At Crawfords Metal Detectors we believe in promoting women in the metal detecting industry, and for this reason we'll be spending time each month celebrating a range of female detectorists, and industry figures. Our digital analytics suggest that men encompass 85-90% of the sales in our industry and this is plainly evident when walking around a typical detecting event, in which male dominate as a demographic. We're working on highlighting the hobby to women and ensuring we demonstrate the versatility of the hobby.
Within this blog we’ll be compiling the thoughts and experiences of lots of women in the detecting industry. We aim to help inspire women to begin their detecting journey. Detecting is not just for men!
October 2023: Unearthing Treasures: The Heartbeat of Community with Chrissy
Every Saturday morning, with the fresh promise of discovery in the air, I prepare my gear. As a devoted member of the Ministry of Detecting (MOD), I've merged my passion for metal detecting with an extraordinary community of enthusiasts. Beyond the whispers of the land, being part of MOD has presented a narrative of camaraderie, joy, and shared triumphs.
Quick Snapshot:
- Location: Bolton Area
- Top Find: A medieval flail from Northumberland
- Dream Find: Viking gold jewellery
- Machines Used: Started with Vanquish 540, now on the Equinox 800
Working for Bolton's main housing provider, I've spent over 23 years in the heart of my community. Providing guidance, spearheading women’s groups, and helping isolated women build confidence has been my daily mission. This profound connection to community seamlessly aligns with my involvement in MOD. The camaraderie, the shared excitement, and the joy of unearthing history together—it feels like an extension of my day job, a place where I’m right at home.
What makes our group exceptional isn’t just the finds—it’s the collective experience. Seeing someone uncover their first find, and capturing those priceless reactions on video, is truly exhilarating. For those keen on reliving these moments with me, I invite you to check out my YouTube channel, where I share our adventures.
Through MOD, I’ve made friends who have become like family. And the adventures are made even more memorable with my partner by my side. Though he doesn’t share my affinity for detecting, he loves the social aspect, whipping up brews and toasties for the group in our campervan.
The evolution of my journey in MOD mirrors my equipment journey. I began with the Vanquish 540 and have since graduated to the Equinox 800. Now, I’m out almost every weekend, primarily with my MOD family. Recognizing the rise in female detectorists, MOD welcomed me as their first female admin. I still remember starting as a newbie in a male-dominated group. While it was initially daunting, the warm embrace of MOD made all the difference. Today, I strive to extend the same warmth to our new female members.
While many might gravitate towards gold coins as their favorite finds, my heart cherishes the medieval flail I discovered in Northumberland. Just imagining the tales it could recount sends shivers down my spine. In my relatively short detecting journey of nearly four years, I’ve been fortunate—with two gold coins and a scattered hoard of Henry 3rd Hammered to my name, currently undergoing the treasure process.
Every find is a step back in time, a narrative of the past, and an exciting learning opportunity. For fellow enthusiasts or curious souls wanting a peek into our adventures, I often share our moments in the MOD Facebook group - here.
Summary (by Crawfords Metal Detectors):
Chrissy embodies the spirit of community, passion, and shared discovery. Her tireless commitment to the community in her professional life beautifully parallels her devotion to MOD. From her excitement for fellow detectorists’ finds to her commitment to ensuring every member feels welcome, Chrissy is a beacon of positivity. With every dig, every shared video, and every cherished find, she reminds us of the beautiful tapestry of shared experiences that make the world of metal detecting so special.
August 2023: Lagertha Ladies Metal Detecting Club – Growing the Community of Ladies Detecting
This month we’re talking to Tanya from Lagertha Ladies Metal Detecting Club about their how and why they exist! Take a few minutes to learn about this fantastic new metal detecting club that’s going from strength to strength.
Name of our Club: Lagertha’s Ladies M D
In existence since: March 2023
Tanya - My Background:
I am a medically retired Police Sergeant, who had 16-years service. I was retired due to having various lower back injuries. The injuries were caused due to having three car crashes in a twelve month period early on in my career, eventually resulting in me having to retire. No jokes please about my driving or being a passenger in my car haha. The last few years of my career was spent event planning for the police which included festivals, olympics and football matches.
For the last seven years I have worked at a Primary Pupil Referral Unit with children who have special educational needs and behavioural issues. I worked with individual children or small groups and did a form of art therapy. I loved every minute of it, even though it could be challenging at times but I hoped that I made some difference to their lives.
I started metal detecting in January 2022 and became totally addicted to it. I started off with a Garrett AT Pro, but found it to be a heavy machine for me, so moved to a Minelab Equinox 800 which I love. I have had some nice finds, most recently a Silver Saxon Sceat dated between 710 and 730, cannot quite believe I have found it and have been told a find if a lifetime!
How was the Lagertha Metal Detecting Club Created?
I ran a, ‘ladies only’ dig along with one of my admins on behalf of Jay Sofroniou at Oxford Metal Detecting Rallies, to celebrate International Women’s Day in March 2023. Whilst at the event, I ended up speaking to a lot of the women in attendance and we realised there was a need for a ladies only club that ran digs/events.
Quite a few of the ladies mentioned how they sometimes felt intimidated at group digs. There were a few women that were totally new to detecting, who stated they did not feel confident enough to go on group digs and feared been ridiculed and then there were some ladies who could not go to digs with men as they had suffered in some way and it triggered trauma/PTSD.
Hence Lagertha’s Ladies Metal Detecting was born. I feel there is definitely a need for more ladies only clubs across the country, that can hold events to support women in detecting.
My Aspirations for the Club:
We currently have just over 200 members in Lagertha’s Ladies M D. The only male is one of my Admins, who is an Admin in both of my clubs and is my partner in crime.
The ladies in the club are based around the country and I want to be able to offer any women out there the opportunity to attend a ladies-only event in an area local enough for them to travel to.
The aim is to enable women to network, get more confidence if needed, feel at ease, give help if new to detecting and have an overall empowering experience.
To be able to achieve this as a club we need to expand in size to enable us to organise and event in areas where we can get enough women to attend.
I would really like to be able to hold four ladies only events a year to start with.
How can People Help:
If people could promote Lagertha’s Ladies M D to the wider women’s detecting world, this would enable us to grow. We want to be able to support and be here to listen to what women want from detecting.
If there are experts out there on various detectors obviously this could help to.
My favourite thing about metal detecting:
My favourite thing has to be the stunning locations and the beauty of the areas a lot of the events are held at. I love the quietness and solitude you can have. The benefits to your mental health are fantastic and of course the excitement of the finds.
My Dream Find:
My dream find would have to be something Viking that is of significant historical importance.
Anything else that’s relevant:
A last word - Let’s empower and support on another, life is too short and as the saying goes “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork”.
Please spread the word about the Lagertha Ladies Metal Detecting Club, we want to help nurture this community!
You can contact Lagertha Ladies Metal Detecting Club here if you have any questions or would like to join!
Thanks for Reading!
Sophie: The Two sides of my life - from Beauty to Bleeps
I was delighted to be asked to contribute to this blog and help fly the flag for women in detecting because although the number of women detectorists is increasing, we are definitely the minority when it comes to this wonderful hobby. I often wonder why that is…..is it because its quite a physical hobby, or a time consuming one (it’s not easy to juggle the demands of a family alongside hours spent in the field) or perhaps it's because of the dirt (it really wrecks a fresh manicure) who knows? But I know one thing for sure…..its a hobby that has had me hooked from the start.
I grew up an only child and spent my childhood visiting National Trust properties and stately homes and dragging my dad out into the field by our home with a hammer and chisel to crack open rocks in the hope of finding fossils (I never did). I sought out historical fiction books and watched movies and documentaries, which also helped to bring history to life for me growing up. I was always fascinated in learning about the past and I still am. Why I’m so interested in the past, I dont know!
So how where did it all start? Some years ago, we bought my father in law a very basic metal detector as a means of getting out into the fields and taking up a hobby that got him outside still. To be honest, I was more excited than he was about it. Then, just after lockdown a good friend of my brother in law approached us for permission to detect on our family’s land. He said he had a spare detector so he would bring it along. Well, I was hooked. I loved the excitement of ‘possibly’ finding something old with a story to tell. My brother in law was too, and went out and bought himself a detector and got into detecting in a big way (eventually setting up a new metal detecting club; Mercia Metal Detecting) - I was green with envy! I had been saying for years that I wanted a Metal Detector and now I wanted one more than ever.
So what is it I love about detecting and why do I do it?
Obviously first and foremost, its about unearthing history. Secondly its about nature….I have always seen the beauty in the natural world - I get immense pleasure from a beautiful landscape or sunset, from flora and fauna. I guess, thirdly, its an escape from the stress of every day life - tuning into those beeps, it is pure mindfulness! It allows me to switch off from a busy life running my own beauty business and being a mum to a 6 year old boy (anyone who has boys know how full on that can be)!
Buy that detector, get out there - unearth history and make new friends. Its the best hobby!
Detecting, History and Protecting the Detecting Community with Laura Wells
This month we're getting to know Laura Wells, a fantastic detectorist from the Coventry area. Take a read and discover Laura's interesting involvement with the metal detecting community.
How long have you been detecting?
I started detecting when I was around 6 years of age. I am now 35, so it has been quite a few years. My dad would take me with him to club digs. This may have been partly so that my mum could have a few hours on a Sunday to watch the Brookside omnibus, but ultimately, I loved going out on a Sunday, amongst nature, playing with the worms. Back then, when my dad would find a signal, I would help him dig the hole and pinpoint the find for him.
With my dad’s direct involvement with the Treasure Act 1996, and the introduction of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), I would go with him to museums and be allowed behind the scenes at important events and meetings. With my knowledge and understanding limited at this point it was always exciting to be allowed to hold the past in my hands and to see how the experts conserved our history, furthering my passion for the hobby!
As I grew older, I found other interests, but I came back to detecting when my dad became ill, and time with my pa became precious. My dad was heavily involved with holding charity metal detecting rallies at which I helped. This led me to get further involved with planning the detecting events and I began to take more of an active role within the hobby. Being a young woman within the detecting community could have been daunting but I was readily accepted and looked after by the many detecting groups I became involved with.
Yes, metal detecting has been a male dominated hobby in the past, but I have always wanted, and I am absolutely thrilled to see so many women are now taking up the hobby. I want more women of all ages to embrace the hobby which has made me happy for so many years.
Time is precious and being outside in the fresh air, among the scenery and the wildlife in all weathers doing what you love to do, is my kind of heaven. (Don’t forget playing with the worms!)
Why do you love it?
Metal detecting allows you to directly touch the past. You uncover an artefact, or a coin and you are the first person to touch it after hundreds or even thousands of years! Metal detecting allows you to add to the rich tapestry of history in the UK. Being able to contribute to this has always been a passion of mine. My love for cartography, fossils, and history in general can be used in the research for sites and discovering new places to search.
I will continue to promote my hobby through social media, which has enabled people from all over the world to see what I have found, and hopefully sparking their interest in the hobby.
What is the AMDS?
The Association for Metal Detecting and Sport (AMDS) is an organisation, which was set up to provide the metal detecting community with not only affordable insurance, but to use the knowledge, experience, and expertise of its members in providing a voice for the hobbyist at a grass roots level.
It was formed by four regions, The Yorkshire, Midlands, Southern and the Western region. Each region has extensive knowledge within the hobby as they were the leading figures in another organisation for over forty years and always strived toward protecting the hobby of metal detecting. The AMDS immediately adopted the Portable Antiquities Code of Practice promoted by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) long before any other body.
The AMDS then applied to join the Portable Antiquities Advisory Group (PAAG). This Advisory Group is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – the Museum of Wales, to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. These bodies are now able to document finds that would have once been lost, and now can be shared with the world. The AMDS and the PAS are now working together, to ensure that the hobby is safe for the future. Having recently learned that the AMDS application to join the PAAG had been successful, myself and other volunteers and consultants look forward to playing a positive and active role moving forward. You can find out more at www.amds.org.uk
What do you do for them?
As being one of a small number of women within the AMDS, I am proud to be a female figurehead within the hobby for them. I promote good practice by holding charity rallies, by putting on exhibitions, teaching children about the hobby and its history, going to local digs where I can photograph and document finds for social media and aiding the finds liaison officers.
What do you like about working with them?
AMDS is by detectorists, for detectorists!
The knowledge of the people in the organisation is unparalleled. With my father’s knowledge and with him being one of the founding members of the hobby, I am learning not only about history, but how by working with other organisations, we will protect the hobby for future generations.We are currently working with the head of the PAS, the British Museum, local museums, archaeologists, farmers/landowner and the police to ensure this. Our AMDS members are encouraged to contribute as well by sharing their stories, anecdotes and pictures in our quarterly newsletter – The AMDS Times.
We have a growing percentage of women in AMDS and we welcome more to join the organisation. We want women to join this hobby, and to feel inclusive and welcomed, just as I was all those years ago.
What's your favourite find to date?
There are a few to be honest but I do love Roman coins and artefacts. A Hadrian Denarius - The area where I found this was later discovered to be the site of a roman villa. A fire-fused roman hoard - This discovery went to the British Museum as it was multiple roman bronze coins melted together. The coin expert at the British museum thanked me for allowing him to document this as he had never seen this type of hoard before. But sadly, it wasn’t classed as treasure and now sits proudly in my collection.
My jars of buttons, buckles and brooches grow larger by the week. I don’t throw anything away!
What’s your dream find?
I would like to find a bronze age axe head. Mainly because I have never found anything like this, yet! I do have a love of personal artefacts though, knowing that these sentimental objects were once owned and loved. You will be surprised at how much you can learn by finding these everyday objects, as well as also building a bigger picture for the archaeologists and aiding them with their ongoing researches.
I would love to have anything of mine displayed in a museum so that other people can enjoy it as well. (We all do though, don’t we?)
What does the future hold for you and metal detecting?
With the AMDS now being involved with the PAAG, this enables me to become further involved in the hobby with the aim of protecting it for future generations.
As a woman in metal detecting, I want to get the message across that this hobby is there for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or gender. The UK has so much history that is yet to be discovered, and with the help of AMDS and future female members, we will be uncover more of our history, one find, at a time.
Laura Wells – AMDS Midlands Region ©25/05/2023
Find out more about Laura here - Instagram & here - Facebook
Join AMDS here - AMDS
May 2023 - How Metal Detecting helped my Wellbeing – Sam’s Story
I started detecting over a decade ago when my eldest child was a baby. I initially got into metal detecting along side my sister and dad, they were both keen history hunters, I thought it was very nerdy, however growing tired of feeling left out I decided to pop along one evening and the rest is history, pardon the cliche. I have always been interested in history and I have a great interest in the finds and facts behind them however, it has now turned into something so much more for me.
Suffering with mental health issues, (mainly severe social anxiety) metal detecting and its community has literally changed my life. Group digs, clubs and social platforms are a great way to socialise with like-minded people who really are mostly an unbelievable supportive network to all in the hobby.
Be it in the social environment or solo, for me it’s been invaluable to my mental health especially just recently going through the toughest phase of my life so far when my marriage broke down 6 months ago. Being in the field has helped me zone out of my problems, worries and fears of personal life. When I’m out hunting history, I’m not mum, or a separated wife, or co-parent. I have no pressure on my head no expectations, no problems to solve, simply enjoying my surroundings stripping everything back. I love having nothingness and peace to help me really appreciate everything else. I think about the simple, basic parts of life just as the historic owners or our finds did all those centuries ago.
From watching red kites calling each other and fetching their dinner, to the fresh spring lambs following their mothers, in these moments nothing else matters, and to me that is therapy. And its free! It’s also great for your physical fitness and health which does great things for your mental health too you really can’t beat metal detecting medicine!
My favourite find of all time has to be my Viking hack silver I found. Viking finds are rare in UK, never mind North Wales, and it definitely tells an untold story unknown to people in my local area. This is why we do what we do, finding treasures to piece together parts of the history puzzle. My dream find isn’t a gold Stater or Roman hoard like most, but more the key to tales lost in time, my top bucket lister is a medieval key! I would love to find one of those!
Favourite detector of all time has to be my Equinox 800, I’ve just had so many bucket listers with it. My finds shot up since upgrading, and it’s given me such amazing memories through such dark times Metal detecting has the ability to make me smile when nothing else can, so its very sentimental to me now.
I personally believe metal detecting is just as accessible to women as it is men. It is male dominated and this is probably due to a mixture of more men who are interested in history and have more down time than mothers and wifes. This could be a stereotypical view however, and I think in the last few years that the sport of metal detecting is really taking a turn and we are seeing many women detectorists taking up the hobby. As a community it’s important (especially in the social environments) to over compensate for any fears or worries a female may have of being in a male dominated atmosphere. All genders need to make an effort to welcome anyone taking up a new hobby introduce ourselves and communicate with others, giving a positive experience to hopefully help ease any worries we all have. And I say this as a person with social anxiety, and so I know how hard that is.
Suffering with anxiety myself I can honestly say that 99.9% of the time all the things we fear never come to light, and it is literally mind over matter. I find that after any initially outing, meet up, or introduction you will tend to feel such a warm loving welcome from the detecting community. It is perfectly normal to be apprehensive but I urge you, don’t let it stop you trying something like metal detecting. I’m sure those who try metal detecting will be as addicted to it as I have become and I hope that it brings you as much as it has brought me.
April 2023 - The Life of a Detexpert
This month we have a real treat, as we’re learning about the amazing work of Debbie Smikoski. We’ve met Debbie at a number of international metal detecting events and she is a brilliant detectorist with a great sense of fun and humour. Debbie is a Minelab Detexpert from the United States. Don’t know what a detexpert is? Read on to find out this and much more about Debbies involvement in the world of metal detecting.
How long have you been metal detecting?
I Metal detected as a kid for several years and then picked it up again about 8 years ago when I started working for Minelab. I now travel the country in the ML Jeep to events all over.What is a Detexpert?
A Detexpert is somewhat of a “super user” of any or all of Minelab Detectors. You must have a passion for the sport as well as for Minelab detectors. As a Detexpert you will create content, participate in events to help potential or current Minelab Users.
How did you become a Detexpert?
I guess the best answer is when I started my employment with Minelab and helped to design the program and ultimately take charge of Detexperts in North America.What is your favourite find?
My favourite find was the barrel of a Thurber and Allen Pepperbox gun.What is your dream find?
I would love to find a Civil war CSA buckleWhat is the best thing about being a Detexpert?
I love working with end users, and helping them to trust their detector. Ultimately, the more trust the more finds!!
What is your favourite metal detector ever, and why?
Of course, it would be a Minelab. I’m privileged to have access to all of our detectors, so right now I would say the GPX6000 for Gold Nuggets and on the Coin & Treasure side, it would have to be any Equinox or Manticore.
Where have you travelled during your time as a Detexpert? And, which trips, events or locations stand out in particular?
Due to my position with Minelab, I have travelled to places within the US, that if it weren’t for this sport, I would have never known that it exists. I have also been able to go to Europe, Mexico, Brazil and Alaska within my role with Minelab.Is there a particular place you’d love to go metal detecting?
Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time to detect as I would like, but can honestly say that any place where I can detect is where I would want to go.How accessible do you believe metal detecting is to women?
I believe more and more woman are finding the sport, and its great… I try to encourage woman to try it, and once they do, they’re hooked…and of course if their significant other is also involved, a good competitive spirit seems to take over.Are there any ways you think we can encourage women to metal detect?
I think the more prevalent woman are through TV shows, YouTube, ect will bring in more and more women.My goal is to one day start a women’s detecting team/group that travels around and build confidence in others to give it a try. Documenting this would also bring a spotlight to how much fun this actually is…. I also believe that not only is the sport compelling, but the bonds and friendships that are made within this community are just as exciting as the finds.
What an amazing story Debbie has. Crawfords would like to thank Debbie for sharing insight into her role as a Minelab Detexpert. Come and visit us again next month for another look at women in detecting.
March 2023 - Crawfords South and the Amazing Ladies who Manage it!
Women in Detecting is back! And this time we have a great story for you - Crawfords South, expertly managed by Wendy and Gabbie. We want to shed some light on the amazing service provided by our team at our South branch.
You may know that Crawfords has two shops, one in North Lincolnshire, and one on the South coast in Wimborne, near Bournemouth. Wendy and Gabbie manage our Southern store, providing expert advice and help to both new and experienced detectorists get the equipment they need. And you only need to skim some of our reviews on Trustpilot, Google or Facebook to see how our cusomers feel about their service and knowledge.
Wendy and Gabbie have extensive ties within the metal detecting community with many friends and family who are detectorists and who introduced them into the hobby years prior to them joining the Crawfords team. They are now an integral part of the Crawfords team and help manage our position as Official Minelab Distributor in the UK.
Wendy, the Sales Manager at Crawfords South, has been working in the metal detecting industry for nearly 7 years, previously working within her father's metal detecting business. This company is 'Detecting Innovations' who brought us legendary aftermarket products such as the 'telenox' stem, and more recently the folding control box for the Equinox series. Wendy also gets out in the field to detect when time permits and support local detecting clubs within the South of England.
Gabbie has been working at the South branch for nearly 3 years and has extensive customer service training and a flair for social media and is trained within the finacne industry. Gabbie's previous work as a finance underwriter have allowed her to help us develop the finance options for our customers at Crawfords Metal Detectors. If you would like more information on our finance options please call our stores (and you can even ask for Gabbie). Gabbie's husband has been a very keen detectorist for nearly 30 years and so you could say she's immersed in the hobby, whether at work, or at home!
Wendy and Gabbie can't take all of the credit for customer satisfaction in our South store as they are frequently supported by an array of canine companions. Here's Willow, Dillon and Ben, the Crawfords South office dogs who are often present to greet customers in the showroom.
Last year Crawfords South organised a charity training event for Medical Detecting Dogs, to help raise money for the charity which supports training of those brilliant dogs who actually detect illnesses within peeople. Amazing! This event was a huge success with lots of prizes, great food, a beautiful location, and a warm and homely atmosphere. The team at Crawfords South can be found at other digs and events throughout the detecting calendar
We're proud to have a store which is not only mamanged excellently, but one that brilliantly represents the women in metal detecting. If you have any questions about metal detecting, please consider reaching out to Wendy and Gabbie at Crawfords South on the number below. they will offer your excellent support whether you're completely new to the hobby, or are a seasoned pro! The Team at Crawfords know how hard it is for new detectorists to find their feet. What do I need? How much should I