As last year, Ian Pennell and I travelled to Burlington House in Piccadilly (directly opposite Fortnum and Mason’s) for this year’s GA gathering. On Friday, after a tasty stand-up lunch with wine, following which I managed to stay awake, the meeting of affiliated societies. TVGS is affiliated to the GA; amongst other things we are covered by the GA’s insurance. It was good to meet with new faces and old friends and to discuss matters of relevance to all of us. The minutes have not yet been issued, this was the agenda with my brief notes in italics:
- Activities during the past year (Report from the Meetings Group)
- List of publications of Local Societies–Diane called for all our walk leaflets and events–we gave those to her later and I shall keep her advised
- Electronic publications–we receive 2 printed copies of the GA magazine. To save costs I shall request it electronically and distribute from that source.
- Geolab–this is an initiative to take geology to the people around the country but NOT those already engaged. We requested participation at last year’s meeting. This would be a full day’s geology training, classroom and field, free to those who attend. Slightly slower start up than envisioned but kicking off shortly down South.
- Geoconservation matters–Launch of Geodiversity Charter for England; Ian and I attended the launch in Parliament a couple of weeks ago, see the report in ‘News’
- Future Regional meetings/Festival/Conference–a number of significant regional meetings are planned, details should appear in the minutes
- Research Grants including new UKOGL Award--plenty of cash available from the GA–ask!!
- Rockwatch & Curry Fund reports–Rockwatch is for young persons. TVGS wishes to engage more fully with the organisation
Affiliates are asked to encourage their own members to join the GA (35/yr with electronic magazine, £40 with paper); 12 or more members means TVGS has free membership
Lesley Dunlop asked for notification of tufa deposits for a database she is establishing. I have sent her the two local major ones–Southstone Rock and Barrel Heald
It was suggested that walks in the countryside could be made much more interesting if a geologist was along–suggest this to Walkers are Welcome and The Ramblers
Our ‘local’ fossils collection and display is becoming urgent–help wanted
Saturday 1st November, Geology Festival at UCL Gower Street as last year, 30 or so stands, around 15 geology societies and once again many familiar faces. Well worth attending, our stand looked good, we had the projector showing slides and films and there was plenty of interest. We had put together a ‘press pack’ and this proved a good move with 13 from 15 being given out (and to date 2 weeks later, 4 societies have booked firm dates to visit Martley in 2015, these are South Wales 18th April, Reading 19th April, GA 8th August and Farnham 18th October). For your reference our press pack consists of:
- TVGS Information Sheet
- Why not come to Martley on a Field Trip (opens with above)
- Leaflets on Martley-Exposed, Trail 1, 2 and 3, Scar Cottage Champions
- A3 map of Martley geology and trail routes
Had time to visit ‘The Poppies’ after the exhibition. My photo has had some treatment and looks like it needs more