What We Do
Aims
The aims of the Society are to further the pursuit of geographical knowledge, and to encourage the study of geography at all levels.
Lunchtime Lecture Series
The Society's main lecture programme of 20 lectures is held in the Friends' Meeting House at 1 pm on Tuesdays between October and March, and has a ‘popular’ mix of lectures. After an open series in October and November, the rest are open only to the Society's members.
Research Fund
This fund is intended to help University lecturers with small projects which might have difficulty getting funds elsewhere. There is no restriction
on the uses to which the funds may be put. Applicants must undertake to submit an article to North West Geography within one year.
Applications should reach the Society's office by the first Tuesday in February. The Society's Academic Committee decides which bids to support, solely on grounds of excellence; decisions will usually be notified during March each year.
Library
The Society's Library was amassed between 1884 and 1970; the book collection concentrates on nineteenth and early twentieth century exploration, travel and geography in Africa and Asia, with significant collections on America, Europe, Oceania, the Polar regions, and of course Britain, especially north-west England.There is also a valuable atlas collection dating from 1701 to 1961. It is on permanent loan to John Rylands University Library, most items are kept in their Main Library, whilst the rare books and all the atlases are at Deansgate. The printed catalogue is available from the Society's office at £11, and the on-line catalogue can be seen at:
Prizes
The Society offers two £50 prizes for students in each of the Manchester departments.