Today we present what might be the first of many blogs about metal detector finds in Market Lavington. Norman was born in Market Lavington in an era which could get him called a ‘baby boomer’. As a youngster his family had to move when their Market Place house was demolished and they got a home on Oak Lane in Easterton. Norman married a West Lavington girl and that’s where he lives now.
For thirty years or so he has been a detectorist. He recently got in touch and offered us Market Lavington interest items in his collection – and a fine bunch of items they are, covering the best part of 2000 years’ worth of history.
And we are starting, almost certainly, in the twentieth century with what was probably once a well enamelled badge indicating membership of the Lavington Cycle Club.
Lavington Cycle Club badge found in Market Lavington – 20th century
Even in this rather careworn state we can make out that this badge says Lavington Cycle Club and carries a Latin motto of abstulit qui dedit which appears to translate as who gives away.
The badge was made by Collins of London – still readable on the back.
Makers’ name on the back of the badge. The pin is missing.
This company was founded in 1891 so we know the badge is no older than that.
We know little about the club which may have had more of a West Lavington focus – but the badge was found in Market Lavington.
The West Lavington village site at http://westlavington.info/gallery.html has a photo of club members outside the Bridge Inn at West Lavington.
If anybody out there knows any more about the club then do get in touch.
Market Lavington Museum 
Can you add anything to this or do you want to know more?