On 1st January 1998, around 50 members celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Society. We had an enjoyable buffet at the Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow between a number of short speeches.
Derek Whiteley opened with a brief history of the genesis of the Sorby Scientific Society, including a rundown of its first year's programme. This was followed by a fascinating recollection of the Society's early years by our special guest of honour, Doris Parkin, who joined in 1928. (For further reflections, see "Memories of Sorby Society Membership" in Sorby Record 24 (1986) 76-80.) After our longest-standing member, we heard from Chris Falshaw (Hon Sec, Sheffield Bird Study Group), who joined only last year. (Chris also informed us that the Christmas Pudding Walk (report to follow - the weather was terrible!) was only his second Sorby outing!)
By now, the buffet was ready for our enjoyment (the Tia Maria parfaits were delicious, as, I am told, was the chocolate rouleau) but, before tucking in, Doris Parkin was asked to cut the simply stunning cake expertly made by Gaynor Boon. The cake was a delight for both taste buds and eyes - it was decked with an orange slug, a decaying log (on top of which was a magnificent Noctule) with bracket fungi, a Deaths-head Hawk Moth, a group of Fly Agarics, Primroses and Ivy. There was even a fossil leaf on a slab of slate, and, from one corner of the cake, a Mole was emerging! All edible. (The slug was given to Val Clinging as a present for Bob, who was unfortunately ill on the night. Bon appetit, Bob!)
Following the buffet, Barbara Croxton, who also acted as MC for the night, spoke about the current activities of the Society. Next, Celia Jackson (Hon Sec, Moss Valley Wildlife Group) voiced thanks for the help afforded by the Society to her group over the years, an association which we all hope to continue well into the future. My turn ensued, and I tried to look ahead to the future. Finally Austin Brackenbury gave what amounted to a summing up of the Society, in particular the way in which a common appreciation of wildlife cuts through any social, educational or age barriers - in the field, all people are equal. With lots of time for chatting, meeting new people and reminiscing, a good time was had by all. A very encouraging start to the year, and to Sorby's next 80 years.