Treasure Act review, and walking with pigs
My colleagues and I were interested to note the feature on the review of the Treasure Act (May/Jun 2019/166), in which “commentaries from a wide range of perspectives” were presented.
We were concerned to note that the only perspectives given by metal-detector users were from two independent detectorists who are selfappointees accountable to no one, neither of whom have qualifications or recognition at national level as spokespeople for the hobby of metal detecting.
Th The ncmd has be been established since 1981 as the representative body for the metaldetecting hobby, and my colleagues and I were understandably disappointed to note that we had not been invited to contribute to this article given the importance of the subject matter. It begs the question “Why?” and the ncmd must question the motive behind our omission as contributors to the article.
Clive Coleman, National Council for Metal Detecting chair and ceo
I was very interested in the Treasure Act review as I am the archivist (voluntary and amateur) for a charity related to a Manor House which is currently being restored externally. However, the article appears to have been published very late as the consultation period ended on April 30, which was prior to the magazine dates. This means that as a member of the public I have not been able to make any comment on the proposals. Wouldn’t it have been appropriate to get this information into the magazine at an earlier date?
Lionel Taylor, Preston
• The Treasure review was announced very late. I deemed it important, however, and cleared eight pages for the feature, which was published on April 5, leaving readers 25 days to comment (edition dates are listed at the top of page 5). There was no time to obtain views from organisations, and many sectors were not represented, from local authorities and community groups to antiquities dealers and Scotland – where a different reporting system from the rest of the uk applies. I am always keen to hear of news and perspectives at any time on any topic relevant to the magazine. Ed