Support blossoms to keep unique hoard in the county

In October last year Worcestershire hit the headlines in a big way with the discovery of the largest haul of treasure ever found in the county, a stash of almost 4,000 Roman coins discovered by metal detecting enthusiasts in the Vale of Evesham on Bredon Hill. Research undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology and Archives Service with the British Museum indicates the hoard was buried nearly a century after it was accumulated – the only known such British example – meaning the Worcestershire hoard is of national significance.

Museums Worcestershire has been working hard to raise the cash to acquire and conserve the coins and then display them at a number of venues across the county so that they can be enjoyed by all residents. The hoard is currently held in the British Museum and the county has just two months left to raise the money. Worcestershire Archaeological Society greatly boosted the fund by donating £500 to the appeal and is holding a special event on 8th October to raise even more money.

Councillor John Campion, Chair of the Joint Museums Committee says: "It is vitally important that the Hoard stays in Worcestershire. The residents of the county have been fantastic at coming forward with their donations and with the help of Worcestershire Archaeological Society we are well on the way to raising the money necessary to acquire the Hoard. Museums Worcestershire will plan further fund-raising in the future to conserve and display the coins."

Residents can offer their support and make a donation by visiting the online giving page: http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/worcestershire-hoard/ or by visiting the Museums Worcestershire website www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Also by texting COIN11 and the amount of money to 70070, e.g. COIN11 £5 to donate £5, or by popping into the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, the Commandery in Worcester or the County Museum at Hartlebury.