Newtownabbey Metal Detecting club gets SOS call
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
RECENTLY formed Newtownabbey Metal Detecting club have made an eventful start to their venture after receiving a distress call.
Colin Anderson who recently formed the club told the Gazette the harrowing story of how one of the clubs first searches became an emotional journey for all involved.
Colin told the Gazette: "Last Wednesday I received a phone call from a lady in deep distress, she informed us that her brother had been killed in a car accident and an item which belonged to him remained uncovered which was of sentimental value. Having found the club on the internet she asked if we could help, I did not hesitate and I contacted all the other members."
The two members who were available made the journey to Crossgar at the scene of the crash to search for the watch.
“On arriving to the area our hearts sank as we could see where the car left the road and ploughed down the embankment into the field. This was particularly distressing for the brother of the deceased who could not bear to be in the area too long. The members were spurred on to find the item when the son informed the group it was a watch that had been bought for the deceased's last birthday," he added.
Colin and the other members braved the overgrown field and cold conditions, they continued even more determined to achieve their goal. "At lunch the conversation was about maybe calling it a day, however because of the circumstances we knew we had to give it our best."
In the afternoon the search took a turn for the worst as the rain came down on the detectors. "An hour into the afternoon search there was a scream of joy from one of the members as he held up the watch, the joy at finding the watch was replaced with a much more sombre mood.
“I rang the son on his mobile and he could barely talk, just saying thank you over and over again. He arrived at the field and was very emotional. At this point we all did our best to hold back the tears. Mark, the member who found the watch handed it over to the brother and received a manly hug in return."
Colin and the other members where offered a sum of money but in the circumstances refused as they all felt for the family. Its clear that without the help of the metal detecting club this watch would probably have never been found.
Colin who asked the Gazette not to name the bereaved family wanted to thank the two members who help conduct the search, Barry Pugh from Dromore and Mark Scott from Belfast.
If anyone wishes to contact the club please email s.s.anderson@btinternet.com
