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The President, on behalf of members, then graciously
made the presentation of an attractively-engraved pewter
tankard which was handed over with a few well-chosen words.
The design selected for engraving included crossed
geological hammers surmounted by the words Essex Field Club,
supported by the words Geology Group, and set off a handsome
gift.
Our Hon. Sec. was clearly deeply moved by the tangible
expression of our appreciation, but quickly recovered to
make a suitable speech of thanks and give a resume of the
Group's fortunes over the years.
The next item was a series of groups of colour slides
of noteworthy trips presented by members and accompanied by
brief explanations or reminiscences, which brought back many
memories. Contributors were: Dr. Davidson, who gave an
interesting dissertation on the geology of Shropshire;
Roy Masefield, who included tape-recorded chats with Mr.
Peake, an incredibly garrulous, but fascinating eccentric,
amateur geologist and bookseller who had kept us spellbound
for several hours in our Norwich hotel on the 1969 Whitsun
trip; Peter Allen, who covered Barrington and district with
some well-chosen slides; Allen Bunker, who provided a varied
bill of fare at very short notice, and our Hon. Sec. completed
the show with a fine selection of slides of Derbyshire.
The meeting concluded on an amusing note to the stirring
strains of Rule Britannia, while members paid mute respect
to the colourful image of our Club General Secretary and his
bride in wedding finery, projected in 35 mm colour.
It remains only to add that the new tankard was suitably
christened at The Artichoke, where the more local members
spent the last ten minutes of a notable evening.
(Jack Caldwell)