In the absence of anywhere to detect at present, I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Cobham, Kent, where you will find a charming village, the 14c church of St Mary Magdelene noted for its brasses in the chancel and the splendid Brooke tomb, the 14c New College of Cobham (almshouses) and a couple of pubs for lunch, including Dickens’ favourite, The Leather Bottle.
The church is open every day. Might be worth checking to see there is nothing on. Phone 01732 823936 or 01474813495. The college is immediately behind the church, follow the path and turn left along the back wall. The two almshouse residents we met were very friendly and one gave us a tour including the refectory. If the maintenance man is around – he’s a detectorist and might show you some of the stuff he has found under the floorboards.
Keep doing the rain dance.
Chairman Joe.
