The Russell Society

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

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.

Memorial Gathering to Celebrate the Life of Harry Critchley

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Provisionally Sunday 1 August 2021

It is proposed to hold a short memorial gathering to celebrate the life of Harry Critchley, with reflection pieces by family and friends, subject to Covid restrictions being lifted.

The gathering will take place around the Memorial Table, outside the library at Lady Manner’s School, Shutts Lane, Bakewell, DE45 1JA (home of the Bakewell Rock Exchange).

Please bring an umbrella just in case!  Access to toilets in the school will be available.

Christine will confirm the date and arrangements as soon as it is possible to do so, subject to Covid restrictions being lifted.

If you would like to attend please contact Christine directly and she will keep you informed of final details nearer the time.

There is a nice tribute to Harry on Mindat https://www.mindat.org/mesg-515112.html

SW Field Trip programme

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It has taken a little while to sort the details but the SW branch have a great field trip programme planned for when Covid restrictions are lifted.  Have a look at the members’ page and book your place.

Update on Covid

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Information about how the latest Covid Road Map is predicted to affect future activities of the Society, can be found on the Safety Page. It is hoped that the field trip programme can be resumed after 29th March. Details of scheduled trips and how to book them are given in the Newsletter but be aware not all may go ahead depending on any concerns of the land or quarry owner and Covid rules in place at the time. Should you be fortunate enough to attend a field trip please read and follow the Oct 2020 guidance which you will also find on the Safety Page

March Zoom Presentation

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This months talk is by David Ifold on “Devon Phosphates” on Wednesday 17th March
A link will appear on the Members’ page a day or so before the talk.
The waiting room will open at 7.45pm.

2021 ASM Weekend and Mineral Auction 16th -17th April

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North Branch are now taking bookings for the 2021 ASM.  This year the ASM will be held online, using Zoom.  All members are welcome to attend, a great line up of events, speakers and an auction have been arranged- see the flyer describing the event here.  The ASM is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and make new acquaintances, please join us!  If you wish to attend please register your interest with John Davidson at


Instructions on how to submit specimens for the auction are included with the ASM flyer.  Even if you can’t attend the event you can still submit specimens to the auction to help your Society.

February Zoom Presentation

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The presentation this month is  by David Aubrey-Jones  titled “A Mine and a Mineral: Two West Country Treasures”

8pm Wednesday 17 February:  the waiting room will open at 7.45pm

Please go to the Members’ page to access the link