Representatives from TVGS were invited to Parliament to the launch of a GeoDiversity Charter for England.  To read it click HERE.  TVGS is cited as a ‘good’ example. This is a document that proposes that geology should be afforded the same status as, for example archaeology, in planning and development.  Reflect that for new building sites, many agencies are brought in to deal with fauna (Gt Crested Newts are everywhere aren’t they?), flora, ancient history and so on but that geology is not.  As a consequence geological features and formations are at risk of obliteration.  Given that the diversity of geology in the country is without parallel in the world, and that the science commenced here, it does seem to be an omission that our rocks are not given more thought and protection.

Ian and I enjoyed our visit (for both of us our first) where, after the expected airline type search, all belongings in a tray including belts–oops, we were allowed to roam free (it seemed) taking in these historical scenes.  Entering through the magnificent Westminster Hall (from 1097),

up steps where once King Charles 1, on another auspicious occasion, made a speech.  To the crossing

(Lords to our right, Commons to our left) where often TV crews are busy with our governors, though they did not trouble me or Ian, then up steps to Committee Room 11.

Opened by Lord de Mauley,

we heard Lesley Dunlop, Chair, English Diversity Forum and our old friend Rory Mortimore give introductory speeches, during which time neither explained why we were all there–oh to be uninitiated.  After a short, very, break five more short talks from Melanie Border, Chair UK Geoparks Forum, Rob Palmer from the aggregates industry, our good friend Graham Worton on Dudley and Wren’s Nest, Christine Taylor et al, a Hampshire based group Rockband on a community project using Lottery finding, some of who’s outcomes are of great interest to TVGS and Sam Rose on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.  Summary and close was provided by the Chair of Natural England, Andrew Sells.

And no tea, coffee or even water offered or available!  We retired, on the advice of a local bobby, to the well known Red Lion pub in Whitehall.