A NEW group for those with an interest in the world around them has been formed.
Professor emeritus Gerald Blake is launching the geography group as part of Teesdale University of the Third Age (U3A) after being surprised one did not already exist while giving a lecture in May.
Beginning in September, more than 30 U3A members have already signed up.
Prof Blake, who worked at Durham University before retiring, said the group would comprise a mix of talks and practical activities.
The Romaldkirk resident added: “I would like to see a varied mix of talks, visits, fieldwork, and group discussions touching on the two broad traditions of physical and human geography, although my personal enthusiasms are chiefly human geography.
“I hope we might also devise a modest research project to which members could contribute as much or as little as they wish.”
Trips to Hamsterley Forest and Durham University are among the activities being considered.
Prof Blake has a specific interest in political geography and the formation of international boundaries and maps.
He said: “My big dream is in some months to have an exhibition of maps. A lot of people have maps hanging on walls and don’t realise how interesting they are.”
The exhibition could potentially be held at The Witham where Prof Blake held a similar event some years ago featuring unusual artefacts that people had around their homes.
He said: “People brought all kinds of stuff. I am sure we can do something like that with maps.”
The group plans to meet monthly at Enterprise House and the first task will be to find out what people would like to hear more about.
For more information visit teesdaleu3a.org.uk.
