ABOUT US
We all have one thing in common: a love of the world beneath our feet.
Based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the Cheltenham Mineral & Geological Society has been running since 1968. We are a non-profit society, which exists for the benefit of its members.
The Society is made up of like-minded people from all walks of life. Some have studied palaeontology all their lives, while some are just starting their journey. We have select few members which make up the committee, elected from the general membership who administer the various functions of the Society. These roles involve everything from social media manager to membership secretary or treasurer, all of whom are volunteers.
The CMGS is affiliated to the Geologists’ Association, a member of National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO), and a member of the Cheltenham Arts Council.
Society Evenings & Talks
One of the main reasons people choose to join the CMGS is our fantastic selection of in-person lectures whick take place on the second Friday of every month. The topics explored during our talks have been wide-reaching, focussing on subjects such as mammoth teeth discoveries, x-rays of newly discovered fossils, and the history of minerals found in the UK. The lectures start at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm (this allows lecturers to set up and members to socialise before the talk commences).
Along with having fantastic guest speakers, we also run auctions, quizzes, and competitions. These are usually held at the December and March meetings, although this can vary.
Every now and then our society shop is available at meetings where members can buy mineral and fossil specimens, books and equipment at discounted prices. This will be advertised online or on social media beforehand. The Society library is also available at most meetings, where members may borrow from a selection of geological books and journals.
We have been known to serve light refreshments, along with a raffle if you're feeling lucky. Becoming a member means you have access to these wonderful resources in addition to a regular email sent out to all members with updates regarding the society’s upcoming events.
Field Trips
A programme of regular field trips is organised for members in the period between March and October each year. These trips visit a variety of sites, including working and abandoned quarries, enabling members to collect minerals and fossils and to study the geology of the area. Many of the more experienced members will impart valuable knowledge onto budding palaeontologists or fossil collector hobbyists during these trips.
Day trips have ranged from Alderley Edge, Wenlock Edge, the Welsh Borders and South Wales to the Cotswolds, Mendips and the Jurassic Coast of Dorset. Field Trips for longer periods have included Derbyshire, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight.
The Society has its own constitution and safety guidelines for field activities and maintains public liability insurance through the Geologists’ Association. We recommend kitting yourself out with the correct PPE before turning up at one of our field trips as we cannot supply our own equipment. This clothing includes full High-Vis clothing, hard hat and composite boots. For full guidance, either fill out the contact form on the website or ask one of our friendly members at the next meeting.