We will have a buffet and drinks reception in Holland Hall on the evening of Sunday 21st August. On Tuesday night we will hold a barbeque on the terrace of Holland Hall, which has sweeping views over the River Exe to Dartmoor beyond. The Conference Dinner will take place in the Great Hall at the University.

Excursions

We are offering three options for the conference excursion on the afternoon of Wednesday 24th August. The price of these trips is included in your conference fee, and you will be asked to select one (or none) when you register and pay. The three options are:

A Jurassic Coast Tour

You will be taken by coach from the University to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site. The Jurassic coast forms a near complete record of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and is an area of outstanding importance, documenting 180Myr of geological history. Your tour will start and finish at Seaton, and will be led by knowledgable guides and will involve a 3.5 mile walk along the promenade of Seaton with views to Beer Head, White Cliff, Seaton Hole, and Haven Cliffs.

Pebblebed Vineyard Tour

A chance to spend a relaxing afternoon touring the Pebblebed Vineyard just outside Exeter. You will tour the vineyard itself, and also the winery, where your guide will talk through the process of making different wines. You will then get a chance to taste some of the wines, with an opportunity to discuss the vineyard and wine making methods. Please note that the vineyard is on a gentle slope and that the ground is uneven.

A Dartmoor Hike

Dartmoor is protected by National Park status and is an area of moorland about 30 minutes outside Exeter. Dartmoor is famous for its hills topped with outcrops of granite bedrock known as “tors”. It also has numerous prehistoric structures, including stone circles, and bronze age settlements.

We will be led by an experienced Dartmoor Guide from “Moorland Guides” for a 5-mile afternoon hike over moorland and tors looking at the geology, landscape, ecology, flora and fauna as well as history and land-use. We will be going over open heathland so stout footwear is essential as well as waterproof and wind-proof outer clothing which is essential even in August on Dartmoor. The walks will be at a modest pace and within the ability of anyone of average fitness. A day pack with water, a hat and sunscreen will be needed in the event of hot weather.