Rockwatchers, get ready for a thrilling day at the Festival of Geology on 2 November 2024, with a line-up of fascinating talks from top geologists and palaeontologists! Mark your calendars and don’t miss these engaging sessions designed to inspire both adults and young rock enthusiasts.
12:00pm – 1:00pm | Tom Sharpe: “Mary Anning and Her Sea-Dragons”
Join Tom Sharpe as he delves into the world of Mary Anning, one of history’s most remarkable fossil hunters. This talk will explore Anning’s incredible discoveries of fossil marine reptiles and her significant contributions to the field of palaeontology in Lyme Regis. Tom Sharpe, former Curator of Palaeontology at the National Museum of Wales, has a long-standing passion for the history of geology and will bring Anning’s story to life. He is the author of The Fossil Woman: A Life of Mary Anning (2020) and a Patron of the Lyme Regis Museum.
1:30pm – 2:30pm | Dr. Anjana Khatwa: “The Secret Stories of Rocks”
This family-friendly talk promises to ignite the imaginations of young and old alike! Dr. Anjana Khatwa, an award-winning Earth Scientist, will uncover the hidden stories behind rocks, showing how they’ve shaped not only our planet, but also human history. Known for her engaging storytelling and expertise in geoscience education, Dr. Khatwa will take you on a journey through time, revealing the fascinating origins of the natural landscapes we see today. Don’t miss this chance to explore geology in a fun and accessible way for the whole family.
3:00pm – 4:00pm | Cindy Howells: “Dinosaurs and Deserts of Wales”
Think Wales and dinosaurs don’t go together? Think again! Cindy Howells, palaeontology curator at the National Museum of Wales, will reveal the surprising recent dinosaur discoveries in Wales, including the remarkable trackway near Penarth. Cindy will guide us through the late Triassic and early Jurassic landscapes of Wales, where dinosaurs once roamed through deserts. This talk will uncover the environmental shifts that shaped the region millions of years ago, and will appeal to anyone with an interest in dinosaurs or local geology. Cindy recently appeared on the BBC’s Dino-hunters series, so be sure to catch this exciting presentation.
Whether you’re a seasoned geologist or a curious beginner, these talks will spark your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the incredible history of our planet. See you at the Festival!
