Choose fontsize:
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
News
jamiepearce
January 17, 2024, 07:59:51 PM
 Evening.been out the picture for a few years.is there any weekenders coming up this year?
rookypair
January 04, 2024, 09:57:08 AM
 I think everyone has dispersed in all directions. Good to see some of the original peeps posting to 
rjm
January 03, 2024, 11:26:38 PM
 This site is pretty dead now! 
TOMTOM
January 03, 2024, 05:38:50 PM
 HI IM HERE ANY RALLYS
dances with badgers
December 28, 2023, 09:40:42 AM
 the dreaded social media lol
DEADLOCK
December 27, 2023, 08:26:38 AM
 Still going social media plays a big part 
dances with badgers
December 26, 2023, 10:41:07 PM
 This site used to be amazing, where has everybody gone? 

View All

 

Currently there is 1 User in the Chatroom!





Click here if you
need van signs


Or here if you
need magnetic signs


Or here if you
need a
Corporate Video Production Company in Milton Keynes

See our
privacy policy here


Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
Author Topic: Year seven in the life of Detectingwales.com 2015  (Read 12889 times)
Neil
Administrator
Superhero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 4973



« on: December 21, 2015, 12:23:10 PM »

Year seven in the life of Detectingwales.com - 2015

There goes seven years at Detecting Wales without an itch, a war, or a stay in Tibet in sight. It the time of year again when I trawl through the stats, reports and notations to try and present something that is passable as a review of the year that was. I always forget someone or something of importance so I present my heartfelt apologies early doors.

Statistically, you have made Detectingwales one of the largest detecting forums not just in the UK but Worldwide with a staggering 31.5 million page views. This is the equivalent to the entire population of Peru looking at DW once. Thank God it wasn’t all at the same time!

Over the past year we burst through the 3000 members target and popped out the other side with 3094 members who have helped post on average 80 posts a day, which in turn is viewed 12,000 a day.

The shade dwellers have increased with DW receiving more visits than ever from those who choose to view as guests. Come on in from the cold and dark guys, it’s a lot warmer and friendlier in here once you sign up. Its free to join and you get the option to attend DW rallies, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge.

After seven years I was itching to see who of the original ten that signed up to DW way back in October 2008 were still active. It was the same week that saw the world financial markets lose 30% of their value. Some conspiracists believe that the birth of DW was to blame, I personally think it was more likely to be TaffLaff starting his first diet!  Back to the point in hand and those who are still active members from that date include Proconsol (unsurprisingly its his baby), Myself, Byron, Ancient Pat and Dragons Breath. Well done chaps – Keep The Faith.

Some members post regularly, others once in a blue moon, but it all helps keep the site ticking over . The Top Ten posters of all time in order are: Chef, Kev, TaffLaff, Handyman, Val, Myself, Dryland, The Doc, Deadlock and Celtic Spikey.

Lots of new faces have joined us this year, although we are just a tad down on the average annual new member sign up. Membership and interest in detecting is going to fluctuate from time to time and it only takes one major hoard to make the interest spike. We will probably go through the roof in the New Year!

Our Facebook page has seen an increasing amount of traffic and is quite a quick and useful place to post whilst in the field as you don’t need to resize the images. Its easy to find just pop onto Facebook and tap in Detecting Wales and I can authorise your request.

Those newbies who have come on board and become regular posters this year include Cymro, Walsamra, Wittsy1, Hound Dog and Raistlain. As you know the more you put in the more you will get out of DW.

The Mods have worked their magic throughout the year and a festive jingle of the bells is directed at Nobby, Mike, Deadlock, Da Monkey, Handyman and Hotmill. Along with a warm handshake towards Chef, The Doc and Probono for their skills in identifying the items from the earth. Thanks for your help and vigilance chaps – its all been appreciated.
Some of you have made particularly interesting finds over the past 12 months and those that immediately spring to mind include:

Celtic Spikey who has continued to enthral and bring out the green eyed monster in all of us with the quality of finds emanating from his sites. Well done Paul and keep them coming.
The Sarn Poet and Ace on their early Bronze Age Axe heads.
Val on finding her first hammered coin and then to top it a 1859 young head sovereign
Deadlock on an unusual Hadrian denarius.
Stampy with a zoomorphic Saxon strap end.
DragonsBreath with 1790’s 22ct gold morning ring.
Da Monkey on joining the gold club with his first stater.
Colin on an incredibly rare Roman frog brooch. That I believe has no recorded comparison.
ShunGav with his ‘Toe Nail’ silver clippings hoard
b.buoy with a George II half guinea dated 1756

Last year we only held five rallies which is largely due to a ‘perfect storm of not hosting rallies’ coming together at the same time amongst the Admin Staff – namely a new arrival from the stork for myself and Taff working as a driving instructor. Unlike a few of the other local forums, DW was never formed as a Rally only institution. The rallys have always been an added bonus for the web sites members. Speaking of other forums, this past year has seen another two of the local ‘Detecting rally web groups’ fall by the wayside to join the ranks of others that have come and gone. From Detectingwales point of view, we are here for the long haul and appreciate the loyal support that many of you give us.

Rally #85 – Sponsored by IKEA
Later than normal, the first rally of the year saw us head to Cheddar and an Easter Egg hunt where only 20 of the 100 tokens were found. This farm promised so much but thanks to the increasingly present ‘green waste’ was virtually undetectable in places. The finds of note fell to Tom Tom with a 9ct inscribed gold ring and a scarce Roman Republican denarii from 83-82BC. I wonder what else could have been uncovered but for the waste.

Rally #86 – Kings, Queens and Tokens
The DW clan headed to Leominster for an eclectic day of finds and a healthy smattering of hammered coinage. Some of the more notable finds included Win with a Lizzie Sixpence from a gateway we must have all walked through. Wet Feet Again with a silver Georgian spoon that needs a little straightening. Find of the day though fell with the Trout Master Funk who pulled out a groat of Henry VI from the Calais mint.

Rally #87 – The Heat Is On
A scorcher of a day and a sixth return to one of our most productive sites. We were rewarded in the Roman hot spot on this farm with a smattering of coinage including for The Doc a coin with the Chi Rho symbol on. The stubble was a bit challenging this year, but it failed to stop Morrows finding the coin of the day with an unclipped Shilling of the Virgin Queen.

Rally #88 – Get Off My Drive Rally
After a frosty start to the day from a nearby farmer the day improved for some quite dramatically. Dom is particular who unearthed one off the wish list in the shape of a gold posy ring that was a tiny size. On our previous visit here a silver and gilt Tudor hair pin had been found and recently disclaimed and was donated by the finder to the farmers wife.

Rally #89 – The Lavender Wearing Santas
The tradition that is the Santa Hats Rally continued this year with a farm kindly donated by The Chef. It was a bit of a cross section of finds from hammered coinage to Roman grots, with the stand out find being a Roman Follis in good condition. The rally culminated with the annual raffle with an eclectic range of prizes.

For the coming year we have welcomed Mike on board and he is proving to be a land finding genius with two rallies already booked in for the New Year in the promising locations of Abergavenny and Chepstow. There is a further mouth watering location that he has been working on for a year now, but unfortunately we missed the harvest date by a week last season. Lets hope we can get on it this year. If we do, I think the sign up list will be full within a day.

A huge thanks to Proconsol for his tireless work on the DW technical side, which apart from the ‘403 Forbidden’ message normally works without a hitch. Not forgetting thanks to Taff Laff who is now half the man he once was and may prove hard to recognise when he comes out of rally retirement this year.

That’s about it for this year. May Christmas be fun filled and 2016 a healthy year spent staring into little holes in the ground with gold and silver twinkling back at you.

Keep the Faith

Neil


* DSCN8258.JPG (177.81 KB, 480x640 - viewed 509 times.)

* DSCN8263.JPG (121.62 KB, 480x640 - viewed 540 times.)

* DSCN8270.JPG (141.63 KB, 480x640 - viewed 525 times.)

* DSCN8277.JPG (121.16 KB, 480x640 - viewed 528 times.)

* DSCN8318.JPG (126.54 KB, 480x640 - viewed 525 times.)

* DSCN8336.JPG (126.75 KB, 640x480 - viewed 510 times.)

* DSCN8340.JPG (187.44 KB, 640x480 - viewed 534 times.)

* DSCN8342.JPG (145.55 KB, 480x640 - viewed 527 times.)

* DSCN8350.JPG (105.45 KB, 480x640 - viewed 515 times.)

* DSCN8395.JPG (155.07 KB, 480x640 - viewed 507 times.)

* P1010824.JPG (78.54 KB, 480x640 - viewed 570 times.)

* P1010843.JPG (66.42 KB, 480x640 - viewed 601 times.)
« Last Edit: December 22, 2015, 10:24:21 AM by Neil » Logged

There comes a time in every rightly constructed boys life when he has a raging urge to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.

Mark Twain 1835 - 1910

If anyone wants to sell any S c r a p gold or sovereigns, regardless of condition -  ask me for a price first please.
Neil
Administrator
Superhero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 4973



« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2015, 12:29:50 PM »

For Photos


* DSCN8416.JPG (114.61 KB, 480x640 - viewed 523 times.)

* DSCN8436.JPG (109.51 KB, 480x640 - viewed 495 times.)

* P1010639.JPG (74.83 KB, 480x640 - viewed 546 times.)

* P1010657.JPG (80.67 KB, 480x640 - viewed 571 times.)

* P1010698.JPG (62.75 KB, 480x640 - viewed 585 times.)

* P1010655.JPG (83.09 KB, 480x640 - viewed 562 times.)

* P1010654.JPG (77.07 KB, 455x640 - viewed 584 times.)
« Last Edit: December 22, 2015, 08:41:24 AM by Neil » Logged

There comes a time in every rightly constructed boys life when he has a raging urge to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.

Mark Twain 1835 - 1910

If anyone wants to sell any S c r a p gold or sovereigns, regardless of condition -  ask me for a price first please.
troutmasterfunk
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 688



« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2015, 12:34:13 PM »

Great write up Neil...👍
Logged
handyman [Alan}
Moderator
Superhero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5182


« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2015, 01:04:04 PM »

Well done Neil and a huge thank you to all who have helped make this forum a very enjoyable one.

Best wwishes to you all in 2016
Logged


 
"In America, feng shui is just aiming all of your furniture at the TV!"
raistlain
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 318



« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2015, 01:10:21 PM »

Most informative...friendly...easy to use detecting forum around ...keep it up as i for one would of been lost without it...Thanks everyone  Wink
Logged
GJH
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 448



« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2015, 01:28:34 PM »

A very good read Neil, I would like to wish all DW members a very happy Christmas and plenty of finds in the new year.
Geoff
Logged
Greg
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 304



« Reply #6 on: December 21, 2015, 04:02:09 PM »

Same from me, great report and a merry Christmas and happy new year to all members, and the dark viewers. (Come on in boys and girls). I have only recently joined and have been amazed by the knowledge I have gained. Thanks to all the contributors Smiley Smiley Smiley
Logged
Val Beechey
Superhero Member
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 6120



« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2015, 04:50:08 PM »

Once again an excellent review of the last year Neil.  Thanks for the mention, though John says, can you double check the numbers. He's convinced I should be no.1 considering all the time I spend on here. Roll Eyes

Like all the others I'd like to say a big THANKYOU to all the admin. for their efforts.  Keep it up Fellas, much appreciated.

Logged

Ever Optimistic, it's out there somewhere - And I Found it
dingdong
Superhero Member
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 2965


MAD COWS EAT METAL DETECTORISTS !!!🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂


« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2015, 05:17:23 PM »

WOW !!! What a great write up,many,many thanks for a tremendous read Neil.
I can honestly say that I didn't realise just how big and far reaching Detecting Wales is,the statistics are truly incredible.
Well done to all at administration,and great big THANKYOU for keeping the show on the road.
I also wish to thank ALL the other members who have helped me me with my detecting questions and in identifieing some of the spurious finds that I've had.
And a very special thanks to "CHEF"for putting me right on so many aspects of this remarkable  hobby of Metal detecting.
And finally, I wish all the members,including those who dont always agree with my way of thinking a very,very,happy CHRISTMAS and a very,very,healthy, wealthy, and successful year ahead........ MERRY CHRISTMAS !!🎅🎅🎅🎄🎄👍
« Last Edit: December 21, 2015, 05:19:58 PM by dingdong » Logged
ancientpat
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 288


« Reply #9 on: December 21, 2015, 05:17:47 PM »

Hi Neil,
Interesting read, I remember the first rally in the Vale of Glam, and my best find of that day was a cartwheel penny. I like to put my name down for the rallies but can't always get to them if they involve a longer distance but not because of the drive but I can't get off earlier enough and this time of the year it means only a couple of hours detecting. I always enjoy the write up's and haven't lost interest after nearly 40 years !! It is a great site and well organised by everyone  who organises the rallies and the photos like yourself.  Happy Christmas to all DW members.

                                                                                     Pat.  Wink Wink
Logged
jammiedigger
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 107



« Reply #10 on: December 21, 2015, 08:46:20 PM »

Nice write up. I like to browse the forums dont always post or comment but constantly taking in the knowledge. Yet to come on a rally. Working 6 days a week and have a little one so short of free time but going to put as much in next year as i can. Merry christmas and happy new year all
Logged

Enjoy the fields with packed grounds
2 treasure cases 16:33/18:09
celticspikey
Superhero Member
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 3537


« Reply #11 on: December 21, 2015, 11:41:33 PM »

Great write up Neil as per usual. Thanks to all the guys who put the time and effort in to making D/W a highly sucseesful forum, good also to see many new members, look forward to getting on a few D/W rally's soon and having a chat. Merry Christmas to everyone.
Logged
probono
Superhero Member
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 2570


Nihi nisi sub sole


« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2015, 12:05:03 AM »

Great write up again Neil - it is actually really nice to have a round up of the year.

Looking forward to the rallies next year - I might not find much at them (I spend quite a lot of time talking to people) - but then that's some of the point - matching the names of people on this forum with the real people out there detecting!

Apparently I'm much younger than I sound on the forum.........
Logged
wittsy1
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 554


Where am I?


« Reply #13 on: December 22, 2015, 06:00:29 AM »

Excellent reading Niel. A fantastic forum with a great mixture of knowledge amongst all the members.  I know when I find something, one of my first thoughts is, I gotta post that on DW. A very merry Xmas and a wish fulfilled New Year to all.
Logged
bymatt666 (byron)
Superhero Member
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 1833


R.A.R.E.member


« Reply #14 on: December 22, 2015, 03:31:47 PM »

A very nice write up Neil , thanks for the mention , I promise to do more DW rallies in 2016 .....Byron ...😉
Logged

i'd give up chocolate....but i'm no quitter !
minelab explorer xs
NCMD member

Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
 
Jump to:  


Home
SimplePortal 2.3.3 © 2008-2010, SimplePortal