Our History

IN 1956 MR J.M.EDMONDS, a lecturer in the Department of Geology and Curator of the geological collections in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, circulated a letter to gauge potential interest in ‘an informal Geology Group in Oxford for anyone interested in but not necessarily knowledgeable about the subject’. This resulted in the founding of the Oxford Geology Group at a meeting on 24th January 1957 in the Department of Geology and Mineralogy.

At this first gathering 67 members were present including Oxford academics, business men dealing with stone and aggregates, and ordinary people interested in learning about geology. Mr H.C.H.Crawley, the City Water Engineer was invited to act as Chairman. Mr Edmonds then gave a talk on the geology of Oxford, after which the meeting discussed various matters of business. The subscription was set at a mere 5 shillings (25p) for the year so as not to discourage prospective members from joining, and it remains at a comparably low level.

From the start the programme of activities has comprised both lectures and field excursions. The outings not only provide the ‘hands on’ experience necessary for a full understanding of geology but are pleasant social occasions as well. Some of the earliest quarry visits are recorded in films. They picture the gents strolling about in three piece tweed suits and trilby hats while the long-skirted ladies carry both a hammer and a handbag. Nowadays, although health and safety requirements impose a less relaxed attitude and make access to quarries more difficult, we still enjoy the fresh air and mud as we look at the rocks and learn