Mike Bassett Honoured

Hello Everyone,


Steve Howe has informed us that Professor Michael Bassett of the National Museum in Cardiff has been elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

Mike is a past President of the South Wales Group and was made a Lifelong Honorary Member at the 2003 AGM for his long time outstanding contribution to the Group's work.

Further information on the Learned Society of Wales will be found at http://learnedsocietywales.ac.uk/

A letter of congratulation has been sent to Mike on behalf of the Group wishing him every future success.

Ramsey Island - Sunday 21st August 2011

Meet at 9.30am at St Justinian’s lifeboat station near St Davids (SM 724 253). Parking is limited so you may like to consider travelling by the 9.00am Celtic Coaster bus from St Davids (http://st.davidsinfo.org.uk/coastal_buses_summer.htm ). Bring a packed lunch. The excursion will take the 10.00am sailing for the island and then spend all day on the island looking at the geology. At 4.15pm we will take a 1 ½ hour cruise around the island to see many geological features that cannot be seen from land returning to St Justinian’s at 5.45pm. The cost for the boat fare and landing fee is £35, concession £33 and child £17. For RSPB members it is £31/£29/£15. Note: All bookings with boat fares must be sent to the Field Meeting Secretary at least two weeks before the meeting and the excursion will be limited to 32 people.

Porth Clais to Caerfai Bay, Pembrokeshire - Saturday 20th August 2011

Leader: Sid Howells

This is the pre-Ramsey island excursion for those who wish to make a weekend of it in Pembrokeshire. Anybody who is not coming to Ramsey but would like to join just this excursion would be very welcome. Meet at 13.00 in the courtyard of the Tourist Information Centre in St David's (car parking available nearby) for a circular walk of about 7km to view geological features of the coastline between Porth Clais and Caerfai Bay (Precambrian/

Mineral riches of the Black Mountain - Saturday 23rd July 2011

Leader: Alan Bowring

Meet at 10.00am at the Black Mountain Centre in Brynaman (SN 714 143). This is at the mini-roundabout where the A4068 and A4069 meet. The excursion will involve a circular walk up the along the Twrch valley to examine the exploitation of the Twrch Sandstone, Coal and ironstone and also the karst scenery.

Please note that the area is remote and strong footwear, waterproof clothing and food and water provisions are essential.

The minerals of Sully Island - Saturday 18th June

Leaders: Lynda Garfield and Dave Wellings

Meet at 11.30 at the Captain’s Wife car park at Swanbridge (ST 167 675). Please note that there is a £1 parking charge. The excursion will entail crossing the causeway to Sully Island and scrambling over rough ground so strong footwear is essential. Bring a packed lunch.

Note: If the weather is bad then the venue will be changed but will stay in the Sully area.

This is a joint meeting with the Russell Society South Wales Branch

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower - Sunday 22nd May 2011

Leader: John Davies

Meet at 10.30am at the car park at Parkmill (SS 551 892). The excursion will be to examine the Old Red Sandstone and Carboniferous Limestone successions of the Three cliffs Bay and the Pennard valley as well as the local structure and scenery. Bring a packed lunch.