I have been interested in molluscs from the age of 11 and joined the Conchological Society as soon as I could in 1970 when I was 12. In this I was encouraged by my parents (the photo on page 4 shows my mother and I at Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire, in 1970). My interest has always been balanced with other priorities in my life such as a career in another part of science and my additional ‘career’ as a husband and father of two children who are now beginning to make their own way in the world. I have never considered myself an ‘expert’, but instead as being on a kind of life long pilgrimage. I started out by just loving the beauty of shells. Over the years I have grown to appreciate many aspects of Conchology including ecology and behaviour as well as historical aspects. Although my main focus has been on non-marine molluscs (both British and foreign), I also take an interest in the marine side of things as well and the occasional bit of palaeontology, but I don’t, as they say, ‘get out into the field’ as much as I should!
As far as Mollusc World is concerned, I believe that it should continue to complement both the Journal and the Society’s web site. This magazine needs to remain accessible (i.e. readable and maintaining interest) to as many members as possible and also act as a bridge through to the academic coverage of the Journal. What this means is that Mollusc World should continue to evolve, but must maintain the interests of the Conch. Soc. (ie the members) at its heart. In a future issue I may be using a more formal survey setting to ask for ideas of where you think the magazine could go in terms of content and design. In the meantime, I am always open to suggestions!
There is an excellent series of obituaries of well known conchologists on our web site, extracted from the Journal (see the article by Pryce Buckle in this issue). The item about the late Ronald Winckworth by Arthur Ellis, written in 1950, says in one place about him: ‘Setting himself the highest standard, he expected the same of others, and while ever ready with encouragement or commendation, he was intolerant of anything slipshod or superficial.’ Whilst I would not want either of the last two epithets to be applied to this magazine (although things will, I am sure, ‘slip through’ from time to time), the fear of ‘not being tolerated’ has probably made many of us at some time or other hesitate before putting pen to paper. So if you have something to say that may be of interest to members or subscribers (or to others to whom the magazine is passed) - especially if you have not contributed anything before - don’t be put off submitting something of your own (however slight). Everyone should have a chance to contribute. The magazine is what you make it.
The wonder of molluscs and their shells never goes away - I have tried to return, time and again to the beginning moment of my interest as a boy of eleven on a beach in the Isle of Wight, discovering a Chinaman’s Hat shell in a rock pool and hold it there in my mind. Somewhere in the middle of all the recording and conservation work that the Society does we need to recapture this sense of wonder and convey it to others. We are privileged to share an interest in this important and exciting group of invertebrates and that privilege is open to all, especially if we are determined to communicate it.