Introduction

Section C of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society (LLPS) is Leicestershire's only geological society and was founded in 1849, which makes it one of the oldest geological societies in the UK. This sense of tradition is very strong and is a source of pride to present members of the Section. Many milestone geological researches were first published in the LLPS Transactions, not least pioneering investigations into the ancient fossils from the Precambrian of neighbouring Charnwood Forest, which are some of the oldest and most important in the world.

As we enter our 159th year, we are as committed as ever to maintaining the continuity and health of the Section, and invite anyone with an interest in geology to join us. At only £7.00 for individual membership and £10.00 for joint members we believe this represents outstanding value. You don't have to be resident in the Leicester area, new members are invited from wherever they live. Just fill in the online form or, if you can, come along to one of our meetings, where you will be made very welcome. Members say we are one of the friendliest societies around!

As part of its summer field programme the society organises visits to working quarries and other sites that are usually of restricted access to individuals. Southam (Long Itchington) Quarry (pictured left during a visit in summer 2002) is the finest inland locality in the UK that displays Triassic/Jurassic boundary beds and the lower beds of the Lias Group. (Picture © Andrew Swift)

The Section's year falls naturally into two parts, governed by Britain’s climate. In the warmer months from April to September we hold a number of field excursions, usually involving visits to quarries or natural exposures where members can add to their collections, absorb new knowledge of our diverse science, or maybe just enjoy the great outdoors. These are led by geologists with specialised knowledge of each particular locality.

The Winter Programme includes lectures on a wide variety of topics, presented by leading geologists from all over the country. (Picture © Andrew Swift)

In the winter months we come inside, to the warmth of the Department of Geology at the University of Leicester to hear lectures on a variety of geological topics by leading geologists from all over the country. These hour-long "user-friendly" talks take place at fortnightly intervals on Wednesday nights at 7.30, starting in October and running until March.

Members keep in touch through "Charnia", Section C's newsletter, which contains current news, opinions, informal articles and details of forthcoming events. A sample issue of "Charnia" is available for download, click here to view (PDF file).

The society is keen to maintain its close links with Leicester New Walk Museum and the Christmas party held there is a regular event in Section C's calendar. (Picture © 2006 Mark Evans)

Finally, we hold more informal evenings and social events, including a popular Christmas Member's Evening, held at Leicester’s impressive Victorian museum at New Walk. For more details of the society and our programmes, we invite you to explore this website, or contact the Chairman Joanne Norris, e-mail j.e.norris@ntlworld.com, or simply turn up at any field or indoor meeting.