The representatives from four regions (Western, Southern, Midlands and Yorkshire) have been deeply concerned about some of the actions of the NCMD. The representatives were first removed from their positions and soon afterwards had their membership of the NCMD rescinded. What was claimed to be personal abuse from them was in fact constructive and valid criticism based upon what they interpreted as unconstitutional behaviour by officers of the NCMD.

Mediation was offered not once but twice but both offers were withdrawn by the NCMD. The obvious question is why? Were the officers in control of the NCMD worried about facing awkward questions? Did they want to avoid having to face those who had been critical of some of their actions?

Those who have been dismissed from the NCMD have at times been portrayed as old men who are against change and progress. This certainly is not the case. Like many detectorists, they might not be young but they have decades of experience and knowledge. They are not against change, provided that it is beneficial to the hobby and is in line with the constitution of the NCMD.

It has recently been announced that Alan Tamblyn has been appointed to the post of General Secretary of the NCMD. Mr Tamblyn is said to be experienced in bringing people together and has a no-nonsense approach. Additionally, he has “. . . lots of exciting new ideas, all designed to bring those who love the hobby together, the better to fight the many threats to the hobby.” Here we have two references to bringing people together. This, at last, seems to provide a way out of the present stalemate. Will Mr Tamblyn now make a third and genuine offer of mediation, one that will settle all the arguments and once again unite the NCMD? I and a great many others hope he does but we shall have to wait and see.

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The first and foremost task of the NCMD is to promote, protect and act in the best interests of the hobby. Over recent months these aims have been largely ignored; instead we have had claims and counterclaims from the NCMD and the four regions in regard to the financial accounts, payment of officers, attendance or non-attendance at meetings, the NCMD constitution, the cost of certain proposals, etc., etc. Are you confused by all this? You probably are, for I have been.

Some might not be confused, for they might have heard only one side of the present dispute. If, for example, they have read only what is on the NCMD website or its Facebook pages. Read those accounts and it seems that a significant majority give their support to those presently in charge of the NCMD. However, to hear only one side of the story can be misleading.

I’m a detectorist and you are a detectorist. The NCMD is our organisation and is financed by our money. I’ve already said that most of us are confused by the present situation.

“Four Regions” new website

Well, you now have an opportunity to read in detail an account of what has been happening. The “Four” have launched a new website, which you can access by clicking the image. It has been written with great care and everything in it is based not simply on opinions but on facts.

The website contains information on the Four Regions and the people at the heart of the dispute. There’s also the detail of the constitution and the accounts of the NCMD.

There’s a lot to take in but do take the time to read through it.

The post NCMD Dispute: “Four Regions” launch website appeared first on Detecting Finds.

Both offers were withdrawn by the NCMD because they said the representatives chosen by the four regions were unacceptable. The representatives, (Sydney Hallam, David Rees, John Wells and Clive Sinclair) were said to be unacceptable as “irreconcilable differences” existed between them and the NCMD.

The four had already been removed from their executive positions of the NCMD. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have now had their membership of the NCMD rescinded.

It would seem that both offers of mediation were conditional on the chosen representatives of the four regions not being allowed to be involved in the process. In other words, the NCMD did not wish their fiercest critics to be involved. An attempt to find new people to represent the four regions came to nothing, which suggests that the Yorkshire, Southern, Western and Midland regions are content with the men removed from office by the NCMD.

Let’s examine the points highlighted above. Kevin Gorman Catherine Lange are said to have resigned due to the high level of personal abuse aimed at them. There is no excuse for personal abuse and no-one should have to put up with it. However, whatever abuse they received did not come from the representatives of the four regions; therefore, no blame lies with them. They have asked what might be construed as awkward questions, they have queried some of the amounts of money spent. They wanted to see copies of the accounts for the last five years, and raised other points. The new regime at the NCMD might not have welcomed all these queries but asking questions and seeking answers is not abuse. Neither, I would point out, is legitimate and constructive criticism.

In a mediation process one side cannot pick and choose who repents the other. Someone recently said to me this would be like the captain of a cricket team picking the side he is going to play. The representatives from the Yorkshire, Southern, Western and Midland regions were ready and willing to go through mediation, without any pre-conditions, but both offers were withdrawn.

That an offer was said to have been withdrawn due to irreconcilable differences is ridiculous. Few things are irreconcilable, least of all the present dispute between the NCMD and four of its regions. Indeed, to bring parties together who believe their differences are irreconcilable is exactly what mediation is for. It has successfully brought armed conflicts to an end.

Four long serving officers of the NCMD were first removed from their executive positions and then had their membership rescinded. I’m a detectorist, they are detectorists and we are all involved in a hobby we love. The four, who in the past have always had the best interests of our hobby at the forefront of their minds, have been unceremoniously thrown out of the national body that is meant to protect them and their interests. I’m disgusted by this. But I’m only one of 25,000 to 30,000 detectorists. What are your feelings about this? Please, let’s start a dialogue.

Questions, queries, thoughts, ideas and constructive criticism are welcomed. Abuse of any kind is not allowed. The NCMD Facebook site gives only one side of the story. I will feature both sides on this website. Hopefully, if enough detectorists put up posts we could eventually arrive at a majority opinion on some of the more important points.

I know that the average detectorist just wants to get out detecting. However, things are happening (or not happening) that are important to all of us, so do take a few minutes to join in the debate.

The post NCMD’s offer of mediation is withdrawn (twice) appeared first on Detecting Finds.

Mediation offered a way forward and was welcomed by the Yorkshire, Midlands, Western and Southern regions. Sadly, it soon became apparent that the offer was conditional. The four regions had men ready and willing to take part in a mediation process. As could be expected, they included the regional delegates who had been removed from their posts by the NCMD. It could be argued that no mediation process could be fully comprehensive without these delegates, for these are the people who have been the main critics of the new regime at the NCMD.

Rather than accepting the delegates chosen by the four regions, the NCMD has now withdrawn the offer of mediation. The NCMD had asked different delegates to attend the mediation process but those who were approached declined. It would seem that the mediation offered by the NCMD was on condition that they could choose the representatives from the Yorkshire, Midlands, Western and Southern regions. What, I wonder, would have been the reaction if the four regions had tried to choose who represented the NCMD?

In any members organisation there are going to be times when disagreements occur. Having alternative views expressed and the ability for people to speak freely when they have concerns provides the necessary checks and balances in any enterprise. Along with transparency, it is a cornerstone of good governance. Metal detecting attracts people with a wide variety of backgrounds, experience and outlook. All should feel welcome and represented. Mediation offered a way out of this stalemate situation; an opportunity for the two sides to find a way to work together for the good of our hobby. Without it, we are no further forward.

Above all this makes me feel sad. Detecting is a wonderful hobby, full of keen enthusiasts who gain great pleasure from tramping about in fields whatever the weather. So, come on NCMD and meet up with the chosen representatives of the four regions and let’s thrash out an agreement that suits everyone.

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Anyone keeping up to date with recent events will know that at an EGM on 10th July 2021, the majority of the NCMD Executive decided that they “will no longer recognise … as members of the Executive Committee” four executive officers of the Yorkshire, Midlands, Southern and Western regions. Effectively, they were removed from their long-standing positions. It strikes me as obvious that these four men should take part in the mediation process as they represent one side of the disputed matters.

Curiously, the NCMD is refusing to accept the chosen nominees from the four regions. This is tantamount to picking and choosing. The representatives from the four regions are ready and willing to enter into the mediation procedure. The ‘four’ are not picking and choosing: they will meet with any officer or officers of the NCMD who wish to be involved.

One side to a mediation process should not say who can and cannot attend it from the other side. The NCMD offered mediation and the ‘four’ said they would be involved in it – so, stop the bickering and let’s get on with making the necessary arrangements. I hope that the NCMD’s public offer of mediation was not a hollow promise. It offers the best way forward and an opportunity to re-unite the NCMD and allow it to focus on the threats and opportunities that face our hobby. The NCMD has always been a broad church and let’s hope it continues to be so.

By the way, I’ve been accused more than once of being biased towards the ‘four’; this, despite the fact that I said my website may be the only platform where both sides could state their case. The offer still stands. The only thing I won’t permit is abuse, whatever direction it comes from. However, I do welcome comments, opinions and legitimate criticism.

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Face to Face meeting and AGM

The NCMD explain that the cancellation of the planned face to face meeting was due to the anticipated relaxation of Covid rules on 22 June being delayed for 4 weeks. They rightly say that the constitution requires them to hold the AGM by 30 June and to comply with that and the Covid rules at the time, the only option was to hold this meeting by Zoom.

Finances

The NCMD say “The claim that members of the executive have not seen the accounts for the last years five years is false.“. The accounts of the NCMD should be available to any member, not only the Executive. I have received many messages from members of the Executive and ordinary members of the NCMD that they have asked to see the accounts but have not been provided with them.

It’s good to hear that the NCMD agree that more transparency is needed and it is a welcome step that they have decided to publish their annual accounts on their website.

Arbitration

The NCMD say “To help clear the air and assure you of our commitment to finding an amicable way forward, the Executive Officers and the 5 other regions would like to make it clear that they would welcome independent binding mediation if that was something the Yorkshire, Western, Midland and Southern regions would consider.“

This is a very welcome offer and it is good to see a more conciliatory tone from both sides. There is much more that unites both sides than divides them.

The post Statement from NCMD appeared first on Detecting Finds.

Dear Kevin.
Following your post of an Open Letter on the NCMD website and associated Social Media accounts on the 17th July 2021 we note the following statement “To help clear the air and assure you of our commitment to finding an amicable way forward, the Executive Officers and the 5 other regions would like to make it clear that they would welcome independent binding mediation if that was something the Yorkshire, Western, Midland and Southern regions would consider.”

In response the Yorkshire, Midlands, Western and Southern region’s Chairmen would welcome a face-to-face meeting with the Chairman of the NCMD, the Executive Officers and the other four Regions Chairmen or a representative of each, as per clause 12 of the Constitution, +1 (Scotland, North West, North East, Anglia and a properly elected member from the Central Register).

Throughout our discussions we have insisted that meetings held to address the serious issues identified should be face-to-face rather than utilising electronic media, in fact our only “fault” is that we have not attended electronic meetings. The proposed meeting should be held under the chairmanship of an agreed independent arbitrator, preferably with a legal qualification, to achieve legally binding mediation between all parties.

Can you please place this on your website and Facebook accounts so that the membership can see that we are trying to resolve the issue. This will ensure that the forward direction and control of our great organisation will once more be where it belongs, in accordance with the Constitution and within the full control of its members.

On behalf of:
Midland Region / Southern Region / Western Region / Yorkshire Region

The post Open Letter to the NCMD appeared first on Detecting Finds.

Regions

The NCMD was formed in July 1979, when two regional bodies came together. Further regions joined over the years and in total there are now eight regions: Anglian, Scottish, Yorkshire, North West, Midlands,Western, North East, Southern.

Central Register

Besides the eight regions there is also what is known as the Central Register. This was originally for members of the NCMD who were not in a club but it now has more members than all eight regions added together. Detectorists on the Central Register might not have been members of a club when they joined the NCMD but are now in a club; they would therefore be eligible for membership of a region.

Executive Committee

The officers of the NCMD are the President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and Membership Secretary. The Executive Committee is made up of these officers and four delegates from each region. According to the NCMD constitution: “The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the overall management of National Council affairs.“

Executive Committee Meetings

Executive Committee meetings are held throughout the year and these are attended by delegates from the eight regions. Points are raised, discussed and if necessary voted on. When the regions were first formed each one had only one delegate. However, if for any reason a delegate didn’t attend a meeting that would mean that a region had no-one to represent it. Therefore, the number of delegates per meeting was raised to four. Besides ensuring representation at meetings, having more delegates meant that decisions were more democratic. Before Covid, these were normally face to face meetings.

Covid 19

The outbreak of Covid 19 put paid to many things, one of which was face to face meetings of the regional delegates of the NCMD. However, these were replaced by Zoom meetings. Gatherings of this type can provide a useful stopgap but are certainly not the same as when groups can meet face to face.

Four opposition regions

Four of the regions, Yorkshire (Syd Hallam), Western (David Rees), Midland (John Wells), Southern (Clive Sinclair), were unhappy with the way in which the NCMD seemed to be heading. They believe that decisions have been made that are outside the rules set down in the Constitution of the NCMD. Therefore, they asked for a face to face meeting to discuss these issues. An undertaking was made on 17 May 2021, that a face to face meeting of delegates from the regions would be held on 26 June. This was the day before the Annual General Meeting of the NCMD. Bookings were made at a hotel, at which assurances were given that social distancing was possible. However, the meeting never took place but the AGM still went ahead on 27 June.

NCMD Accounts

One area that the four opposition regions are particularly concerned about is the finances of the NCMD. There are reports that the NCMD has cash deposits of between £300,000 – £500,000. The problem is, no one seems to know for certain. Members of the Executive Committee have asked several times to view the full NCMD accounts for the last five years. They have not been made available. Every member of the NCMD is entitled to see the accounts, let alone members of the Executive Committee.

Run as a business

They also fear that the NCMD could end up as a business run by directors, rather than a body run by experienced and dedicated volunteers.

Breaking News – Opposition region delegates expelled from NCMD Executive Committee

Last night, I was made aware of an Extraordinary Meeting of the NCMD which took place on 12 July 2021. At that meeting, it was decided that the majority of the Executive Committee will no longer recognise Brian Vaughan, David Rees, John Wells, Clive Sinclair, and Sydney Hallam as members of the Executive Committee. The meeting was arranged in haste, with the agenda only being circularised on 10 July 2021. It is not clear what the decision means in practice or whether such a course of action is possible within the constitution of the NCMD.

I hope to bring you an update on this breaking news in next Friday’s update.

Conclusion

Quite obviously, the worries and concerns of the four regions need to be addressed. There needs to be a much greater transparency in decision making and all the regions need to be consulted.

Over the years the NCMD has tried at all times to be united in its approach to protecting and promoting metal detecting. It has its roots in defending the hobby against STOP, an action group set up in 1979 by Surrey Archaeology Society, supported by the Council for British Archaeology. STOP’s intention was to get the hobby of metal detecting banned. As I have previously highlighted, with my articles about the IOD, these threats to the hobby have not gone away.

I consider it to be extremely sad that a situation has arisen that has caused so much upset and division within the Executive Committee of the NCMD. A united front is needed for the NCMD to continue to promote, protect and encourage the hobby of metal detecting.

A way forward for all the members must be found. If you can offer any suggestions then do send them in to this website. At the moment it seems this is the only publication where both sides can state their case.

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