Dear Readers, I am delighted to announce that I’m now a Fellow of the Linnean Society – this is the oldest natural history society in the world, and it has had many distinguished naturalists as members, including Charles Darwin. These days, its membership is open to those who are working to help to preserve and protect the natural world, and as well as research scientists its membership includes archivists from places such as Kew Gardens (the current president is from Edinburgh Botanic Garden), artists, writers, and indeed at least one humble blogger. At the moment, to gain membership your application has to be supported by two current members, but going forward there will be a membership committee, which will make the whole thing a bit more democratic. There are members from hundreds of countries, an excellent education programme and a whole range of talks and lectures, both online and in person.
The ‘swearing in’ ceremony is quite something. Fellows need to sign a book, and sign up to the values of the Society, which you can read at the link at the top of the page. Then you shake hands with the President of the Society: she or he wears a tricorn hat, which they doff, and very exciting it is too. The hat was only worn in the presence of strangers, so removing it indicates that you’ve been welcomed into the Society. I found it all strangely moving, especially with the portraits of Darwin, Wallace and Linneaus himself watching from the walls.
You can read about upcoming events here.
And here’s another piece that I did about the building that houses the Linnean Society and some of the treasures that it holds.
So now I can put ‘Bug Woman – Fellow of the Linnean Society’ (FSL) on my business cards, and very chuffed I am too.
Congratulations!
Thanks Emily!
Congratulations!
Thanks Anne!
Congratulations! Well deserved…you’re in the right company.
Thanks Rosie – and yes, I do feel as if I’ve found my people 🙂
Wwow! Well done!
Thanks Christine!
This is amazing and so well deserved! Congratulations! And it’s also lovely to see your face… .
Thank you, Rhianwen! Much appreciated!
Congratulations Bug Woman, FLS! A well-deserved honour. And I love your dress!
Thank you Mary! Much appreciated. And the dress is from a charity shop on East Finchley High Road 🙂
Congratulations! I have been to some excellent events there. V impressed and envious.
Thanks Sarah! It’s a great space, and I feel as if I’ve found my people 🙂
Many congratulations and very well deserved! X
Thanks Trevor!
Very many congratulations!! You deserve it for effort alone, and I for one can attest to how much I have learned from your blog. Thankyou!
Thank you, Rosalind, much appreciated.
Well done to you!
Thank you, Anne!
Congratulations! This is lovely news, and so well deserved.
Warm congratulations . It’s lovely news and certainly you are a worthy member .
How wonderful! Many congratulations!
Congratulations all the hard work (and this blog!) has been recognised.
Many congratulations Viv! Very well deserved. 👍👍😊