News
Keep us informed!
We love to hear of any news about the island. If you have an item of news you would like to share with members, please contact us to give us details.
We produce a newsletter twice a year, which is sent to all our members. Copies of earlier issues are available to download below.
SGA benches installed at Grytviken
16th January 2010
Three sturdy wooden benches commissioned by the SGA have been handed over to the island to let weary visitors (and residents!) rest and relax while taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife.
The benches were skillfully hand-built by Thies Matzen, who has been living on South Georgia for the last few months on his historic yacht, Wanderer III. Thies constructed the benches in the museum workshop. The benches are very solidly built to withstand the worst of South Georgia weather.
We'd like to extend our grateful thanks to Thies for the hours he has spent in building the benches, and to the South Georgia Museum for offering to look after the benches for us. We're sure they will be appreciated by many over the coming years!
David Drewry elected chair
The 8th AGM of the Association was held at the Royal Overseas League, London, on the 29th May. As well as committee reports, we heard messages from the South Georgia Heritage Trust, Oyas Venner, Howard Pearce (until recently the commissioner of SGSSI), and government officers. Professor Nick Owens, director of the British Antarctic Survey, gave a talk on the scientific work the Survey is undertaking around South Georgia.
Professor David Drewry was elected chair of the Association at the meeting. David has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull since 1999. He was educated at the University of London (Queen Mary College) and holds a Doctorate in Geophysics from Cambridge University, Emmanuel College (where he is Honorary Fellow).
He was previously Director-General of the British Council (1998-99), Deputy Chief Executive at the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)(1994-97), Director of the British Antarctic Survey(1987-94), and Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge (1983-87).
David will be taking up the post in January. David Tatham will continue as acting chairman in the meantime.
"Making History" - Radio 4, Tues 9th June
In the 9th June episode of 'Making History', presenter Vanessa Collingridge talks about life on South Georgia with one of the few surviving members of the British whaling fleet.
More details can be found on the 'Making History' website. If you missed the broadcast, you can listen to the programme via the BBC i-Player.
Watercolour of Grytviken
The Association recently purchased and donated to the South Georgia Museum a watercolour of Grytviken that was found by a member in a Car Boot Sale. We believe that it was painted during Governor Hodson's visit to the islands in 1928, details of which were published in a recent Falkland Islands Journal. The Artist is unknown and any suggestions are most welcome.
