Finding Gold

This is the story of long-time civil servant Vincent Thurkettle, who, at the peak of his career, decided to abandon an excellent job and pension to follow a dream - to go hunting for gold. Vincent Thurkettle''s story is a gripping and colourful adventure, a physical and spiritual journey among amazing people in unlikely places. A story to amuse, entertain and inspire all of those who have a dream and just need a nudge and the courage to get started. Finding Gold captures both the practical aspects of gold and treasure hunting, and, perhaps more importantly, it describes the attitude and psychology needed to really grip life, to truly seize the day and enjoy every moment. Finding the metal itself is actually only a small part of the story - it''s mostly about feeling alive again, vibrant, with new friendships and purpose. And finally, finding the ''treasure'' of fulfilment and happiness. An aspirational, inspirational guide for would-be adventurers everywhere.

About the author

Vincent Thurkettle, born in Somerset and raised in Wales, is a lifelong outdoorsman. After serving as a reconnaissance officer in the reserve forces, he pursued woodland management with the UK Forestry Commission before leaving in 2005 to embrace a freer life. His passion for natural gold led him to become British gold panning champion multiple times and world champion in 2007. As President of the World Goldpanning Association, he began diving for shipwreck treasure and discovered Britain's largest gold nugget. Vincent now lives in a self-designed cottage in rural Norfolk.

Product details

• Authors: Laurence Mouton, Thurkettle Vincent
• Publisher: Short Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 04.06.2026
• EAN: 9781804194188
• ISBN: 978-1-80419-418-8
• No. of pages: 320
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature > Letters, diaries; Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Biographies, autobiographies; SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Happiness, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Adventurers & Explorers, Memoirs, natural history, Nature and the natural world: general interest, Biography: adventurers and explorers, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Memoirs