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Calcot treasure hunters bring history to life at Upper Basildon




Long-time metal detectorists Jeff Nelson and Ricky Mitchell successfully presented their first exhibition of their various findings on Friday at Upper Basildon Village Hall.

For one day only, members of the community enjoyed a rare chance to view historical treasures the pair have unearthed across the county over the past year.

The event marks a promising start as they search for a permanent venue to house their collection.

Various metal detecting finds on display
Various metal detecting finds on display

Visitors experienced more than 2,000 years of local history, from remarkably preserved Roman coins to various bottles, buttons and buckles and books on sale by Upper Basildon author Clive Williams.

More than 10,000 finds are currently registered in Berkshire, of which 90 per cent are donated by metal detectorists, said finds liaison officer for Berkshire Philip Smither while supervising the event; 1,200 finds were recorded last year.

Mr Smither works closely with the pair and explained the importance of their union in helping to properly report, record and safe invaluable historical treasures.

Various metal detecting finds on display
Various metal detecting finds on display

He explained that while so-called nighthawkers (illegal treasure hunters) cause harm to the reputation of metal detectorists, archaeologists were equally careless with discarding top soil during digs – and who knows how many treasures – until finds archaeology became popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Various metal detecting finds on display
Various metal detecting finds on display

He also dispelled some of the common myths surrounding metal detecting, including that reporting a find means the person must forfeit the item.

While more historically significant finds can be acquired by museums, most finds are actually returned to those who found them once they have been recorded due to storage issues.

Various metal detecting finds on display
Various metal detecting finds on display

Mr Smither holds regular finds surgeries at West Berkshire Museum and Berkshire Record Office.

Contact him at Philip.Smither1@westberks.gov.uk to record any treasures and small finds.



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