Spring Meeting and AGM 2009 National Museum Cardiff, Wales

Friday and Saturday 27 - 28th March 2009

Meeting Secretary's Report

The Spring Meeting and AGM was held at the National Museum Cardiff to coincide with the Museum's joint exhibit with the Open University of Wales Darwin: A Revolutionary Scientist, open until January 2010.

Darwin’s interest in natural science was stimulated by events beyond his formal education, including his many hikes in north Wales, where he first became familiar with the foundations of geology. He returned to Wales with Professor Adam Sedgwick, one of the most renowned geologists of the time. They undertook a geological tour of north Wales in summer 1831, and the knowledge he gained from the professor proved to be invaluable during his voyage around the world on HMS Beagle.

Despite the last minute loss, due to illness, of the keynote speaker, Dr van Wyhe, the Spring Meeting and AGM at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff,  participants gained a greater understanding of how Charles Darwin’s  early field work in Wales provided essential training for the HMS Beagle “naturalist”.

Other speakers told us about Galapagos insects, the reception of Darwin’s work by Ferdinand von Mueller in Australia, Darwin’s relationship with a female scientist in the United States, the introduction of  Darwinism into school text books in the UK and some of the lessons to be learnt from biological recording methodology. Enthusiastic discussion and excellent timekeeping by all speakers meant that there was plenty of opportunity for informal discussion and exchange of ideas.

The Society’s business meeting was conducted with his usual efficiency, by the outgoing President, Professor Arthur Lucas, all nominated being elected. A vote of thanks to retiring Councillors and to the retiring President concluded the meeting, with special thanks  to Mrs Maureen Lazarus for her help in finding speakers and putting everything in place for a successful meeting.   

 
The welcoming and helpful staff, excellent catering, especially the delicious “Welsh cakes”, and the opportunity to view some of the special exhibitions, all helped to make the 27 delegates feel at home. Finishing somewhat earlier than scheduled, many of us were tempted by the beautiful spring weather to explore the beauties of the neighbouring park and the magnificence of nearby Cardiff Castle.

Gina Douglas, Meetings Secretary