The Geopark is pleased to welcome three new Forum Members — Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service and Teme Valley Geological Society. This change brings new ideas and resources to the partnership and its interaction with the public.
Teme Valley Geological Society reports that news of the geological activity taking place in Martley has spread beyond the parish and county boundaries, to surrounding counties and into Europe! It’s not the first time that Martley has been a focus for amateur and professional geologists. In the 19th Century, geologists including Murchison, Phillips, Coles, Groom and Callaway conducted field surveys at locations in Martley, either writing for themselves, the Geological Magazine or the British Geological Survey. During the interim period the British Geological Survey has mapped and surveyed the area, many undergraduates and postgraduates have used the area solely for or as part of their research areas and numerous other geologists have visited the parish either in a professional or recreational capacity. The draw is the wide-ranging geological systems present in such a small area. Quarrying and extraction over the years created numerous geological exposures. These, combined with the natural outcrops and landscape features,assist study of the structural relationships between the rocks of each geological period present (Precambrian, Cambrian, Silurian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic and Quaternary). It’s a fascinating story which, when correlated with the wider region, adds another piece to the jigsaw of the detailed geological history of Britain.
In recent years, added to the mix of wonderful geology has been the growth of local community curiosity and support for their local Earth Heritage. Whether it be through informal recreation on guided walks and field trips or by attending local geology evening classes, as an outsider looking in, the growth in interest and appreciation of the local Earth Heritage within the community has been significant. And so the Teme Valley Geological Society was born with the vision of Martley as a Geo-Village, and the Teme Valley as a geological destination.
Together with offering evening classes to adults, TVGS wished to help facilitate the teaching of, and in some cases the introduction of geology to, school children in the local area. Bob Allison, the geology teacher at the Chantry School in Martley, developed education packs for TVGS and is liaising closely with twelve local Teme Valley primary schools. Phase two of the project also supports the Society in running fun, practical short geology courses for young people.
These are just some of the strides that TVGS has taken over the last three years; others include site clearance work, geotourism initiatives, an annual programme of lectures and field trips and working relationships with local landowners. In short you could say that TVGS is aiming to offer as wide a variety of ways for the general public to access and interact with their local Earth Heritage as is practical.
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service works to protect, preserve, manage, record, interpret and promote the history and historic environment of Worcestershire. The Service is based at the Hive and under its care thousands of archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes are recorded and original archives are collected and preserved. All types of research on Worcestershire people and places can be undertaken using comprehensive resources with the help of knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Worcester Cathedral is one of England’s loveliest cathedrals, with Royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur, medieval cloisters, an ancient crypt and circular Chapter House. For an unequalled view of the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, climb the Tower on Saturdays and school holidays in the summer Worcester Cathedral was founded in Anglo-Saxon times. The present building was started in 1084, extended in the 13th century and extensively restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of the stone came from quarries within the Geopark, but material was also sourced from further afield, including Purbeck. The cathedral has its own team of stonemasons, who have recently finished the latest restoration of the building. They are committed to using traditional methods and materials, supplemented by more recent inventions such as stainless steel cramps and electric hoists, to maintain the structure.
Worcester Cathedral is open 7.30am-6pm, with services three times daily. It welcomes families, groups, and individuals to visit or come to services, concerts, exhibitions, lectures and events. There is a coffee shop, a quality gift shop, and disabled access to all facilities. Group bookings or guided tours can be arranged via 01905 732900 or visits@worcestercathedral.org.uk.
