Date/Time
Date(s) - 3rd May 2016
12:00-14:15
Location
St Matthew's Church
Categories
On 9 July 1914 Kathleen Scott’s statue of Edward Wilson was unveiled in Cheltenham. Less than four weeks later, Britain – and Wilson’s expedition companions – were at war.
By October 1914 Captain Scott’s dog expert, Cecil Meares, was at Ypres, helping to save the life of a soldier-cum-gardening enthusiast from Hidcote Barton. In early 1915 scientist Edward Nelson sailed for Gallipoli with soldier-poet Rupert Brooke, one of Prime Minister Asquith’s sons and two Antipodeans with surprising expedition connections. On 31 May 1916, barely a year after his wedding in Oddington, near Adlestrop, Harry Pennell fought in the greatest British sea battle since Trafalgar. As Scott’s men battled on land, sea and air, Ernest Shackleton, two Terra Nova veterans and their fellow explorers fought for their lives in Antarctica. On the ice, as in war, not all would return.
Anne Strathie became a full-time writer following a career in the business, arts and heritage sectors. While researching for Birdie Bowers: Captain Scott’s Marvel (The History Press, 2012) and From Ice Floes to Battlefields she travelled to Antarctica (including Scott’s hut), New Zealand and First World War sites, and delved into archives all over the world. Anne has taken part in Antarctic centenary events in Britain and New Zealand and has regularly given talks on Bowers, the Terra Nova expedition and related subjects. She co-wrote Hugh Willoughby: the Man Who Loved Picassos (2008) and continues to research polar and other topics for future projects.
Venue: St. Matthew’s Church, Clarence Street, Cheltenham – opposite The Wilson
Time: Buffet lunch from 12 noon. Speaker 1.15 – 2.15 pm. Cost: £15; talk only £8
Booking forms will be sent out by post in January and should be returned with a cheque payable to FCAGM and a sae or email address to Jan Turner, Wold’s Edge, Station Road, Woodmancote, Cheltenham, GL52 9HN.
If you have any queries, ring Jan on 01242 674140.
Please note that this event is for Friends only. To join us, click here for an application form.