..EXPLORER WITH WHALE OF A TALE

A historic rescue expedition of great courage has been recreated by an intrepid team. Polar explorer Tim Jarvis will speak on the Shackleton Epic Expedition at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard this Saturday, June 7. In February 2013, Tim and his crew of the small whaler, the Alexandra Shackleton, managed to successfully recreate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1916 voyage aboard the James Caird. He had crossed the world’s most tempestuous ocean with five companions in order to save 22 men marooned on a remote island after their ship Endurance was crushed by icepack. Fast-forward 97 years and Tim and his team re-created Shackleton’s epic journey using only period clothing, equipment, and their replica vessel. The Alexandra Shackleton and artefacts from the recreation will be on display at the Dockyard and the expedition patron, the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton who is granddaughter of Ernest, will be attending. Expedition leader Tim says: “I am very proud of our achievement but greatly humbled, not only because I can now fully appreciate the physical endurance of Shackleton’s men, but also because they overcame the doubts and fears that must have plagued them every moment of the 26-day ordeal. “Shackleton’s motto was ‘by endurance we conquer’ – more apt words would be hard to find.” Tim’s lecture will take place in the Royal Dockyard Church at 11:30am and again at 2:30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £10 on the door or call 07976 939656 for more information.