16 NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 2008
JJourournney is the rey is the reewarward
AROUND 200 years ago,
corners of the Earth for donkey’s years endurance, qualities found in been involved in wel over 20 the Institute of Naval Medicine,
exploration and adventure
by the time the Royal Geographical abundance in the Navy. expeditions of various types, from International Survival Symposium and
quite often relied on stout
Society opened for business in 1830. So when an expedition to the scientific work such as diving to numerous schools,” said Stephen.
Early members of the Geographical Antarctic was organised during tag hammerhead sharks off Cocos “Much of this requires a great deal
ships, willing hands and robust Society of London, as it was first known, Markham’s presidency of the RGS, it Island to carrying out underwater of work and preparation in one’s own
logistical support.
included Sir John Franklin, surveyor was to the Navy that Markham turned. archaeological work on HMS Bounty time.
So where would you
and Arctic explorer, statesman Sir The British National Antarctic off Pitcairn Island. “As a result of these contributions
have found that magical
John Barrow, Second Secretary of the Expedition of 1901-04 – the Discovery “I am always eager to take the throughout the years, I was elected
combination at the turn
Admiralty and a staunch supporter of Expedition – was a very dark blue affair, opportunity to help others which has, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical
Arctic exploration, and Rear Admiral led by Robert Falcon Scott FRGS and in turn, developed my own character,” Society in 2005, and the following year
of the 19th century?
Francis Beaufort, explorer and including Ernest Shackleton. he said. was invited to become a Club member
No surprises
hydrographer. Although it was for the ill-fated Terra “To succeed, one needs to be highly which is a great honour.”
here – the Royal
Many of these early members Nova Expedition that Scott is best motivated, competent and focused. Stephen believes the RN’s emphasis
Navy had been
were not just patrons of expeditions, remembered, he achieved much to be This often means spending a lot of one’s on adventurous training as a means
sailing into
but had done their time ‘out in the admired in his first foray south. own time and resources to achieve of developing crucial command,
uncharted
field’, whether that was painstakingly He and his colleagues made the results, but the rewards are immense. leadership and management skills, as
waters at
mapping coasts or chasing off to icy first major journeys across the interior, “During my service in HMS well as discipline, physical and moral
the four
wastes as adventurers or rescuers. enduring exceptional hardships for the Endurance I became passionate courage, means that the historic link
The latter role fell to Clements Robert sake of their mission. about kayaking and, with the help of between the RGS and RN is as valid
Markham in 1850 as a member of the That sense of purpose remains other like-minded individuals, set up now as it has ever been.
ship’s company of HMS Assistance, one of the principles of the RGS, Endurance Kayaking Club with the CO With almost 15,000 members of
part of the Arctic Squadron which now the RGS (with Institute of British as president. which 1,000 are elected Fellows,
was searching for the lost Franklin Geographers), the largest scholarly “This led to my being asked to lead the RGS is moving from strength to
expedition of 1845-48. group of its type in the world. a kayaking expedition in Antarctica strength with a turnover to support
Markham left the Navy on his return Far from being a dry talking shop, which we called 66 South. It was a charitable activities exceeding £1m
home, but remained a loyal supporter, the RGS has a remit which chimes very tremendous success. per annum.
being conscious of the value of nicely with the RN of the 21st Century. “Rear Admiral Ibbotson, Flag A total of £160,000 worth of
leadership and Perhaps the most obvious aspect Officer Sea Training, an enthusiastic grants was distributed in 2007 which
would be that of sportsman and keen sea kayaker supported challenging projects,
every sailor’s himself, supported the expedition by explorations, exciting educational
right to becoming our patron.” programmes and military expeditions.
adventurous Members of the expedition, taken Adventurers and travellers within
training. to Antarctica by HMS Endurance, the Senior Service will find plenty on
One man intended to circumnavigate James offer through the RGS to inspire an
who has Ross Island in sea kayaks, but thick interest in the world.
made the ice blocked their 150-mile route. The Society’s resources are available
most of Instead they visited a number of to support expeditions and travels, and
the links different islands, a 105-mile journey to provide practical advice, contacts
between which brought extremes of weather. and inspiration.
the Royal Some days brought clear blue skies There is also the chance to learn
Navy and and mirror seas (pictured), allowing the more about the geographies of the
the RGS adventurers to take in the spectacular world’s emerging and historical
is PO scenery. nations, attend lectures and learn
Stephen At other times snowstorms and from the experiences of other
Paris- rough seas curtailed their paddling, on expeditions.
Hunter, one occasion forcing them to remain Stephen can also provide information
who led a in their tents to avoid frostbite and on the Explore 2008 expedition and
sea kayak exposure. fieldwork planning seminar in London
exped Using websites, the expedition on November 21-23 – email him on
to the spawned an educational pack, of steveparishunter@hotmail.com or see
Antarctic which 4,000 were printed and sent to the website www.rgs.com/explore
in 2007. schools around the country. Stephen has also arranged a special
Since The expedition also raised thousands Navy News reader offer – join the
Stephen of pounds for charity. Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
joined “As a result of these expeditions I before December 31 and save up to
the Navy have been invited to talk at the Scott £30.
in 1988 Polar Research Institute of Cambridge To find out more visit www.rgs.org/
he has University, Aberdeen University, joinus and quote Navy News.
016_NN_nov.indd 1 20/10/08 09:42:39
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