Does this look familiar?

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No, it’s not a metal-detecting rally, it’s hunt supporters. But the intention is identical. In one case trying to persuade the public that an activity which nearly 90% of them oppose is a Good Thing, and in the other trying to persuade the public that an activity which has a net malign effect on the buried archaeological resource is a Good Thing.

Perhaps the charities which accept such tainted support should be made aware of the true nature and motivation of their donors? The Portable Antiquities Scheme has made it clear that misbehaviour by metal detecting rallies cannot be excused by citing charitable intentions. Wrong is wrong.

The British Museum is becoming very sensitive regarding where it gets its money from so a clearer, louder statement about charity washing is surely overdue?

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More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
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