‘We do it for the thrill of history’
Metal detecting may not have the most glamorous image, but a group of enthusiasts from Maidstone are out to persuade people the pursuit is far from being the domain of anoraks alone.
“It’s a truly exciting and intriguing hobby,” says Peter Meddemmen, who set up Farleigh Detectorist Club a year ago.
“We have had more than 2,000 finds to date. We have 14 members with ages ranging from eight to 60.
“We are often referred to as treasure hunters, but I’m not keen on that description as I’ve yet to meet any detectorist that does it for financial gain. “Instead we are lovers of the countryside, anthropologists and historians. The thrill is not in finding an object, but in the wonder of the images it paints in the mind and the detailed research we do after the find. “Plus it offers a nice walk in the countryside and the opportunity to make it a little tidier when we leave.”
Mr Meddemmen says the modern mission for detectorists is to litter-pick as they search and to always leave the land looking better than when they arrived. He said: “We will remove all objects found, including chunks of metal that can damage plough blades and cultivator tines. “But we never search anywhere without the permission of the landowner, never.” he said. If any historic objects are found, they have to be declared to the coroner under the Treasure Act 1996. The good news for landowners is that they get half the value of any find. Predominantly the group goes detecting in the Farleighs. Among the items members have unearthed are Roman coins, crotal bells from horsedriven carriages and a decorated brass clasp bar from a 16th century purse, found by Martyn Jones on his first day of detecting - the county finds officer declared it to be the best example he had seen.
A few of the coins have been valued at a few hundred pounds, but it is thought the purse bar could be worth thousands.
If you are interested in joining, the club’s next monthly outing will be on Sunday. Email Metal@thefarleighs.co.uk