Lincolnshire metal detectorists unearth mysterious Stamford Mercury badge from 1930s in Newark
A metal detectorist has unearthed a curious relic from the Stamford Mercury’s past during a charity dig near Newark.
Mark Fitzpatrick, a member of the East Midlands History Hunters (EMHH), found a badge for the Stamford Mercury Children’s Guild during a dig for Cancer Research UK.
Sarah Critchard from the Mercury Archive Trust helped shed light on its origins.
She said the Stamford Mercury Children’s Guild dated from the 1930s and was promoted through a weekly ‘Guilders’ Corner’ section in the paper.
It was run by a character called Uncle Dudley, helped by a budgie called Claude who features on the badge.
Sarah added: “The Corner was around until December 1939, but seems to have been a victim of the Second World War.”
The EMHH is always on the look out for land to stage charity digs. If you can help, call Charlie on 07450 703290.