Yesterday I accompanied the Harper Adams University MSc Entomology and Integrated Pest Management students on their annual visit to the Headquarters of the Royal Entomological Society (RES), The Mansion House, located on the outskirts of the historic city of St Albans.
Harper Adams University entomologists, young and not so young 🙂 Photo by Jhman Kundun
Last year we had a truly epic journey; accidents on the overcrowded UK motorway system on the way there and back, meant that we spent eight hours on the coach 😦 This year, in trying to avoid a similar fate, I cruelly forced the students and staff to be on the coach by 0645.
Early morning entomologists; despite the hour, happy and smiling – photo Alex Dye
Unfortunately, despite the early start, a diesel spill closed the M6 at a crucial moment causing huge queues and long detours. As a result we arrived at our destination a frustratingly hour and a half late. Entomologists are however, made of stern stuff and the coffee and delicious biscuits awaiting our arrival soon restored our spirits.
Coffee!
After coffee the RES Director of Science, Professor Jim Hardie, welcomed the students and talked about the history of the society and the benefits of joining as student members. This was followed by a brief talk by one of the Outreach Team, Francisca Sconce, herself a former entomology Master’s student, about the many ways in which the RES brings the study and appreciation of insects to a wider audience. The students were then treated to lunch and given the opportunity to explore the building and its facilities and to look at some of the treasures that the RES safeguards for posterity.
Someone found the aphid section 🙂
A future President? – trying out the presidential chair for size
Dr Andy Cherrill enjoying the famous entomological lift (elevator)
I am no stranger to The Mansion House; I have taken several cohorts of the entomology MSc students to the Royal Entomological Society since the society moved its headquarters to St Albans in 2007, and also visit the building a couple of times a year when attending committee meetings. Despite my long association with the RES (40 years) I still however, find things I have never seen before, such as the print below, that gently pokes fun at the single-mindedness of the entomological specialist.
It is only a vertebrate 🙂
I also never cease to be amazed and humbled by the history that surrounds one as you meander your way around the various library rooms.
Printed history – as beautiful today as it was 400 years ago
We had a wonderful and educational day and you will be pleased to hear that our return journey was trouble-free. Finally, many thanks to the Royal Entomological Society and staff for their extremely kind hospitality; the lunch was, as always, filling and delicious 🙂
