all nice and clean

[handyman [Alan}]

I'd certainly like to thank Rob and Neil for making this happen. It was a pleasure to catch up with many of the regulars and to meet dryland, recon richy, geszo and £1 coin. I'll place on record that wayno forgot to bring my baguette!, but apart from that we had a great day.

Mrs H got her 1st hammered of the year and was well chuffed. {thanks Doc for the ID on the day}. She also got her first roman of the year in the afternoon. [photo to follow later in the week].

The 'funniest' part of the day was as we made our way to lunch, she lost an earring. Where, we had no idea. After lunch we made our way towards a new field and lo and behold my detector went over the earring that she had lost earlier. Now knowing how big that field was, what were the chances of that!

Thank you all for making the day a good one. We had a great day.

[brisad]

Neil

Being new to this forum I am finding out a lot of valuable info etc but I am curious to know where in Wales this rally was held? due to my caring responsibilities I can get away for the day now and again but it would be nice to know if there are any rallies held up North East Wales?......... I know NWDD have announced 6 vacancies which is great but as I cant guarantee to meet the demands made of members I cant apply.............

Also anyone reading from around my area (someone was from Ruthin) I wouldn't mind finding a detecting buddy for the occasions I can get out and about

Regards Brian

[Dryland]

yep, it really was a great rally, thanks again guys

[The Doc]

Thanks for another great day and report Neil.

I thought you might have called it the "I've Got a Burnt Out Combine Harvester" Rally ! 

I had a hammered late in the day, from the parking field. It's a broken Lizzie threepence, which brings back some memories, as my first ever hammered was a similar coin in similar condition. Also had an almost blank Victoria sixpence, a couple of belt mounts and the usual buttons and coppers.

Here's the rally Lizzie:

[win]

Looks like you all had a great time, nice variety of finds.

[Da Monkey]

Cracking finds, well done to all who attended   I couldnt make it as it was such short notice, but looks as if it was a great day out

Great report again Neil   Nice to see such a wide variety of finds, was there anything on the seal matrix ?

- Andy

[probono]

Looks like a good day was had by all - certainly a good site

I'd have rather been there than at the monkey sanctuary!

[dances with badgers]

nice haul there peeps

[Kev]

Yes a great report as ever off Neil, and great finds folks