Sending of letters

[jingernut]

Got some letters ready to be sent out to some farms, just wondered who you would address the envelope to though if you don't know their name.

The Owner?
The Farm Owner?

Or just leave it with the farm address only?

[follycollie]

I found that googling the farm name very often leads you to the farmer's name

[alfaowner]

I put the farms name on the envelope , I start with Dear -sir / madam on the letter ... On the letter I ask to be returned ( in the self addressed envelope I send )I politely ask for a contact name and number and best time to call

It's worked for me ... Good luck with your letters

[arfur_sleep]

Try and get the name of the Farmer and it may show him that you have been doing some research and at least you have taken the time to find out who owns the farm. You don't want your letter going in the bin straight away with the other "cold Calling" letters.

You only get one chance to make a first impression

[JBM]

Try and get the name of the Farmer and it may show him that you have been doing some research and at least you have taken the time to find out who owns the farm. You don't want your letter going in the bin straight away with the other "cold Calling" letters.

You only get one chance to make a first impression

Thats the correct line of action.

Better still knock the farmers door having done your homework for the area and offer to show and share all the finds.

Small business cards also help. Jerry.

[follycollie]

The business card idea is great. The research got me a permission - I did a load of research on some land, took my card and explained that I'd been researching the land. The landowner wasn't there at the time but he was given the info by a relative, and nearly a year later (when harvest coming up) I was invited up there to discuss. The landowner was very interested in his land's past so I got the permission. I show him my finds, research and present him with the better ones, and we are both happy. Good luck!

[timesearch]

The problem is making sure it goes to the landowner., as the tenant may say yes without realising they can't legally give you permission. A lot of detecting is done in good faith, with people not realising the legal situation. as one of my farmers didn't until he told me land I knew wasn't theirs was ready. They own about 500 acres out of 1,000 and can give me permission to shoot rabbits on the bits they don't own under the Ground Game Act, but not to detect.

Never having been lucky enough to find anything which comes under the Treasure Act this has never been a problem, but you could find yourself in the position of finding the next big hoard and not being able to claim your half because you only had the tenants permission. Land Agents are different to tenants, as they work for the landowner. As a countryside officer working for a council I could legally sign on their behalf, but the tenants couldn't.

Letters showing an interest in local history go a long way, especially if when you meet the landowner you've done your homework.

[jingernut]

Cheers guys. Have business cards that I have attached to the letters. Will do a bit more digging online and see what I can find out.

[JBM]

This is a basic example of a suitable card which can be produced in colour and laminated.

I carry a couple all the time and when a local person sees us detecting and asks questions about the hobby sometimes it opens up the possibility of new land.

At this point and out comes a business card.

Over the years it has got me a number of new opportunities for new land.

I hope this helps you guys. Jerry.