RICH POTTER COMPLETES THE SNOWMAN TREK IN RECORD TIME
NOV 2024
The Captain Scott Society is pleased to announce its Spirit of Adventure Award winners have completed the 310km Snowman Trek from Paro through to Nikachu Zam in high altitude Bhutan.
Following on from Rich Davies forced withdrawal after achieving the half way point in record time the team had to carefully assess continuing through to the finish point.
Team leader Rich Potter decided to push on with the Bhutan team’s backing and has now finished the trek.
The society now looks forward to our Spring Event when the team will deliver their post expedition presentation.
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2024
SUMMIT TO SEA AMAZON EXPEDITION UPDATE
AUGUST 2024
The Expedition Secretary recently enjoyed catching up with our 2023 winners and obtaining their latest plan.
The team remains eager to complete The Amazon Summit to Sea expedition however, this will only happen once they have raised the required funds to do so. They are optimistic that, with the right backing, they will return to finish the expedition in 2025. Until then John and the team aim to conduct a series of UK expeditions, travelling down our longest rivers from their highest sources. Having already completed the Tweed, Spey and Tay from their highest sources in Scotland, they are now looking south. This series of short expeditions is designed to test their survival and water-based skills while working together, whilst also raising awareness for the UK’s waterways.
FUCHS AWARD 2024 UPDATE
NATALIA NOWAK
INTERIM REPORT
EGYPT EXPEDITION AUGUST 2024
At the beginning of June, I took part in a scientific expedition to El Quseir, Egypt as part of the University of Glasgow’s Exploration Society. There were many goals for this expedition, however personally, I was conducting a project that evaluates the current health of the House Reef of Roots Red Sea, Abu Sauatir, using data from 2017 to 2024. My main focus was evaluating key factors that indicate reef health, which of course include coral cover and colour, species diversity and the variations in the types and numbers of marine life found surrounding the corals. The biggest concern and the main reason for this project is the concerning disappearance of Diadema urchins, an extremely important species to the healthy functioning of the reef, caused by a pathogen that has been spreading throughout our oceans. Thus it is key to track any changes, positive and negative so we are able to place measures ahead of disaster.
Majority of my time, as well as my team’s, was spent in the water scuba diving. Data collection consisted of laying out 100m underwater transects and a huge amount of time videoing and photographs that we can bring back to land for analysis. We successfully got even more data than we set out for, which includes a whole extra project on blue spotted rays which we are hoping to continue throughout the years, and maybe even creating a citizen science based project on the initial data. We have to thank a fantastic group of photographers who were at Roots Red Sea for helping us with getting this project off the ground. We also conducted a couple public outreach lectures and activities with the local children and the SEAS organisation, based in El Quseir. This included working with the fantastic conservation artist Olivier Leger and running a local beach clean-up.
We of course had our setbacks, as with any scientific work, majority of which was related with the difficulty of working underwater with a time limit and dive limit for safety, as well as issues with cameras not recording, however we got our data eventually mainly with a good amount of perseverance and resilience. Likely the most difficult chunk of data to get was to do with our bootleg bathymetry, which involved creating a depth map of the bay we were working in so as to create a live map of the blue spotted rays. Data collection involved having two scuba divers, for depth, and two snorkellers, for coordinates, simultaneously taking photos at regular intervals. This rather obviously leaves a good amount of space for error, however we managed to get the final data after much frustrating work.
Despite how difficult and tiring the work was, this was a enlightening opportunity for me, one that taught me much not only about scientific method and work, but also about how life works in the South of Egypt, the issues with tourism, militarism and various cultural differences. I was taught about the extensive history of El Quseir as an ancient port by Ali from Quseir SEAS, and how it has become the town it is now, while also speaking to various local peers who have lived and worked in El Quseir for the majority of their lives. This expedition was a success, which got on even better than expected, and now it is simply on to the long and arduous task of data analysis.
LIMBITLESS EXPEDITION AMPUTEES CONQUER PEN Y FAN
Limbitless Expedition Amputees Conquer Pen Y Fan in Tough Conditions
Ascending Pen Y Fan in the wet and windy conditions served as excellent preparation for the upcoming Snowman Trek in Bhutan for the adventurous team. The challenging terrain and harsh weather on the Welsh mountain provided the perfect testing ground for the physical and mental endurance required for the arduous trek ahead of us in the Himalayan kingdom. The team’s resilience and determination were put to the test as they navigated the slippery slopes and gusty winds, honing their skills and fortitude for the even more demanding journey awaiting them in Bhutan.
During the training on Pen Y Fan, both amputee team members of the Limbitless Expedition had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons about prosthesis adjustments for comfort in challenging conditions. As they braved the elements, they gained firsthand experience of how the wet and windy weather can impact the fit and functionality of their prosthetic limbs. Armed with this knowledge, they are now better equipped to communicate with their prosthetists and make informed adjustments to their prostheses, ensuring optimal comfort and performance during the rigorous Snowman Trek in Bhutan. This experience underscores the team’s dedication to overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
CAPTAIN SCOTT SOCIETY ANNUAL FAREWELL DINNER 2024
A total of 58 members and guests enjoyed a sparkling wine reception in the lounge of the Cardiff and County Club on Friday 14th June.
The party then moved to the main dining room for the traditional seven course dinner.
The Spirit of Adventure award winners were introduced by the Expeditions Secretary and team leader Richard Potter gave a short introduction to their Bhutan expedition.
Our guest speaker David Wilson once again delivered a captivating talk referencing the part played by Kodak camera in Scott’s recorded achievement at the South Pole.
Members enjoyed engaging with the award winners following the dinner and wished them bon voyage for October when the trek will commence.
Chairman and David Wilson
RARE SCIENTIFIC VOLUMES FROM SCOTT’S TERRA NOVA EXPEDITION DONATED TO C.S.S.
Vice President Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards receives rare scientific volumes donated to the society by Peter Golder FRGS an Antarctic traveller and keen collector of polar books and ephemera.
Founding members of the society Sam Smith and Matthew Salisbury included in the photo taken at AGM.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY JOINS FORCES WITH THE SCOTT POLAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO DEDICATE TRAIN NAMED IN HIS HONOUR
2024
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY JOINS FORCES WITH THE SCOTT POLAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO DEDICATE TRAIN NAMED IN HIS HONOUR
Great Western Railway (GWR) and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) continue to fly the flag for one of Devon’s most famous sons – Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott.
THE SOCIETY’S 2024 SEASON GOT OFF TO A FLYING START WITH OUR SPRING LUNCH
THE CAPTAIN SCOTT SOCIETY – SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AWARD WINNER
John Bathgate was our guest speaker and delivered an excellent audio visual presentation.
A rapt audience enjoyed John’s description of the origins of his Summit to Sea Amazon expedition, the planning, logistics and engagement with local inhabitants of the remote areas whilst canoeing was dramatic.
The encounter with pirates was described, but not over elaborated on and the audience were relieved to hear that John and his team mate Ian Roberts have fully recovered from their ordeal.
John’s presentation lasted for just over 30 minutes and a lively question and answer period brought the afternoon to a close.
John thanked the members for their contribution to the expedition and now plans to turn his log books into a published work.
THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AWARD
2024
This year’s award goes to Richard Potter for his Limbless Veterans Expedition in Bhutan
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Our adjudication panel met on the Tuesday 2nd April to consider the seven finalists selected from a total of 30 applications.
After careful consideration this year’s award goes to Richard Potter for his Limbless Veterans Expedition in Bhutan. With his team mate Rich Davies the pair will be tackling the notorious Snowman Trek through the high altitude peaks (4,100 metres) and valleys of Bhutan’s northern region. The team are targeting to complete the 232 mile trek inside 35 days a feat beyond endurance for most and an incredible achievement for two amputee ex servicemen. As well as setting a world record the team will be raising funds for the Royal British Legion and BLESMA.
This year’s batch of applicants once again contained a vast spread of character building enterprises throughout the globe and this society is heartened by the fact that young people still want to break out of the routine of everyday life and experience fulfilling adventures.
THE SIR VIVIAN FUCHS YOUTH AWARD
2024
This year’s award goes to Natalia Nowak for her diving expedition to Egypt’s Red Sea
Our adjudication panel met on the Tuesday 2nd April to consider the six finalists selected from a total of 32 applications.
After careful consideration this year’s award goes to 19-year-old Natalia Nowak for her diving expedition to Egypt’s Red Sea and the study of coral reefs around El Quseir.
Natalia is a first year zoology student at Glasgow University who is interested in a career in conservation and scientific research on eco systems, bio diversity and climate change strategies.
This year’s batch of applicants once again contained a spread of character building enterprises and challenging expeditions.
The Captain Scott Society is heartened by the fact that young people still want to break out of the routine of everyday life and experience fulfilling adventures.
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2024
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HMS CAMBRIA NEWS
FEB 2024
Captain Reginald (Reg) Hann is honoured on his 100th Birthday
The South Wales WW2 veteran and former Commanding Officer, HMS Cambria was delighted to be presented with a congratulatory letter from the First Sea Lord by Cambria’s current C.O. Carolyn Jones
Captain Reginald (Reg) Hann will be of interest to many of our members who served in HMS CAMBRIA.
In addition to the First Lord’s letter Reg received a card from HM King Charles and at his birthday party in Cwmbran on 10th February was surrounded by many relatives and friends.
Reg was a founder member of HMS CAMBRIA in 1947 and in WW 2 served in the Royal Navy on Arctic convoys. He was present for the D Day landings and was mentioned in Despatches for his service there.
Reg was Commanding Officer of HMS CAMBRIA from 1970 to 1974 and commanded the RNR Tenth Mine Counter Measures Squadron on numerous occasions. He went on to serve as Senior Naval Officer Severn before retiring from the RNR.
Antarctica mysteries to be mapped by robot plane
24 FEB 2024
A team of scientists and engineers have landed in Antarctica to test a drone that will help experts forecast the impacts of climate change.
The autonomous plane will map areas of the continent that have been out of bounds to researchers.
It has been put to the test in extreme weather around Wales’ highest peaks.
Its first experiment will survey the mountains under an ice sheet to predict how quickly the ice could melt and feed into global sea-level rise.
Scientists want to understand Antarctica better but they are limited by the existing technology.
Strong winds, below-freezing temperatures and sudden storms are common. These dangerous conditions, as well as dark winters and the need to transport pilots and large amounts of fuel, put limitations on use of traditional crewed planes.
The British Antarctic Survey developed the new drone with UK company Windracers to be easily repaired if something goes wrong.
The drone was tested in Llanbedr, Eryri in north Wales – a stand-in for the difficult weather and terrain of Antarctica.
During a practice run in strong winds with rain lashing the airfield, engineer Rebecca Toomey explained that the drone can fly to remote areas without concerns for pilots’ safety.
JOHN BATHGATE – GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE SPRING LUNCH 2024
Spirit of Adventure Award Winner 2023, John Bathgate, will be the guest speaker at the Spring Lunch on 12th April 2024
Our previous update reported on John and team mate Ian Roberts encounter with Peruvian pirates that forced them to return to the U.K..
We are pleased to announce John Bathgate is on the road to recovery and planning a return to the Amazon in 2024 to complete the Summit to Sea Expedition.
Prior to the team’s return to the Amazon John has confirmed he will be travelling to Cardiff from Scotland to deliver his report on the expeditions achievements to date.
This event is bound to be well subscribed so early booking is advised.
ANNUAL DINNER GUEST SPEAKER
DR DAVID M WILSON FZS
JUNE 2024
Those who attended our Centenary Return Dinner in 2013 will need no introduction to Dr David Wilson our guest speaker for this year’s event.
With over 15 years experience on Expedition cruise ships, David is in great demand both as an ornithological field guide and polar historian.
He boasts numerous explorers and ornithologists on his family tree, which add a uniquely personal flavour to many of his talks.
Not least amongst these was his great uncle Dr. Edward Wilson who was on both of Captain Scott’s Antarctic Expeditions and famously led the “Worst Journey in the World” to Cape Crozier in search of penguin eggs.
With a vast range of topics the committee is currently finalising the title of David’s talk.
Booking details for the annual dinner will be in the Events section soon.
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2023
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MARINE EGYPT EXPEDITION 2023 REPORT – KATIE GRIEVE
6 SEPT 2023
Vivian Fuchs Youth Award Winner Katie Grieve Reports back from her Expedition to Egypt
Katie returned from the Red Sea on 17th July and has provided this interesting report on her expedition which was split into 2 projects:
- The first project was a diver impact study on small black and white damselfish called humbug dasycllus (dascyllus aruanus) which live in colonies on Acropora or Pocillopora coral.
- The second project was on the territoriality/bold-shy behaviour of freckled Hawkfish.
On her days off from project work, the team conducted debris dives/snorkels and beach cleans in several locations, including the house reef near our accommodation, the local town beach and the nearby mangrove forests. In some cases, they were joined by other resort guests and a local environmental organisation comprising of children aged 15-17. They also created and delivered talks on the importance of conservation and management efforts in the Red Sea area to the children, covering topics of climate change, plastic pollution, the human impact on the climate and respect for ocean life specifically focusing on sharks.
Katie says:
Overall, I am immensely grateful to have been given the chance to be a member of this expedition and develop these skills and experiences. I feel like I have become much more independent and confident in my abilities as well as been exposed to the realities of research and fieldwork. Over the 6 weeks, I have learned so much about Egyptian culture and the marine world, I have gained first-hand experience with plastic pollution and how these problems are dealt with, I have had a taste of what a career in research and biology could be like and overall, I have achieved something I never thought I would have been able to do.
SOTHEBY’S AUCTION MISSING PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN FRANCIS CROZIER
An original portrait photograph of a famous Arctic explorer, taken shortly before the doomed Franklin expedition, will be auctioned in London next month.
Capt Francis Crozier and 13 other senior officers were photographed in May of 1845. The complete set of 14 portraits will be auctioned by Sotheby’s.
Two images in the set, including Crozier’s, are missing from the only other original collection of these portraits known to exist.
Sir John Franklin’s expedition to find a Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic became one of the best-known maritime mysteries of all time after the ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror disappeared without a trace in the summer of 1845.
At the request of Sir John’s wife Jane, Lady Franklin, at least two sets of 14 daguerreotypes, or early photographs, were taken on board HMS Erebus in the days before the ships’ departure. The portraits were made by the Beard Studio, founded by pioneering photographer Richard Beard.
One of the sets is currently held by the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) in Cambridge, but it lacks images of Capt Crozier, commander of HMS Terror, and Robert Sargent, a mate on HMS Erebus. To date, historians have only had access to copies of these two men’s daguerreotypes.
Franklin researchers had long speculated as to whether the second, complete, set of original daguerreotypes survived.
The 14 portraits that have now emerged for auction were owned by Franklin’s descendants.
The sale is estimated to fetch between £150,000 and £200,000.
All of the daguerreotypes will be exhibited in public together, for the first time ever, at Sotheby’s this September.
“These images are absolutely astonishing, the clarity is wonderful,”
says Michael Smith, biographer of Captain Crozier. He notes that Capt Crozier was the only crew member from HMS Terror to be photographed and that this daguerreotype is the only known original photograph of him in existence.
SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AWARD WINNER JOHN BATHGATE ENCOUNTERS PIRATES
16 AUG 2023
Former Royal Marines fight off gun-wielding pirates using paddles – with one of the Brits shot twice in the brawl – while travelling along the Amazon River
John Bathgate and Ian Roberts attempted to travel the length of Amazon river but have been attacked by pirates close to the Colombian border and John was shot. They still managed to overpower pirates with nothing but their rowing oars!
- A pair of former British Royal Marine commandos on a heroic expedition along the Amazon river somehow managed to fight off gun-wielding pirates with nothing more than their paddles – despite one of them being shot in the scrap.
- John Bathgate and Ian Roberts were attempting a world first – to navigate 3186 miles of the Amazon River from its highest point, Volcán Chimborazo in Ecuador, across the South American continent to the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Brazil.
- But their incredible ‘Summit to Sea’ adventure took a turn for the worse when, as they were approaching the Colombian border in their rowing boat, the former commandos were ambushed and held at gunpoint by two Peruvian pirates.
- Facing down the barrel of a gun, and armed with only with their rowing oars, Bathgate and Roberts sprang into action, launching a desperate and fierce assault on their would-be captors.
- Bathgate sustained two gunshot wounds in the tussle, but despite being completely outgunned the brave Brits overwhelmed the bandits, disabling their craft and making a stunning break for safety.
- Sharing an update on their progress on social media, Bathgate and Roberts explained how the terrifying ordeal unfolded.
- ‘Unfortunately, we’ve had to postpone Amazon Summit to Sea. Last week, in a remote part of the river, close to the Colombian border, we were attacked by two pirates.
- ‘In a fight where we used paddles against pistols, we fought them, disarmed them, disabled their craft, and then managed to get ourselves and our equipment to safety.
- ‘Unfortunately, John sustained two gunshot wounds, but due to Ian’s care and our bootneck attitude, he was comfortable and stable by the time the cavalry arrived…
- ‘The Peruvian and Brazilian Navy and Marines arrived with an Armada of support and whisked us back to Iquitos, showing incredible care and professionalism. The quick actions of friends in Iquitos, family in the UK, and Garmin emergency response meant that we received the highest of care, and the ordeal didn’t develop into a life-threatening situation.’
- Despite the attempt on their lives, Bathgate and Roberts are steadfast in their desire to return to complete the daring expedition within a year.
- ‘We are now on our way back to the UK. However, we intend to return within 12 months and finish what we started,’ they continued.
- ‘This minor hiccup certainly won’t keep us from finishing, and the actions of two individuals do not define Peru, a country whose people we have grown to love.
- ‘We’re both fine and will be in the UK by Wednesday to plan our return and get it done.’
2023 AWARD WINNERS
The Spirit of Adventure Award 2023
Our adjudication panel met on the Tuesday 4 th April to consider the six finalists selected from a total of 36 applications.
After careful consideration this year’s award goes to John Bathgate and The Amazon, Summit to Sea Expedition.
The aim of the expedition is to travel the length of the Amazon River from its highest source the Volcan Chimborazo glacier in Ecuador all the way to Belem in Brazil where it thunders into the Atlantic Ocean. The journey will be split into four stages starting in May and finishing in November 2023.
The expedition will have some incredible challenges along the 3000 mile route and there is a vast amount of information contained in the expeditions’ website www.summittosea.org.uk
The Sir Vivian Fuchs Youth Award for 2023
Our adjudication panel met on Tuesday 4 th April to consider six finalists from a total of 57 applications.
After careful consideration this year’s award goes to 18 year-old Katie Grieve for her marine expedition to Egypt to survey the effects of scuba diving on coral, reef fish and the impact of micro plastic in the Red Sea.
This year’s batch of applicants once again contained a vast spread of character building enterprises and challenging expeditions and this society is heartened by the fact that young and older people still want to break out of the routine of everyday life and experience fulfilling adventures.
Best wishes to you and all your colleagues in your forthcoming endeavours.
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2023
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DAVID BATHGATE RECEIVES AWARD
16 JUNE 2023
David Bathgate receives award cheque on behalf of the Amazon Summit to Sea Expedition.
Winners of the Spirit of Adventure Award 2023
David Bathgate receives cheque from Expedition Secretary and went on to describe how the British Andean Expedition tackled Huandoy back in 1968.
David’s adventure inspired his son John Bathgate to follow up on his father’s adventure and tackle the Amazon from source Chimborazo in Ecuador to outfall in the Atlantic at Belem.
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2022
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