The Medway Lapidary and Mineral Society was formed in June 1975 to cater for an interest in minerals and lapidary i.e. the cutting and polishing of semi-precious stones. It grew to be one of the foremost societies in this field in England. Unfortunately, the interest in lapidary in particular waned, as membership interests changed, the emphasis now being toward fossil collecting and geology. After an enforced move of premises, when the society was unable to re-site its machinery, members at the time believed a change in name was inevitable, but also necessary. In the autumn of 2004 we became The Medway Fossil and Mineral Society.

We regularly put on displays in Kempton Park, Canterbury, Maidstone and other local events. We also have field trips to all parts of the country.

Some members are currently involved in research into the stratigraphy of the local Gault Clay, while others are concentrating on the study of the London Clay fossils of Kent and Essex. Four members have successfully produced and published the guide book, 'London Clay Fossils of the Isle of Sheppey'. Other members have developed a project to produce a guide to the rocks and geology of the Weald in CD format.

The society caters for all people interested in the Earth Sciences. Present members are particularly involved with fossils, micro minerals, geology and cutting thin sections. The combined knowledge amongst the members of the society on the Kent deposits of London Clay, Gault Clay and Chalk is probably the best in the country.

Most meetings are informal which makes it easy for newcomers to get involved. The minimum age limit is ten but school children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

We have a selection of books covering the identification of minerals and fossils. There are occasional lectures on different aspects of fossils, minerals and geology. Members organise frequent field trips, both formal and informal. Using our connections with other societies, it would be possible to go on a field trip virtually every week of the year.