Last week, I had the immense privilege of attending the bi-annual James Caird Society dinner, at Dulwich College, an event that always promises a deep dive into the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. This year, however, felt particularly special, leaving me filled with inspiration and a renewed sense of awe for those who braved the frozen continent.
The air bubbled with anticipation as members gathered around the James Caird, many of whom have their own incredible stories connected to polar exploration. The evening’s speaker in the Great Hall at Dulwich, was Bob Headland, a renowned writer and polar historian whom I had had the pleasure of sitting next to at the previous dinner. His address was, as expected, a masterclass in storytelling, ‘Non-existent Islands & Rocks of the Southern Ocean’, bringing to life incredible marine tales of endurance and resilience that define the era of Shackleton, Scott, and their contemporaries.
Bob’s passion for the subject is infectious, and he transported us back to a time when courage and sheer human will were the only tools against the unforgiving Antarctic wilderness and the remorseless Southern Ocean. He shared rarely seen maritime charts and amusing tales of 20 islands and rocks, discovered, mapped and non-existent!
But what truly elevated the evening for me was the incredible company at my table. To my left sat Mensun Bound, the legendary marine archaeologist who, against all odds, located Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost ship, the Endurance, in the icy depths of the Weddell Sea. His dedication to uncovering history’s secrets is truly inspiring, a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering belief in a goal. What interested me most was hearing about what was sparking his interest today but what impressed me was what an approachable, kind and supportive person he was to talk to.
And to my right was Stephen Scott-Fawcett, another figure deeply connected to the world of polar history and adventure. Conversing with Steve added another layer of depth to the evening, as he shared his own perspectives and knowledge, inspiring me to do more for others as I gained deeper understanding of his philanthropy work in Nepal. A true gentleman at heart, and another unsung hero enriching the lives of others.
And that was just two of the ten people at our table!
Every Click Counts: Fueling a Greener Future, One Story at a Time. Our planet whispers a plea for change, every day. Every small step we take – from reusable bags to conscious consumption – ripples outwards, creating a wave of hope. Let’s rewrite the story of our planet, one click at a time. Join me in making a difference. I believe in the power of storytelling. By sharing inspiring environmental initiatives and practical tips, I aim to amplify the voices making a difference. Imagine a world where everyone is empowered to take action, one small change at a time. Together, we can create that reality. Your support is more than just a donation. By clicking the “Donate” button (top right corner), you become a partner in this mission. Your contribution fuels this platform, allowing me to share even more impactful stories and empower a global community.
The conversations between the guests flowed effortlessly, weaving together historical narratives with contemporary expeditions. It was a fascinating juxtaposition – the raw, unadulterated courage of the early explorers discussed alongside the technological marvels that now aid modern discovery. Projects like Seabed 2030, that so many in the room were contributing to, working to map the entire ocean floor. I was pleased to see listed ‘sustainable development’ as one of the purposes for this endeavour. We spoke of leadership under unimaginable pressure and the unyielding human spirit that pushes boundaries back in our polar regions both in the times of our early explorers and now.
Leaving the dinner, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Grateful for the opportunity to learn from such remarkable individuals, grateful for the shared passion for a truly extraordinary chapter of human history, and grateful for the continued legacy of the James Caird Society in both keeping these stories alive and encouraging new ones to be forged, through it’s patronage .
The evening served as a powerful reminder that inspiration can strike from many sources. From the meticulously researched accounts of a historian to the firsthand narratives of a modern-day discoverer, and the impactful philanthropic work being done in places like Nepal; the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of knowledge continue to ignite our imaginations. I’m already looking forward to the next dinner, eager to see what new polar tales of await.