A group of metal detectorists is celebrating raising more than £36,000 for charities and community groups.
Formed in September 2024 by Karl Monks, The Cotswolds Metal Detecting Community (CMDC) stages fortnightly midweek digs across the Cotswolds and South Gloucestershire. Members pay £20 to detect on farmland with the necessary permission of the owner. The money is divided between the landowner and a range of charities, including Longfield Community Hospice and The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).
Emma Fawcett, GWAAC Supporter Engagement Coordinator for Gloucestershire, visited the club’s most recent dig and received a donation of £500.
“Donations from community groups like this are what keep us flying. They’re the reason that we can keep being there for people in our community when they need us on their worst day,” explained Emma.
“To keep our operation going over a year costs £4 million, which sounds scary. What we really need is lots of people to understand that we need support across the region and then we’re not having to look for big amounts from anyone. All the groups like this that help us make so much difference to our ability, not just in terms of the money they provide, but also in terms of the publicity.”
Writer and star of the BBC’s series Detectorists, Mackenzie Crook, signed three CMDC t-shirts which were sold at Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, raising £1,380 over three auctions, with the money donated to Longfield Community Hospice.
“There has been a huge surge of interest in Detecting since Detectorists hit our TV screens,” said Karl.
“Lots of people want to try metal detecting but the problem is getting correct permission to detect. Fortunately, we have forged good relationships with farmers and landowners due to the good conduct of our members, and this helps us secure future permissions.
“We don’t have a membership fee, but people pay to come on a dig and that money gets split between the landowner and the chosen charity of the day.
“We also have a fundraising card at each dig, and money from that keeps the club going, covering fuel, tea and coffee and other expenses. The best part of this club is its members – everyone knows each other, and digs are a sort of community get-together social event. Without the loyal members we couldn’t do the fundraising.”
The club adheres to the National Council for Metal Detecting’s code of conduct and currently two finds, gold Roman coins, are with Gloucestershire’s Finds Liaison Officer who will decide if they are deemed to be treasure.
“Plans are to continue our good work in the community hopefully with the help of farmers and landowners – if we all work together great things will be achieved. Digs are booked up until Christmas and we’re taking bookings for next year,” said Karl.
Any landowners who can help stage a dig can contact Karl via email, cotswoldsmetaldetectinggroup@gmail.com
