To promote a wider interest in the science of geology through organised lectures, field excursions and social activities.
To provide a link between the amateur, the student, the teacher and the professional geologist.
To foster interest in geological sites within the area with a view to their study and wise conservation.
To establish and maintain good relations with organisations that have common interests.

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

Early in September, South Gloucestershire County Council sponsor their “Heritage Open Days” event. Large houses, gardens, municipal offices etc., not normally available to the public are made accessible during the two or three days of the event.

 

Within this scheme in 2005 and 2006 I went along on a minibus tour of the regions coal mine sites in which Will Harris of B.I.A.S. guided the tour.

 

I reckoned I could do a similar exercise in respect of the geology. Since the RIGS team had managed to have some new information boards erected it was possible that a sufficient number of the public might be further encouraged to discover more about their local rocks. Accordingly I made some preparations – site visits, meetings with land owners, lots of background reading and gathering of samples. This last was particularly important as my all important starting place was to be denied us on the day.

 

Having put together the bones of my story, I invited WEGA members to take part in my field trip. Only one guinea-pig was forthcoming but the sun shone and we enjoyed the day – Thank you, Nick!

 

Since then one more site became available and a little more information added to the story.

 

On September 9th eleven members of the public, in a minibus driven by yours truly, visited eight sites to see representative samples of the entire Carboniferous sequence, plus some post Carboniferous material, as deposited in the North Bristol Coalfield.

 

 

In addition to rock recognition the party learned something of the changing environment of the times and some reasons for these changes.

 

It seems that everyone enjoyed the day – there has been much favourable comment! It is likely that the tour will become an annual event – more work!

 

Hopefully a new WEGA member, or two, will emerge as the result of this activity.

 

The party included Mr. Spittall who will be remembered by senior staff at the University because he was the Geology Departments librarian prior to his retirement