Edward Wilson's Nature Notebooks by David M. Wilson

Thanks to the generous support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, and a private benefactor, Michael Watt, it proved possible for the Institute's Archives to acquire a number of extremely important items at a Christie's sale in November, including Macklin's diary from the Endurance expedition, his papers from the Quest expedition, and amongst other items, Robert Clark's scientific reports from the Quest expedition, and a collection of Amundsen's lantern slides. I'm sure that Friends will be delighted to learn that the last quarter of 2001 has been full of good news for the Institute, on several fronts. A few words from the Director, Professor Keith Richards: Our very best wishes go to William for a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back in the Institute in February. To date NZ$400,000 has been raised from the NZ Government to commission a report on the work needed to conserve these historic huts. Sadly there are signs of deterioration of the huts and the contents, which need rapid attention. In February there will be a formal launch by the Antarctic Heritage Trust based in New Zealand, of a fund to raise monies for the conservation of the Historic Huts on Ross Island. Miss Ruth Fleming has joined in the newly created post of Museum Attendant and Shop Manager. She was formerly the assistant to the Headmistress and School Secretary of the Perse School. Mrs Liz Crilley has joined as the Director's Assistant.

There are a number of staff changes at the Institute to announce: Professor Julian Dowdeswell becomes Acting Director this Lent Term whilst Professor Keith Richards is on sabbatical leave. I gather initial donations have reached £12,000. The Scott Polar Research Institute Fund was formally launched on November 17 th and a thank you to all those who have so generously donated already. I am happy to report she and Philippa Smith are safely returned after a truly memorable trip. At the AGM Irene Burns was presented with her gift - two tickets to the Antarctic, given by friends and Friends. This was followed by an excellent talk by Dr David Wilson on the Discovery Expedition, and in the evening David Yelveton also gave a fine talk on Discovery.

It was a full day of events with the Choir of Papplewick School giving a moving rendition of Scott's Last Expedition in the afternoon.

Thank you to all of you who were able to attend the AGM. 21, January 2002 A few words from our Chairman, Philippa Foster Back: Dissertations & Theses by SPRI students.

Edward Wilson's Nature Notebooks by David M. Wilson