Yorkshire Geology Month
What? Yorkshire Geology Month is a series of events in which geologists share their interest and enjoyment with the public.
When? May (but some events may be during the summer half term at the beginning of June).
Where? Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.
Who? Geological groups, organisations, companies and individuals. Examples - Geological Societies, RIGS Groups, Lapidary Societies, Museums, Universities, Colleges, "Adult Education" Tutors, shops, wholesalers, quarrying companies, building stone groups, caving groups, individual geologists, masons, sculptors .... Also there are other groups who may have a partial interest in rocks and the landscape - wildlife groups, archaeological groups, civic societies, conservation groups, WATCH....
Why? To bring geology to the public in their own area. To show how everyone's life is affected by geology - our food, our buildings and our landscape. To show how anyone can become an amateur scientist and take an active interest in geology - we all have an equal chance of finding something rare!
It is also hoped that this will bring the geologists together a bit more and be the start of an informal network.
How? A huge variety of events can be included in Geology Month. Examples are public walks in cities, on beaches or in the countryside; public talks; exhibitions in museums, libraries community centres or schools , these could be temporary displays for a few weeks in glass cases or just a short table top exhibition for few hours; "roadshows" to identify specimens brought in by members of the public; field trips of the look-see type or a collecting trip; "open days" by Universities or colleges; "behind the scenes" tours of museums; workshops perhaps on polishing stones, microfossils or "caring for your collection"; geology or science quiz; treasure hunt; painting competition for younger geologists; a 'night class' taster session .....
There will be a small informal organising committee who aim to gather details of the events and feedback the information to the event organisers to give Geology Month a sense of unity.