DetectingWales.com

Detecting Wales Rally #97          The Squash & A Squeeze Parking Rally

After two previous failed attempts to get the annual Detecting Wales ‘Santa Hats’ Rally off the ground, the weather gods finally smiled on us and allowed us a break in the weather to return once more unto the breech dear friends, once more unto the site that only releases hammered coins.

We arrived early doors and after speaking to the farmer decided against parking on the fields we had previously as they had become somewhat of a quagmire due to the persistent rain and snow over the past two months. The farmer advised us to park on his hard stand which was in front of his newly added solar panel farm. Hmmm, on arrival I estimated 10 cars could squeeze in here, but by hook and crook we managed at least twenty in a bumper to bumper style with those leaving last furthest in. You couldn’t slide a wafer thin mint between some of the cars by the time I had finished. Well done everyone on a superb bit of parking.

Parking sorted and pre-rally chat done we were off into the fields which consisted of stubble and previously ploughed pasture over a vast area of 120 acres. It was hard going, as although sunny it was bitingly cold and muddy with some sizeable puddles the size of Roath Park lake. To make matters worse I also discovered that one of my wellies had split on the seam about 8 inches up from the sole. This only came to light as I waded through a long puddle to discover water rushing onto my left foot. Bugger, a wet foot and no spare welly! I emptied a litre or two of water out when I hit dryland (not the member) and discovered a kind of beetle thing that had been swimming around my foot. My wellies have now gone to that great rubber place in the sky after 15 years loyal service. RIP dear wellies. Time to buy a new pair – any recommendations?

More important than my welly saga was the fact that the hammered coinage was once again appearing, and the first to appear was a hammered penny for The Radnor Bandit. Not just any penny though, but a Edward IV 1470-1483 Irish penny as identified in the field by Roland. This penny was also the very first to be posted live from the field onto the DW Facebook page! We attracted a considerable amount of followers whilst the rally went on. I know some members were against this, but it proved itself as a useful tool for including those who could not make the rally, but could keep up to date with the days events from the comfort of their own homes. Whilst we all froze our doodaas off I hasten to add!

Next up was a hammered Henry 3rd 1207-1272 for Leigh Newbury who found it in the field opposite the parking with his first signal from his newly acquired Minelab CTX3030. He was over the moon and rightfully so. Apart from being a cracking coin, its always a nice feeling getting the monkey off the back when a new detector finds silver.

Not to be outdone his brother Mark Newbury later picked a penny from the furthest field over. The same field also turned up a Roman Fibula and a smattering of whopping musket balls from what must have been a local target practice range as the three I found were all in the same vicinity.
One of our Czech contingent popped up with an early cut half and two parts of different Roman fibulas. I was surprised we don’t find more Roman stuff here as we know there is a recorded and protected temple as well as the remnants of a sizeable villa all within spitting distance of the fields.

Towards the end of the day we had the Token Hunt prizes which as always was an eclectic bunch gathered together by Proconsol although he appeared to have left the Christmas crackers at home.  Whilst ‘seeding’ the tokens I managed to lose a pocket full of about 20 and it soon became apparent which lucky detectorist had discovered the token hoard. Well done that’s next Christmas sorted for gifts!

Whilst the Token Prize chaos was going on Mikolaj appeared with another hammered coin fresh from the mud. Well done mate.  If you get a chance he’s made a great video which you can view on DW.

I headed home after the token hunt raffle at about 4pm leaving a few hardy souls to continue battling the now icy weather. One of them, Tony Taylor turned up the last find of the day in the shape of an Eddy penny folded in half and discovered on his way back to his car. That brought the hammered total I am aware of since the rally to eight for the day, which amongst thirty detectorists gave a 1in 3.7 chance of going home with some Medieval silver. Not a bad ratio.

We have a few more trips lined up once March and the warner weather arrives, so keep watching the forum for more details.
Keep the Faith
Neil

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Great write up and pics Neil, congrats to all that found hammered etc in those conditions you deserved them.

Thanks for the write up Neil, could not make it this time so will look out for the next.
I have had wellies fail on me left right and centre, stick to Dunlop few more pennies but they will not let you down.
Some super finds there boys and girls well done.👍

Well that was a good day under difficult conditions, well done guys and girls.
As per usual a great write up Neil...

Once again another excellent write up Neil. Don’t know wether to say I’m sorry I missed it or I’m glad I did. Made me realise how much I miss the hobby.
It was a bitterly cold day, even when the Sun smiled, so well done everyone who braved it.
Thanks for your efforts Neil.

Nice day out, nothing of interest for me but that's the way it goes, started off a bit raw but soon got used to the cold, thanks Neil for the write up and everyone involved in arranging the rally, look forward to the next one ( soon I hope )  ;D
Geoff

Thoroughly enjoyed the read and watching the posts on facebook as the rally day progressed.   Thanks everyone and well done to those who persevered in the biting cold!

Excellent write up Neil roll on for the spring to come
It was extremely cold but looking at all the pictures it was well worth it like to thank the guy with the Minelab CTX who helped me with mine much appreciated can't wait for the next one😁

As always first class write up Neil, enjoyed the day, certainly blew the cobwebs away, didn't find anything of note, just nice to be out and about in the countryside, and meet up with old/new members, big thanks to D/W for another great rally.   :)

Neil est un  poete

well done neil love reading your write up's mate,puts you right there.thank you.

great rally report Neil (I could not make this re-arranged date) see you on the next one

Spot on wrote up Neil and well done on the live finds idea , inspired !
Rooksbridge never fails to please it's just the site that keeps on giving.

Enjoyed reading the rally report and also found the live pictures from the field most interesting well done.....PaulB.