Geology Bonanza Exhibitions and Activities – Masonic Hall

Beer Quarry Caves

We marvel at the intricacy of stone masons’ work on cathedrals and stately buildings, but do we ever stop to consider where the stone came from? Come and see the famous Beer Stone, quarried continuously since the Romans 2000 years ago. It is the special geological properties of this rock which made it such a highly sought after material for stone masons.

Colin Bentley, Jurassic Coast Artist

Meet Colin at his stand to hear about this  innovative 3-year project in partnership with Jurassic Coast Trust. Examine his stunning landscape and geology paintings and perhaps get ideas for your own landscape artistry…. 

Earth Science Education Unit

The national organisation for Earth science education.  ‘Volcanic eruption hits Sidmouth’ the headlines might read. Can you predict the volcanic eruption? Can you work out when the volcano will explode with a bang and crash, firing debris into the air: you only get one shot! 

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

Torbay has a remarkable geological story to tell. Solid limestone headlands formed at the bottom of a warm tropical sea, south of the Equator, folded and twisted as the rocks got pushed north, subjected to scorching desert heat, massive flash floods from ancient mountain range, creating the red sandstones exposed along the coastline. Find out how the rich cultural heritage of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham is all wrapped up in 400 million years of geological activity.

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Formed over two million years ago these spectacular caves in Torquay have been used by humankind for over 500,000 years, longer than anywhere else. Successive Ice Ages allowed early humans to travel to and from continental Europe, left stalagmite floors in the caves,  encasing evidence of very ancient human and animal occupation. Join the Stone Age School team from Kents Cavern to step back into the Stone Age and find out why Kents Cavern is Britain’s oldest home.

Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Global Geopark

Designated by UNESCO a Global Geopark in 2015, Lanzarote has a rich volcanic history going back some 15 million years (40 my if we include the submarine eruptions). Many spectacular volcanic cones were formed in the last 2 million years, including the famous eruptions of 1730-1736, plus a few more in 1824. The landscape is incredibly accessible to tourists: the key feature for geopark designation.

Rockwatch

The UK nationwide geology club for children. 

Visit the  Rockwatch stand for a day of spectacular hands-on geological activities.

Royal Geographical Society

‘Every Landscape has a story to tell’. The RGS outreach project ‘Discovering Britain’ has something for everyone. Using Walks, Strolls, Viewpoints and Aerial Photographs it brings landscapes to life, telling stories and sharing hidden secrets. See what the RGS has to offer in the south-west about our walks, talks and summer field days – open to all. Also meet and hear from the person who devised some of the walks. 

Seaton Jurassic

See what Seaton Jurassic has to offer: much more than amazing time ships and ferocious predators! See some stunning geological specimens, talk with the experts and perhaps even sign up for one of their regular family activities.

Sidmouth Museum

Displays of local and regional fossil specimens, books for sale. Make and paint your own plaster fossil cast: always a popular activity.

The Geological Society of London

‘Geol Soc’ is the UK national society for geoscience and the oldest geological society in the world. It has one of the most important geological libraries in the world and is a global leader in Earth science publishing and cutting edge science meetings. Study our displays, talk with the experts and examine the specimens.

The Jurassic Coast Trust

Visit the Jurassic Coast Trust stand and learn all about England’s only natural World Heritage Site, with a particular focus on the Triassic section of East Devon. It features rocks, fossils, and Jurassic activities for all ages to enjoy. 

Usborne Publishing

A display of Usborne’s bestselling range including geology and other science books to peruse and buy from this publisher of top-quality and innovative children’s books. Get your copy signed by the local author!  To pre order for delivery at the event visit www.mariasbooks.co.uk and message your order to Maria.