Stamford Geological Society

Geological and Microscopy supplier. Everything Earth Science, rocks and fossils for sale, hammers and stone tumblers. Supplying the public, education and business.

Other Geological Societies :
Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group (WGCG)was established in 1990
This was by few enthusiasts who wanted to raise awareness of and conserve the many rock exposures dotted around the county. The membership has since grown and includes many enthusiastic amateurs, students and teachers as well as some professional geologists.

Bedfordshire Geology Group was formed in 2004 by a group of enthusiastic amateur and professional geologists.

Cambridgeshire Geology Club

The Cambridgeshire Geology Club was formed in November 1984 and was created at the time to replace the “Geological Section” of the University of Cambridge, Natural History Society which ceased to exist about this time. The Club is open to all grades of interest in geology and takes place at Vulcania in the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne.

Since 1984 the Club has grown considerably and welcomes professional and amateur geologists alike and caters for all ages, everyone is welcome to join.

Friends of Sedgwick

The Friends of the Sedgwick has just celebrated its Tenth Birthday having been founded in 2000. It is a charitable organisation with the dual aim of providing support to the Museum and extending access to geology to the wider public.

The Friends organise a series of lectures and workshops through the Autumn and Winter months with outings and trips in Spring and early Summer. In March, around the time of Sedgwick’s Birthday, we have our annual dinner in a Cambridge College and at Christmas we organise a party in the Museum itself.

Geologists’ Association

Since its formation in 1858, the GA has actively promoted the study of geology to all who are interested in the past, present and future of the natural world. It is a friendly and inclusive organisation and welcomes everyone, regardless of the level of their knowledge.

BOOK REVIEWS
I found this link very useful for research purposes particularly if your looking for a good book to read. They are biographies of just some of the people — scientists, artists and collectors — who contributed to what we know today.

Biographies

PALEONTOLOGY
This (by no means comprehensive!) list chronicles some of the major events in the history of paleontology and biology. Other significant events appear in purple type.

Timeline

GEOLOGY
Information and resources for schools and colleges, lifelong learners or anyone with an interest in geology for education or leisure.

Discovering geology
Geology of the Wessex Coast of Southern Coast – the World Heritage Jurassic Coast – and more
by Ian West.

The Geology Society
The Geological Society of London was founded in 1807. It is the UK national society for geoscience, and the oldest geological society in the world.

The Society provides a wide range of professional and scientific support to over 10,000 Fellows (members), about 2000 of whom live overseas. More than 2000 Fellows are also Chartered Geologists.

As well as boasting one of the most important geological libraries in the world, the Geological Society is a global leader in Earth science publishing, and is renowned for its cutting edge science meetings. It is a vital forum in which Earth scientists from a broad spectrum of disciplines and environments can exchange ideas, and is an important communicator of geoscience to government, media, those in education and the broader public.

FOSSILS
A fossil website displaying some of the best British Fossils.

e-fossils
Fossil identification is 100% free. You can learn from this website whether you are beginner or advanced. With this website you can learn about and Identify fossils. For educational purposes only.

Free Fossil Indentification

THE ENGLISH HERITAGE

COLLYWESTON PROJECT

Collyweston Introduction

Collyweston Introduction 20.10.14 HD from Terry Hughes on Vimeo.

Osborn mine

Osborn mine 9.9.14 SD from Terry Hughes on Vimeo.

Making slate

ALAN DAWN 1923 – 2010

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Alan Dawn, President of the Stamford and District Geological Society.

Alan was born into a farming family near Sheffield in 1923. He was educated at the local school and gained a place at Sheffield University to read geography. The second world war, and a call up to the Royal Navy, interrupted his degree, which he gained once peace returned. Alan went into teaching, a career which brought him to Stamford in 1961. His first post was in Stamford and he then moved to Bourne.

A chance meeting in Stamford aroused his interest in geology and he joined W E A classes. His quick grasp of the subject and enthusiasm led to him being asked to take classes himself. Out of this grew the idea of forming a local Geological Society which he and his wife, Pauline, did in 1982. With their interests in Geology; to arrange activities to further such interests; to raise awareness of the sciences in the public generally.

On retiring Alan became involved with Peterborough Museum recovering and conserving fossil remains from the area. Many of these are now on display at the museum at least three of which have been named after him.

His work has been recognised nationally. In 1990 he became the first recipient of The Palaeontological Association’s Award For Amateur Palaeontologists and in 1994 he was awarded the Foulton Medal from the Geological Association.

Alan never forgot that he was a teacher and could always be approached to identify and explain people’s fossil finds, especially children’s.He was regularly asked to give talks to other organisations.

Alan will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Here are a few links you may find of interest giving a brief insight into the life and times of Alan Dawn.

An Introduction to the Oxford Clay – Part 2 : A blog written by Mark Wildman featuring Alan Dawn.

VALE Alan Dawn MERCIAN Geologist VOLUME 17 PART 4 AUGUST 2011

Middle Jurassic Sequence at Ketton by Alan Dawn.

Leedsichthys problematicus Report by Alan Dawn.

The Stamford and District Geological Society photo archives :

Here is a rare insight into some of the work performed by Alan Dawn and various members of the Stamford and District Geological Society .Depicting some behind the scene photos taken in the old workshop at the Peterborough museum and from various digs around the Peterborough area. They are currently being reproduced from slides with quite a few still yet to do. With permission they have been kindly loaned to the society for us to show on our website.
Hope you enjoy them.
If you should have any other slides that are associated with Alan Dawn and the Stamford and District Geological Society. Then I’m more than willing to convert them into photos for our website for all to see and admire.

Regards,

Darren.

Membership

To comply with the Data Protection Act, the personal information in the above membeship forms will be used by
Stamford & District Geological Society to communicate with members.
It will not be disclosed to third parties and on becoming a member, you agree to your details being held by Stamford & District Geological Society.
Stamford and District Geological Committee Contacts below :

SDGS Members field trip finds

At the link below are photos of fossils that our members have found and described themselves. All fossil finds were found on one of our Field Trips from the past and present then kindly sent into us for the “Gallery “.

https://www.pleine-lune.org/la-lune-en-chiffres

Visit to the King’s Dyke Nature Reserve fossil area

The SDGS members have a planned visit to the King’s Dyke Nature Reserve Fossil Area. Which will be on the morning of Saturday the 4th August 2018.
For further details please check our events calendar.
Regards,

Kenny Nye (field secretary) for the Stamford and District Geological Society.

p.s. This event would be a great family outing for our younger members.

Here’s a link below giving a fantastic description of the fossil area , courtesy of the https://ukfossils.co.uk website.

Stamford and District Geological Society Database

We are proud to announce a, soon to be released Database for members fossil collections designed by Stamford and District Geological Society member Richard Forrest (website designer for the “The plesiosaur site”) and (database designer for “CBRP Ltd”) .The Database has been crafted to reflect what fossils our members have found in the past. But also builds upon technology capable of addressing future fossil finds.

For further information and If you would like to become involved with this exciting project then head over to the “web editor” email link below and let us know.

The sun shone on the Oxford Clay :)

……The sun shone for the Stamford and District Geological Society today which was an absolute joy to see, especially after the rain we had all day yesterday in Whittlsea. With everyone suitably dressed in the correct attire for getting (covered in clay) and once you mastered the art of what felt like walking on stilts within minutes of trudging around the fossil area.

A great time was had by all….

A big thanks to the following members: Field Secretary Kenny Nye, Richard Forrest creator of the website The Plesiosaur Site and David Savory from the Flag Fen Archaeology Park for their knowledgeable Oxford Clay input, and the new members amongst our group who journeyed out, as days such as these are just not possible without your efforts and contributions.

Special thanks to Philip Parker Associates Ltd for their help in planning for the field trip from start to finish.

Enjoy some of the photos…….

p.s. The society will also donate Belemnite’s they found to the Peterborough Museum for educational purposes.

Gryphaea from the Kellaways clays

THE MEMBERS GALLERY

Below are photos of fossils that our members have found and described themselves. All fossil finds were found on one of our Field Trips from the past and present then kindly sent into us for the “Gallery “.

Ichthyosaur vertebra
Asteracanthus magnus tooth
Acrosalenia hemicidaroides

Asteracanthus magnus tooth in-situ
Eomesodon trigonus tooth in situ
rare shark dermal denticle
rootlets in grantham formation
echinoid Clypeus ploti in situ
caloceras psiloceras
partial plesiosaur femur
Rare blue gypsum
Pink gypsum
icthyosaur vertebra
Ammonite block
Ammonite in situ
Ammonite as found
Ammonite as found
fish spine
crocodile coprolites as found
fish skull plate
fish scale

ALL THE LATEST PALEONTOLOGICAL EVENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

A curious branch of plankton evolution
Planktonic foraminifera – tiny, shelled organisms that float in the sea – left behind one of the most complete fossil records of evolutionary history in deep sea deposits. Consequently, evolutionists have a relatively sturdy grasp on when and how new lineages arose. However, a new study reveals that one lineage evolved much more rapidly.

Sponges on ancient ocean floors 100 million years before Cambrian period
Researchers have found the oldest clue yet of animal life, dating back at least 100 million years before the famous Cambrian explosion of animal fossils.

Did mosasaurs hunt like killer whales?
Researchers have examined the youngest-ever specimen of tylosaur ever found. Like orcas, mosasaurs might have used their bony noses to strike prey.

ALL THE LATEST GEOLOGICAL EVENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Earth’s inner core is solid, ‘J waves’ suggest
A new study could help us understand how our planet was formed. Scientists report that their research shows that Earth’s inner core is solid – a finding made possible by a new method for detecting shear waves, or ‘J waves’ in the inner core.

New understanding of Mekong River incision
An international team of earth scientists has linked the establishment of the Mekong River to a period of major intensification of the Asian monsoon during the middle Miocene, about 17 million years ago, findings that supplant the assumption that the river incised in response to tectonic causes.

Scientists find missing piece in glacier melt predictions
A new method for observing water within ice has revealed stored meltwater that may explain the complex flow behavior of some Greenland glaciers, an important component for predicting sea-level rise in a changing climate.

MEMBERS COMMENTS

Darren on * Fossils in Matchboxes with Gallery*
Darren on * Great Tew quarry finds *
Darren on * An evening with Dr Chris Thomas talk titled : Marvellous Mammoths *
Darren on * Possible New Field Trip *
Martin Beever on * Tilton Railway Cuttings & Browns Hill Quarry 05/07/2015 report back *

SDGS Members field trip finds
By Darren | News | No Comments
The Members Gallery

At the link below are photos of fossils that our members have found and described themselves. All fossil finds were found on one of our Field Trips from the past and present then kindly sent into us for the “Gallery “.

http://www.stamfordgeolsoc.org/members-field-trip-finds/

MAY
02
0

The SDGS members have a planned visit to the King’s Dyke Nature Reserve Fossil Area. Which will be on the morning of Saturday the 4th August 2018.

For further details please check our events calendar.

Regards,

Kenny Nye (field secretary) for the Stamford and District Geological Society.

p.s. This event would be a great family outing for our younger members.

Here’s a link below giving a fantastic description of the fossil area , courtesy of the https://ukfossils.co.uk website.

King’s Dyke Pit

AUG
04
0
Hunstanton field trip CANCELLED
By Darren | News | No Comments
Dear members,
We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances the field trip to Hunstanton has been cancelled sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Regards,
SDGS.
JUN
11
0
Stamford and District Geological Society Database
By Darren | News | No Comments
We are proud to announce a, soon to be released Database for members fossil collections designed by Stamford and District Geological Society member Richard Forrest (website designer for the “The plesiosaur site”) and (database designer for “CBRP Ltd”) .The Database has been crafted to reflect what fossils our members have found in the past. But also builds upon technology capable of addressing future fossil finds.

For further information and If you would like to become involved with this exciting project then head over to the “web editor” email link below and let us know.

WEB EDITOR

MAR
04
0
The sun shone on the Oxford Clay :)
By Darren | News | No Comments
……The sun shone for the Stamford and District Geological Society today which was an absolute joy to see, especially after the rain we had all day yesterday in Whittlsea. With everyone suitably dressed in the correct attire for getting (covered in clay) and once you mastered the art of what felt like walking on stilts within minutes of trudging around the fossil area.

A great time was had by all….

A big thanks to the following members: Field Secretary Kenny Nye, Richard Forrest creator of the website The Plesiosaur Site and David Savory from the Flag Fen Archaeology Park for their knowledgeable Oxford Clay input, and the new members amongst our group who journeyed out, as days such as these are just not possible without your efforts and contributions.

Special thanks to Philip Parker Associates Ltd for their help in planning for the field trip from start to finish.

Enjoy some of the photos…….

p.s. The society will also donate Belemnite’s they found to the Peterborough Museum for educational purposes.

Gryphaea from the Kellaways clays

From the left indicated by the white arrows : the Teuthida Acanthoteuthis : crustacea trackways probably made by Mecocheirus : various aragonitic crushed Kosmoceras

Lepidotes fish scale showing peg sockets

Members looking for fossils

The belemnite Cylindroteuthis pusoziana found in some Kellaways clays

pina (pina) mitis bivalves

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Members looking for fossils

Unknown fish scale

Members looking for fossils

Unknown at present bone fragment

Members looking for fossils

MAR
03
0
Important Field Trip Notice
By Darren | News | No Comments
For those members who are attending tomorrow’s field trip to Whittlsea at the fossil area in Kings Dyke Nature Reserve. Can you please let our society’s field secretary Kenny Nye know as soon as possible via email at the link supplied below. Please be advised conditions will be wet under foot so wet weather gear would be advisable.

http://www.stamfordgeolsoc.org/field-secretary/

Regards,

SDGS.

JAN
16
0
Upcoming Events for 2017
By Darren | News | No Comments
CLICK THE THREAD IN RED :UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2017 🙂

DEC
26
0

PLEASE ENJOY MY PHOTO GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE….:)

As you push the somewhat tatty draws of the match boxes open, a story to research unfolds. I’ve a set of British Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Caenozoic books and usually more often than not the “World wide Web “ for help to hand, I begin.

First matchbox as you can see (and there are many more to come) these are clearly Brachiopods with a penned clue in the tray of the matchbox “Filey Brigg “but why, when and how have they came to be at present I do not know.

Until now……That is, I’ve posted a reply in the comment box as an example, as I think I may have found the answer to my question.

Ill post some more hidden gems as and when I can. If you would like to give me a hand in identifying them with posting opinions in the comments box then please let me know.

Note: for reasons you see no associated matchbox with the posted fossil, is because the matchbox will be undergoing extensive repair work. 🙂

UK Fossil Collecting at Filey in Yorkshire

Brachiopod

Goniorhynchia boueti

These specimens were found in Langton Herring, Dorset, UK, from the Frome Clay (previously known as Fuller’s Earth).

From the Jurassic period (206 – 144 million years ago)

Period: Jurassic, Great Oolite

UK FOSSIL COLLECTING LANGTON HERRING

Brachiopod labelled as.

Rhynchonellid species?

Lower Lias

Black Ven Marls

Lyme Regis (West Dorset)

I was wondering if this fossil brachiopod might be Rhynchonelloidella wattonesis but I’m not sure if this has been revised since.

Thank you Mr Leoroyd , as promised 😉

DEC
21
0
Merry Christmas
By Darren | News | No Comments

Download [1.41 MB]

DEC
04
0

Download [11.32 KB]

NOV
29
0
The SDGS are pleased to announce that we have affiliated to Deposits Magazine and UKGE
By Darren | News | No Comments
“The Stamford and District Geological Society are pleased to announce that we have affiliated to Deposits Magazine and UKGE. This brings a great benefit to all members. As members will now receive a free quarterly PDF copy of deposits, packed with superb articles on fossils, rocks and minerals as part of their Membership of the SDGS. With newly signed up members also benefiting from this fantastic offer as part of joining the Stamford and District Geological Society.

More information on the magazine and online back articles can be found at www.depositsmag.com, and geological tools and equipment can be obtained from UKGE, www.ukge.com which now offer free UK shipping on geological equipment.”

NOV
14
1

Download [3.30 MB]

The Jurassic Times was published by the Stamford and District Geology Society.
Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. Jurassic Times publishes the proceedings of the Society together with articles of a Geological and Paleontological nature and other items of interest to members. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual authors, for which the Society does not accept any responsibility.

NOV
05
0

Jeff has had a long and successful career working with the National Museums of Scotland and the University of Bristol, but he pinpoints his eighteen years spent at the Hunterian Museum, during which time he worked as Curator of the Alfred Leeds collection of 650 fossil vertebrates, as when he first encountered the Oxford Clay fossils from around the Peterborough area. This led to his association with John Hudson’s Oxford Clay Working Group, through which he first met Alan Dawn, and guided his choice of PhD to the Middle Jurassic suspension-feeding fish Leedsichthys.

Speaking about why he has agreed to put his name behind our society, Jeff says:
“Considering the global significance of the material found in this area, it is a truly remarkable local resource, yet so few people from the area realise the importance of the animals in the clay that they walk upon. Leicester’s Arthur Cruickshank first introduced me to Alan Dawn and the Oxford Clay collections in Peterborough Museum eighteen years ago. And even then it was clear to me that the fossil material that comes from here even puts grand and revered localities like Lyme Regis into the shade.
I am more than happy to do whatever I can to help promote the work of SDGS to promote the geological heritage of the area, in no small part as a tribute to the memory and legacy of Alan Dawn.”

You can also find many publications penned by Jeff and his colleagues on his page at Academia.edu.

NOV
17
0

UPCOMING EVENTS
Regards,

SDGS.

NOV
08
0

Thanks to the work of the Cambridgeshire Geosites Team, Dr Simon Kelly and the local community, an excavation is now available that provides remarkable access to conglomerates and sandstones of the Early Cretaceous Lower Greensand where it rests against the Jurassic limestone’s of the Jurassic Upware Island.

If you are a member or would like to become a member of the SGDS and would like to go. Then please let me know ASAP.

OCT
09
0

Then please follow their progress at the links below:

The Leedsichthys Project (Facebook)

Big Jurassic Fish (Twitter)

Regards,

SDGS

SEP
30
0

Continuing on with the run of fine weather we are having the SDGS members where blessed with glorious weather for their field trip to Bantycock Opencast quarry. With thirteen members attending it was a fantastic turn out.

I’d just like to thank you all for making the trip well done everyone. I’d also like to thank all those involved in getting this field trip off the ground as it’s no easy feat. And a very big thanks to Andrew Swift for leading us.

And of course to all the staff at Bantycock Opencast quarry for giving up some of their time and exposing a section of Westbury Formation for us, for that we are always very appreciative.
Look forward to next year’s trip.

Regards,

SDGS

And now pleasantries aside here are a few photos that one of our members has sent us of their finds. If you should have any other photos then please don’t hesitate to send them in.

Small caudal ichthyosaur vertebra

Probably a pliosaur rib section but it seems to have grooves on one side so it could be part of an ichthyosaur mandible. The member who found it keeps changing their mind about which it is!….so any help would be appreciated.

Plesiosaur rib

A selection of coprolites, most with scaly inclusions.

SEP
05
0
*Partial plesiosaur femur found at Bantycock opencast mine *
By Darren | News | No Comments
Hi everyone,

I found this partial plesiosaur femur bone at last years field trip to Bantycock opencast mine in Balderton near Newark.

So dont forget this years trip there is almost upon us.

Regards,

SDGS.

AUG
27
0

“Fingers crossed its third time lucky with Hunstanton. Two years ago it was cancelled because of snow on the ground, I made it in August the next year, but we had the end of a hurricane, so hopefully this year the weather will be nicer.”

Well it was 3rd time lucky indeed as the day was blessed with glorious weather.

Thank you Carl for making this year’s trip to Hunstanton possible and thank you to all SDGS members who made it there……as you can see from the photos a great day was had by all.

Members looking for fossils

SDGS Members

Large Ammonite cast

Large Ammonite cast

Colour contrasting cliffs of orange, red and white sedimentary rocks

SDGS Members

SDGS Members

Colour contrasting cliffs of orange, red and white sedimentary rocks

Large Ammonite cast

Colour contrasting cliffs of orange, red and white sedimentary rocks with Carstone boulders on the foreshore

SDGS Member

Cliffs including Lighthouse

Colour contrasting cliffs of orange, red and white sedimentary rocks with Carstone boulders on the foreshore

Naturally eroded cavern

If you were there on the day and have any other photos then please send them to me and ill post them here.

Regard’s,

SDGS.

AUG
04
0

Mike Lovell Prof. University of Leicester 14 October 2015
SHALE GAS
Ken Rolfe Cambridge Geology Club 11 November 2015
THE FENLAND BASIN AND THE FEN EDGE
Colin Bagshaw East Midlands Geology Society 9 December 2015
THE GALAPAGOS
Naomi Stevenson Natural England 13 January 2016
CRYSTAL PALACE – THE FIRST JURASSIC PARK
Richard Forrest SDGS member 10 February 2016
PLESIOSAURS
Dave Ellis SDGS member 09 March 2016
STONE SLATES

I’d like to thank all those who have previously attended our Winter Lectures at Tinwell Village hall. Lectures are open to members and non-members alike so look forward to seeing you all again.

Regards,

SDGS.

JUL
16
0

A most enjoyable day was had by all involved especially as it’s been a while since the society has visited these two sites. Let’s not leave it so long this time and plan a return for next year.

Here are just a few of our finds and some really pleasant scenery photos.

If you have any photos from the day email them to me and Ill post them here for you.

Thank you Keith for showing us around and sharing some of your fruits from your garden….perfect.

p.s. I have not had the time as yet to establish what species the Ammonites are ….all suggestions welcome.

Members at browns hill quarry

Ammonite

Ammonite

Ammonite

Ammonite

Ammonite

Ammonite fragments

Ammonites from bedding plane

Browns Hill quarry

Belemnites at Browns Hill quarry in situ

Crushed ammonites in situ

Crushed ammonites in situ

lobothyris punctata

lobothyris punctata

Members at browns hill quarry

Members searching for ammonites

Members searching for ammonites

Paper thin crushed ammonite

Partial ammonite

Partial ammonite

Partial ammonite

Partial ammonites

Tilton Railway Cutting

Tilton Railway Cutting

Tilton Railway Cutting

Tilton Railway Cutting

Members searching for ammonites

Members searching for ammonites

Members searching for ammonites

Regards,

SDGS.

JUN
24
0
Arts Festival on Stamford’s Stone Heritage – featuring Alan Dawn
By Darren | News | No Comments
Hi everyone,
Thought you might like to know that the commission for the Arts Festival on Stamford’s Stone Heritage – featuring Alan Dawn – by the artist Jason Duckmanton is here for you to view – the painting features Alan working as well as his marine reptile discovery and some of the fossils from the limestone.

Regards,
SDGS.
MAY
19
0

Look forward to seeing you.

SDGS.

MAY
10
0

Quick note to me or for other field trip leaders to Ketton Quarry: “Whatever the weather is at the time past or present be prepared to encounter the 50 meter quagmire stretch that wellies would be more suitable before you hit some dry land.”

“I keep saying I’ll write this in my field notes for future trips but always forget .I wasn’t going to mention this minor annoyance but it’s something we all chuckle about on our way into and out of the site.”

After you have tippy toed the squelches……you are presented with one of the largest spoil piles that you are probably ever likely to encounter. Where upon you need to start planning to yourself “how am I going to tackle this and where do I start”. Which is part of the fun especially for the new members amongst us, but they needn’t worry as there is always knowledgeable seasoned members especially for this particular site to pass on any information needed and to answer as many questions as possible.

….The gusts of wind felt relatively calm as they brushed your legs while you pondered on what to do as the spoil becomes more apparent. But for those in the know and prepared to tackle this mini mountain those wisps of wind below can be gale force gusts on the top and believe they were.

Your options are plentiful to look for fossils: either scour the outskirts of the said mini mountain for fossils that have weathered out and tumbled down, or traverse the only so slightly steep sides to which you can achieve some fine results or get to the top. If you should manage the hike to the top, which most of our members did then the view is breath taking (literally). In In geology and earth science, a plateau also called a high plain or tableland and I think that’s a very appropriate description for this square stretch of land at the top of the spoil pile. It’s very weathered and abundant in fossils shells, corals, echinoids, and sharks’ teeth can all be found here.

You really can immerse yourself in your own little world at Ketton Quarry due to the vastness of the quarry as you forage around. And all our members came home with a variety of fossils which was very pleasing to see indeed.
It was great to see so many members at this event and look forward to seeing you all here again next year…….” Must remember my stretch of mud notes “

Thank you to Kenny and Bill for making this day possible and to all the staff at Ketton Quarry.

P.S. if you have any photos you would like to see added to this report back (I’ve already started to add some of mine ( prepped, in-situ fossil photos and scenery shots at the bottom of this page) then please could you e-mail them to me. Also if you would like to add your own comments about the day all you need to do is login. If you don’t have any login details then just ask me and I can set this up for you.

It really is simple.

Regards,

Darren.

“Acrosalenia hemicidaroides”

“Asteracanthus magnus tooth”

“Asteracanthus tenius tooth in situ”

“Asteracanthus tenius tooth”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti bottom view 1b”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti bottom view 3b”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti bottom view 3c”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti close up view 1c”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti close up view 2c”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti in situ 1”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti in situ 2”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti top view 1a”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti top view 3a”

“Eomesodon trigonus tooth in situ”

“Eomesodon trigonus tooth”

“quarry view 1”

“quarry view 2”

“quarry view 3”

“rootlets in grantham formation 1”

“rootlets in grantham formation 2”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti bottom view 2b”

“echinoid Clypeus ploti top view 2a”

MAY
04
0
Ketton Quarry next Saturday
By Darren | News | One Comment
Just some of the fossils we hope to encounter on next Saturdays field trip to Ketton Quarry. I found these on a previous field trip there……and many more.

Regards,

Darren.

p.s. If any members should have any other photos of fossils from Ketton Quarry please e-mail them to me and ill post them here for others to view.

APR
30
0
Kings Dyke Nature Reserve field trip has now been confirmed
By Darren | News | No Comments
Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that the field trip to Kings Dyke nature reserve is now confirmed.

Regards,

SDGS.

MAR
24
0

See Link Below :

SDGS PHOTOS
FEB
26
0

Palaeontologist Dean Lomax explains how what had been believed to be a plaster cast turned out to be a new species of ancient marine reptile. A fossil stored in a Doncaster museum for 30 years and thought to be a plaster copy has turned out to be a new species of ancient reptile. A young palaeontologist working with the University of Manchester found the fossil in 2008, in the collections of Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. He realised it was the 189-million-year-old remains of an ichthyosaur – an extinct marine reptile. Further study confirmed it to be a previously unknown species. The finding has now been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology.

Dean Lomax, the 25-year-old palaeontologist who studied the specimen, said it was so well preserved he could determine the contents of its stomach.

“We could see tiny hook-shaped features that were actually the hooks from the tentacles of squid,” he said. “So we know what its last meal was.”

Mr Lomax worked with Prof Judy Massare, from the State University of New York, comparing the specimen’s fossilised bones with those of almost 1,000 other ichthyosaurs in museums in the US and Europe. Mr Lomax explained that subtle anatomical features in its fin bones set the species apart from others.

Jurassic find

It is not uncommon to find ichthyosaur fossils in England. The sharp-toothed marine reptiles swam in large numbers in the seas around Britain when the dinosaurs roamed. This particular specimen was found in the rocks of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast in the early 1980s and brought to the museum, so it is not clear how it was eventually mistaken for a copied Silvia Danise from Plymouth University said its “rediscovery” was a “striking example of how important museum collections are for scientific research”.

“Collections are treasures that show their value each time we’re able to look at them with a different perspective, and by asking new scientific questions,” she told BBC News.

Dr Blanca Huertas, from the Natural History Museum in London, pointed out that there were still many species to discover in museum collections.

“Sometimes we discover things in the field,” she said, “but the collections are an incredible source of opportunities, since visiting them, people can study specimens and collections from hundreds of places across the entire planet and travel in time.”

Ichthyosaurs

Often misidentified as “swimming dinosaurs”, they first appeared in the early Triassic period (251 million to 199 million years ago) the name means fish-lizard, although the creature has been classified as a reptile since the mid-19th Century. Its length ranged from 1m to 14m – although the average length was 2m to 3m (the Doncaster fossil is 1.5m) the creature was noted for its sharp, robust teeth. Ichthyosaurs became extinct before the dinosaurs, dying out in the early part of the late Cretaceous period (145.5 million to 65.5 million years ago)

Source: Encyclopaedia of Palaeontology.

This new species has now been named Ichthyosaurus anningae – in honour of Mary Anning, the British fossil-hunter who discovered the first ichthyosaur on the Dorset coast in about 1811.

The hope now is that news about the significance of this ancient specimen might help track down the fossil hunter who found it.

Dr Stephen Brusatte, a palaeontologist from the University of Edinburgh added that there was “a whole lot more still to find out there”.

He told BBC News: “Palaeontology is a unique science because you don’t need an advanced degree or specialised training to find a fossil, just patience and a keen set of eyes.”

Mary Anning

The new species has been named after 19th Century palaeontologist Mary Anning.

DEC
02
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Description: A fossil cephalopod identified as Dawsonoceras annulatum with well-defined growth lines from the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation.

Age Data : Early Silurian 423 – 443 Ma

Geological Complex: Dawsonoceras annulatum

Associated Period: Silurian – Wenlock

OCT
05
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Much Wenlock Field Trip Report
By Darren | Field Trip Reports | No Comments
Here’s a quick group shot of the party before we entered the quarry. I’ve plenty more photos to show everyone as soon as I can.

Again our group of individuals set of from various parts of the country driving through some heavy persistent rain. With the mind set at (you’re going to get wet on arrival) we all safely arrived at the agreed meeting point.

Where upon arrival we met the husband and quarry owner of our contact Katy Bickerton. He gave us a brief description of the surrounding area about what to expect and where to go…a very nice chap who couldn’t be more helpful.

Katy arrived not long after us around 10.15am we had a discussion about the dos and don’ts and the all-important Health and Safety matters. After that we pretty much had free reign of the quarry where Katy left us to our own devices.

With the all-important trust instilled between both parties we made our way down through an under pass which I think was called from memory (Gorge Tunnel) into the quarry itself.

I forgot to mention the weather was quite sunny after an hour of being there which really bought the best out of everyone and making another fantastic field trip.

We shall most defiantly be back next year.

Here are some scenic photos and some of the fossils semi prepped and in situ that I collected ….don’t forget to add yours when you can.Ive I.D. them the best I can.

Cheers….Darren.

p.s. Thank you Andrew from Shropshire for helping us get our eyes trained into those Trilobites.

Here is a half-prepped trilobite found by “one of our eagled eyed SDGS members “it may be an Acaste downingiae or Acastocephala macrops but until it’s cleaned it we won’t be absolutely sure.

And here some other Trilobites found by the same person that are also a work in progress.

Here’s some more photos kindly sent in from another SDGS member who attended the day.

SEP
29
0

Barely a week seems to go by without the announcement of some new dinosaur discovery. We seem to have become accustomed to media reports highlighting some exciting aspect of the Dinosauria, often from faraway places and remote parts of the world. Whilst it is always intriguing to hear reports of fossil finds relating to prehistoric animals that once lived in the Arctic Circle or indeed, to see pictures of the newest type of feathered dinosaur identified from north-eastern China, it is worth remembering that dinosaurs, lots of them for that matter, once roamed the British Isles.

To hear about meat-eating dinosaurs from Swindon, Stegosaurs from Peterborough and Tyrannosaurs from the Isle of Wight left you gobsmacked.

Ive also heard on the grapevine that Dean might be working on another new publication about Marine Reptiles……let’s hope we can get him booked in for next year…!

Regards,

Darren.

“Oh yes and there was the rather embarrassing scenario on my part moment, when Dean incorporated into his PowerPoint presentation and showed everyone my Theropods footprint I found at Saltwick Bay “…Ha Ha.

SEP
19
0
Winter Talks Program Complete…dont forget to write the dates in your Diary
By Darren | News | No Comments
…So there we have it folks our Winter Lecture Program at Tinwell Village Hall is now fully booked. Id just like to say thank you to the committee for putting everything into place…well done.

Look forward to seeing all those who attend.

TINWELL VILLAGE HALL
TINWELL VILLAGE HALL

ADDRESS
Manor Lane
Tinwell
Stamford
Licolnshire
PE9 3UD

MAIN CONTACT
Mr Dave Oregan

Telephone: 01780 756 341
Contactable: 4.30pm – 7.30pm

Facilities
Facilities offered by Tinwell Village Hall are as follows:

HALLS & MEETING ROOMS
Room Seating Charges
Main Hall 100
ROOM FACILITIES
Facility Availability
Electrical Power Points YES
Central Heating YES
INDOOR FACILITIES
Easy Interior Access
2 Toilets
OUTDOOR FACILITIES
Easy Exterior Access
Big Car Park
AUG
12
0

You Can View The Membership Form Here…

Then You Can Download The Form Below…

Stamford-Geological-Society-Membership-Application-Form… so you can print it off and pop it in the post.

AUG
12
0

If you should have any Belemnites you would like to show….then please post them on the forum for all to see.

Here is a great descriptive link about Belemnites from the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

JUL
01
0
Announced in the Jurassic Times December edition 1995 Rigs site opens at Ketton
By Darren | News | No Comments
I thought you would like to read a paragraph from the first edition of the Stamford and District Geological Societies (Jurassic Times editions) titled…* Rig site opens at Ketton *

In relation to the Photo Of The Week which was one of many finds found on the 18th of May 2013 on an organised field trip to Ketton Quarry.

The Newsletter of the Stamford and District Geology Society.

December 1995.

RIG site opens at Ketton.
Saturday, September 16th 1995 saw the culmination of more than a year’s work for the Society’ with the opening of the RIG site at Ketton [GR SK978053] by the Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Rev William ind.
A RIG or Regionally Important Geological Site, is an exposure that is important to the understanding of the geology of a particular area. The site at Ketton shows exposures of the Blisworth Limestone Rutland Formation Lincolnshire Limestone.These Middle Jurassic rocks are cut by a fault in the main face. The fault is part of a system of faults caused by valley cambering. At the top of the fault there is evidence of cryoturbation. A second fault runs through the site as is shown by the two exposures of Blisworth Limestone being at different elevations.

The RIG site is in a disused quarry. The society members had to clear the accumulated undergrowth before any further work could proceed. Steps were cut to enable visitors to see the exposures at close quarters. Paths were laid to link the main exposures and hand rails were provided for the steeper parts. A car park and access ramp down to the site completed the work. In recognition of the work the Society has performed in creating this site a certificate lias been awarded by English Nature.

Regards,

Darren.

JUN
01
0
Apply For Membership Here And Join Us On Our Field Trips…
By Darren | News | No Comments
If you would like to visit a working pit with a geological society (such as the Stamford and District Geological Group), you will have a much higher chance of finding fossils and much better specimens.

There will be members of the SDGS at the Dig Deep for Dinos event at Flag Fen in Whittlesea over the August Bank Holiday .If you should have any questions about becoming a member.

You Can View The Membership Form Here…

Then You Can Download The Form Below…

Stamford-Geological-Society-Membership-Application-Form… so you can print it off and pop it in the post.

MAY
29
0
The Stamford and District Geological Society are now affiliated with the UKGE limited Geological and Microscopy products
By Darren | Coming Events, Educational Resources, Field Trip Reports, News | No Comments
““New website – based on customer feedback

Welcome to our new site, with hundreds of new features.

1 Nov 13

Our previous website has been running 10 years, and served us well during that time. But technology has moved on and so has website design. Our new website uses the latest technology, security and modern day features to bring you, our customers, the very best service we can provide.

Reviews – You can now write or read other peoples product reviews. Customer reviews are becoming an important part of researching before you buy.

Media Rich – From high resolution images, and image galleries, to PDF downloads for user guides and information packs, we try to give you as much information as possible. We are also gradually introducing videos of products.

Customer Login – The customer login experience has changed. New account management, multiple addresses, even EU VAT number checking. Everything has been improved.

Improve Navigation – The entire website navigation experience has changed, making it easier for you to find products. Related products, best selling products, and even “customers who purchased these also purchased…”. These cross-selling links provide the customer with ease of navigation.

Responsive – Our new website has been built with a responsive framework, this means that it will reshape for various devices. Fully compatible with Desktops, Touchscreen Tablets and Smartphones. The site will automatically load in compact mode for small devices.

Wholesale – Our previous website had only a few selected wholesale products, now, we offer wholesale and trade prices on our full range of products. Once approved, the website will display prices correct for your account type meaning you no longer need to contact us for a quote.

Students – Automatic detection of student accounts, means that 10% is added without even needing to apply (*providing a valid “.ac.uk” email is used).

Fast and Secure – Build using the cutting edge of technology and the very latest in security.

These are just a few of the hundreds of improvements you will find! Everything has changed and improved. We have been working on this new site for 18 months.

NOV
10
0
Jurassic Times: November 1995
By Luke | Jurassic Times, News | No Comments

November 1995 the first edition of the Jurassic Times was published.

The Jurassic Times was published by the Stamford and District Geology Society.
Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. Jurassic Times publishes the proceedings of the Society together with articles of a Geological and Paleontological nature and other items of interest to members. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual authors, for which the Society does not accept any responsibility.

Nov 17
0
A Palaeontology Behind The Scenes Guided Tour at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
By Darren | | No Comments
A PALAEONTOLOGY BEHIND THE SCENES GUIDED TOUR AT THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Saturday November 17th 2018 | 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

We have arranged another fantastic opportunity for a guided behind the scenes tour of Palaeontology at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. So with that said I’ve put some information together for this event for all those members going. And to those who are not members as yet, but would like to attend as well.

Its free admission to the museum but by supporting the museum a charge of £8 per person is the cost for guided tours behind the scenes. As this helps the museum to meet some of the costs that go towards running their educational activities, and ensuring that they can continue to develop new and exciting sessions for visitors.

This particular guided tour can accommodate up to 12 persons , and should last approximately no longer than 45 minutes. Our tour guide for the day will be Dr Hilary Ketchum who is the Collections Manager (Earth Collections) at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The Museum:

Founded in 1860 as the centre for scientific study at the University of Oxford, the Museum of Natural History now holds the University’s internationally significant collections of geological and zoological specimens. Housed in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, the Museum’s growing collections underpin a broad programme of natural environment research, teaching and public engagement. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the Dodo, and the swifts in the tower.

If you are members of the Stamford and District Geological Society then please email Field Secretary Mr Kenny Nye at the email address below to say you wish to attend as soon as possible please.

Email: Kenny Nye : knye@btinternet.com

If you are non-members and would like to go then please sign up for membership as soon as possible by contacting Treasurer Ms Sheila Martin at the email address below:

Email: Sheila Martin : sheilafmartin@talktalk.net

Travel to the Museum: the best way to travel to Oxford is by public transport. The Museum is about 15 minutes’ walk from Oxford city centre and 20 minutes from Oxford Railway Station. There are also five Park and Ride car parks (situated on the A40 at Headington; Redbridge at the bottom of the Abingdon Road, near Kennington; Pear Tree Roundabout, Woodstock Road; Water Eaton, Banbury Road, Kidlington and Seacourt at Botley. There are limited pay and display parking spaces in the side streets around the Museum.

The Park and Ride don’t drop off at the Museum, although it is by far the best way to deal with parking. You can see details here at the link below:
http://parkandride.oxfordbus.co.uk/
Printable membership form supplied below as well.

Download [179.48 KB]

This event can usually cater for 12 persons.

DISCLAIMER:
Members should appreciate that they are responsible for their own safety.
The society’s insurance is against 3rd parties.
The SDGS has the right to cancel or reschedule a event with as much notice as possible. In the unlikely event of cancellation, all registered participants will be notified by email and offered to join alternative events or field trips. If a event is cancelled on the day due to unforeseen circumstances the SDGS will not be able to accept responsibility for any additional costs or inconvenience resulting from the cancellation.

Oct 06
0
Field Trip to Ketton Quarry
By Darren | | No Comments
FIELD TRIP TO KETTON QUARY
Saturday October the 6th 2018 | 09:00 am to 3:00 pm

Above are the echinoids, Hemicidaris intermedia found by one of our members on a recent organised field trip to Ketton Quarry. You can view more photos of some additional finds at the bottom of this page.

Ketton Quarry is over a mile wide – its size has to be seen to be believed. The rocks here contain ammonites, corals, brachiopods, bivalves, fish and reptile remains, and much, much more this is a superb location to visit.

This huge quarry presents an opportunity to collect fossils from many different beds (see above). Gypsum is also quite common here. Ketton Quarry also contains one of the most fascinating faults of its kind in the UK and has recently been designated SSSI status.
The quarry is too big to completely cover in one trip. It is huge and is still growing. The best area to search in is the Blisworth Limestone, which is part of the Oolite series. Ammonites can be found, but shells, corals, echinoids, sharks’ teeth and bones are more common. Dinosaur footprints have been seen, along with fragments of their bones.

The quarry shows the finest section of Bajocian (Jurassic ~175mya) to Bathonian (Jurassic ~165mya) strata currently available in inland Britain. Current and temporary exposures have allowed the whole of the Great and Inferior Oolite (Aalenian to Bathonian), and the Kellaways Beds (Callovian) to be seen and the strata are nearly horizontal.
The lower quarry exposes the Lincoln Limestone Formation (Bajocian), while the floor of the upper quarry is formed by the top of this formation. The upper quarry is in the Rutland Formation. At the very top of the exposures is the base of the Oxford Clay, meaning that the entire of the Middle Jurassic can be seen at Ketton Quarry. (Note that recently, a sump hole in the middle of the quarry has revealed Upper Lias mudstones and more.)

Directions : ♦ You need to head towards the geological trail at Top Grange Quarry (see our guide to this site). From the main road from Stamford through Ketton (A6121), go past the large Castle Cement Works, which is the main entrance to the quarry.
♦ Turn into the Ketton Business Park road and follow it all the way down, where you will see a small car park on the left, and the geological trail. There is an entrance to the quarry just past the start of the geological trail. This is a working quarry, so you will need permission to enter.

Field trip organisers will advise to all members attending the field trip beforehand on appropriate clothing and footwear for the locality, time of year and as recommended Orange Hi-Vis Vests.

Failure by participants to wear recommended clothing and equipment may lead to their exclusion from the meeting. The Stamford and District Geological Society does not automatically provide personal protective equipment.

Mandatory Equipment: Eye protection, Hard Hats, boots or wellies suitable for quarries, Orange Hi-Vis Vests.

Equipment: Generally a geologist’s pick, trowel, chisels and spade. There is plenty of smaller fossil material, so a magnifier or loupe comes in handy and, as much of the material is quite fragile, bring tissue, tape and bags. A packed lunch, Sun protection is advisable if it is a hot day, plus sufficient drink.

For those who are NOT members of the Stamford and District Geological Society. And wish to go on this particular Field Trip or any of our Field Trips and “Exclusive” member’s only Field Trips.

Then please apply for membership below.

Important note : If you wish to leave early from the site, then please let one of the field trip leaders know before you do so

Download [179.48 KB]

“Members are reminded that they cannot take part in field trips without an up-to-date membership card.
This is a requirement under our third party insurance cover. Note that this does not cover members personally and they are responsible for their own safety.”

Please note that entrance to this Working Quarry is Strictly Prohibited unless in association with a Geological Society such as the SDGS or other.

With all field events if you haven’t done so already please will Members. Let our Field Secretary Kenny Nye know at least 10 days in advance so we can cater for numbers this will be the ONLY WAY you will get registered as wishing to attend.

This field trip can usually cater for 15 persons but maby a few more if demand is high.

DISCLAIMER:
Members should appreciate that they are responsible for their own safety.
The society’s insurance is against 3rd parties.

The SDGS has the right to cancel or reschedule a field trip with as much notice as possible. In the unlikely event of cancellation, all registered participants will be notified by email and offered to join alternative field trips. If a fossil hunt is cancelled on the day of the event due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, SDGS will not be able to accept responsibility for any additional costs or inconvenience resulting from the cancellation.

You can cancel your place at any point before a fossil hunt, the more notice given the better, if possible.

Additional information about Ketton Quarry at this link provided : Ketton Quarry.

Assessment: All attendees must familiarize themselves with the Risk Assessment below.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND READ THE RISK ASSESSMENT FORM HERE

Download [112.45 KB]

Download [11.32 KB]

Oct 03
0
Women in Geology celebrating 100 years since women won the right to vote.
By Darren | | No Comments
For all those intending to go to the Stamford and Districts Geological Societies winter talk at Tinwell Village Hall in October 2018 please be aware that the date has changed to Wednesday the 3rd of October 2018.

The talk will be presented by Mr Paul Hildreth and his subject will be on Women in Geology celebrating 100 years since women won the right to vote.

This event is free to members of the Stamford and District Geological Society. And for visitors a charge of £3 please. You can also apply for membership on the night.

Regards,

SDGS.

SEP
29
0
Important SDGS Information
By Darren | News | No Comments
Hello Members,

SDGS – Year 2018/2019.

May I remind you that subscriptions were due on 1 September 2018 for the current year. It would be appreciated if you would either send a cheque to me or bring your membership dues to our first meeting on 3 October 2018. This first meeting of the season is Women in Geology given by Mr. Paul Hildreth.

May I also remind you that you cannot go on a field trip unless your membership is up to date. This is because of stricter rules by the quarries we visit and our insurance cover.

Thank you for your support

Treasurer: Sheila Martin: email sheilafmartin@talktalk.net

http://www.stamfordgeolsoc.org/event/women-in-geology-celebrating-100-years-since-women-won-the-right-to-vote/
Wednesday October 3rd 2018| 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

http://www.stamfordgeolsoc.org/event/field-trip-to-ketton-quarry-3/
Saturday October 6th, 2018 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Regards,

SDGS.

SEP
10
1
A anterior sauropod caudal from the Peterborough Oxford Clay : Whose tail is it anyway?
By Darren | News | No Comments
I would guess there have been quite a few SDGS member’s over the years collecting fossils from various Oxford Clay deposits around Peterbrough. Would anyone be able to identify any of the bivalves adhered to this sauropod. It’s from the Callovian, Oxford Clay Fm., Peterborough ^^

You can watch Femke Holwerda discuss this most intriguing find at the recent SVPCA 2018 held in Manchester at the link below.

An anterior sauropod caudal from the Peterborough Oxford Clay : Whose tail is it anyway ?

@femke_holwerda