The unheeded drum

By Nigel Swift

The point of banging a drum is that it needs to be a repetitive process. One drum that I’ve been banging for many years is yet to be heard, as was illustrated yet again this week by a detectorist. Asked what a farmer should be told he says:

“The recommended PAS reporting procedure should be broached to ensure he’s agreeable with your reporting finds to your FLO (if that’s your intention). If he’s not sure, confirm your willingness to abide by his decision.”

Yet metal detecting is only tolerated in Britain on the basis that it is “responsible”, i.e. finds will be reported. Anything else is unacceptable and damaging. Why won’t PAS tell farmers so?

.

__________________________________________
More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
__________________________________________