![Michael Welland](https://www.whizzpopbang.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Michael-Welland-845x669.jpg)
We were deeply saddened to hear that Michael Welland, one of our Whizz Pop Boffins, passed away last month.
Michael was a geologist and sand expert who advised Whizz Pop Bang on all things sandy and rocky, and taught us everything we know about building amazing sandcastles. He was enormously supportive and enthusiastic about the magazine from the start. Always full of fantastic suggestions and inspiring ideas, Michael was a real asset to have on board. He will be greatly missed.
Our February issue, which will be all about gems and crystals, owes a lot to Michael’s ideas and will be dedicated to his memory.