Society of Cartographers Awards

The Society Award was instituted in 1999 in memory of Rodney Fry, our late Treasurer. This is to be presented on an exceptional basis, as decided by a small panel of judges chaired by the Chairman of the Committee.

The award is to be given for 'an outstanding contribution to the Society of Cartographers'. The criterion is deliberately vague enabling us to honour members or non-members who have made an exceptional difference to the work and aims of the Society of Cartographers.

The award is in the form of a certificate and a quaich. The quaich is a centuries old traditional Celtic drinking cup which originated in the Western Highlands of Scotland, reputedly a whisky measure (generous!) it became the traditional toasting cup of welcome or even good wishes upon farewell or parting. It would originally have been made in wood or horn, and later in pewter or silver. The traditional shallow shape with two opposing handles (known familiarly as ears or lugs) has survived for centuries and retains some of the mystique and history of the Celtic era.

The engraved text on the plinth is:

'The Society Award for an outstanding contribution to the Society of Cartographers'

The Society Award has been awarded thrice for outstanding service to the Society of Cartographers. In 1999 it was posthumously awarded to Rodney Fry, founder member and long-serving Society Treasurer. In 2002 it was awarded to Steve Chilton, our current Chairman and former long-serving Bulletin Editor and most recently in 2008 to Mike Wood OBE, retiring as president after 17 years splendid support in that role.


Past Society president Nick Tasker presents Steve Chilton (left) with the Society award.	Society Chair Steve Chilton presents Mike Wood OBE (right) with the Society award.