Quotes on the Portable Antiquities Scheme

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On the Portable Antiquities Scheme homepage a series of randomly generated quotes highlight the effectiveness of the PAS as a means of reducing the damage to the archaeological record by clandestine removal of artefacts by metal detector users

:...the scheme has been a win-win for everybody,

Margaret Hodge.

As a dedicated metal detectorist and amateur archaeologist, I have recorded all my finds with the PAS since I took up the hobby. The dedication and professionalism of the organisation's staff has been an inspiration,

Tom Redmayne, Detectorist, Lincolnshire.

There is nothing else like the PAS anywhere in the world. The scheme has produced some impressive and unexpected benefits...and created a massive and unprecedented community archaeology project,

Derek Fincham.

I regard the Portable Antiquities Scheme as a flagship for archaeology. It's got enormous support from enthusiasts, it's very highly regarded. There was this worrying note from a board meeting at MLA [Museums, Libraries and Archives council] saying that its future funding couldn't be guaranteed. As far as I'm concerned, in the great scheme of things, it's chicken fed (sic)in terms of its financing, and in terms of bang for buck, it's immensely successful. I would do my best to protect it, because the sums involved are very, very small,

Ed Vaizey, Conservative Arts spokesman.

..through the excellent work of both the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure Valuation Committee, metal detectorists and archaeologists are working more closely together than ever before,

Estelle Morris

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is an excellent instance of archaeologists working together with members of the general public to shed more light on our shared past,

Stula (detectorist), Guardian online comment.

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