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OFF Activities Talks

April 28 General Meeting – Antarctica: a Wild, White Wilderness

Stories from the heroic age of Antarctic Exploration from those who have been there.

A full hall of members and visitors was spell-bound as historian Tim Griffiths shared the excitement of four expeditions to Antarctica and South Georgia. Aurora Expeditions gives its expeditioners the opportunity to enjoy these wild and wildlife-rich places by zodiac tours, kayaking and even sleeping on the ice. Tim carried on the tradition of on-board talks in Antarctica (and Oatley) illustrated by his own photos and that of Frank Hurley, an Australian Photographer on Shackleton’s ill-fated British Trans-Antarctic Exhibition which left most of the “Endurance” crew stranded on Elephant Island after the Endurance was sunk by crushing pressure waves of sea ice. 

Many of us purchased Tim’s historic novel “Endurance” telling this story and that of the daring small boat oceanic rescue via Hurley’s voice. OFF members and visitors much appreciated this talk ands wishes Tim well in his quest to carry out an archaeological survey of the encampment on Elephant Island from where most of the ship’s complement were finally rescued. This truly was the Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration!

This presentation can be viewed on OFF’s YouTube channel here. Note that sub-titles are available on this video

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Tim and Jenny Griffiths have recently returned from the Antarctic Peninsula.

Tim is the author of the historical novel Endurance  which tells the story of the Shackleton expedition through the eyes of photographer Frank Hurley. Tim has done 4 trips to Antarctica as a history lecturer/guide with Aurora Expeditions and Jenny has visited the Antarctic as a guest with Aurora Expeditions. Tim is currently planning his own expedition to carry out a heritage survey of the site of Shackleton’s encampment on Elephant Island.

Tim and Jenny have some wonderful Antarctic photos. Tim will regale us with stories from the heroic age of Antarctic Exploration and especially his fascination with  the Shackleton story.

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