Earthquake Buster

Earthquake damage in Japan

Pete Webb – Geologist

"FROM SCHOOLBOY
TREASURE HUNTER
TO 'QUAKE BUSTER"

Who, as curiosity-driven children, didn't dig in their back gardens for worms? Who kept digging until they unearthed the foundations of their lifetime careers? Not many of us, probably. A known exception, Audlem Probus Club members are about to discover, is this week's guest speaker, Pete Webb.

It wasn't worms, or other creepy creatures, that ultimately captured Pete's undying attention – it was geology!

He discovered the science at the age of six, when he found his first fossils in the back garden of his home in Worthing, at the foot of the South Downs. Subsequently, Pete was to see much of the world studying such phenomena as earthquakes. But not before graduating from London University, then spending four years in Kenya studying Rift Valley volcanic activities for his PhD.

After a spell in Nigeria, he joined the oil industry, followed by roles in Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia. He still works part time as a Consultant Geologist. Back at home, he is a STEM Ambassador, promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to young people.

This Thursday, Pete will be enlightening Audlem Probus Club's retired professional and business men and women with his illustrated presentation, "Earthquakes: Why They Happen, How They're Measured", including examples and an overview of their relevance to the UK.

As he's still a keen gardener, Pete clearly hasn't lost sight of his roots. Let's hope he doesn't leave us "quaking in our boots."

Guests and visitors are welcome at Audlem Public Hall

from 10am on Thursday, July 24th.