I have always had an interest in activities related to the Arctic and Antarctic since a holiday to Iceland in my early twenties that included a day trip to Greenland.  Boris Spassky was playing Bobby Fischer in the World Chess Champs that year Rekyavik (they even had action replays on Icelandic TV – wow – Pawn to King 3 is really exciting 5 times replayed!).

But now the real action starts – “Shackleton: The Greatest Survival Story Ever Told” can be seen at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre in the Genesis Energy Theatre in Upper Hutt  on Saturday 20 February at 7pm.  Tickets only $5 on sale now –phone 04 527-2168.

This is a rare opportunity to hear Geoff Selley from the UK recreate the original lantern slide lecture of Dr Hussey, who was a member of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated 1914-1917 Antarctic expedition.

The illustrated lecture tells the extraordinary story of the expedition when their ship, The Endurance, was crushed by pack ice.  Shackleton and five others set out on a 1300 kms open boat journey to raise the alarm and ensure the rescue of 22 men.

Presented true to Dr Hussey’s original notes, it is illustrated by slides taken by the expedition’s photographer Frank Hurley.  On his return to England Dr Hussey toured Britain giving this same lecture to interested groups.  It has now been delivered for 80 years, the last 19 years by Geoff Selley, who is now the custodian of the this learned lecture.

Upper Hutt resident Ray Harding  is a friend of Geoff Selley and has invited him to our city for this very special occasion.  Upper Hutt City Council, Upper Hutt Heritage Trust and the Antarctic Heritage Trust have co-ordinated the event.  Proceeds from the event  with go to the Antarctic Heritage Trust for their important work including preservation of buildings at the South Pole.

Surely a learned lecture not to be missed!

The venue is the Genesis Energy Theatre, part of Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre that will host Geraldine Brophy, Michael Houston, NZ Festival of Arts, Rodger Fox Jazz, Fringe Festival and a Fourmyula reunion concert  – and all just in the first three months of 2010. It’s a real centre of gravity in Upper Hutt pulling in the talent.