No stay in Bewdley is complete without a visit to the river cliffs at Blackstone Rock. Tim Hipkiss, a local enthusiast, accompanied Chris for a morning field trip exploring landforms and sedimentary structures.
Next stop was Bodenham Arboretum. Chris launched GeoFest 2015 with an engaging speech ‘What’s in a cover’. Using examples of William Smiths geology map, a just-published geological fieldwork book and the GeoFest programme the message was – always look beyond the cover otherwise you’ll never know what delights are hidden inside! A fitting analogy to all budding geologists, adults and children alike – take some time and take a closer look at your local rocks and landscape and they will begin to reveal their ancient secrets!
After lunch with James Binnian, owner of the Arboretum, Chris was whisked off to the ‘Land of the Living Dinosaurs’ at West Midlands Safari Park. Here Chris and Georgia were met by Aby Henderson, a learning officer at the Safari Park. Aby gave them a tour of the amazing exhibition imparting her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm about all things dinosaurs.
Sunday morning and Chris travelled in style from Bewdley to Severn Valley Country Park on the footplate of a Severn Valley Railway steam train. Chris was welcomed by the Country Park’s volunteers and joined the Geologists in the Geopark group for a day engaging visitors and residents with the geology and landscape of the area.
Two men on a millstone! Chris Darmon (left) with Ian Williams at Severn valley Country Park during the launch weekend of GeoFest 2015 — at Severn Valley Country Park.
Chris Darmon (right) with volunteers from Severn Valley Railway. Chris embarked on a footplate ride on the steam train to Country Park Holt station in Severn Valley Country Park — at Bewdley railway station.
