Organised by Marlborough and District Rotary Club in partnership with Leisure Promotions (Newbury) Ltd, the day’s detecting raised £1,200 to go towards the new Julia’s House Hospice in Devizes. The cheque was presented by chair Sally Wolfenden to Phil Stevens of Julia’s House at last Monday’s meeting (26 September).
In a 150 acre patch of Alton Priors (courtesy of Tim Carson) the Metal Detectorists turned up, paid their entrance fee, purchased copious amounts of tea and refreshments with all the proceeds going towards the Julia’s House donation.
With plenty of bleeping happening around the fields some of the detectorists probably even turned in a profit, as several Roman gold coins were unearthed along with some very rare bronze arrowheads.
“This was a marvellous effort in rather wet conditions but it was worth it and we are proud to be supporting the Julia’s House project bringing a Children’s Hospice to this part of Wiltshire.” said Rotary organiser Geoff Oades.
At Monday’s meeting, Phil Stevens from Julia’s House talked about how, after retiring from the family motor business in Pewsey became involved in fostering children and the joy this brought him and his wife and how this lead to him supporting Julia’s House.
He also updated the Club on progress of the building work – the new Hospice will be in the former Kennet Council offices in Devizes and is due to open in the Spring of next year – and how Julia’s House was already supporting this area utilising temporary buildings in Amesbury.
Click for information about Julia’s House and Marlborough & District Rotary