Notes from November 09 meeting

In November we had a very entertaining and informative members’ meeting. Alex presented a slide show called “Fantastic Trip” where, starting from a leaf, the camera pulled back in factors to the power 10 until we were in deep space 10 million light years from earth. After a quick return to the leaf we went into ‘inner space’ into the very structure of cells, etc. We ended at 10 to the minus 16 (-100 attometers) which is the very limits of current scientific knowledge. (We learned many measurement words we never knew existed.) Strange to see that the very furthest out very much resembled the very furthest in. Alex ended his presentation by showing some nature ‘funnies’.
Diane showed her photos of the flowers we saw at West Freugh. Unfortunately some still remain unidentified. If you can help, please contact Diane for a copy of the disc.

Paul Hocken’s presentation taught us much about the geology of the South Rhins. We learned how rocks were formed and how Scotland and England ‘floated’ from the South Pole to their present positions. Here our hard rock, greywacke, is 450 million years old while the unconsolidated deposits are only 15,000 years old. We have bubbles of solidified lava and granite with surrounding hornfels. Have a look at the cliffs to see how these have mixed and folded. If you want to know more, there is a booklet in the Information Centre. Paul will happily answer any questions and identify any rocks you bring in – even green concrete!

More on the geology of the South Rhinns here.

Greywacke

Catherine’s moth was again passed around and marvelled at. Thanks to the folks who gave possible identification for it but due to our computer crash all my Natural History files were lost. We’ll discuss it further as it seems to be quite rare.
Gaby sent photos of a fungus she had not seen before and she has seen a lot as she is the gardener at Dunskey! (Jeff could you please bring your book again so we can properly record it?)
Everyone agreed it was a good meeting, one to be repeated perhaps every winter when it is hard to get speakers to come a distance. So start planning NOW!!

The next meeting is on Monday 14th, 2pm at the Clash.

Chairman’s welcome, updates and reports.
Future events – Paul Tarling’s visit to Loch Ryan.
Jeff’s presentation – Seaweed and its Culinary Uses.
Members’ finds and discussions.
Date of next meeting.

Despite the weather, I hope you are getting out and about and finding things for discussion.

Happy foraging, Rena

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