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Outlook: The tip-off and the 30-year treasure hunt

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Richard Miles (left) and Reg Mead smile at the camera

05/01/2022 GMT

The tip-off and the 30-year treasure hunt

BBC World Service - Outlook, The tip-off and the 30-year treasure hunt

A story told over drinks in the 1980s set two metal detectorists on a very long hunt

One Sunday in the 1980s metal detectorist Reg Mead was told about some treasure hidden in a potato field. Together with his friend Richard Miles they searched for it for 30 years.

It began with drinks one Sunday when a woman told Reg Mead a story; her father was ploughing a field when he came across a pot full of ancient silver coins. He scooped up what he could and then ploughed the rest into the field. Reg is a metal detectorist and he was instantly hooked. With his friend Richard Miles they set off on a search that would last for 30 years.

Marni Nixon was known as one of Hollywood's best 'ghost singers' and it's her voice you hear in the lead roles of the original West Side Story, The King and I and My Fair Lady; films that dominated the screens in the 50s and 60s. Marni Nixon passed away five years ago but she told Jo Fidgen in 2013 how she had to fight to get recognition for her name and her voice. 

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

(Photo: Richard Miles (left) and Reg Mead. Credit: Jamie Graham, JPG Digital Imaging)

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