As you may be aware, there are moves by some to try and restrict or even ban organised metal detecting events across England and Wales.
Obviously the NCMD will be working to prevent any such restrictions on our hobby, and as part of that we have created a group for event and group organisers as well as retailers associated with the hobby.
Why are we doing this? Because the NCMD represents the hobby at Government level, and we want to give everyone involved with the hobby a voice.
As well as a dedicated forum, there will be a series of meetings to discuss these potential threats and to give you the opportunity to voice your concerns. If you would like to be involved please click the link: Join Support Group
Part of what we will be doing is holding online meetings so everyone can have a say in what we do, and everyone can play a part in ensure we stand solidly together. The benefits to you in being part of this group are numerous, but mainly it will ensure that you have a future.
Dave Crisp and myself already attend meetings such as the Portable Antiquities Advisory Group, attended by members of National Archaeological and Heritage groups and they don’t particularly like metal detecting, but they absolutely hate any form of organised detecting events and have long called for them to be banned.
You should all be aware of the APPAG Inquiry held by the House of Lords last year and in particular, you should be very aware of the findings they published. They have now requested that Historic England hold an inquiry into organised metal detecting events. We see this as a potential first step towards legislation in England & Wales.
We have already done a lot of work to support the PAS and to support the recording of our shared national heritage but there is more that we need to be seen to be doing. There are event organisers that do a great job and operate within the guidelines, but there are others that could do better, so we really need to get our house in order across the board.
