How you can support one of the world's great geology museums ...
The Friends exists to support and encourage the development of the museum, and promote and publicise the collection to a wider audience.
Membership of the Friends is open to all. Our members benefit from:
- Talks on topics relevant to the museum and its collections.
- Tours behind the scenes at the museum and the conservation unit to see parts of the collections not normally accessible to the public.
- Guided visits to places of geological interest.
- Social events including a garden party and an annual dinner with a reception in the Museum.
- Newsletters to keep members informed about events and activities.
- Exclusive previews of new exhibitions.
- Opportunities to become a volunteer and be involved in the work of the Museum.
>> How to Join
>> Download the latest edition of Trilobite, the Friends' newsletter
Events and Lectures 2008/2009
Unless otherwise stated, events will be held in the Department of Earth Sciences (entry below the Sedgwick Museum). Parking is available on the Downing Site during these events, with access from Tennis Court Road. At events held in the Department, tea, coffee and biscuits will be available from 6.15pm, and the event will start at 7.00pm. At most events we will invite donations of £1/head towards expenses and the support of the Museum.
Talk: Meteorites: Messengers from Space
Tuesday 21st October, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
Dr Stephen Reed (Earth Sciences) will describe the way that meteorites have recently provided important information about our solar system.
Experimental Geology Class: Strength of Rocks
Tuesday 4th November, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
Dr Mike Tuke has devised a series of experiments for members working individually or in pairs. In this class, you will be working out the relative strength of different types of rock by a method which does not involve breaking the rocks. Only very simple equipment will be used and it and the rocks will be provided. You will not need a lab coat.
The class will be limited to twenty people and tickets must be obtained beforehand by phoning Dr Mike Tuke on 01480 457068.
Talk (Trees and Wood series): Wood in buildings, building in wood
Tuesday 18th November, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
Dr Michael Ramage (Architecture, University of Cambridge) will round off the Trees and Wood series by talking about practical aspects of the use of wood, and how the age of wood in some ancient buildings is being determined.
Friends' Christmas Party
Tuesday 2nd December 2008, 6-8pm, Department of Earth Sciences
A lively programme of short talks by members and students will be interspersed with mulled, wine, bread, cheese and other snacks (for which we will ask for a £5 donation at the door). Please phone 01223 333400 to help us to cater by booking a few days ahead.
Talk: The never-ending story of sand
Tuesday 13th January, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
Dr Michael Welland's book with the above title will just have been published in the USA, and will be published by the Oxford University Press later in 2009. He will tell us some of the stories he has uncovered. This will be the opening event of a series of events on sand.
Experimental Geology Class: Porosity of Rocks
Tuesday 27th January, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
This event will be run in the same way as that on 4th November 2008. The class will be limited to twenty people, and tickets must be obtained beforehand by telephoning Dr Mike Tuke on 01480 457068
Talk: Geological Oceanography; where water meets mud - current tales from the deep
Tuesday 17th February, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, doors open 6.15 pm
Professor Nick McCave (Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge) will pick out some of the discoveries and ideas that have come from his deep-ocean cruises.
Talk: An Old Red Angling Association - Sedgwick's fishing trips in the Devonian
Tuesday 3rd March, Department of Earth Sciences, 7 pm, Doors open 6.15 pm
Dr Lyall Anderson who has joined the Department to work on the collections sent back by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle, will talk about some other discoveries he has been making.
Sedgwick Birthday Dinner
Saturday 14th March, Christ's College, 7.30 pm
The after-dinner speaker will be Professor James Jackson who is the new Head of the Department of Earth Sciences. Menus and prices have not yet been decided, but the price should be between £32 and £40, depending on whether soft or alcoholic drinks are taken. Menus, prices and a booking form will be sent out to people who have registered by 14th February. In response to booking forms and cheques, we will send out tickets.
Visit: Royston Chalk Edge
Saturday 25th April, 11am
This visit will examine the stratigraphy and landscape of the Chalk edge in the Royston area, with emphasis on the effects of Ice Age processes on the landscape, and the effects of the landscape on the subsurface water system. The Chalk cave in Royston will also be visited. Leaders will include Marjorie Veale, Colin Forbes and Peter Friend. Please register by 11th April so that we can send details.
Visit: Sediments and shells of the North-west Norfolk coast
Saturday 9th May, 11am
This day visit, led by Peter Friend and Liz Harper, will visit beach localities around Wells-next-the-Sea, to examine the processes that move pebbles, shells, sand and mud, on this attractive area of unspoilt coast. Please register by 25th April so that we can send details.
Visit: Great Ouse Valley at St Ives
Saturday 23rd May, St Ives, 11am
St Ives is one of the most attractive market towns in Cambridgeshire. Includes a walking tour of the town, lunch and a talk in a local hostelry, a visit to the Norris Museum, and a walk along a section of the Great Ouse Trail to illustrate the way the evolution of the Great Ouse has created the landscape. Please register by 9th May. Leaders: Nick Barraud, Peter Friend, Bob Burn Murdoch.
Weekend Visit to the Mendips and North Somerset
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June
This year we will be visiting the Mendip area, and will be led by Dr Martin Whiteley who has wide experience of leading parties around the varied geology and landscape of this fold range of hills extending between Cheddar and Wells. Because of the complex pattern of narrow lanes, we are planning to rent mini-buses for the field visit programme, which will occupy Saturday and the morning of Sunday. As usual, we ask people to make their own accommodation arrangements. Our "centre" will be at the White Hart Hotel (01749 672056), Wells, Somerset. Please register your intention to come with us as soon as possible, because it may be necessary to limit the total numbers.
AGM and Museum Showcase
Tuesday, 16th June, Department of Earth Sciences, 6 pm, doors open 5.15 pm
Tea and coffee available from 5.15 pm. We specially appeal to local members to attend this meeting. In addition to voting for the Committee for 2009-10, this is the opportunity to review the way the Friends have been supporting the work of the Sedgwick Museum, particularly the Student Prize Placements, Museum staff conference support, and various improvements that are being carried out in the Museum, including work on the Darwin celebration materials.
Midsummer Tea Party
Saturday 27th June, 2 - 4 pm, Bullard Laboratories, Madingley Rise, Madingley Rd, West Cambridge
Cakes and strawberries etc. will be provided for this celebration of the summer to come! Garden games will be available for children and grandchildren. Visits to nearby buildings of Earth Science interest will be arranged.
