Maidenhead metal detecting club celebrates 50th anniversary

A metal detecting club in Maidenhead is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, making it ‘one of the longest established’ clubs of its kind in the country.

The Maidenhead Search Society was founded in 1973 and members meet regularly to hold detecting ‘digs’ on supportive farmers’ land.

Members also take part in community and social events, record and display their finds and have raised thousands for selected charities throughout the years.

Barry Knight, one of the founding members of the club, said: “Initially we only had six members, including my mother and father, and used to meet in the Prince Albert pub in King Street.

“We wanted a small club, with a keen focus on history, and the highest standards possible in its dealings with landowners and archaeologists. I think we can be really proud of where we’re at today – the club is full with 45 responsible members.

"What’s more, we’re making nationally important finds such as the ‘Marlow Warlord’ (a 5th century Anglo Saxon warrior), assisting Reading University with its recent excavations of Cookham Abbey, and making donations to both national, and local agricultural support charities, such as REBAA and RABI.”

In this golden anniversary year, several members have found gold items such as a 2,000-year-old Celtic Stater coin and have already received their coveted Gold Member caps.

For this, members need to find something made of gold, ancient or modern, on a club dig.

However, Barry added: “It really isn’t about the money and finding valuable treasure. It’s a great outdoor hobby, and a privilege to be able to discover a whole range of archaeological items that would otherwise be lost to the nation.

“For that we have our farmer landowners to thank.”

Club members will attend several agricultural events this year and are hoping to run some charity digs and hold some finds exhibitions.

The club has asked any farmer with suitable land available for members to search, to get in touch at: www.mss-detecting.org