The discovery of Baryonyx
Back in 1949, Percy Spooner, who worked at the Brickworks around Ockley, discovered a large, fossilised bone whilst collecting clay with his digger.

Fast forward to spring 1983 – after weeks of heavy rain, local plumber and amateur fossil hunter Bill Walker decided to go out searching for fossils. He chose to check out disused claypits around Ockley, close to where Percy Spooner had made his discovery more than 30 years earlier.

Upon cracking open a large oddly-shaped rock, he astounded by what he saw – a giant fossilised claw!

It took many years of painstaking work to clean up the fossils. In 1986, the scientist decided to give Claws – as they affectionately called the new species - a proper scientific name. They chose Baryonyx Walkeri: Baryonyx is Greek for “Heavy Claw”, Walkeri was chosen in honour of Bill Walker, who discovered it.

International Dinosaur Month
To celebrate these wonderful discoveries, April marks International Dinosaur Month. In Tolworth, The Community Brain have organised several dinosaur-themed activities and on Saturday 16^th April we have Triassic Tolworth, an afternoon of live music by local legends The Reptiles, followed by a screening of the original Jurassic Park film (1993).

Triassic Tolworth - What’s On

• 16:30 Doors open
• 16:45 Jaz Delorean
• 18:00 The Reptiles
• 19:45 – 22:00 Jurassic Park Screening

The event will take place in Tolworth Station Car Park. There will be a food trader and bar on site for the duration of the event.

Please note
You will need to bring your own seats to this event as there are none provided. We recommend bringing picnic/camping chairs or cushions with you. Don't forget the blankets! This is an outdoor event so please dress sensibly and wrap up warm.

This is a free, family-friendly community event and we look forward to celebrating International Dinosaur Month with you. We will be collecting donations on the night to contribute to the costs of delivering the event, and any support you can give will be gratefully received.