Torc display site still uncertain

There is still no permanent home for a 2,000-year-old necklace found near Newark almost three years ago.

Newark and Sherwood District Council raised £350,000 to buy the necklace, called the Newark Torc, through grants and private donations.

It was found in February, 2005, by metal detector enthusiast Mr Maurice Richardson, who lives off Lincoln Road, Newark.

He received half of the money, with the other half going to the landowner, Trinity College, Cambridge.

At a meeting of the district council’s culture task and finish group, the head of leisure and cultural services, Mrs Sarah Dawes, said the torc remained in the British Museum in London, while talks continued with security advisers about where it could be permanently displayed.

The relic, declared treasure trove and valued at £350,000 by the museum, weighs about 11/2lb and is 67% gold, 32% silver and 1% copper.

Mrs Dawes said they had submitted a bid to the council’s capital programme for 2008-9 for money towards the cost of displaying the torc.

She said it would be considered as part of the budget process along with everything else.

She said the possible locations were Millgate Museum and the Gilstrap Centre, but there were financial and security issues to be considered.

Mr David Payne said a report went to the council’s cabinet about the torc but it could not be made a public document.

He said next time it would be discussed publicly but the security aspects would be kept secret.

Mrs Maureen Dobson said: “Everyone will be kept in the loop. We are being open but at the end of the day security means an awful lot.”

Mr Vernon Radcliffe said those who gave donations could be approached and asked to contribute to the security costs.

Mrs Dawes said that would be difficult because most had asked for anonymity.