It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Dr Frank Ince, member of the Geopark’s Expert Advisory Panel and prominent expert on the mineralogy of Leicestershire.
In February 2024, Frank joined the Geopark’s Advisory Panel, and from there has helped shape our policies and practices with regard to geosite conservation and interpretation. In particular, Frank supported the development of new interpretation at the Shepshed Cutting geosite, near the Tickow Lane bridge in Shepshed.
Frank was a chemist by training, gaining a PhD from the University of Birmingham before working in pharmaceutical research. He also has a keen interest in geology and more specifically mineralogy, prompting him to become a leading member of The Russell Society and the British Micromount Society. As a resident of Loughborough, he had easy access to many of the key mineralogical sites in what is now the Geopark, and he became an expert in the minerals of Charnwood Forest, and Leicestershire more broadly. In 2005 he helped organise an exhibition including many mineralogy specimens at Charnwood Museum in Loughborough.
His publications on Charnwood Forest include:
Faithfull, J.W. and Ince, F. An unusual occurrence of mottramite from Peldar Tor, Leicestershire. (1992), 4-2, 59–62.
Ince, F. The mineralogy of Newhurst Quarry, Shepshed, Leicestershire. (2005), 8-2, 47–65
Ince, F. The mineralogy of Bardon Hill Quarry, Coalville, Leicestershire. (2007), 10, 27–39.
Green, D.I., Hubbard, N. and Ince, F. A review of the occurrences of the copper vanadate materials volborthite and tangeite in the British Isles. (2008), 11, 54–58.
Ince, F. A review of the mineralogy of the area around Groby, Leicestershire. (2011), 14, 44–62.
Ince, F. A review of the mineralogy of the area around Markfield, Leicestershire. (2011), 14, 32–44.
Ince, F. A review of the occurrences of hydrocarbon-containing materials in Leicestershire. (2013), 16, 25–38.
It should also be noted the active role Frank played in the conservation of important mineralogical sites, both through his support of the Geopark, and by co-organising English Nature’s (now Natural England) 2003 conference on Mineral Collecting and Conservation.
Our knowledge and understanding of the mineralogy of Charnwood Forest has been immeasurably improved by the assiduous work of Frank Ince. His work to catalogue and celebrate the minerals of Charnwood Forest is a legacy that will last generations. He will be remembered as a kind man who gave his time and advice freely.
Frank died on September 3rd. The thoughts of all those in the Geopark team are with his wife Margaret and sons Richard and Chris.