Liars and Vandals.

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moss M
moss Jan 24, 2007 18:57:27
Replying to nigelswift

Beautifully put Nigel, a real rant of righteous anger against the stupid and morally bankrupt leaders,companies and those who choose to "filch" our common heritage from us...

p.s.and I can't resist this - WHY do we, or a council, have to pay £350,000 for a gold torque, that really belongs in our museums anyhow....

N nigelswift
nigelswift Jan 24, 2007 19:30:37
Replying to moss

p.s.and I can't resist this - WHY do we, or a council, have to pay £350,000 for a gold torque, that really belongs in our museums anyhow....

I absolutely agree.
Two things -
1.) Metal detecting forums are replete with moaning about how the Treasure Valuation Committee fiddles things so that the reward is below market value and they don't get what is "fair". Snobbery isn't welcome on this forum but I have to risk saying these are mostly not rocket scientists or history dons and trust that people can check for themselves exactly who these heroes are that we are entrusting our heritage to...
2.) The situation could be fixed by the stroke of a legislative pen. Buried treasure items should be nationalised, without compensation.
If anything is found after that a fixed but modest reward could be available to the finder and landowner.
(The money saved over a couple of years would be enough to buy Tarmac out of Ladybridge...)

N nigelswift
nigelswift Jan 28, 2007 09:44:58
Replying to moss

"WHY do we, or a council, have to pay £350,000 for a gold torque, that really belongs in our museums anyhow...."

Moss, thought you might like to see this forum posting made yesterday by one of the Culture Minister's heritage heroes -

"Had an argument with the DCMS yesterday over payment of my hoard money. They sent me a letter the other day saying the acquiring museum has now paid the reward but I would have to wait another 2-3 weeks before they will pay it into my account.

I rang to tell them what I thought of them, as I have now waited over two years to be paid, and if they had the money they should pay me immediately.

I don’t see why they should be allowed to sit on it and gain any interest, especially when they already have my bank details."

So the "hoard money" isn't enough, they even stress over getting the ruddy interest on it.

Grrrrrrrrrrr!
Lock the little sod up, like the Irish would.