The outgoing Chairman, Les Lanham, reviewed some highlights of the year followed by the monthly notices included a report on a return visit by our Society to Westmill Quarry, Hertfordshire. This was a sort of extra field trip which was notified at last month's meeting. A new exposure of boulder clay had been exposed and the quarry owners had granted access. Only three members took the opportunity to go, and 'finds' were few and far between. These were mostly confined to belemnites, bivalves, and one rather nice ammonite.

The Kempton Park show (November 1st & 2nd) was attended by Les Lanham who represented the Society with a small display of how minerals have featured on postage stamps over the years. Other groups had displays which were magnificent in comparison, and were described as being more akin to quality museum displays.

It makes our attempts seem feeble by comparison, so much so that we mostly don't bother, except for that die hard stalwart Les.

Although Les' display was small, it by no means fell short in quality and was designed to be easily understood by the passing public, no matter who! Naturally, an important part of the display is the ability of the those manning it. Les was there to answer all questions with admirable enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge.

When it came to awarding the prizes it came as a great surprise that this point was not overlooked by the judges who gave us a special mention.

So special that Les won the cup on behalf of the Society. (Surprised we all were, well done Les)

Winner this year of the Southern FLAGS Challenge Cup, Inter Society Displays.
Les Lanham on behalf of the Essex Rock & Mineral Society.

You don't really want to know anymore about the AGM do you. (Yawns Loudly)

MEMBERS FINDS ON DISPLAY

Flints flakes from Mesolithic flint knappers found by Bob & Sandra Blackburn on the clubs recent visit to Hullbridge.

Ammonite about 8cm dia, found by David Turner on the return visit to Westmill Quarry during October.
Label reads: Amoeboceras serratum, (J Sowerby),
Boulder Clay, ex Ampthill Clay, Westmill, Ware, Herts.

Part of a display of Flint tools found over the years whilst collecting by Martin Rayner. The display included recent fossil finds by Martin (how does he do it?), we have rather taken this all for granted, there were some eye-popping specimens!

Missed this? Why wasn't you at the AGM then? Many thanks to all those who responded and turned out for what could have been a flat evening. Quite enjoyable overall!

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Text & photographs copyright R Coleman 2003