Liars and Vandals.

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nigelswift N
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...)

S slumpystones
slumpystones Jan 25, 2007 00:09:55
Replying to nigelswift

[quote="nigelswift"]exactly who these heroes are that we are entrusting our heritage to...

The same people who have company directorships and share options to protect.
The same people who do jobs they are totally unqualified to do [Cabinet ministers spring to mind - how many really understand transport, diplomacy, finance, employment, culture or crime, let alone heritage?]
The same people who know that a few public enquiries that go nowhere will see them through their term of office.
The same people who see money in everything.

It would be rather nice to see the people running/protecting the heritage of these Isles actively involved instead of committee meetings, enquiries and luncheons.

Phil Harding for Heritage Minister!! He'd conduct meetings in a hole in the ground and only needs a ploughmans lunch at 2pm.