TREASURE SEEKER FINDS MYSTERY BADGE

Local detecting enthusiast Gary Tobin is hoping to find the owner of Scottish military badge he dug up in Hindmarsh Park.

FOSSICKING around Kiama with a metal detector is proving intriguing for Gary Tobin who now has another mystery to solve.

Only months after finding a bullet on Chittick oval, a similar bullet casing on Jones Beach and an 1896 penny in an abandoned church in Jamberoo, the Kiama enthusiast has now stumbled across a Scottish military Bonnet Badge and is keen to see it returned to its rightful owner.

I was in Hindmarsh Park with the detector and I found something about six or eight inches down, he said.

I knew it was a war medal but I wasnt sure what type so I looked it up on the net as they all come in different configurations.

It seems it was from a Scottish regiment around the time of World War Two. It has the Latin inscription Nemo me impune lacesset written on it which means No one wounds me with impunity.

It has obviously been won for some sort of bravery or something so I would really like to see the gentleman who received it get it back.

The person who lost it would probably be pretty keen to get it back as well.

After taking up metal detecting about 18 months ago, Gary is now enthusiastically fossicking in local parks and beaches for a couple of hours two times a week.

I started because I was always looking up the net to see what people were finding. Then I bought my own detector and it just kind of took off from there, Gary said.

I really enjoy getting out in the fresh air and it helps get me a bit fitter as well as taking off a bit of weight.

The main thing I like about it is finding historical pieces things that people might not have touched for a hundred years.

I might also be able to find something that someone has lost and be able to return it for them which is always good.

If anyone knows of the person who may have lost the badge they can contact Gary Tobin via email on tobin@speedlink.com.au or get in touch with the Kiama Independent.

" The badge found in Hindmarhsh Park by Gary Tobin wihile using his metal detector, pictured right.