A voice from history

10:26pm Monday 31st March 2008

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A long-running lecture on the fate of Shackleton's Antarctic voyage on the Endurance was given in early March in West Wickham.

The lecture has been passed down in trust almost unchanged since it was first given by a survivor of the famous expedition.

Members of Spring Park Social club were the latest group to be transported back to the heroic age of early Antarctic exploration.

Mr Geoff Selley delivered the talk on the evening of March 6 at St Mark's Hall, Braemar Gardens, West Wickham.

The talk has been passed down from one of those aboard the Endurance which sank in November 1915, after having been trapped in frozen seas for some months, stranding the crew on an ice flow.

What followed was one of the most famous acts of courage and resourcefulness in history, with Ernest Shackleton and a handful of others crossing treacherous seas in a small craft to raise the alarm.

Expedition-member Dr Leonard Hussey began a series of lectures on his return to England.

Upon his retirement Dr Hussey passed the talk to one Ralph Gullet, who continued to give the lecture to scout groups and other interested parties.

Audiences are treated to evocative slides of the expedition, reproduced from the original magic lantern slides taken by expedition-photographer Frank Hurley, which lend an eerie glow to proceedings.

Made available for the audience's inspection are the original 2" glass slides, a hooch pot and other artefacts from the expedition, as well as a range of books about Shackleton and Antarctic exploration.

Mr Selley said that he presents the lecture in a way which stays true to Dr Hussey's orginal notes: making the evening feel as though it were being presented by Dr Hussey himself.

Those interested in the talk are welcome to contact Geoff Selley on 01923 228 609.

For further information about the activities of Spring Park Social Club contact Peggy Spencer on 020 8777 7871