Susan Brown and Clare Byrne
As 2022 draws to a close, it is with mixed emotions that we announce that much-loved and long-serving Chair, Susan Brown, is stepping down at the end of this year, and our new Chair, Clare Byrne steps up from January of next year.
Susan is well known to many current and former Rockwatchers and has inspired an entire generation of children, young people and families to the joys of geology. For avid field trippers, Susan has been the face of Rockwatch as she led hundreds of field trips and events for Rockwatch.
GA President, Graham Hickman led the tributes saying,
“Susan’s work and influence in promoting geology have been outstanding…We wish her all the best and thank her for the huge amount of work she has dedicated to Rockwatch and the GA.”
Susan was instrumental in creating the Rockwatch we know and enjoy today having been its Chair and figurehead for more than 20 years. Rockwatch Treasurer, David Bone explains,
“Families across the UK have been encouraged by Susan’s drive and enthusiasm to engage young people in the geological world around us.”
It is perhaps fitting then that Rockwatch’s new Chair, Clare Byrne was first introduced to the Club at a field trip led by Susan 20 years ago.
Susan remembers,
“Having got the geology bug, Clare continued to visit the Jurassic Coast with us for the following 10 years on our annual residential field trip as well as help out at various events so Clare knows just what’s needed to inspire Rockwatchers.”
Commenting on Clare’s appointment, Susan went on to say,
“I can’t emphasise enough just how delighted I am that Clare is succeeding me in the role of Chair of Rockwatch. She will be great and I hope she has as much fun and enjoyment in the role as I have had.”
On her appointment, Clare Byrne commented,
“I am delighted to continue my relationship with Rockwatch as its new Chair and further its aims to nurture the next generation of young geologists. I too am looking forward to being inspired by Rockwatchers as we explore our geological world together. I look forward to meeting members at future events.”
From all the Rockwatch Team we bid farewell to Susan and extend a warm welcome to Clare, and to all our Rockwatchers we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
