About us

The Tyneside Metal Detecting Association is a small community of passionate detectorists dedicated to responsible metal detecting and the discovery, preservation, and appreciation of local history. The club regularly undertakes organised digs across the region, where members uncover artefacts or coins from back in the Bronze age all the way up to the present day. These finds help in contributing to a deeper understanding of the area's heritage and rich history.

 

Our Commitment to Preserving History

Our members demonstrate a consistent enthusiasm and dedication to finding, uncovering, identifying, and documenting historical finds. We also produce reports from our club digs to emphasise the careful handling, honest identification, and acknowledgement when items are too corroded or worn for full classification which highlights the club’s integrity in historical reporting.

 

Collaborations​

Our club has been contacted by a number of organisations, individuals and businesses to undertake surreys of all types of land and rivers to determine historic timelines or proof of occupation. These collaborations range from large archaeological digs to personal intrigue from landowners of sites with interesting historic pasts. 

​

Our Founders​

Tyneside Metal Detecting Association was formed in 1991 by Mel & Helga Hepple, both were ardent and committed detectorists who wanted to help others become passionate about their hobby. Mel's favourite and most reported find being the Wooperton strap end (see separate page). Due to ill health Mel and Helga have handed the reins over and we are proud to have been given the opportunity to keep the group going. Mel remains in contact with the group as Honorary Chairman and advisor as well as assisting in the identification of finds.

 

 

Mel and Helga (and Darcy)