Detecting Wales Rally 85 - Sponsored by IKEA

[Neil]

The first rally of the year was a tad later for us than normal and held in the ancient and rather cheesy area of Cheddar. We physically had to drive through the Gorge to reach the farm and some of the early morning views and the braveness of the goats was breath-taking.

On arrival we had 97 acres to hunt in the immediate fields surrounding the farm and further acreage on the other side of the road, where we held a token Easter Egg hunt. A great suggestion came for next Easter from Liz Stamp to bury the eggs in future years as the silver foil would give a good enough signal. A fine idea, but I get the feeling that with the DW masses only finding 20 of the 100 buried tokens we might well be left with dozens of rotting eggs in next years Easter fields!

Breakfast was the first order of the day with sausages and bacon being heartily wolfed down by all and sundry. Usual sign up and a promising overview from our resident expert Chef.

Off into the pastures we went with detectorists heading in various different directions. Pretty soon it became apparent that this excellent location on paper had been spoilt by the curse of the modern detectorist ‘Green Waste’.  We have never had a rally where we have experienced so much of it. As always the question had been asked and to the best of our knowledge there was no green waste. This stuff was a nightmare as it was all a few inches down, giving a cracking signal and the majority was stamped with the IKEA logo! To say we were disappointed was an understatement. Proconsol went off to speak to the farmer to secure another parcel of land in the village and made sure there was access to the Easter Egg hunt field. We can only apologise. As you know we only take you detecting where we would like to detect, and we had no idea it was so contaminated.

That said though, some decent finds did start to materialise amongst the rubbish.

First there was a hefty 9ct inscribed gents gold ring for longstanding DW member Tom. He was pleased as Punch and it couldn’t have gone to a nicer guy. Tom reliably informed me that it would be joining his good ladies collection of gold rings he has found.

One of the rarest coins we have ever seen on a rally appeared in the shape of a Roman Republican serratus that I would guess at being Q. Antonius Balbus, AR Denarius Serratus, 83-82 BC, Rome. I say I would guess – someone else did the hard work! It was a well deserved find for one of the lads who had travelled down from North Wales today.

At this point we took the executive decision to use the farmers two fields on the edge of the village which certainly were devoid of an IKEA range but equally wasn’t really packing any punches on the finds area. We were however bathed in sunshine and a couple of interesting finds did start to surface including coinage of William III appeared as a love token and in a far better form as a lost Bristol minted sixpence. What was left of a Roman fibula and some grots.

By around 4pm most people had started to head home laden down with Easter Eggs if not with detecting finds.

I suppose after 85 rallies we had to eventually hit a contaminated farm. Such a shame though as the finds were there, just undistinguishable amongst the beeps ever couple of steps.

Onto the next one. See you in a field soon.

Keep the Faith
Neil

[marknewbury1]

didn't find much myself but i had a cracking day with good company

[Mike]

good report as always neil . the finds were there as you said but the ikea was just unbearable .

to say I was disappointed is an understatement as a great deal of effort goes into organising these rallies by the team , we always try to get good productive land for rallies but sometimes things just don't work out   .

well done to all that did manage a good find , especially that roman silver   wow

[Dungbeetle]

I didn't go to this rally, ( too far ) but credit must be given to Mike for getting the land and the organizers, it's not an easy task. Unfortunately the fields were contaminated with green waste but there were some nice items found and the North got find of the day 😀😀😀

[hoover-G]

Where's the roman fibula?

[kencomet]

Although my finds were sparse, I enjoyed the day. great company, it was nice to be out in the spring sunshine, thanks Mike......

[DEADLOCK]

Can I just say that he isn't my dog I never seen it before ;-)

[Neil]

You look really tough with it mate!

I bet there wasn't a mole quaking in it's tunnel at the sight of the pair of you!

[hoover-G]

You look really tough with it mate!

I bet there wasn't a mole quaking in it's tunnel at the sight of the pair of you!

Neil was the fibula posted up.

[hotmill]

Nice write up and some good finds despite the waste. I gave up on one of my farms because of green waste last year, heartbreaking.

[Neil]

Hoover G - my camera was flat when I saw what was arguable left of a fibula - the pin end T rather than tha catch plate end.

Cheers
Neil

[nobby]

Good report Neil... As always
Whos that dog.........standing next to the miniature collie?   

[Dryland]

 It was an enjoyable day out with great company, sunshine fresh air and a hot breakfast The DW team worked hard to get this land
as always. Can't wait for the next one

[Da Monkey]

You look really tough with it mate!

I bet there wasn't a mole quaking in it's tunnel at the sight of the pair of you!

Awww, that's really unfair, I'll have you know he's a real chick magnet
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The dog, not Deadlock...  

[Dryland]

  Thats one heck of a detector though if it can find Collies, I wonder if he discriminated out Jack Russells