COLCHESTER TREASURE HUNTING HOLIDAYS IN ENGLAND

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Updated 20th June 2008

Mass Bill's 4thC Roman gold ring find featured in the Western and Eastern Magazine

Canadian Marjo's Detecting Club newsletter called the "Buzzer" for January 2005

Trip to England

Check out the following magazines that have articles featured on these hunts.

March Issue Route 66

May/June 2004 Gold Prospectors - Ohio Bud's trip

Ohio Buds gold story goes on line click here to view

June 2004 in the Eastern and Western Treasures - Boston Will's trip

Aug 2004 in the Eastern and Western Treasures

Click on thumbnail pictures to read

If you want to ask any questions about any part of the hunting here from a USA guy that has been on all the UK tours then drop Mass Bruce an e-mail Jokadiver@comcast.net

Husband and wife team Clarence and Mary's first trip here during the worst weather for 40 years and they still enjoyed it LOL They found some great do dads including Calrence's two monster finds which have just got their export license approved.

1050- 1053 Saxon - Edward the Confessor hammered silver penny - expanding cross type - heavy coinage

Team Lucky Dog in Colchester

It was a dark and stormy night, make that a week’s worth of them, when Team Lucky Dog arrived in Colchester in March, 2008.  The weather was much like Oregon with cold rain, winds, hail and some snow.  The difference was, when the weather gets too bad in Oregon, you can just hop in your car and go home.  We had come to Colchester to find treasures and you can’t find them sitting in a warm house. We were waiting by the back door dressed in several layers of clothing and rain gear when our guide picked us up at the non smoking house every morning at 8am. 

Since we were new to Colchester, we let the pros, NH Dave and NS Andy, chose the fields each morning.  We were given the history of the area as we pulled up and a quick rundown of who had found what and where.  We grabbed our shovels, detectors and gear and off we went.  Our guide returned at 1pm with a hot lunch, soup, hot pasties (yummy), chips (they call them crisps), fruit tarts for dessert and candy bars to stick in your pocket for the afternoon.  This is probably the only time you can talk to the others in your group.  It’s fun to hear what the others have found while you were digging musket balls and greenies all morning.  We usually stayed out until 6pm and were glad to see the  little Scoobie bus coming to pick us up. 

Depending on the field, you are out all day with no where to escape the rain and wind.  Sometimes you have a farm shed for shelter or a tree to get under.  Trees, bushes or ditches also serve as bathroom facilities.  This is where the guys have a definite advantage over the women.  Ladies, when there are only six people in a 500 acre field, you can find an adequate spot when nature calls.  These metal detecting trips are not just for the guys. 

We stayed at the non-smokers house.  We would peel off boots and rain gear and leave the muddy detectors at the back door.  You have a few minutes to clean some of the mud off your face and hands then sit down at the dining table for a fabulous dinner.  Lorna is a wonderful cook and if you leave her table hungry, it’s your own fault.  We had fabulous dinners every night like roast pork, cottage pie, salmon, fabulous side dishes and dessert.  There were at least five different things on your plate every night plus a dessert.  After much laughter and telling of tales, we would get to work cleaning up our finds of the day.  That done, we had about enough energy to take a hot shower and climb into bed.  The next morning, we were down for breakfast at 7am, eager and ready to do it all over again. 

People think we are crazy to call this a vacation.  We spent our 21st wedding anniversary out detecting in one of the worst weather days.  The wind was blowing so hard, it could knock you off your feet.  Then there was the hail…………..and the rain………..but it was a great day, and certainly memorable.  We will be back next March, to spend our 22nd Anniversary looking for treasure in the English countryside.
Clarence and Mary Sparks
Aka Lucky Dog and Mrs. Lucky Dog
Oregon, USA

Tom found a stonker while with Idaho Gerry's go as you please Barn trip, Tom was on the first week of Gerry's two week tour

A Metal Detecting Trip To Remember
Colchester, England
By Tom Reyes

                I wasn’t sure what to expect when a last minute cancelation allowed me to join Gerry McMullen’s group headed to Colchester, England on a metal detecting trip.  It was one of those “package trips.”  Included was your food, room and board, transportation to and from the prearranged hunt sites, documentation of your finds and your export license. I flew out of Seattle, having never before flown on an international flight.  With passport and confirmation letter at the ready I arrived at the self check-in station.  I followed the instructions on the monitor:  touch the screen and enter your flight number or name.  All was going well until it instructed me to scan my passport.  I looked in the immediate area and observed nothing that appeared to be a scanner.  However, I did observe a large slot below the monitor. Feeling awkward and not wanting to slow the line down I stuck my passport into the large slot below the monitor and waited.  Nothing!  No lights, no sound and nothing to indicate that my passport had been scanned.  Doing what comes very hard to a male, I asked for help from the person behind the counter.  He quickly pointed out the scanner, which was located to my far right.  Placing my passport in the scanner I heard and saw the expected sounds and lights.  As it turned out, the slot in which I had placed my passport was the ticket dispenser.  I could only hope that nobody had been watching.Tickets in hand I headed for airport security.  I always carry-on my primary metal detector for fear of it being lost in checked luggage.  I had flown before with my metal detector as carry-on and expected some reaction as my bag went through the x-ray machine.  I removed all metal items from my person and slipped off my shoes, placing all in the provided tub.  I then sent the tub and my bag through the x-ray machine and stepped through the metal detector.  No beep, this is always a good feeling. As my carry-on bag passed through the x-ray machine all movement stopped.  The person behind the monitor was joined by another.  They began pointing at the monitor.  I knew they were looking at my bag.  Movement soon started again and out came my tub and bag, followed closely by a TSA inspector.  In a deep voice he asked, “Is this your bag?”  I acknowledged that it was and started to explain it was a metal detector inside.  But before I could say a word he asked, “Do you have liquid inside this bag?”  I thought for a moment and responded that I might have after shave in my shave kit, to which he said, “I need to search this bag.” The TSA inspector opened my very full bag and having a desire to help, I started to point to the shave kit.  He quickly stopped me, instructing me not to touch the bag.  He then removed the shave kit himself and opened it.  Soon he pulled out my toothpaste and told me that I was not allowed to bring more than three ounces of liquid on the plane.  “Yours,” he said, “is a four ounce container.”  I pointed out that the container was only half full, thus within their 3oz requirement.  He found no humor in my comment, making it clear that it was the container size that mattered.  He then asked to dispose of it, which I allowed.  Nothing was ever asked or said about the metal detector. My plane left on schedule and I arrived in Chicago for my connecting flight.  Here I was to meet up with others going on the trip.  As I approached my departure gate I heard a familiar voice calling my name.  It was Gerry; it was good to see a familiar face.  With Gerry were two others, Marc and Gene.  I immediately took a liking to both.  It was obvious that Gerry had given some thought to who he was taking on the trip, putting together a great group of people with common interest.
There was a delay for our London flight into Heathrow airport.  It wasn’t long though and we began to board.  Gerry and Marc were ahead of Gene and me in line.  I watched as Gerry handed his boarding pass and passport to the lady checking passengers.  Gerry was immediately removed from the line.  It seems the name on his passport was slightly different than that on his boarding pass.  Gerry and Marc stepped to the gate counter together to resolve the issue as Gene and I continued to board at Gerry’s instruction.  I commented to Gene that I hoped Gerry made the flight, as I didn’t have a clue as to where we were going.  I looked at Gerry and Marc and commented, “See you in London, I hope” and then boarded the plane.
Both Gerry and Marc made the flight.  They came down the aisle with smiles on their faces.  It seemed like nothing was going to get this group down.
In no time we were in the air.  I looked around and saw that the plane was mostly empty.  As it turned out only 93 people were onboard.  The plane was designed to hold more than 300 people.  We were told we could sit in any of the empty seats, provided that we stay in our assigned class.  I moved up next to Gene and we talked about metal detecting during most of the flight.  Gene is a gold nugget hunter, having made several trips to Alaska with Gerry to metal detect.  It was very interesting listening to his stories.  I must admit though, by the end of the flight those empty business class seats with all that extra leg room sure looked inviting.  I remained where I belonged….Coach!
We landed at Heathrow Airport at about 6:00 AM Thursday morning, one of the first international flights in.  After a long walk that seemed to go on forever, we made it to Customs.  On the flight I’d shared and eaten over a pound of jerky that I’d brought in my carry-on.  Gerry and others told me during the flight that meat products would not be allowed into the UK by Custom officials.  I was never asked by the inspector if I was bringing meats into the country, only my purpose for the visit and where I would be staying.  The inspector wasn’t happy that I could not provide her with the physical address to where I would be staying in Colchester, pointing out that next time I should have it.  As for the jerky, I still wonder if the boys just wanted to eat it so they came up with the story of it not being allowed into the UK.  One day I’ll make a point to ask.
The first day we stayed in London proper.  This gave me a chance to meet up with a friend living in London that I’d not seen in two years.  Joe found me at my hotel and took Gene and me on a tour of downtown London.  Gerry and Marc stayed behind, as Gerry was sick with a fever.  I think it was because he ate too much of my jerky.
Joe, Gene and I caught the “Tube” (transit system) into London.  We did the touristy thing, taking pictures of us in front of Buckingham Palace.  The Queen was in that day, her flag flying high above the palace.  We also got to see the Big Ben clock tower and Piccadilly Circus (square).  The afternoon ended with a traditional beer and meal at a local pub.  Joe then got us back on the Tube, pointed towards our hotel.  I was certainly in need of some sleep.
The next day, Friday, Gene and I were up early.  We got into our metal detecting clothing as instructed by Gerry the day prior.  The plan was to have breakfast with the boys and wait for our rental van and three others in our party to arrive.
Breakfast at the hotel was lacking.  The food had no flavor, but was filling.  For the four of us to eat it cost 28 pounds, or about $56.00 US.  Just after breakfast the van arrived and shortly after Dan, Scott and Jerry made it.
The introductions were quick.  We all then loaded into the van with Marc driving.  Marc claimed to have some English blood in him, so it was only appropriate that he drove.  I was surprised at just how well he did driving on the wrong side of the road.   I suspect that he’s done this before in the US, but I didn’t ask.
On the way to the “Barn House” in Colchester where we would be staying Gerry went over the rules.  Our main contact in Colchester, had these rules in place to ensure that all had a good time and that we did not offend any of the farmers, whose land we would be metal detecting on.  Most of the rules were to be expected like fill in your holes, bring out your trash and be respectful of others.  Gerry once again made it clear that any finds amounting to “treasure” we would not be allowed to keep.  Finds of this nature remain in England in the care of a museum, though you and the land owner are compensated for the items value.  What’s neat about this is your name will be assigned to the find as the person having recovered it.   The item will be on display for many to enjoy, with your name and the location found right there for all to read.   How cool is that!
By the time we made it to Colchester we all knew the rules of engagement and a little bit about everybody in the group.  Marc and Gerry sell metal detectors, Gerry also providing instruction with his sales.  Gene owns a recycling company.  Scott is a computer programmer.  Jerry farms strawberries, sweet corn and other produce, having roadside stands in place to sell his product.  Dan, our proud Irishman, I think he’s mostly retired.
By noon we’d met up with host, our local contact. What a guy!  I liked him from the minute I met him. He called things as he saw them, no need to search for proper words. He and Gerry knew each other well, as Gerry had metal detected with him before.  He provided Gerry with a GPS that had all the authorized sites for us to metal detect programmed in it.  “With the GPS, even Gerry can’t get lost,” he said before leaving.  I wish that were the case.  He said nothing about the learning curve associated with its use and the fact that sometimes it just decided not to work.  This just added to our adventure, allowing us to see a little more of the countryside.

At the Barn House we unloaded our luggage.  Gene and I took a room together, which had two single beds in it.  Dan got a room to himself and Scott and Jerry took the downstairs hideaway bed and cot.  Marc and Gerry, well, they shared a room with one queen bed.  This was the cause of many great jokes, which are best left unsaid here.
By about one o’clock in the afternoon we had arrived at “*****” place to metal detect.  **** is a local Colchester farmer that has hundreds of acres of land he farms.  He was not there when we arrived, but his wife met us.  What a great person!  We were told we could go anywhere on the property that we wanted, but to stay out of the fenced areas where the horses were kept.  I’d spotted an area on the way in that I had a feeling about.  With some quick directions from ***** wife I was off to metal detect.
You will hear many people tell you, “Go with your gut feeling.  If an area feels good, hunt it.”  Another common saying: “If you feel comfortable with a certain metal detector use it.”  Well, on this occasion I had both.  I had a good feeling about the area I was heading to and I love my Minelab SE, which I was using.
I arrived in my field of choice and turned on the machine.  Hundreds of acres of fields plowed or freshly planted with wheat just starting to show, all to myself.  I moved across the field being careful to keep my coil low and my swing slow and it wasn’t long and I had my first target.  It turned out to be a button, one of about 70 that I would find during my week in Colchester.
I continued across the field, digging target after target.  Some were buttons or pieces of thimbles.  Many of the targets were lead.  These are all targets you need to dig.  In these fields you can recover lead bale seals two hundred years old or more.  The highly desired beehive thimble is just waiting to be uncovered and hammered silver coins with their low foil tone may be the next target you dig. I worked my way towards the far corner of the field.  Gerry had told me that high ground and the hedgerow corners are always good places to detect.  As I reached the field corner I hit a screaming target.  It was highly conductive and only a couple inches down.  I dug the target and had my first coin, a copper coin, or “greenie” from the 1700’s.
I circled the area where I’d found the copper coin, not finding another.  I decided to cross a small creek and head to the field on the other side.  You know, the grass always looks greener on the other side.  In this field I found as many targets as in the one I’d just left.  More buttons and lead.  There was evidence of prior civilization, pieces of broken pottery and brick littered the ground.  Finding no coins in this area I followed my gut feeling and headed back to the side where I’d found my copper coin.
Once back across the creek I started to work my way up towards some high ground.  I hit a target that sounded good, a sound that was familiar to me while training with my metal detector at home.  It was more of a blip, but a good sounding blip, the target several inches down.  I pinpointed the target and then cut a plug with my shovel and rolled the soil out.  I checked the hole, no signal.  I then checked the plug with my probe and received a good tone.  I broke the hard packed soil plug into several pieces and checked each with my probe.  As I probed one of the pieces I heard a strong signal in my headset.  As I rolled the piece over a gold colored coin about the size of a US quarter dropped out.  Could it be?
I picked up the target and gently moved the mud away so that I could see the item better.  I noticed immediately that there was weight to the coin.  On the front a face, the back appeared to be a cross made from several shields or coat of arms. A quick wash in my mouth (yuck), I then knew it was gold…….My first gold coin!  Two hours into my first day of metal detecting and I had found a gold coin.
I sat and looked at the coin for a good many minutes.  I wondered how it got there, what exactly it was, if it was rare and of great value.  Many thoughts go through your mind when you find that first gold coin, or any special item for that matter.   I was curious to know the date.  Having not brought my glasses or eye loop there was no way for me to read it. I took photos of the coin with my detector and then headed back across the field to find the others, metal detecting along the way of course.  In all my excitement I had failed to check the area around the coin for additional targets, having to come back two days later and do this.  Sadly, I did not find another coin in that area.
When I met up with Gerry I learned most all had found an old coin or two if not some special looking doodad.  Gerry asked how I’d done.  When I gave him a friendly hug and thanked him for the trip he commented, “Did you find gold?”  He knew, after all his years of metal detecting he’d come to recognize the face of a person who had just found their first gold coin.  I excitedly handed him the small box containing the coin and watched as he opened it.  Gerry smiled and yelled, “We’ve found gold,” as he looked at the coin.  Gerry was as excited as I was.  Gerry has unbelievable eyes.  He was able to make out the coin’s 1718 date in a fraction of a second. Everybody in the group came in and gathered around.  There were high fives going on and plenty of congratulating.  Photos were taken of my coin as well as the other cool items the group had found.  There was no jealousy in the group, only happiness to be a part of the moment.  Sure, all hoped to find a gold coin, but for now they were content to be a part of this moment.  I knew then that I was part of a group of people who truly cared about the sport of metal detecting.  A group of individuals who enjoyed sharing in another’s great moment.  A group that I was happy to call friends.
Our day ended and we headed towards the Barn House.  On the way we met our hope and his group of folks just finishing metal detecting for the day.  Gerry told him we’d found a gold coin.  There was disbelief on his face as he asked to see the coin.  When it was handed to him he smiled, commenting something like, “Stonking good find, what a stonker.”  I’m not sure if “stonker” or “stonking” are even words, but they seemed to mean something to him.  Words that by the way he’d used them obviously meant I’d found something good.
He then eyed the coin through his eye loop and quickly identified it.  He continued to amaze me throughout the trip on just how fast he could identify a find. “It’s a 1718 George I half guinea.  We’ve never found one of these.”  Once again we all were excited.
The following day we were out in the fields again.  This time we hunted a section new land recently acquired, which had hardly been metal detected.  As the day went on I dug many buttons and various lead items.  As I got to the far right edge of the field I began to hit copper coins.  They were from the 1700s and 1800’s.  After digging three coins I decided to go see how my roommate Gene was doing, he was about a 100 yards from me.  I sat my metal detector down and walked over to him.  Gene had a few cool items that he’d found, mostly buttons and lead.  I told Gene that I was hitting coins up where my metal detector was sitting, pointing to it.  I told him to work his way up there and he’d likely hit a coin. I returned to my metal detector and found two more coins before I was joined by Gene.  Gene told me he’d not hit a coin on the way to me.  We decided to concentrate on the area where I’d hit the last couple of coins. It wasn’t long and Gene was digging a target.  He brought it over and showed it to me commenting, “I think it’s a silver coin.”  I wasn’t so sure, it looked silver but yet it didn’t.  It was certainly a coin, which I told Gene.  Gene put the coin in his pocket with his other finds and we went on about our metal detecting.  Nothing fancy about Gene, his pocket worked just fine to put his found items in. Just before dark our host arrived at the site.  As usual he wanted to see what we’d found during the day.  There were many hammered silver coins that we’d recovered dating from the 1600’s and before, which he was very excited about.  One of these I’d been lucky enough to find myself.  Gene handed him the silver looking coin that he’d found when we were together.  Out came the eye loop and once again I heard those words, “Stonking good find, what a stonker.  This is Roman silver.”  he said, “I’ve never seen one of these.”  As it turned out the coin found by Gene was a rare Roman coin.  Yes it was silver, but not as pure as some.  We were later told the coin was made towards the end of the Roman Empire.  Silver was not as available as earlier in that period, so I guess other metals were added to the coinage.  Gene’s coin, well, it is so rare the museum has never seen an example of it.  “Stonking good find,” I say!
The next day we were back in the same fields where Gene had found his rare Roman coin.  The day prior Scott had really hit the Roman coins in the field across the road from where Gene found his rare coin, digging six or eight of them in a short period.  I wanted to try and find a Roman coin.  The big finds while in England include gold coinage, hammered silver coinage and Roman coinage.  There are many other items to be listed here, but these are three of the big ones.  I had a gold coin, I had a hammered silver coin, but I needed a Roman coin. I crossed the road and began to work my way across the field where Scott had found his Roman coins the day prior.  It wasn’t long and I had a loud highly conductive deep signal.  I dug the target and I had my first Roman coin.  How exciting!  I dug one more before the weather started to go bad. As the rain storm moved towards me I could see that it was going to be a soaker of a shower.  I decided I’d wait this one out in the van.  We were in the middle of the worst storms England had seen in ten years.  I quickly worked my way towards the van, metal detecting as I went.  I hit an area about 75 yards from the van where I began to find copper coins from the 1800’s.  I hit three back to back.  The rain was beginning to fall hard and the wind starting to blow, so I made a quick dash to the van.  Inside I found Gene and Marc.  They’d each had the same idea as I. I asked Gene and Marc how they were doing.  Both had some cool finds.  Gene had not yet found a copper coin so I told him about the area that I’d found while I was returning to the van.  I guaranteed him he’d have a coin in ten minutes or less, jokingly making a promise that I had no intention of keeping.  We all laughed!
The rain stopped and Marc, Gene and I headed back to the field I’d just come from.  Gene was hesitant, but I again guaranteed him a coin.  As we walked into the field I had a strong feeling we were going to find something good.
I pointed out to Gene the area where I’d hit the coins, telling him once again he’d have a coin in under ten minutes.  We then began to work our way through the area, me about 20 feet to Gene’s left.  Gene had a slow methodical swing to his detector, his coil low and to the ground.  I saw Gene stop and then bend to dig a target.  I watched as he picked up the target, hoping to myself that it was a copper coin like he’d wanted.  He looked at me and mouthed the words, “Gold coin!”I threw back my headset and asked Gene to say again what he’d found.  He said, “I think I just found a gold coin.”  Now I was excited.  I hurriedly walked to Gene.  In Gene’s right hand was what looked to be a gold coin.  It was thin, not like the one I’d found.  I could see writing on it, though I could not read it.  Gene handed me the coin.  No doubt, it was a very old gold coin of some type.  After doing the high five thing once again and offering my congratulations I took a picture of Gene with his coin.  It was about this time that our host showed up and Gene and I headed towards him. We got to him and Gene handed him the gold coin.  There were those words again, “Stonking good find, what a stonker.”  Out came the eye loop.  Yes, Gene had done it once again.  His coin was an English 1/4 Nobel hammered gold coin from the period of 1356-61.  I say, “Stonking good find!”
The next few days of metal detecting were similar to the first couple.  We had plenty of area to hunt, lots of awesome finds and great company.  We hunted from daylight to dark, the bad weather not a factor.  I did not find another gold coin, but I did find an additional hammered silver coin.  By the time I was through with my week I had a bag full of stuff to include a gold coin, hammered silver coins, Roman coins, copper coins, beautifully engraved clothing fasteners from the 1600’s, thimbles, musket balls, bale seals and a bunch of stuff yet to be identified by our expert.  I can’t wait to see these items again in the fall after they’ve been photographed, cataloged and looked at by the proper English authorities and cleared for export I left Colchester by train early Friday morning, saying my goodbyes to most the night prior.  Marc drove me to the train station.  Jerry and Gene rode along to see me off.  I hated to say goodbye, wishing I could have stayed longer.  I wished them all good luck and sent them on their way.
The train ride was uneventful giving me the opportunity to take in the countryside as I looked out the window.  What a beautiful country.  I arrived at Heathrow Airport a few hours before my flight was to leave.  It was a good thing I’d taken the Heathrow Express train from downtown London to the airport, as the security line was longer than the staff had ever seen it.  I was relieved to get to my gate, having no problems getting through security.  As I waited for my flight I had time to reflect on my metal detecting trip….I’m sure I was smiling.
So, what do I think of my experience in Colchester?  I enjoyed great food, more than adequate accommodations and I found things that I’d never dreamt possible.  Every day I could count on Marc to make me laugh as we stood next to each other in the field comparing finds.  Those items we could not identify, we just made something up and laughed aloud.  Most of all, I took away new friendships that will last a life time.  As for my roomy, my buddy, my friend Gene……I suspect I’ll get a Christmas card from him this year.

About the Author:  Tom Reyes is a law enforcement officer in Washington State.  Three years ago he once again took up the hobby of metal detecting.  His trip to England was made possible by his loving wife Teri and Gerry McMullen who owns Gerry’s Metal Detectors in Boise, Idaho.
Special thanks go out to host:  Without his efforts of none of this would be possible. His total dedication to the history of England and his close ties with England’s museums and other professionals ensures that many, not just a few, can enjoy the treasures discovered through our efforts of metal detecting.
               
               

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March 2008 - Tenn Mark was the driver on the Idaho Gerry's Barn hunt and managed to keep the bus in one piece for all of the two weeks in festering weather, great job !!

Hello All,

The experiance of this first trip has been far behond my expectations I had hoped for.The weather was a challenge for the duration with winds and rain most of the time.This did not stop the amazing finds that we dug EVERY Day!The accomadations were amazing with all needs covered!!
The Barnhouse was very comfortable with it`s sauna and hot tub along with heated floors! This was a big bonus for those sore bodies. We had every need covered at the Barnhouse!
I was with Gerry`s Gang for 2 weeks of hard core detecting excitement and we Got It!!We found a rare Milled 1718 Gold coin, a rare Medieval Gold Hammered coin, a rare Medieval Nuns Gold ring along with many other great finds of historical importance including 40+ Hammered silver coins!We just seemed to get lucky out there everyday with find after find!The fantastic historical grounds we hunted were a Dream for every detectorist with amazing veiws that just added to your detecting experiance!!

Our host was always there for us with his expert anlyisis of your finds and giudance throughout our stay.We woke up every morning eagerly anticipating what we will find today and we were rewarded EVERY DAY!
We had endless choices of over 200 fields each day and I still have many to visit on my next trip!

Thanking You Again for a Fantastic Adventure!!!

Tennessee Marc.

Ohio Scott was with Idho Gerry's Barn hunt team and the boys were on fire !!

I wanted to write you and say how great my trip to England was. The metal detecting finds far exceeded my expectations and having you there to help identify our finds added so much to the hunt! Your wealth of knowledge and ability to secure great hunting grounds has convinced me that I want to make an annual pilgrimage to your area of England each year. I found so many neat things and am anxiously waiting for the official ID and the eventual export of my finds. Many people that I have talked to after I got back to Ohio have been intrigued by my trip. They think a holiday has to involve sitting on a beach or riding a roller coaster. They got a glimpse of what a real holiday is all about! I have enclosed a couple of movies that I took with my hat cam. Maybe you can use them. I hope that my finds will allow me to “join the club” and I can have me handle changed from newhunterscot to OhioScott! I plan to frequent your forum and I would like to add an avatar of one of my great finds to my new handle. Let me know what I need to do to have that done. I know my brother-in-law OhioJerry asked you about going in February next year. That is a good time for me to go as well as my work, like his picks up in March and it is harder for us to get away. We will work on putting together a group and discussing this further with you.
Thanks again for making my holiday a special one indeed!
OhioScott

PS - My movies are too big to attach. If there is another way of uploading them to you, let me know and I will send them. I think you will like them!

Ohio Jerry did the first weeks self catering Barn hunt with Idaho Gerry's team, this is a go as you please hunt with you own mini bus.

Have just returned from a week of great times at Colchester. I was a new to all this and didn’t know what to expect. As one of 7 guys in Gerry McMullen’s group, we stayed at the Barn house. There is a kitchen with all the appliances and dishes, and we mostly cooked our own meals, but ate out at some of the local pubs now and then. Seemed that each of us had our own specialty when it came to cooking, and we ate great meals. That was part of the fun, getting to know each member of our team, and making new life long friends. The barn has beds for 5 (2 doubles and a twin), and a fold out couch, and a couple of cots. There is a nice hot tub, and a sauna, so bring your suit. We had a washing machine, which is nice, so you don’t have to bring so many clothes, but no dryer, so I dried my clothes in the sauna. Would have hung them outside, but it rained. There is a washroom, with a sink and countertop for washing the finds each night. We sure used that, as we had a great week of detecting, and the finds exceeded my expectations. Sure beats finding wheat pennies back home. The great thing about hunting over here is that you never know what your target will be, as you take that chunk of dirt with the target in it, divide it, and divide it again until your newest treasure appears. Quite often I found myself saying “Wonder what that is” and sure was good to have Gerry’s experience at identifying what it was. The finds range from Bronze Age, Celtic, Roman, Saxon, Medieval, and coins from the Kings and Queens, all in the same field. Amazing! Also, as a farmer from Ohio, I know what fields look like, but these fields our tour guide has lined up for us are so vast, and so many of them, you never run out of places to hunt.

Best of all is the head man , who has set this all up. He is first class, exceptionally knowledgeable, and really gets excited when he pours over your latest finds, identifying what they are, and how old and rare they are. Had a stonking good time!

Ohio Jerry

Louisiana Sal's unique hunt using his Sony hatcam to record finds as he dug them

English Saxon Thrymsa gold coin - 'Witmen type' c620 -650 AD named after the hoard found in 1828. Sent off to the Fitzwilliam museum Corpus database for recording 1.26g, 11.46mm

My name is Sal. In the treasure hunting community I go by the name mudslideslim. I have been metal detecting/relic hunting for around 10 years. In more recent years, I have gotten more and more interested in detecting for historical artifacts, i.e. old buttons, bullets, coins, etc. In an effort to better document my historical relic hunts, I began video taping them about 3 years ago. Since then I have published these videos on the web for all to enjoy at http://treasureoutfitters.com. In the last couple of years, I began to seriously consider taking a detecting trip to England. I had heard of several different outfits but had shied away because they didn't look like they catered to the hardcore detectorist and were very expensive. I originally found out about the outfit in Colchester while searching the internet. Reading the website and talking to others in the treasure hunting community led me to believe that this outfit was different than the others. It appeared to be a reasonably priced hunt that catered to the hardcore detectorist. Well about 8 months ago (Colchester Treasure Hunting Holidays Proprietor) and I started communicating back and forth via email. He had learned about my videos and I was interesting in spending a week detecting in England. With this in mind, I decided to make a trip to the UK and video tape my metal detecting adventure.
Fast forward to one month ago. I found myself flying into England in the morning and detecting in the afternoon - hardcore? - you bet! That first afternoon yielded a handful of targets, mostly plain buttons, worn out copper coins and lead pieces. In addition to those items, I also popped out a small 16th century hammered Queen Elizabeth I silver coin that had been folded in half and a 17th century copper trade farthing that day. I learned right away that the more "junk" targets you could find and dig the better chance you had of finding something really good. This would become even more evident as the hunt progressed.
The next morning we woke up bright and early and were in another field right after breakfast. This field as well as every other one we saw (there were over 150 fields, I think) were HUGE. We started hunting and began to find the normal odds and ends. It was getting close to lunch and none of us had found anything really good. My goal was just to stay focused and keep hunting slow and low to the ground, digging as many signals as possible. This paid off!
A half hour before our lunch arrived, I got a small signal close to one end of the field. Digging a small plug revealed a small gold, coin-shaped object. Could it be? Videotaping, I got on my knees to get a closer look. I was amazed to see that it was indeed an ancient gold coin!!!! I called my hunting partner over and picked up the coin. It turned out to be an Anglo Saxon coin dating from 620-645AD - simply amazing! Now for the rest of the week we hunted long and hard on many different fields often going well into the night using our head lamps. We dug hundreds of targets. A few of these were goodies such as medieval and Roman artifacts and coins, but most were the usual flat buttons, lead, copper coins and trash metal. I gotta say this was a great experience. We were well fed, 3 square meals a day and given the opportunity to detect as long as we could stand it.
What more could you ask for? I highly recommend this outfit to anyone that is considering a metal detecting holiday in England. If you would like to view the 45 minute documentary of my England adventure, you can watch by clicking on the following link:
http://colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/salsvid.htm

Happy Hunting,
Sal (mudslideslim)

Swedish Yngve had never ever picked up a detector before as it is illegal in Sweden and his first trip he was only getting his ears tuned LOL. He brought Swedish Richard with him on his 2nd trip and they kicked butt LOL If you have never detected before don't be daunted as we show you the ropes and can supply all the kit.

Chasing a Golden Pony

I am a coin collector and I live in Sweden. In July 2006 I found a coin with a fascinating horse on an Internet auction. It looked like gold and I started to bid. I had no idea what it was, so I searched the Internet for answers. The traces lead to antique Greek coins and Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great.
These coins were copied by the Celts and now I was getting close. I then found my way to the website of Colchester Treasure Hunting and there they were.....

First I realized that the coins kept popping out of the ground in England and after some more reading on the huge site, I saw that you could actually become a member of the club and come and dig the ponies yourself. This was a very strange feeling when you are used to the Swedish laws of metal detecting.

Within weeks I had booked my first detecting holiday and it was great! I had five very nice hunting partners from the US who all tried to help the poor beginner. They pulled out one hammered silver coin after the other, while I was digging iron, copper and false signals :-(

My total coin count for the week reached 14 and one of them was an almost 300 years old silver Shilling. Only one of my finds made it to the finds pages and that was a coin weight. I also got a couple of thimbles, trade tokens, bale seals, a complete crotal bell and a handfull of musket balls, among other things.

There was only one thing to do: book another week :-)

This time I was rewarded. In April 2007 I was one of the hunters pulling out hammered silver and I felt that I was getting closer and closer to the Golden Pony! Statistics say that there is one Celtic gold found in every 9 weeks of work, so in a couple of more weeks I will find my first one.

I think I have to book another week....

Swedish Yngve

Joe was with the Chicago Ron's team at the new Barn house which turned out to be almost purpose built for detecting teams

This being my first trip to England metal detecting, I really didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the cottage we stayed in as it was a combination of "old world charm," with all the modern conveniences you could want. Comfortable bedrooms, a spacious living room, and gourmet kitchen made for an enjoyable stay. After many hours of detecting in what seemed like endless acres in a multitude of different fields, the hot tub and steam room relieved aching muscles. Those hours spent detecting were very rewarding, as I found many buttons, various artifacts, and an assortment of hammered copper and silver coins. Finding a Legionary Denarius of Marc Anthony 32-31 B.C. and a Saxon Silver Sceat 600-775A.D on my first trip . . . I wonder what great finds await me next time! Thank you for a fantastic trip.

Joe Labedzki
Park Ridge, IL. USA

Al is a well known guy at the Virginia hunts and worked his butt off for this little puppy LOL

This was my second trip hunting in Colchester. Both experiences have been great. We were met at the airport by a van which then took us to our home for the week. After lugging in our suitcases, quickly changing into field clothing and setting up our detectors we were out the door and taken to a site to hunt for the rest of the day. This was the pace for the rest of the week; out first thing in the morning, back after dark. This was truly a detectorist's dream, other than a brief break for a hot lunch which is brought out to us, we were detecting all day. The fields were enormous and the realization that the signal you heard might be anything spanning a period of over 2000 years was an exciting prospect. The hospitality shown by our hosts was terrific and the food at either house was plentiful and delicious. I'm already planning and looking forward to my next trip. Thanks for putting on an A1 detecting experience.

Kentucky Allen V

Had a real blast with the Mass team

I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for your hospitality. The trip was far more then I expected. Having the opportunity to hunt on lands which have been occupied for thousands of years was quite exciting. Speaking of the land, when first arriving and seeing the vastness of the land to be detected I must admit it was almost overwhelming. My first thought was how I could even cover a small portion of all that land. Which piece to choose, and where to hunt on the land chosen. It's easy to see one could spend a lifetime detecting the land you have secured.
Though you made no promises of finding anything and being skunked was always a possibility, everyone I detected with made great finds over the week. Artifacts, coins, and those little do dads all having a great deal of history added to the week which consisted of comraderie, laughs, and making a few more friends.
Your attention and pride in the meals you serve is also a credit upon yourself. The meals were not only delicious, but I must say they were plenty big. I applaud your efforts at catering to everones requests and special needs.
Added to this, some of the best memories will be of your hospitality, quick wit, historical knowledge of the area and the ability to accurately identify finds. All this added up to a truly memorable experience which I look forward to repeating next year. You run a first rate operation in which your enthusiasm for history and detecting culminate in a truly unforgetable experience for your guests. Again, please accept my thanks, and extend the same to your family.

Sincerely,
BostonGlen

Cal Mark got one of the rarest Celtic coins ever found her on the last hour of his hunt , never over to the last swing LOL

I want to thank you for a fantastic first hunting trip. From the first day til the last it was exceptional, and the hospitality was outstanding. The home and cooking were warm and comforting after a long day in the fields.

Finding my first hammered was the best, finding three was incredible, but finding my first gold coin, 40 B.C. Celtic stater, took it over the top,

Again thanks to you for making the trip memorable

Looking forward to booking my next trip with you, hopefully soon,

Thanks Again,

Cal Mark

NH Greg was lucky to be here and witness Ark Gary sucking up another Celtic gold LOL

Sorry it has taken so long to thank you for the great time I had detecting in Colchester and to tell others about what they are missing.We had the flood here in Alstead not long after returning from England, and then I was out of state for several weeks, but the whole time I just couldn't go a day without dreaming of being back on the fields, unearthing the past, and making new friends. My detecting partner, Dave, and I are already booked to return next September and can hardly wait! For anyone who has already been on one of his treasure hunting holidays, nothing needs to be said. For those who are going for the first time, there are two questions you'll ask yourself: Why did I wait so long to book a tour? and How soon can I make a return trip?

When you get to Colchester you are immediately made welcome and become part of a 'family.' You stay in an English residence and have great Home cooked meals, and can even raid the fridge if you feel the need for that late night snack. Here in New Hampshire, I'm a 'lucky' detectorist and do pretty well in finding some large coppers, a few old silver coins, and some nice buttons and artifacts over the detecting season. I'm happy if at least a third of it is from the 1700s. Over in Colchester, I found far more in one weeks time than it takes me all year here in the states! And don't forget that England's history goes back thousands of years earlier than that of the U.S. Finding items from the 1700 and 1800s is the 'new' stuff. I literally found hundreds of good targets while there. Every new signal will get your adrenaline pumping in expectation of what it could be. Dave found a 1580 Elizabeth hammered silver within hours of us getting off the plane! I saw a new friend, Gary, find a 45 BC Celtic gold Stater in an area a bunch of us had already detected. There is just so much history and so many targets that it will never get hunted out.
There are thousands of acres to choose from to detect. You decide what field is 'calling to you,' which one 'feels lucky.' You are given the information on each as to what has been found in the past, and is very knowledgeable in identifying what you have found. There are even many great reference books available for you to research your finds each night after you have cleaned them up a bit.

You start each day on a field of your choice and everyone meets each day for lunch, which is served out at the sites to keep you close to the action. After lunch you decide again where you would like to detect, and how late for that day. This is definitely not one of those tours that takes a whole bus load of strangers out to one field and herds them around like a bunch of cattle.The groups are small, the number of fields plentiful, and depending on your own choice, you may even be the first person to have detected that field during that year. Everyone easily gets to know each other and you will have new friends from day one.The farmers who own the land are friendly people who are pleased to have us there. They know our host is an honest, friendly, knowledgeable, and upfront kind of guy and don't want to open their land to detecting from anyone who isn't a part of one of his tours. That says a lot for his good character.
Don't just think about booking a tour, Do it! It will be one of the greatest experiences of your life.
I want to thank all the crew for the great time and I am looking forward to seeing you all in September.

NH Greg

Scott came with the 'hoard hunting team' of Mass Bruce and Linda, Texas Gary and Cal Shawn and the luck sure rubbed off on him quick LOL

Just wanted to drop a line to thank you for the superb detecting tour that you provided. It had been seven years since my last trip to England (with a less reputable outfit) and I did not know what to expect. Any worries were quickly alleviated immediately upon my arrival and first glance at the fields you had secured for the hunts. I certainly had not anticipated such huge and beautiful tracts of farmland completely open to us and teeming with items from so many periods of English history. The frequency and variety of finds was simply outstanding, as evidenced by my first full day which saw not only my own recovery of artifacts (ranging from a Bronze Age axe to medieval hammered silver), but also the finding of two Celtic gold coins and a silver Saxon strap end by other members of our small group.

It was a pleasure to be able to stay with a group of friends, be responsible for our own schedules and activities, and be able to focus solely on detecting for the entire stay. Meals were excellent and the location with all hunt sites within a few minutes drive.

I would also like to thank you for the time and attention that you put in to making the tour successful. For not only have you procured exceptional properties to be searched, but you also provide your own skill and that of other associates to properly identify finds and ensure complete compliance with the Treasure Act (which was a great relief). I am looking forward anxiously to my return to Colchester - American hunting will never be the same or hold the same thrills again!

Sincerely,

Scott Stone
NH Scott

Digger lived up to his name as he dug hundreds of targets but his first ever hammered silver illuded him for 4 days but worth the wait as it was a beauty Lizzy LOL

I have been wanting to e-mail you for two weeks and thank you for a great time I had. This was my first trip out of the USA and was a trip of a lifetime. Thanks also goes to you and your family for the great hospitality. I told my wife about those fantastic dinners for a week.
Thanks for teaching me so much about your great country and its history. I'm studying up for my next trip. I will never forget that Thursday evening what I dug my first hammered silver. I told my boys how I through my digger and ran over to you with goose bumps on my arms. I love hunting but the times at your house in the evenings looking at all the finds for the day from the gang and finding out some of the history was the top of the day.I have told my family when my finds get home the coffee table is mine for awhile.Hunting around old churches was awsome.When I make it back there is a certon SPOT with my name on it,though.Been studing on that.
Tenn.Jim
Digger

Warmest regards…Nick Wemyss

Ohio Tony- He has some special homing device for hammered silver. I told him the red flags with his name and an arrow pointing to the ground helped LOL

Hi , Just had to send you a short thank you note for providing a great vacation for me and four friends.
This is how metal detecting should be. A go-at-your-own-pace, pick-your-own-field, easy going detecting outing with lots of laughs and good times not to mention the best food.I actually gained a bit of weight even though we were constantly swinging the coil. Anyone who loves detecting as I do should seriously consider what you are offering:the chance to find ancient coins and artifacts in our ancestral homeland. The red flags made it easy for my friends and me to locate and recover targets. Just kidding. But on the serious side, even though nobody is guaranteed to find good things, most do.They may be scattered far and wide but there’s enough detecting ground there that is plowed each year to last a lifetime.I believe I made some good friends in or host and his family as well as some of the other detectorists from other places.
I’m booked already for my next vacation in Colchester and am already getting excited about it and I’ve only been home for two days.
Best regards, Ohio Tony.

Florida Randy

I totally enjoyed the Holiday, it is a metal detectors dream. Metal detecting in the State's will never be the same after hunting in the UK. The find's were fantastic, digging a target and finding coins and artifacts that are older than the United States itself is really fascinating. Knowing I was the first to find and touch silver hammered coins and other artifacts dating back to the 11th century and earlier is amazing. The food was also great, I thought I would actually loose some weight with all the walking I did, but that was not the case with all the food you served. The Holiday is a trip I plan on taking again, I need to catch up to Orlando Don and find one of those gold ponies.
Thanks Again for a great Holiday and keeping Orlando Rolo in line during our trip.

Regards,

Randy

Chicago Ron got the ultimate prize for their dedicated hunting

Finally caught up on work. Wanted to drop you a line to thank you for an amazing Detecting experience. I've been detecting for more than 20 years and have only ever dreamt of the kind of finds found while on your tour. My time in your home was wonderful, the authentic British meals you made during the week were great, even if I did laugh at the names.
The amount of never detected land you have acquired is incredible. Just being able to detect on almost virgin land used by the Celtic, Romans and Saxons was a real thrill. When I was all excited and showed you my first greenie on Sunday and you said "you'll be chuck'n those away by Friday mate."LOL. I thought you were kidding. I was really impressed with your ability to identify items in the field and I like your stock answers when asked "whats this " It's crap chuck it !" then you throw it in the hedge row or "oh thats a nice little (description of item), that is." I had a lot of fun, even before I found my Gold. I will treasure my two little pones for a long time to come. You have earned a customer for life, and a friend also.
Thank you again. See you in March for round 2.
This ain't no sheep herder tour. So if you are up for 8 hours+ of detecting a day with the chance of finding the ultimate prize, this is the hunt.

Ron Guinazzo

Cal Jeff and team were a great bunch of seriously hard hunters

I just wanted to thank you for making my first (and hopefully not the last!) metal detecting trip to England a reality. My stay with you was so much better than my best expectations. The finds, the fields, the food, the company and the service that you offer were all top-shelf!

The hunting is hard, no doubt about that. But for a hardcore detectorist it's a dream. Having a full 8+ hours a day in private, in unhunted territory is an amazing reality.

I'm looking forward to coming back again and again. Thank you for the work that you all put into your trips, and for putting up with us fanatical detectorists, it's so clear that you put your all into it and I really appreciate your time and hard work!

Cal Jeff

On Cal Jeff's second trip he got the Roman Willy as find of the year LOL

Earl was dragged away screaming to do site see in London by his girlfriend and still kept smiling LOL

I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know what a great time I had metal detecting around Colchester. It was wonderful hunting around the old churches in the country side and sometimes I would get goose bumps, just standing there and thinking what was in the area long ago. The guys I hunted with were like hunting with old friends. You have a great knowledge of the area, and share it with everyone. Talking with you is like talking to my hunting partner back home. You run a first class operation, and Lorna was a great host, kinda like staying at home. I made some great finds and friends I can't wait to get back there next year. If your ever back in Tennessee please feel free to give me a ring and i'll take you to find some US civil war relics, and feed you some good ole southern food, iced tea and all, lol. Thank You!!
The best to you always.......
(Tenn Earl) Earl Hix

Manhattan Gary left with Mass 'Roman ring' Bill, between them they sucked up too much good stuff so they are barred LOL ( Bill ultimately got the 'find of the year' prize for his Roman gold ring )

Hi Guys

Recently I went on a metal detecting trip with Colchester Treasure Hunting. I have to say it was a lot better than I could ever have imagined! Their country is beautiful, our hosts were great people.The food and lodgings were perfect ,I hope everyone that goes in the future will appreciate all the work that goes into our holiday.I would recommend that anyone going should slow down and appreciate the beauty of the area.The hunting fields are very big and can become overwhelming at times. Go with which field feels right for you! I personally would set small goals for finds such as maybe a coin weight or a nice lead seal etc.I was very lucky,I found a Saxon silver coin 680 -710 AD the first afternoon! I found a total of five hammered silver coins from the 14th century to the 16th century!The Biggest surprise was a 4th century roman gold ring with a stone!I'm proud to think that the British Museum may want to display it for everyone to enjoy and to think I recovered it from the ground from its hiding place approx 1600 years after this person lost it. Someday my family can go an see it.Thank you again for a great holiday

Sincerly Boston Bill

What a great time! Even though I am more of a water guy, I really loved hunting the fields in Colchester. You never know what was going to come up. My wife asked me if my goal was to find a gold coin. I told her no.
Even though they have been found there, it was very unlikely. My real goal was to have fun, find some hammered coins and a few trinkets. Well, what can I say, the third day I got lucky and found that Celtic 1/4 GoldStater 50 BC. I also got my share of other finds. I can't wait to get my finds and relive the hunts all over again. I will highly recommend your hunt to anyone. Everything ran smoothly. We were picked up on time at the airport. We got to your place and within an hour we were hunting. Please thank all for me for the great food and hospitality. She has a lovely home. Anyone that loves metal detecting and wants to hunt 10 hour days in the oldest town in England should look you up. Please sign me up again for next year. It's in my blood now. You will never run out of places to hunt having all that land available You have excellent repore with the farmers and Colchester Museum. Your trip is top notch and you abide by the Treasure Act. Good luck the rest of the season . If you are in the states, feel free to look me up.

Best Regards,

Gary Storm (Manhattan Gary)
Owner Detectorpro

Canadian Marjo sucked up some great finds during their trip including that Post Medieval gold ring, Dan now thinks they will share Marjo's find LOL

Just a quick note to let you know how much my wife Marjolaine and I enjoyed our visit to Colchester. You sure run an efficient operation and the metal detecting is just splendid !
We were quite impressed with the number and quality of fields you offer your visitors. The accommodations were very clean and comfortable and the food very impressive. Please convey our sincere thanks to your Michelle, Lorna and also to Mark. Quite a helpful team you have there ! The quantity and quality of finds was absolutely amazing and we just can't wait to return next fall for another great hunt. Marjolaine tells me that she keeps finding that gold ring every night, in her happy dreams of Colchester, and it is just as thrilling as it was the day she found it ! Again, thank you for a great treasure hunting trip and we will see you again next year !!!
Marjolaine

The week with the boys from Forida was a blast, especially with Orlando Rolo the 'human hoover' who even managed to eat my dinner portions and that is impressive LOL

Hi, Just a note to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Colchester to hunt. The trip was more than I expected. The accomadations were great and I felt like I was part of the family for the week! Not many people would give up their home the way you do. The meals were great, even for a picky eater like myself. It was fun to try your traditional home cooked meals and the puddins were fantastic! I don't think I could find portions like that here in the states. As hard as we tried (10 hrs a day) to hunt all your fields, we just barely scratched the surface. It was a great feeling to hold a 1700 year old Roman coin in my hand! The targets were plentiful and I was tired at the end of the day. It was a treat to have the pic-nic lunches out in the fields, and fun to meet the landowners. I found them to be very interested not only in our finds, but in us, as visitors to their country. After going through 2 hurricanes, with a 3rd now heading straight for us, it was very relaxing to just sit out in the fields and enjoy the wildlife, birdsongs, even the geese flyovers. I am looking forward to our return trip in 2005, and who knows, maybe that hammered will find my coil! Thanks again for a great trip!

Don Hickey (DonFL)

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In September just put me down for two weeks. I’m ready to give up my Reno trip, (gambling & Air Races) and New York trip, ( Deer Hunting ) just to be harassed by you. The trip is like Pierre Pepi La Pe U, making love to a dog, and the dog saying I think I had enough of this pleasure I can stand!( P U ) Phew!

You can have anyone call me for a recommendation. Michelle treats us like Royalty and the Chef, well he is a little touchy when he is cooking . (Anyone attempting to roam around the kitchen like a Lion waiting to be fed get's told to bugger off !! LOL) It helped that you are very knowledgeable about our finds. We liked the reference books you have available for us to use on most everything we would find. I really appreciated the clean up sink area. It made it easy for us to clean and sort our finds of the day. Total overall rating 10 stars plus! The only recommendation I have is to put water and chairs with shade at both ends of fields. This way we can rest at the end of the field. Those fields are big!And don’t forget about a Masseuse! This is one vacation I personally want to repeat and repeat.

Orlando Rolo

Mass Linda was a Saint and put up with six smelly guys for a week and is even coming back for more ! LOL

I don't know how much I need to say about your trips , when after hunting the last week of the spring 2004 season, we booked the first week of the fall season before we even left England! That pretty much sums it up... I haven't laughed that hard for a week straight, nor have I hunted that hard, ate that much, been so muddy, slept so soundly, well, you get the idea! You made us feel truly welcome in your home, with great cooking, too. The main thing I came for was the possibility to hunt great fields in great condition, and to dig as much as I could. If that's what any detectorist wants in a trip, then yours is definitely the one to take. The quantity and mix of finds for our week was astounding. I've hunted on my own in England before your trip, but it's so much more fun to have a small group of serious hunters to dig with, and be able to share finds as you dig. Not to mention the knowledge of what a lot of the finds are - it's good to have someone to look at things you don't have a clue about! I spent hours each night going through your ID books... It's also a relief to have someone to coordinate our finds with the museum, and comply with the Treasure Act; hard to do when you're on your own.

Thanks for making me feel like 'one of the guys' on the trip. I learned a lot more about the finds, the culture, plus loads of new british expressions! In short, it was an absolute blast - it's going to be a long summer waiting for september and those beautiful fields....

Cheers!
Linda

What are these 3 copper discs with coin on them ??

I wanted to drop you a line and say I just had the trip of a life time.
It is awesome to consider the finds we made that week , Bruce with his axe head horde and myself finding THREE Celtic Gold staters with the first laying on top of the ground. The Dogz !(he means the dogs danglies)
That's not to mention the numerous silver and copper coins and the regimental buttons. The list goes on and on. Detecting in the states will never be the same.
For those of you that have been on other trips this is NOT a herding operation. This is like hunting with a bunch of your friends It is for all these reasons that I have booked a week in September and we WILL find that pot of buried staters this time. I have been home a week now and I am still on cloud nine . Now I see why Arkansas Gary comes so often!!!
The best to all

Brian

Mass 'Axe hoard' Bruce

Hey
Wanted to send you a note saying WOW, what a trip.Things are finally calming down a bit here, my phone and email have been non-stop since returning to the states. I guess the axe heads was a bigger deal than I expected! Your trip is a first class trip with no BS in the background. Everything went off without a hitch, from the taxi at the airport, the ride, the accomodations, the food (i'm still full) the Scooby Doo Mystery Van that took us to the sites everyday, and of course the unbelievable amounts of quality land that you have!! Anyone that thinks these fields have been hunted out they are so wrong, there were footprints near my axe head hoard, Linda's axe head was only 6" deep, Brians Celtic hoard was shallow and whatever else Gary and Shawn dug the following week. Next time we will try and bring some better weather with us!! It wasn't only the hunt that was a blast, it was the constant laughing to and from the sites and during our picnic lunch. Our little group will be back in September and look forward to it and meeting the infamous Arkansas Gary. You have the summer to rest and get prepared for our return, you'll need it!! :-))) It's going to be tough to go out detecting at home and get excited over some 1900's coins! Have a great summer and enjoy your holiday!!
See you soon!!
Anyone with questions can feel free to get ahold of me at jokadiver@comcast.net.

Cheers
Bruce

Californian Charles gave us all a lesson in how to find Roman coins !!

Am I out of my mind? It is 80 degrees here in Southern California in the middle of March and I am on an airplane flying 5484 miles to England where it is 20/40 degrees. I am standing in a large field ankle deep in mud. It is sleeting and raining. Does this sound like a sane person? If your hobby is metal detecting you are in heaven, listening for that beep that means you have found something that is maybe 4000 years old.

This is my second trip to England . I can’t say enough of the hospitality and care staying with Laura this trip. The lure of finding a treasure in the fields around Colchester has brought me back. And if you don’t find a treasure, 6 days of hunting, great food, and the making of new friends is a adventure come true for any one interested in metal detecting..

I will be coming back next September with my grandson, Nevada Mike, and we will find that treasure.

California Charles

Myself and Arizona Jim had a real fun hunt for a week together before Boston Bud joined and jinxed us with that amazing 7thC Saxon gold coin find on his first day, we ended up getting pretty well skunked after that LOL !!!!

This is Jim Fleming. Sorry I have not contacted you before this but I really have been busy. I want to thank you and Michelle for a great time and for putting up with me. You and yours are the greatest people I have ever met. I will always remember this trip as one of the best trips I have ever been on

Nevada Gary nicknamed Mike 'Veggie man', if you try and feed him anything green he runs screaming for a burger !!

I never thought I would have come back so soon in 2003 but I have the bug now . I had to take you up on another great vacation . When I was by you in March of this year I was so overtaken by all the land you have to hunt and now you so much more . The Romans were hiding this time, real good, but we still did real good anyway. The goodies were still there . You have so much history in all these fields. I still have not unpacked my detectors because I am coming back in March of 2004 to hunt with friends again . Hunting by you is a dream come true for me . Please don't change anything you are doing because then it wouldn't be fun anymore . I hope you and your lovely wife have a great Xmas, and Newyear . If people really knew what they were missing out on I don't think I could get reservations for another week . Keep the good finds coming because I will be watching . MILWAUKEE MIKE ( VEGGIE MAN )

Arizona Bert held the oldest coin find ever found at 119BC

Just a note to offer my endorsement of your operation. This was my first experience in overseas detecting on an "arranged trip". What you said in your information is what you delivered...... a rarity in today's world.

For anyone serious about detecting this is the venue... fields as far as the eye can see and finds for all who will swing it "low and slow". This is a trip for detectorists..... be prepared........you will find what we all want, a place to hunt and finds to interest everyone.

Michelle is a great host and I wish you continued success. Thank you for making my week not only enjoyable but productive as well. Arizona Bert

View Ohio Bud's report about his trip in the Gold Prospectors magaine

Ohio Buds gold story goes on line click here to view

Ohio Bud was the guy that found that incredibly rare 550AD gold Saxon dagger cheaf which is now with the British museum undergoing extensive investigation and awaiting a Treasure inquest.

Both Ohio Bud and Nevada Gary have been told and read on forums by the 'other' tours that all the finds including the gold found on my tours is planted which makes me either a very generous person or I am now a registered detecting charity!!!

I have been back home for three weeks now and finally got around to writing to you about my trip there. I have a complaint however. I was there for two weeks and only found 2 pieces of gold!!! Just kidding!!! I had a great time and plan to return soon. I was a little apprehensive before making the trip because of comments I had read on the Internet. Thankfully my decision to ignore their stupidity was the correct decision. I felt a little put out at first when you said that we had to pick our own fields to detect on each day. This turned out to be fun however as we could pick weather we wanted to detect where Hammered Silver, Roman, Celtic, Bronze Axe head or a Washington Inaugural Button had been found. You probably have the best fields in England for us Yanks to detect in. The potential is enormous.

All in all, the trip was much better than I expected. The pick up and return to the airport was excellent. The accommodations and food were exceptional. Our stay with Lorna was a highlight of the trip. I felt as if I were at home. I actually took pictures of some of the dinners. You and Michelle are great hosts and I thank you for making my experience there a delight.

Sincerely, Bud Kaczor

Nevada Gary ( the last guy to leave before the break) looks like he needs another 'fix' already !!

Well, in reply to all the doubting Thomases out there, I can say the stay with you and the detecting was all that was promised and much more. Simply put, I can’t imagine a better stay, more fun, better hunting land or a better mix of dectectorists. As they say, this is the real deal for anyone looking for a chance to find and or bring back the kind of things that any detectorist in any country can only dream about.
The Full gold Celtic stater and the oldest (for now) Roman silver were things I dreamed of finding, but did not actually expect to find.
And yes our hosts were as great as reported by others. Great food, fun people, friendly home style chat and stay. I really appreciate how you went above and beyond to get me to the Chelmsford auto rental on the start of your vacation time.
With your blessing, I’d like to try for the first hunting week of March or so. Now I know what is meant by getting a detecting “fix”—there is still that Roman Gold that I missed! The “I found Celtic Gold” you gave me is especially nice and I’ll think of the great times when I put it on this winter! Regards to the guys –Wayne, Mike (veggie man), Neelie, Ken, Bob

Thanks again-
Nevada Gary

Ps—could I bring you something from Nevada?

Well, I’m finally over my jet lag and I wanted to drop you a line to say what a great time I had. I have had a lot of great treasure hunting experiences, but this was at the top of my list. If it wasn’t for the long flight over, I’d be back next week. I was a little unsure about staying in someone’s home for a week but that turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip. It didn’t feel like I was on a “for hire”hunt but instead, like I was spending a few days in the home of someone that I hunt with every weekend. I felt totally comfortable in your culture and it was really neat (although it did take me a day or two to figure out what “half twelve” was). I have already had the opportunity to recommend your hunt to someone else. I must say it was “five star” when it came to being accurately represented. You are excellent hosts and now I consider y’all good friends. I really enjoyed learning about some of the events in your history, and to think that I found artifacts from 10 A.D. is astonishing. You made me feel welcome and when we left I really expected to hear you use the old Texas sayin’ “ya’ll come back now, hear!”

John L. Hitt JLHTX

The Texans invaded with the two Hitt Bros and Dave, I nearly learned how to spit properly ! Great fun, heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha

Jim, Dave and John the 'Texans'

Jim had an interesting style of roping and branding his finds !

Thought I would drop a line to say how very, very, much I enjoyed the stay with you. For an old retired Texas cowboy, this was certainly the trip of a lifetime. The detecting, the hospitality, the food, camaraderie, everything.
What made it so good was the fact it was like staying with a buddy and fellow detector. After the first day it seemed I had known you forever.
Give my thanks to your wife also, for I know she works as hard as you.
I would love to come back again and with your blessings and continued good health I intend to do just that.

Jim

Texas Dave could sure sniff out the hammered silver !!

Just wanted to say "Thanks" and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip and stay in your home. You made three old country boys from Texas feel at home. The finds were great and the food was outstanding. Hope to see you again.

David

We both had a brilliant week with Dave and Dan, their wives Vickie and Lynn

Dave and Vickie

An experience of a lifetime. Not only did we make some interesting and awesome finds in the fields, we made two awesome finds in the friendships . You both made us feel as welcome in your home as any of our family members would. You are as up front and knowledgeable as they come. You have so much land at your doorsteps that I can invision nothing but success in your future. It was a dectorists dream to be able to wander through such fields so rich in history. Every field has the potential of giving up awesome finds. The one week we stayed was great, but I can honestly understand now why a two week stay would be needed to fully experience a taste of all the land available. Not a day went by that we could honestly say we were not well fed! Michelle, your humor and wit were an experience in itself! Not only were we able to pick up on some catchy phrases, she made the time to take Vicie & Lynn around and about Colchester. Again, you made us feel very comfortable in your home.
To sum it all up, Awesome Hunting, Awesome Friends, and an Awesome Time!
Muchos Gracias Chris & Michelle.
Dave & Vicie Martin

New Yorker Jim and team (these guys sure hunted hard and NE Jerry' the tornado'smashed the coin record easily with 86 coins in a week)

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say what a great time Dave, Jerry and I all had on your tour this year. Only wish we had made it a 2 week trip instead of only one! Everything was great, from the meals your to the weather, the fields and the finds! Especially my gold coin :) I Don't know of any other tour that allows for so much time hunting and choices of hunting sites, not to mention the great hosts.. Keep up the great work and we will be back I am sure.. Still gotta find me a hammered gold..

Jim Yates

Californian Dan is the lucky son of a gun that got that Intaglio

Thanks so much for the opportunity to make reality the hunt of a life time.
I must admit, when first booking this hunt I had thoughts of how uncomfortable it would be to be staying in someone's home. Those thoughts gone within minutes upon arriving. You both were great hosts, one couldn't ask for more. The meals excellent, I still think you should have a cooking show. The fields, impressive, more then could be hunted in many life times. The finds, awesome to find coins, relics, and artifacts like the ones being made, mind blowing to say the least. Thanks Again for Your Great Hospitality, and the chance to hunt such awesome fields.
PS Take care of My Digging Tools, Because as Arnold said~ I'll Be Back~
Dan Miller

We had to nickname him Alaskan 'goldfinger' Todd as this guy just kicked arse everywhere he went and did the treble gold in a week, just amazing to watch!!

Here is a long overdue testimonial for my trip to England.

How do I sum up a perfect detecting trip? Who would of thought a detecting trip for gold nuggets in Alaska would lead to a trip to England? Arkansas Gary, (your #1 visitor), who I had met detecting for gold nuggets in Alaska last summer e-mailed me this spring asking me if I wanted to meet him in England for some detecting. Gary's enthusiasm about your detecting adventures really got me excited. I could hardly sleep just thinking about the opportunity and even had less sleep after I found out that I was able to make the trip. I would like to inform everyone that this is a real genuine detecting trip. All I had to do was show up at the airport and you did the rest. I was driven from the airport to my top-notch accommodations allowed to unpack very quickly and then driven directly out to the historic fields. I have never detected anywhere in my life that matched the historic level of your detecting land. How do you tell someone that you not only found your first gold coin but that I also found two others? One of the gold coins was even from the Celtic period. I was able to find buttons, hammered silver, milled silver, Roman coins and the coveted beehive thimble among a few hundred other finds. The history that I am able to hold in my hands and share with my wife and daughter because of this trip is incredible. Also, just as important as my finds was meeting you guys. What an incredible lady.... Please thank her for all of her hospitality in making us feel welcomed and at home and for preparing English foods for us to try. Anyway, for those thinking about this trip and just wish they had a little more assurance, I cannot recommend this trip enough. For those that love to detect this trip is for you. This trip is also for you if you are frugal or for those that seem to be getting older every year and find that they keep wishing they had gone on a trip like this. This trip would have been a fantastic value even if I found nothing. I for one thank you for the service you provide because if it was not for your inclusive trip and extensive research I would probably have never had the opportunity and resources to detect in such a beautiful place. You are always asking how you can make the trip better or more enjoyable. My recommendation is that you quit posting all of the new land you have added to your detecting area. It is very difficult after you see these posts to even think about work. Thanks for the adventure and I will see you again......Alaskan Todd....

Texas Mike & Alaskan George's visit (first guys ever to visit here)

Mike (kneeling) holds his first Roman coin find !!

For years I have dreamed of making a detecting trip to England but didn't know how to make the dream come true. Then a friend and I decided to take up Michelle's offer to travel to the Colchester area to hunt . It was the perfect trip ! Perfect hosts and the detecting was out of this world. We found coins, buttons, and artefact from the Roman period to the present. Michelle has permission on fields that will astound you with the amount of signals in them. If you are like me and dream of detecting England but just don't know how to go about it, take Michelle up on her offer...you will not be disappointed !

Mike TX


I want to thank you again for all of your hospitality. You indeed welcomed me into your beautiful country and home and for that I will always be grateful. The memories that you provided will be cherished for a lifetime ! The detecting was all that I had imagined it to be and the finds were large in both number and significance to me. I hope that if you attain your dream and venture across our country that me and my countrymen will be able to repay your kindness many times over. And, God willing, someday our paths cross again !!!
Let me close by saying this: Already several people have asked, "what was your best find"? There can no easier question to answer, my best find without a doubt were the two new friends that I found

As we say here in Texas......! Vaya con Dios Amigos, Adios and Muchas Gracias !!

Mike

I got a nice e-mail from 'Alaskan'George's first trip it reads:

What a trip! and for me it was a chance of a lifetime and I know Mike feels the same. I very much enjoyed the comfortable accommodations you provided and the food was out of this world, you both are truely very gracious hosts. The detecting was superb and I believe you are limited only by your individual effort as the finds are there and are coming out of the ground on a daily basis to prove that point. Thank you again, friends, for making me feel welcome in your country and for putting me onto what I feel are my most valuable finds...Geo and Norma J

George found that 'one off' rare Celtic gold on his second trip

Ed, Budd and Al the gold hunters !!

NJ Ed wrote this as he pinched my gold and is feeling guilty !!

Hello Chris:

In life as in detecting there is no guarranties. I was very skeptical after
seeing your site showing all the finds from the various ages. However,
since my 2 week trip in January to your lands, I am now a firm believer that you are honest and provide many prime lands for detecting. Some fields produced more than others but at the end of the trip, my two detecting buddies, Al and Bud, had found Celtic, Roman and Medieval items. I have been to the U.K. 7 times and can say that your lands are as prolific and any others I have been on. Bud, Mike and I have already signed on for another trip.
Thanks again for being a great host and will definitly see you again.

Ed Orzec

Boston Bud's Testimonial. Who in their right mind detects in a blizzard and says it's nice and fresh out here today, totally barking mad !!!