What’s new?
This page gives notices and pointers to what’s new at the Quekett Microscopical Club, being (roughly) the last six months’ events of the Club, some important forthcoming events, and any other items of interest we can’t find a place for elsewhere…
WMD videos
Updated 2nd May 2026.
Following a successful World Microscope Day event, the presentation videos are now available to view.
Bryan Tabor
Posted 25th March 2026.
We are sorry to have to announce that Bryan Tabor, an accomplished microscopist and long-standing member of the Quekett, passed away on March 7th. He was 96.
Bryan’s funeral will take place at 13.00 on Wednesday 8th April at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Rd, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7SJ.
Dr David Linstead
Posted 23rd March 2026
It is with much sadness that we announce the death earlier today of David Linstead. David had been a member of the Quekett for many years, serving on the committee and supporting our Annual Exhibition. He received numerous certificates for his photomicrography skills and at Quekex 2023 he was our celebrated member; the presentation can be found in the meetings archive of the members’ area. A full obituary will appear in the Journal in due course.
January Gossip Meeting
Posted Monday 16th February 2026 – 
only
“My Latest Microscopical Acquisition”
Slide sets previews
Posted 28th January 2026
The Club possesses a large collection of microscope slides of varying subject, age, and provenance. Many will be of historical importance. There are upwards of 20,000 such slides and it is an on-going task of a few (more are needed!) dedicated members to assess, photograph, and digitally record them so they can be made available to members as a searchable database.
For some time a selection of slides has been available for (UK only) members to borrow for their own personal study. They are now presented as previews (.jpg images) of the trays of slides (members only) which may be borrowed, and a listing is also available.
Phil Greaves, as Collections Officer, has overall responsibility for the slide collection and will be pleased to answer any members’ questions regarding access or observation of these fine treasures.
A Box of Delights
Posted 17th January 2026
The Christmas Lecture 2025 was presented by Tony Pattinson, a past master at filming microscopic organisms, particularly in freshwater habitats. His work follows much the same concepts as any wildlife cameraman except, as he says, “It’s much more comfortable.”
Tony’s lecture outlined his approach to filming and was accompanied by a series of video clips showing some of the techniques employed in recording the behaviour of his target organisms. As the lecture was presented ‘live’ there is a voice-over and comments from the (Zoom) audience.
2026 Programme
Posted 15th December 2025
The Quekett 2026 Programme has been published.
Please note that the Programme page is a ‘live’ document and is regularly updated (the .pdf may not be updated so often). It’ therefore useful to keep checking the Programme page for alterations, cancellations or amendments to the Quekett’s year, especially if you are planning on travelling to an event.
The Webmaster will be moderately grateful to receive notice of omissions or other errors.
Spike Walker
Posted 10th November 2025
Michael (‘Spike’) Walker died this week, one of the greats in the history of microscopy and indeed in photography itself. He was a good friend, generous with his knowledge of biology and identification.
We remember ‘Spikeberg’ as a clever adaptation of Rheinberg. Spike had a wicked sense of humour sometimes even naughty!
An amazing man. Elected an Honorary Member in 2008, he won several awards from Nikon Smallworld, and his lab was world class with Zeiss microscopes galore.
We will miss him terribly. A full obituary will appear in the Journal in due course.
The Eric Hollowday Notebooks
Posted 8th November 2025
Any member with an interest in rotifers or in how to keep records of microscopical investigations will wish to read the notebooks of the late Eric Hollowday.
Eric Hollowday was a Quekett member for over 75 years and before he died it was his wish that his notes should be left to the Quekett for the use and personal enjoyment of other microscopists.
See and download .pdf copies of the notebooks (members only).