The Russell Society

Topographical mineralogy, the conservation of minerals and the preservation of mineralogical sites

Sad news: Alan Dyer

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We are sorry to report that Alan Dyer died on 7th September after a long illness. Alan was President of the Society 2005-2009 and will be remembered particularly for his expertise in the fields of natural and synthetic zeolites. A full tribute will appear in the next newsletter and a brief obituary can be found in Mindat.

Virtual talks starting in September

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Our new programme of monthly virtual talks is now on the members’ page. With talks on fluorite, mineral isotopes, Greenside Mine and gold mining it promises to be very interesting.  More talks will be added as the season progresses.

New book on the geology of the UK

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Individuals with an interest in geology may be interested in a new inexpensive book that explains the principles of geology in in a manner that is simple to follow. The book “Geology for Walkers” by Steve Peacock, is aimed at walkers who wish to understand what they can see, and contains many clear illustrations.  An extended extract from the book can be found here.

Russell Medal awards

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The Russell Medal is awarded to individuals who have given outstanding service to mineralogy.  It is not awarded annually but on an occasional basis.  At this year’s ASM, the Medal was awarded to two individuals who are each well known in the field of mineralogy. Since the ASM was virtual, the awards could not be presented at the event but were delivered shortly afterwards.

 

NEIL HUBBARD

Neil has been a leading figure in The Russell Society since its very early days and has served both on Council and the Central Branch Committee for many years. Through his business “Midland Minerals” Neil has supported establishments who teach geology and mineralogy, and encouraged many collectors who have visited his stand at mineral shows.  His visual identification skills are well known- if you want a mineral identified ask Neil! Neil has put his outstanding mineral knowledge to good use by helping the editorial board of the Journal and contributing to many papers. He made the first discovery of bobkingite and has developed specialist knowledge of the mineralogy of Dolyhir quarry.

RICHARD BRAITHWAITE

Before he retired Richard was professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, in Manchester, England.  He has had an interest in mineralogy all his life and passed on his enthusiasm to many others, taking students on trips to old mine sites and acting as mentor to other mineralogists in the Manchester area. Richard has published many papers on mineralogy and co-authored descriptions of the new species herbertsmithite and zincolibethenite.  He has been a valued member of the editorial board of Journal of The Russell Society. The copper secondary mineral braithwaiteite, was named in his honour.

Cavendish Mill field trip

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With restrictions on travel and social activities being gradually lifted, we are very fortunate that Chris Finch has organised a field trip to Cavendish Mill, Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire to collect minerals extracted from Milldam Mine. The trip is on Thursday 20 May 2021.

For details, please contact Chris Finch at: chris@dunstanlodge.co.uk

April Zoom Presentation

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The Zoom presentation in April will be by Sylvia Humphrey who will be telling us about “Sunday Stones of Tyneside Collieries”

Intrigued? Then sign in on Wednesday 7th April. The link will appear in the members page and the waiting room will open at 19.45 ready for the talk to start at 20.00.