The Lunar Society Medal

In 2009, The Medal Committee received three nominations for this year's medal and has recommended one individual, whom the Executive Committee has endorsed. Designed and made here in Birmimgham, the Lunar Society Medal was awarded to Alderman John Charlton CBE in 2009 at the Society's Annual Dinner. Marion Roberts, Chairman of the Society's citation can be read here.

Lunar Society Medal Awarded to Sir Dick Knowles and Sir Adrian Cadbury in 2007

In 2007, there were two recipients for the Lunar Society Medal, designed and made here in Birmingham, Sir Richard Knowles (left of the photo) and Sir Adrian Cadbury (right). The Medals were awarded by the Society Chairman, Professor Deirdre Kelly at the Society's Annual Dinner.

Professor Kelly's citation for Sir Adrian can be read here, and her citation for Sir Richard Knowles here.


The Society Medal, designed and made here in Birmingham, was awarded for the first time at the Annual Dinner in 2006 to Dame Rachel Waterhouse by the Society's Chairman, Hon Alderman John Charlton in front of a large audience in the Banqueting Suite of the Council House, amongst whom was our speaker for the evening, the Rt Hon David Miliband, MP.

Citation for Dame Rachel Waterhouse: The 2006 Lunar Society Medal winner

Two hundred years ago a cross-section from Birmingham and the West Midlands, manufacturers, amateurs and professionals, came together to create a non-party-political forum where practical ideas, issues and innovative thinking could, by discussion and expansion, develop the intrinsic changes in technology and scientific knowledge which were starting to affect our way of life. By experimentation, discussion and invention, the 18th century Lunar Society brought about the Industrial Revolution which still impacts our lives today.

About fifteen years ago a group of people, representing a cross-section from Birmingham and the West Midlands, looked at that former eminent group, and felt that a reincarnation of this 'think tank' was exactly what was needed in this modern, changing world. Their leader was a woman who took the idea, shook it vigourously by its neck and brought it into being as today's Lunar Society. That woman is Dame Rachel Waterhouse, DBE, to whom this first medal is to be awarded. Despite what can only be described as a glittering and formidable career varying from local historian to academic administrator and national champion of consumer affairs, she has bestowed her sharp intellect, her time and her generosity as a tireless champion of Birmingham. As founder Chairman of the Society her energetic 'leading from the front' shaped the Society as we know it, and she is still actively engaged in its affairs.